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Vibrations on my ZT34

#1

S

slipado4993

Hi folks, new guy on the block. I really enjoy forums for just about anything I own. Okay to the point, I just purchased a 2018 Gravley ZT34, with a 6000 series Kohler motor. It was somewhat abused, ( oil like mud, belts and blades never changed or sharpened or at least 6 years) after all that abuse the motor is still strong after tune up oil changed bad fuel removed. After cleanup and new blades and belts and a new mulching kit, I am getting a strong vibration from the mower deck, I check pullies and grease fittings, but can't tell where the vibration is coming from, I know there is more troubleshooting I can do but was just wondering if I can get some tips on what to look for from the forum.


#2

R

Rivets

The following things are what you need to check, when troubleshooting a vibration.
1. Cracked or worn belt will definitely cause a vibration.
2. Worn or rusted/pitted pulleys are another cause.
3. Tensioner arm not moving freely or bent another cause.
4. Blades which are out of balance.
5. Blades mounted off center.
6. Bad spindle bearings.
7. Debris buildup on deck.
8. Spindle shaft bent, rare but I’ve seen it.
9. Sprung deck.
You may have checked some of these, but when I run into this problem I double check.


#3

H

hlw49

Looks like Rivets pretty much covered it might look for something wedged in the pulleys, bent pulleys.


#4

S

slipado4993

Rivets said:
The following things are what you need to check, when troubleshooting a vibration.
1. Cracked or worn belt will definitely cause a vibration.
2. Worn or rusted/pitted pulleys are another cause.
3. Tensioner arm not moving freely or bent another cause.
4. Blades which are out of balance.
5. Blades mounted off center.
6. Bad spindle bearings.
7. Debris buildup on deck.
8. Spindle shaft bent, rare but I’ve seen it.
9. Sprung deck.
You may have checked some of these, but when I run into this problem I double check.
Click to expand...
Thanks so much for getting back. I am in the process of checking some of the above-mentioned points, some I have already eliminated. Have anyone installed the mulch kit that is offer thru the Gravley parts catalog ? I have and I also installed one on a Dixson mower and got the same vibrations.


#5

B

bullet bob

I've installed the mulch kit on my ZT 60 but it doesn't contribute anything to a vibration.


#6

H

hlw49

I personally do not like mulching kits they clog up under the deck.


#7

S

Skippydiesel

Mulch kits = marketing gimmick that uses more hp/fuel to do the same job as the standard/blade deck. 😈


#8

B

bullet bob

Skippydiesel said:
Mulch kits = marketing gimmick that uses more hp/fuel to do the same job as the standard/blade deck. 😈
Click to expand...
Tell my leaves that, as they drift out from the deck, darn near a powder.


#9

Tiger Small Engine

Tiger Small Engine

bullet bob said:
Tell my leaves that, as they drift out from the deck, darn near a powder.
Click to expand...
Mulch kits are great for leaves a few weeks out of the year. Not good for grass the other 30 weeks.


#10

R

Rivets

When you have a mulch kit that is properly designed and you know how to use it properly, they do a great job. Yes, you have to learn how to use it!! I’ve have the mulch kit on my 1996 Toro 16-38XL and have neighbors who actually ask to use it because of the way the lawn looks when finished. Only time I don’t like the cut is when I can’t cut dry or grass is too long.


#11

StarTech

StarTech

Rivets said:
When you have a mulch kit that is properly designed and you know how to use it properly, they do a great job. Yes, you have to learn how to use it!! I’ve have the mulch kit on my 1996 Toro 16-38XL and have neighbors who actually ask to use it because of the way the lawn looks when finished. Only time I don’t like the cut is when I can’t cut dry or grass is too long.
Click to expand...
Not all have the time to keep a manicured lawn. With that most mulch setups are terrible at cutting grass without clogging. The only dedicated mulch deck that been though my shop has been the JD Freedom deck.

But even normal decks on some models have discharge problem in heavy grass cutting [tall grass]. The worst I have seen have been on Gravely mowers. I have had shut the decks move to a cut area, raise the deck, cut off the deck, let the clippings drop, and then with the deck still raised re-engage it. It is a rinse and repeat as long you cutting heavy grass. Yet I can take a Super Z and knee high grass with minimum problems.

One key thing with mulching is to travel slower giving the decks time to clear the clippings and always cut dry grass.


#12

R

Rivets

I definitely don’t have a manicure lawn, but I do have a unit which does a great job of making it look good with minimal effort.


#13

StarTech

StarTech

Rivets said:
I definitely don’t have a manicure lawn, but I do have a unit which does a great job of making it look good with minimal effort.
Click to expand...
I am always happy to hear someone got their setup working right.


#14

R

Rivets

These old Toros had decks designed for mulching or side discharge. There is a reason that Toro had the best walk behind mowers and tractors until 2005. They stopped producing their own tractors then and since 2021 the quality of their walk behind has also gone down hill.


#15

H

hlw49

Yes I agree you do have to learn how to use it. you need to mow slower.


#16

M

MParr

StarTech said:
Not all have the time to keep a manicured lawn. With that most mulch setups are terrible at cutting grass without clogging. The only dedicated mulch deck that been though my shop has been the JD Freedom deck.

But even normal decks on some models have discharge problem in heavy grass cutting [tall grass]. The worst I have seen have been on Gravely mowers. I have had shut the decks move to a cut area, raise the deck, cut off the deck, let the clippings drop, and then with the deck still raised re-engage it. It is a rinse and repeat as long you cutting heavy grass. Yet I can take a Super Z and knee high grass with minimum problems.

One key thing with mulching is to travel slower giving the decks time to clear the clippings and always cut dry grass.
Click to expand...
Older Gravely mowers are picky about blade choices and deck setup. Some of the older deck designs have smaller discharge openings. Gravely mower decks perform best when they are completely level all around or 1/8" higher in the rear. Aftermarket notched high lift blades work best on Gravely mowers.


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