Toro Z-master 62" gauge wheel problems

[Chuck E.]

Hello all, First message on this forum. Please be patient with me.
I have a 2003 Toro Z286E Z-Master with 62" deck. Possibly what was called the GROUNDSKEEPER deck. 800 hours on the machine. New Gauge wheel axle bolts snap when replaced.

The tang that the axle bolt attaches to has been bent but straightened as best as possible. I am now using deck without these anti-scalp wheels but obviously the deck tends to scalp and gouge in certain areas.
I am sure that others have had this same problem. Has toro retrofitted an improved system that I can purchase for my deck? Any other comments would be appreciated. At the end of the season I was planning on hAving a second plate welded on at each wheel site to provide an axle blot that will be supported on both sides. Before I do this I will have to find out what is available as far as wheels and bolts that will make this change work.
Thanks for any comments.

Chuck E.

 

[chance123]

I am lost when you say the "tang" on the wheel bolt. I replace these anti scalp wheels on many machines every week. The problem is, getting the 3/8 bolt out of the bushing. I normally just cut it off with a cut off saw. I sell these wheel kits on a weekly basis to my customers. When installing them, it is important to install in the correct order. For example. The 2 front: The bolt with the belville washer goes through the wheel brkt first. Then the aluminum bushing goes on in the direction of "flange first" (toward brkt). Then the scalp wheel, large washer, and the flange speed nut. These bolts are grade #8 BTW

Edit: After re-reading your post, that "tang" you are refering to is the brkt I was refering to. Your trusty hammer is all you need to straighten. They always bend and is a weak link. Best to be careful and not bend them while using the machine.

 

[Chuck E.]

Chance123

Thanks for your quick reply. After reading your reply I had to get the parts diagram out and check the gage wheel assembly. A couple of things that I did not understand. First there is no aluminum bushing. The parts list states the spacer axle, 2 flange lock nuts, the belleville washer, gage wheel and finally the swivel washer (to retain the gage wheel). I have no idea what a bellville washer is.
The parts I got from the toro dealer were the spacer axle and the plastic wheels. I went to hardware store and got stove washers and nuts to finish assembly. Within two minutes of use the spacer axle broke at the shoulder where it is cut down to .370" on the bracket side. Put another new spacer axle on and it did the same thing. I am assuming that the spacer axles were out of specs as far as hardness or composition.

I will now go back to the dealership and get as you mentioned the axle assembly complete with the washers and nuts. Get my trusty big a--ed hammer and straighten out the brackets even more. I will let you know what happens. I still personally think it is a poor, poor design for a commercial unit.
Thanks again,
Chuck E.

 

[chance123]

I'll post a photo of all the pieces later today