Spindle Material ?

[rbresina]

Can anyone tell me which has a better life expectancy? Aluminum or Cast Iron Spindles? I have narrowed down my search for a ZT mower and one has aluminum and the other cast iron. I'm thinking cast iron might last longer but thought I'd send a shout out anyway.

Thanks in advance,

Rick

 

[midnite rider]

I would think that cast iron although heavier should be more durable and last longer. Of course the bearings within is what usually causes failures.

 

[Carscw]

Can anyone tell me which has a better life expectancy? Aluminum or Cast Iron Spindles? I have narrowed down my search for a ZT mower and one has aluminum and the other cast iron. I'm thinking cast iron might last longer but thought I'd send a shout out anyway.

Thanks in advance,

Rick

I am going to say as long as your not going stump grinding or rock chopping both will last. As been said ready most times it is the bearings that go bad.
Under normal use one will last as long as the other. Now if you have a bearing go bad and just keep running it then get the cast

(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))

 

[djdicetn]

Can anyone tell me which has a better life expectancy? Aluminum or Cast Iron Spindles? I have narrowed down my search for a ZT mower and one has aluminum and the other cast iron. I'm thinking cast iron might last longer but thought I'd send a shout out anyway.

Thanks in advance,

Rick

rbresina,
I leaned towards the cast iron spindles when I was shopping last fall because they are always referred to as "Commercial duty" and I believe even the huge belly deck and tow behind decks for John deere, Kubots, Mahindra, etc. "farm tractors" have cast iron. Of course I saw some ZTR's that their specs stated "Commercial grade aluminum" spindles, but I'm uncertain what that actually indicated. Could be,like eluded to by user midnite rider, they have larger shafts and better grade bearings. My Gravely's cast iron spindles have a 3Year warranty, which gave me a "warm & fuzzy" about their commercial quality.