Z445 deck support wheels

[toplink]

I bought a Z445 from a friend at a very low, give-away price. I've had it about 6 weeks, and am impressed at its' cut-ability. Sharp blades and moderate speeds equal a good job. The only problems I have with the machine is that it is not very fuel-efficient, and the two front deck support wheels will occasionally gouge a long chunk of turf during a short turn. Wheels have a rounded cross-section; I suppose this is to attempt to minimize this situation. It would have been great if the deck support wheels could swivel horizontally enough to stay away from any gouging. I have looked at a few other brands, and most have this same fixed support as does the Z445. I've thought about fastening a length of 1" x 1" angle across the foot area area, long enough to support the deck with a pair of threaded rods, but totally without the wheels. Any thoughts on this matter???

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

I bought a Z445 from a friend at a very low, give-away price. I've had it about 6 weeks, and am impressed at its' cut-ability. Sharp blades and moderate speeds equal a good job. The only problems I have with the machine is that it is not very fuel-efficient, and the two front deck support wheels will occasionally gouge a long chunk of turf during a short turn. Wheels have a rounded cross-section; I suppose this is to attempt to minimize this situation. It would have been great if the deck support wheels could swivel horizontally enough to stay away from any gouging. I have looked at a few other brands, and most have this same fixed support as does the Z445. I've thought about fastening a length of 1" x 1" angle across the foot area area, long enough to support the deck with a pair of threaded rods, but totally without the wheels. Any thoughts on this matter???

You are talking about the anti-scalp wheels....correct?

 

[BBO]

Any thoughts on this matter???

This may not help, but I was surprised to find an operators manual online from Home Depot.

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pdfImages/75/758d4fda-b50a-4b24-ae0e-534de506ae8b.pdf

If you do not have one download this and save it. I thought JD sold these.
Z225, Z425, & Z445 EZTrac

 

[toplink]

You are talking about the anti-scalp wheels....correct?


Right.... front anti-scalp wheels.

 

[randy82k]

I bought a Z445 from a friend at a very low, give-away price. I've had it about 6 weeks, and am impressed at its' cut-ability. Sharp blades and moderate speeds equal a good job. The only problems I have with the machine is that it is not very fuel-efficient, and the two front deck support wheels will occasionally gouge a long chunk of turf during a short turn. Wheels have a rounded cross-section; I suppose this is to attempt to minimize this situation. It would have been great if the deck support wheels could swivel horizontally enough to stay away from any gouging. I have looked at a few other brands, and most have this same fixed support as does the Z445. I've thought about fastening a length of 1" x 1" angle across the foot area area, long enough to support the deck with a pair of threaded rods, but totally without the wheels. Any thoughts on this matter???

I have been using the same mower for 4 years now mowing about 20 hours a week. I had the same problem with the deck wheels gouging or scooping. Last year I swapped the deck wheels for the wheels on the deck of my X300 42" deck and had great luck. They are wider with more curve so the move or slide sideways better. I do like the idea of swivel deck wheels too. Just don't have the time to re engineer that.