Cub Cadet Ultima ZTS and ZTXS Zero-Turn Mowers with Steering Wheel. Lawn mower steering wheel

US5529135A. Steering mechanism for four wheel lawn mower. Google Patents

Publication number US5529135A US5529135A US08/241,130 US24113094A US5529135A US 5529135 A US5529135 A US 5529135A US 24113094 A US24113094 A US 24113094A US 5529135 A US5529135 A US 5529135A Authority US United States Prior art keywords secured sprocket lawn mower steering wheel assembly Prior art date 1994-05-11 Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.) Expired. Fee Related Application number US08/241,130 Inventor Philip Wenzel David Giere Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.) Ferris Ind Inc Ferris Industries Inc Original Assignee Ferris Ind Inc Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.) 1994-05-11 Filing date 1994-05-11 Publication date 1996-06-25 1994-05-11 Application filed by Ferris Ind Inc filed Critical Ferris Ind Inc 1994-05-11 Priority to US08/241,130 priority Critical patent/US5529135A/en 1994-05-11 Assigned to FERRIS INDUSTRIES, INC. reassignment FERRIS INDUSTRIES, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GIERE, DAVID, WENZEL, PHILIP 1996-06-25 Application granted granted Critical 1996-06-25 Publication of US5529135A publication Critical patent/US5529135A/en 2014-05-11 Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical Status Expired. Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

• 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 8
• 240000000218 Cannabis sativa Species 0.000 description 4
• 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 4
• 230000037250 Clearance Effects 0.000 description 2
• 241001313099 Pieris napi Species 0.000 description 2
• 230000035512 clearance Effects 0.000 description 2
• 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
• 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 2

Images

Classifications

• B — PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
• B62 — LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
• B62D — MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
• B62D3/00 — Steering gears
• B62D3/02 — Steering gears mechanical

• A — HUMAN NECESSITIES
• A01 — AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
• A01D — HARVESTING; MOWING
• A01D34/00 — Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters
• A01D34/01 — Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus
• A01D34/412 — Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters
• A01D34/63 — Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a vertical axis
• A01D34/64 — Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a vertical axis mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle

Abstract

An improved riding lawn mower includes a vehicle frame having a front end, a rear end, and a rear motor deck that is secured to the rear end of the frame. A drive motor is mounted above the motor deck while a rear wheel assembly engaged with the motor, is connected to the bottom of the rear motor deck. The mower also includes a front wheel assembly connected to the front end of the vehicle frame. A vehicle body and driver’s seat are attached to vehicle frame. A steering column is cooperatively connected at its lower end to the front wheel assembly and includes at its upper end, a steering wheel positioned within reach of the operator seated on the mower. A steering mechanism is linked between the lower end of the steering column and the front wheel assembly. The steering mechanism is positioned above the front wheels of the mower and turns the front wheels asynchronously so that the lawn mower can be driven along an arc path having a radius approximately half the length of the vehicle frame.

Description

This invention relates in general to lawn mowers and, in particular, to riding lawn mowers. specifically, but without restriction to the particular embodiment hereinafter described in accordance with the best mode of practice, this invention relates to an asynchronous steering mechanism for a riding lawn mower that allows the mower to be driven along an arc path having a radius approximately half the length of the mower frame.

Riding lawn mowers typically include a frame or chassis, front and rear wheel assemblies, a drive motor commonly engaged with the rear wheel assembly to provide drive power thereto, a steering mechanism linked to the front wheel assembly, an operator’s seat to place an operator of the mower within easy reach of the mower’s controls, and lastly, a cutter assembly located either between the front and rear wheel assemblies or aft of the rear wheel assembly.

One of several important design considerations in such riding lawn mowers includes the turning radius of the vehicle. It is well understood that the turning radius of a riding lawn mower is a function of the combined capabilities of the mower’s steering mechanism and front wheel assembly. Prior riding lawn mowers have typically included a rack and pinion steering mechanism such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,238 issued Aug. 27, 1991 to D. M. White, III, et al. This type of prior art rack and pinion steering mechanism includes a steering wheel connected to the upper end of a steering shaft which is downwardly directed through a tower to terminate with a toothed pinion at its lower end. The pinion is engaged with a toothed rack rotatably secured to the mower frame by a pivot rod. A tie rod is linked between the rear of the rack and each front wheel of the mower. This rack and pinion steering mechanism may be designed to provide asynchronous or “Ackerman” type steering in which the front wheel on the inside of the turn is rotated further than the front wheel on the outside of the turn. This allows the mower to be turned through tighter turns.

This type of rack and pinion steering system, however, is situated relatively low to ground level and is susceptible to becoming clogged with grass clippings and mud. In addition, the prior art rack and pinion steering system of the type described and discussed above, is subject to an increased risk of damage when employed in riding lawn mowers with a desired lower profile for vehicle stability.

It is a further object of the present invention to avoid debris from clogging the components of a steering mechanism for a riding lawn mower.

Still another object of the present invention is to locate the steering mechanism above the front wheels of a riding lawn mower to prevent damage to the mechanism during use of the mower.

It is still a further object of the present invention to locate the steering mechanism of a riding lawn mower above the front wheels of the mower to keep mud and cuttings from reaching and clogging the mechanism.

Yet another object of the present invention is to enable a riding lawn mower to be driven along an arc path having a radius approximately half the length of the mower frame.

An additional object of the present invention is to control the front wheels of a riding lawn mower so that the wheel on the inside of a turn will move through a greater angle than the wheel on the outside of the turn.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to enable a riding lawn mower to be maneuvered through tight turns so that lawn confined by different obstacles and barriers can be reached and cut by the mower.

These and other objects are attained in accordance with the present invention wherein there is provided an improved riding lawn mower. The present mover includes a vehicle frame having a front end, a rear end, and a rear motor deck that is secured to the rear end of the frame. A drive motor is mounted on above the motor deck while a rear wheel assembly engaged with the motor, is connected to the bottom of the rear motor deck. The rear wheel assembly includes rear wheels and a rear axle that provide drive capability to the lawn mower. The present riding lawn mower also includes a front wheel assembly connected to the front end of the vehicle frame. A vehicle body and driver’s seat are attached to vehicle frame. A steering column is cooperatively connected at its lower end to the front wheel assembly and includes at its upper end, a steering wheel positioned within reach of the operator seated on the mower. According to one aspect of the present invention, a steering mechanism is linked between the lower end of the steering column and the front wheel assembly. This steering mechanism is positioned above the front wheels of the mower and turns the front wheels asynchronously so that the lawn mower can be driven along an arc path having a radius approximately half the length of the vehicle frame.

Further objects of the present invention together with additional features contributing thereto and advantages accruing therefrom will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is shown in the accompanying drawing with like reference numerals indicating like components throughout, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a riding lawn mower incorporating the steering mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the present riding lawn mower showing the mower in a cutting position;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a riding lawn mower employing the steering mechanism according to the present invention.

Referring now to the drawing and initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a riding lawn mower 10 in accordance with the present invention. The lawn mower 10 includes a vehicle frame generally referenced 12 that has a front end 14 and a rear end 16. The rear end 16 of the vehicle frame 12 includes a rear motor deck 18 which supports a drive motor 20 as shown in FIG. 2. The rear motor deck 18 also includes a rear wheel assembly 22 which includes a pair of rear wheels 24 secured to a rear axle 26. The front end 14 of the vehicle frame 12 includes a front wheel assembly 28 which will be described in further detail below. A vehicle body 30 is secured to the frame 12 and includes an operator seat 32 which is centrally located so that an operator seated therein may easily reach the controls of the lawn mower 10. A steering column 34 is positioned in front of the operator seat 32 and includes a steering wheel 36 which is in easy reach of an operator sitting in the seat 32. The lower end of the steering column 34 is linked to a steering mechanism 38. The riding lawn mower 10 is further provided with a mower cutter assembly 40 which includes cutter blades for performing the lawn cutting operation. The mower cutter assembly 40 is linked to a lifting mechanism 42 which moves the mower cutting assembly 40 between the cutting position shown in FIG. 2 and a fully retracted position close to the vehicle frame 12. The blades contained in the mower cutter assembly 40 are connected to a first drive pulley 43 which is connected to a drive belt 44 which in turn is connected to a second drive pulley 45 as shown in FIG. 2. The drive pulley 45 is connected to an electric clutch 46 which is engaged with an input shaft from the drive motor 20. The lifting mechanism 42 is fully disclosed in applicant’s co-pending, commonly assigned application entitled “Vehicle Frame and Cutter Assembly Lifting Mechanism for Riding Lawn Mower”, U.S. Ser. No. 08/258,325, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,006.

With reference to FIG. 3, the front wheel assembly 28 will now be described in further detail. The front wheel assembly 28 includes a front connector bar 48 which has a left end 50 and a right end 52 with respect to an operator seated forward in the riding lawn mower 10. Each of the ends 50 and 52 of the front connector bar 48 includes a downwardly directed bearing cylinder 54. Each of the bearing cylinders 54 includes a first cylindrical member 56 which is rigidly secured to the connector bar 48. A second cylindrical member 58 is rotatably secured within each of the first cylindrical members 56. The lower end of each of the second cylindrical members 58 is secured to an L-shaped wheel bracket 60 which includes a horizontal base portion 62 and a downwardly directed leg portion 64 as shown in FIG. 3. A wheel axle 66 is outwardly directed from the lower end of the leg portion 64 of each of the L-shaped wheel brackets 60. One of the wheel axles 66 is rotatably secured to a front right wheel 68 while the other axle 66 is rotatably secured to a front left wheel 69. The vehicle steering assembly is thus comprised of the steering column 34, the steering wheel 36, and the steering mechanism 38.

The steering assembly including the steering mechanism 38 is now described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 which show the front end 14 of the vehicle frame 12 and the front wheel assembly 28. As shown in FIG. 4, a portion of the vehicle frame 12 extends past the front connector bar 48. The front connector bar 48 is rigidly secured to the front end 14 and is positioned substantially perpendicular relative to the frame 12. Each end of the front connector 48 extends beyond the vehicle frame 12 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The steering mechanism 38 includes a center sprocket 70 which is rigidly secured to the lower end of the steering column 34. A first sprocket 72 is rotatably secured by a pivot pin 74 to the front connector bar 48 and positioned proximate the right end 52 thereof. In a similar manner, a second sprocket 76 is rotatably secured to a pivot pin 78 and secured proximate the left end 50 of the front connector bar 48. The sprockets 72 and 76 are spaced equidistantly from the center sprocket 70. A first L-shaped slider crank arm 80 includes an upper end 79 and a lower end 81. The upper end 79 of the crank arm 80 is rotatably secure to the first sprocket 72 while the lower end 81 is rotatably secured to the base portion 62 of the L-shaped wheel bracket 60 on the right end 52 of the front connecter bar 48. A second L-shaped slider crank arm 82 similarly includes an upper end 83 and a lower end 85. In a similar manner, the upper end 83 of the crank arm 82 is rotatably secure to the second sprocket 76 while the lower end 85 thereof is rotatably secured to the base portion 62 of the L-shaped wheel bracket 60 proximate the left end 50 of the front connector bar 48. An endless chain 84 having an inside linking surface 86 and an outside linking surface 88 is positioned around the first and second sprockets 72 and 76 so that the inside linking surface 86 is in contact with the teeth of the sprockets 72 and 76. In this preferred embodiment of the steering mechanism 38, the outside linking surface 88 of the chain 84 is linked to the center sprocket 70 as shown in FIG. 4. The steering mechanism 38 is located entirely above the base portions 62 of the L-shaped wheel brackets 60. This height above the ground level gives adequate clearance so that mud and grass clippings do not reach the endless chain and sprockets of the steering mechanism 38.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the lawn mower 10 when the front wheels 68 and 69 are in a straight forward alignment. In this straight forward alignment, the upper end 79 of the first crank arm 80 is positioned along a radius of the first sprocket 72 which is, as shown in FIG. 4, an angle of γ degrees from a reference line parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the frame 12 and intersecting the pivot pin 74. In a similar manner, the upper end 83 of the second crank arm 82 is positioned along a radius of the second sprocket 76 which is.γ degrees from a reference line parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the frame 12 and passing through the pivot pin 78. Thus with the described arrangement of the present steering assembly, when the steering wheel 36 is turned to the right, the central sprocket 70 will rotate causing the first sprocket 72 to rotate from the angle γ to an increasingly larger angle while the second sprocket 72 rotates from.γ to zero and then therethrough to an increasing angle as the steering wheel 36 is caused to turn further. In this manner, when the left front wheel 69 is 45 degrees relative to its parallel reference line, the right front wheel 68 will be 90 degrees relative to its parallel reference line as represented in FIG. 5. In a similar manner, when the steering wheel 36 is turned to the left, the orientation of the front wheels 68 and 69 will be reversed from that shown in FIG. 5. In this condition, the right front wheel 68 will be orientated 45 degrees to its reference line while the left front wheel 69 will be orientated at 90 degrees. When the front wheels are turned to the left or to the right as represented in FIG. 5, an axial line through the axle 66 of the front left wheel 69 will intersect an axial line through the axle 66 of the front right wheel 68 along a line collinear with the rear axle 26 as represented in FIG. 5. In this manner, the riding lawn mower 10 is driveable over an arc path that has a radius approximately half the length of the vehicle frame 12. Riding lawn mowers of this type are commonly referred to as zero radius riding lawn mowers or simply, zero turns.

While this invention has been described in detail with reference to a certain preferred embodiment, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that precise embodiment. Rather, in view of the present disclosure which describes the best mode for practicing the invention, many modifications and variations would present themselves to those of skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention, as defined in the following claims.

Claims ( 6 )

a vehicle frame including a front end, a rear end, and a rear motor deck being secured to said rear end and having a drive motor mounted thereon;

a rear wheel assembly connected to said rear motor deck and engaged with said drive motor, said rear wheel assembly including rear wheels and a rear axle that provide drive capability to the lawn mower;

a front wheel assembly connected to the front end of said vehicle frame, said front wheel assembly including front wheels that provide steering capability to the lawn mower, said front wheel assembly further including a front connector bar having a first end and a second end, said front connector bar being fixedly secured to the front end of said vehicle frame and positioned substantially perpendicular thereto, each end of said front connector bar extending beyond said vehicle frame, a downwardly directed bearing cylinder located at each end of said front connector bar, each of the bearing cylinders including a first cylindrical member fixedly secured to a respective end of the connector bar, and a second cylindrical member rotatably secured within said first cylindrical member, an L-shaped bracket being secured to each of the second cylindrical members and having a base portion and a leg portion, the base portion of each of said L-shaped brackets fixedly secured to a respective second cylindrical member with the leg portion directed downwardly therefrom, and a wheel axle extending outwardly from the bottom of the leg portion of each of said L-shaped brackets, each of said wheel axles rotatably secured to a respective front wheel;

an operator’s seat secured to the lawn mower to position an operator of the mower in a desired position;

a steering column being cooperatively connected at one end to said front wheel assembly and including at the other end thereof a steering wheel positioned within reach of the operator of the lawn mower to control said from wheel assembly; and

steering means positioned above the front wheels of the mower and linked between the one end of said steering column and said front wheel assembly, said steering means for turning the front wheels asynchronously by operation of said steering wheel so that the lawn mower is movable along an arc path having a radius approximately half the length of said vehicle frame.

The riding lawn mower according to claim 1 wherein said steering column is secured into said front connector bar at approximately a mid-point thereof and said steering means includes:

a first sprocket rotatably secured to said front connector bar a predetermined distance from the mid-point thereof and positioned proximate said first end of the connector bar;

a second sprocket rotatably secured to said front connector bar said predetermined distance from the mid-point thereof and positioned proximate said second end of the connector bar, said first and second sprockets thereby being oppositely opposed along the connector bar and equidistant from said center sprocket;

a first L-shaped slider-crank arm rotatably secured at one end to said first sprocket and rotatably secured at the other end to the base portion of the L-shaped bracket proximate thereto;

a second L-shaped slider-crank arm rotatably secured at one end to said second sprocket and rotatably secured at the other end to the base portion of the L-shaped bracket proximate thereto; and

endless chain means having an inside linking surface and an outside linking surface, the inside surface of said endless chain means linked around said first and second sprockets and said center sprocket linked to the outside surface of the chain means.

The riding lawn mower according to claim 2 wherein said first L-shaped slider-crank arm is secured to said first sprocket at a point along a predetermined radius thereof and said second L-shaped slider-crank arm is secured to said second sprocket at a point along a predetermined radius thereof so that an axial line through the axle of one of the front wheels intersects an axial line through the axle of the other front wheel along a line collinear with said rear axle when said front wheels are turned away from straight forward alignment.

The riding lawn mower according to claim 2 wherein said first L-shaped slider-crank arm is secured to said first sprocket at a point along a predetermined radius thereof and said second L-shaped slider-crank arm is secured to said second sprocket at a point along a predetermined radius thereof so that when said steering column is rotated in one direction through a first predetermined number of degrees, one of said front wheels turns through a second predetermined number of degrees while the other front wheel turns through a third predetermined number of degrees.

The riding lawn mower according to claim 2 wherein said first L-shaped slider-crank arm is secured to said first sprocket at a point along a predetermined radius thereof and said second L-shaped slider-crank arm is secured to said second sprocket at a point along a predetermined radius thereof so that when said steering column is rotated in one direction through a predetermined number of degrees, one of said front wheels turns through approximately ninety degrees while the other front wheel turns through approximately forty-five degrees.

The riding lawn mower according to claim 5 wherein when said steering column is rotated in the other direction through said predetermined number of degrees, said one of said front wheels turns through approximately forty-five degrees while said other front wheel turns through approximately ninety degrees.

US08/241,130 1994-05-11 1994-05-11 Steering mechanism for four wheel lawn mower Expired. Fee Related US5529135A ( en )

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title

US08/241,130 US5529135A ( en )	1994-05-11	1994-05-11	Steering mechanism for four wheel lawn mower

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title

US08/241,130 US5529135A ( en )	1994-05-11	1994-05-11	Steering mechanism for four wheel lawn mower

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date

US08/241,130 Expired. Fee Related US5529135A ( en )	1994-05-11	1994-05-11	Steering mechanism for four wheel lawn mower

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Cub Cadet Ultima ZTS and ZTXS Zero-Turn Mowers with Steering Wheel

Cub Cadet, owned by Stanley Black Decker, added Synchro-Steer technology (their proprietary steering wheel technology) to its Ultima ZTS Series Zero-turn and commercial ZTXS lawnmower lineup.

Synchro-Steer technology isn’t new. Cub Cadet developed it back in 2009. It replaces traditional lap bars with a familiar steering wheel and a dual foot pedal control scheme. Where it really shines is when mowing wet grass or on inclines. Where a traditional lap bar system relies on the rear wheels for steering (the front wheels are just 360-degree spinning casters), Synchro-Steer works differently. It steers using the front wheels and uses them to determine the speed of each of the rear wheels.

Better Hill Control and Improved Overall Steering

The result is reduced slipping—particularly on hills and inclines—and front wheels that move properly and don’t tend to create ruts in the turf. As an added benefit, the steering wheel on the Cub Cadet Ultima ZTS and ZTXS are designed to be smooth enough for one-handed operation. The system also features an adjustable steering column and a premium cut-and-sewn high-back adjustable seat for a comfortable ride.

Where Do the Cub Cadet Ultima ZTS and ZTXS Fit in the Lineup?

The Cub Cadet Ultima ZTS joins the lap bar-driven Ultima ZT and Ultima Electric ZT mowers. This essentially brings the full array of steering options to the Ultima Series ZT lineup. While some consumers prefer steering wheels for their familiarity over lap bars, pros recognize that the steering wheel actually allows for better control when mowing hilly terrain. You actually get straighter lines and more efficient turning.

Cub Cadet plans to offer the Ultima ZTS Series mowers in two trim levels:

Ultima ZTS1

The ZTS1 mower offers 42″, 46″, 50″ and 54″ decks and a 23HP Kohler 7000 Series engine. It uses a Hydro-Gear ZT 2200 transmission.

Ultima ZTS2

The ZTS2 adds wider rear tires, armrests for the seat, and 50″, 54″, and 60″ deck sizes. It also includes an upgraded 23HP Kohler 7000 Series PRO engine and a Hydro-Gear ZT 2800 transmission.

Cub Cadet Ultima ZTXS Zero Turn Mowers

The Cub Cadet Ultima ZTXS includes commercial-grade features. It steps up several of the features, including the steering column, engine, frame (1×3 in. tubular steel) deck (10 gauge), speed, seat quality, fuel capacity, wheels, and more. The ZTXS also extends the warranty to 4 years and 800 hours (including commercial use).

Cub Cadet plans to offer the Ultima ZTXS Series mowers in ZTX4 and ZTX5 trim levels with the latter carrying (among other things) a better seat and larger rear tires.

Pricing and Availability

You can find the Ultima ZTS at local Cub Cadet dealerships, select Tractor Supply Co. locations, and online at HomeDepot.com. Retail pricing looks like this:

• ZTS1 42 – 4,599
• Cub Cadet ZTS1 46 – 4,699
• ZTS1 50 – 4,799
• ZTS2 50 – 5,299
• Cub Cadet ZTS2 54 – 5,499
• ZTS2 60 – 5,799

The Ultima ZTXS releases in Spring of 2023. We have the following retail pricing information:

• ZTXS4 48 – 7,499
• Cub Cadet ZTXS4 54 – 7,699
• ZTXS4 60 – 7,899
• ZTXS5 54 – 8,699
• Cub Cadet ZTXS5 60 – 8,899
• ZTXS6 60 – 10,299

You can find a retailer by clicking here.

Clint DeBoer

When he’s not playing with the latest power tool, Clint DeBoer enjoys life as a husband, father, and avid reader—especially the Bible. He loves Jesus, has a degree in recording engineering, and has been involved in multimedia and/or online publishing in one form or another since 1992.

Clint’s career has covered nearly the entire realm of audio and video production. After graduating at the top of his class with an Associates Degree in Recording Engineering, he began working for the famed Soundelux studios in 1994, one of the largest post-production companies specializing in audio for feature films television. Working on a myriad of feature films, Clint honed his skills as a dialogue editor, foley editor, and sound designer. Years later, he moved into the expanding area of video editing, where he served as the company’s senior AVID video editor for three years. Working for such clients as Universal Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, NASA, Universal Studios, Planet Hollywood, SEGA, NASCAR, and others, Clint DeBoer dealt extensively with client management as well as film video editing, color correction, and digital video MPEG compression. He also carries several THX certifications (Technician I and II, THX Video), and is ISF Level II Certified. After founding the CD Media, Inc. publishing company in 1996, he went on to help start or grow several successful online publications, including Audioholics (as Editor-in-Chief for 12 years), Audiogurus, and AV Gadgets. In 2008, Clint founded Pro Tool Reviews followed by the landscape and outdoor power equipment-focused OPE Reviews in 2017. He also heads up the Pro Tool Innovation Awards, an annual awards program honoring innovative tools and accessories across the trades. Crediting God and his excellent staff for the success of what is now the largest power tool review publication in the industry, Clint DeBoer hopes to see continued growth for the company as it rapidly expands its reach. Pro Tool Reviews critically reviews hundreds of hand tools, power tools, and accessories each year to help inform users about the best and newest products in the industry. Reaching everyone from the construction industry professional and tradesman to the serious DIYer, Pro Tool Reviews helps tool consumers shop better, work smarter, and stay aware of what tools and products can help put them at the top of their game.

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How to fix steering on a riding lawnmower? Try these troubleshooting steps

Handling and steering are one of the key mechanisms in riding lawnmowers. Perfect handling allows you to make accurate turns in your garden, thus improving the overall turf finish. It makes mowing comfortable and enjoyable. If your steering wheel drifts by itself towards the right or left or has excessive vibrations and a play in it, then you may need to troubleshoot your steering mechanism. For this purpose, this blog post provides you with all the knowledge and expertise needed to fix the steering on a riding lawnmower.

How to fix steering on a riding lawnmower? Try these troubleshooting steps:

• Step 1: Prep the lawnmower for repair by parking it on a flat surface and turning the ignition off.
• Step 2: Check the tire pressure. If it seems too low, fill the tires with air.
• Step 3: Check the steering gear by opening the steering support bolts.
• Step 4: Replace the damaged bushings
• Step 5: Replace damaged bearings, shafts, and washers that are a part of the steering assembly.
• Step 6: Check the drag linkage that connects the tie rod with the gear sector.
• Step 7: After the fixes have been made, test the lawnmower for performance.

Steering problems can be caused due to various issues. If the tire pressure in the mower is too low, you might face difficulty in making turns. The steering shaft or the steering support assembly might have been worn out, resulting in problems. Furthermore, the mower’s drag linkage might have become loose, contributing to play and vibrations in the steering wheel. Luckily, the steering adjustment is not a tedious task and can be performed by yourself, provided you follow the steps correctly.

We recommend going through the entire article to understand better the repair procedure needed to fix the steering wheel on a riding lawnmower.

Fixing the Steering on a Riding Lawnmower, Step-by-Step:

Please follow the procedure mentioned below to fix the steering mechanism on a riding lawnmower.

Step 1: Perform initial measures:

To start, you need to prepare the lawnmower by performing some initial preparations.

• Park your mower: For this, you need to find a flat surface and park your mower there.
• Remove the spark plug cable: Disengage the mower blades by pulling the lever. Also, take the ignition key off. Disconnect mowers spark plug cable as well. This is a safety measure to ensure that the mower can not unintentionally start.
• Set the wheels straight: After that, adjust the mower’s wheels. Adjust the steering wheel so that the wheels are pointing forward. The steering wheel should be at its default center position.

Step 2: Checking tire pressure:

It can be challenging to steer if the tire pressure is not correct. If the pressure in tires is low, it will be tough to navigate the riding lawnmower correctly. Check the tire pressure on all wheels. Use your mower’s operator’s manual to check the tire pressure.

Use a pressure gauge to check the pressure as well. The reading in the tires should be as mentioned in the manual. Fill them up or release air from the tires until they match the amount of pressure in psi as suggested in the manual.

Step 3: Checking steering gear:

The steering gear is one of the essential things that allow us to steer. If it is damaged or broken, then you will face issues in steering. The whole steering system is controlled by steering gear. The steering gear can dislodge if you hit a tree, rock, or brick while mowing.

A bolt holds this steering gear. You need to loosen that bolt and then turn the steering wheel entirely to the left. The equipment will produce a popping sound on returning to its original position. After hearing that sound, tighten the bolt back. It indicates that the gear is broken and you need to replace it with a new one.

Step 4: Replacing the damaged bushings:

The bushings are present underneath the steering gear and are used to hold the bolts in place. Damaged bushings might lead to vibrations in the gear shaft.

To replace it, you need to remove the nut that holds the gear sector. Take the gear sector off the machine and then remove the bushings. After inserting the new one, reattach the gear sector and tighten the nut back as well.

Step 5: Replacing damaged lawnmower bearings, shafts, and washers:

Bearings, rods, and washers are not huge. Still, they play a vital role as structural members in the steering mechanism of a lawnmower. If they seem damaged or worn, you might face steering issues.

– Lawnmower Bearings:

Bearings allow the wheels to turn on the shafts by providing ample lubrication. The shaft might oscillate eccentrically if the bearings are damaged.

• Step 1: First of all, to replace it, remove the dust cap and snap the ring that is holding the wheel.
• Step 2: Remove the wheels and take the bearings out from the axle.
• Step 3: The bearings use grease to run smoothly. Grease them from both inside and outside. Also, use the lubricant on the inside of the wheel.
• Step 4: Reinstall the wheel after you are done.

– Lawnower Shafts:

The shafts provide rotatory motion from the steering wheel to the gearbox. If these are damaged, you need to replace them as well.

• Step 1: First of all, remove the mower deck, steering wheel, sprocket, and gas tank.
• Step 2: Using pliers, remove the steering shaft’s spring clip by lifting the mower’s front end.
• Step 3: Remove the post holding bolts, slide the washers, and remove the old shaft.
• Step 4: Check the washers as well. If they are broken, then you need to replace them.
• Step 5: After replacing the shaft and washers, reinstall the bolts and slide the shaft up through the bushing.
• Step 6: After lowering the mower down and inserting spring clips, reinstall the fuel tank.
• Step 7: Finally, reattach the steering wheel and tighten it correctly.

Check the following links for some guidance:

Step 6: Checking the lawnmower linkages:

Linkages are rods that are attached to the steering box. They are connected in different ways depending upon the mower’s model. To replace them, you need first to check the model of your lawnmower. Any damage to these linkages affects your mower’s steering. So they need an immediate replacement. For this, you need to find the mounting points of connection. There are bolts present at each end. Remove these bolts and install a new linkage.

Step 7: Testing the lawnmower:

After you have wholly followed the step-by-step process now, you need to test drive your mower. Start your mower as usual. Start moving your mower around. Check the steering of the lawnmower and see if it is fixed. The problem should be gone if you have followed the steps mentioned above.

Some Precautionary Measures:

While repairing or inspecting a lawnmower, you should always take care of safety precautions. It keeps you safe from any incident. Some of the precautionary steps that you should follow are given below:

• Use safety gloves throughout the procedure when you are dealing with sharp parts
• Turn off the ignition and disconnect the spark plug cable as mentioned earlier.
• Use sturdy shoes.
• Use lubricants to loosen screws and bolts.

Frequently asked questions:

The Lawnmower steering wheel is a bit loose; what to do?

If your steering wheel is a bit loose, then you need to replace some essential things. If the steering is loose and the wheel is not moving, then you need to replace the tie rod. Follow the video below if you need any help.

What should be the correct tire pressure for my lawnmower?

Correct tire pressure is important for steering. If the tire pressure is not accurate, it will affect the wheels’ traction and thus make it harder for them to complete turns. The Tire pressure of lawnmowers is generally measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). The factory setting for a standard riding lawnmower is 10 PSI for the rear and 14 PSI for front tires. Please check the owner’s manual to get a better grasp of the acceptable pressure values. 2-3 PSI difference is also acceptable.

The Front-wheel of my lawnmower is angled out. What to do?

If you notice that your riding lawnmower’s front wheels are angled out a bit, you need to fix them quickly because it can cause steering issues as well. It may be loose, so you need to repair it. Firstly, disconnect the spark plug to prevent accidents. Now, check the wheel’s mounting bolt. If it is loose, tighten it by using a wrench or replace it if it is broken.

However, if the wheel is broken, you need to replace it with a new one. Buy a new wheel from any hardware shop suitable for your lawnmower and replace it with the older one.

Final Remarks:

Steering is one of the most crucial mechanisms of a riding lawnmower. Fixing it is not as easy as fixing some other mower components. The parts and linkages associated with it are quite high in number. Hence, it is always tough to figure out which part is malfunctioning and hence, needs replacement. To avoid such problems with your lawnmower, always be sure that you drive it carefully and don’t bump into rocks and other obstacles, as this can loosen and damage certain components.

How to Fix Yard Machine Lawn Mower Steering Issue

Lawn mower steering plays an important role in riding, handling and turning correctly. Once you find it troubling, you are worried about the expense of repairing or replacing it. Last month, I also faced the same problem with my MTD lawn mower steering. Finally, I was able to fix the issue within 20 minutes without extra money. Actually, it’s very easy to fix when you find out the main cause of riding lawn mower steering issues.

There are many causes behind the yard machine lawn mower steering issues. Low tire pressure, damaged bushing or gears, worn-out steering shaft, and loose joints are the top reasons. After knowing the exact reason, fix it according to the instructions given below.

In this guideline, I’ll list all the possible reasons and solutions with proper instructions. I assure you that it takes only 30 minutes to fix the steering issue although you’re a beginner. Check it out now!

Yard Machine Lawn Mower Steering Issue: Top 5 Possible Reasons and Solution Chart

738-0919 Steering Shaft with Bushing by Ohoho. Compatible with MTD. Replaces 738-0919B, 738-0919A, 738-0919, 753-04517 76-044

Adhesive Moleskin for Feet. Blister Bandages Precut Kidney Metatarsal Pads. 3″. Callus. Heel, Corns, Blister Prevention, Shoe Friction. 50 Pieces

Don’t miss the chart because it’ll give you a summary of the project.

Causes	Solution	Required tool
1. Damage steering gear	Loosen the mounting nuts and clean or replace them.	18mm socket Steering pinion gear
2. Damage bushing	Clean or replace it with a new one.	Bushing or small hex flange
3. Worn out steering shaft	Replace it.	9/16 socket Steering shaft
4. Damage bearing	Grease the bearing.	Grease gunLithium grease
5. Low tire pressure	Fill the tire according to the mentioned pressure in psi	Pressure gauge

How to Fix the Yard Machine Lawn Mower Steering Issue: Full Guideline

You’ll get back your steering working! Just follow the instructions to solve the issue perfectly. Before starting the project, must take this safety precaution-

• Turn Off the ignition switch
• Make sure there is no fuel in the tank
• The clutch actuator level is in off position

Damage Steering Gear

The damage or broken steering gear can be the most possible reason that is troubling the steering. Because the steering gear is the main component for getting comfortable turning on a lawn mower.

If your lawn mower is hit by a solid object, tree or bricks, then the steering gear can damage.

Solution

First, all you need to do is get out of the gas tank from the mower. You need to loosen a couple of bolts with a 10mm socket that holds the gas tank.

Now, Check the bolts that hold the steering gear. Loosen the nuts and pull off the steering gear pinion with 18mm socket. Once you have the pinion in your hand, you have to inspect if it looks damaged or worn badly or not. Sometimes, the steering gear pop slips onto the rack. If it looks lightly worn, then clean the steering gear. If it’s damaged or badly worn, replace it with a new one.

Damage Bushing

The badly worn bushing can be the cause of the steering issue.

Solution

Check the bushing that is placed underneath the gear. Here, you need to wiggle around the steering shaft to pull it out. You’ll see the small hex flange or bushing under the hole. Clean or replace it according to its condition.

After resembling the gear, bushing and shaft, try to turn the steering wheel. If it works, then all good. If it is still not working, go forward to replace the steering shaft!

Worn-out Steering Shaft

The steering shaft is the reason why the steering wheel turns. The steering shaft provides rotary motion from the wheel to the gearbox. If it gets damaged, the steering system will start troubling.

Solution

First, remove the retaining pins and detach the arm. Then remove the deck and steering wheel as well.

Use a plier to remove the spring clip that holds the steering shaft. Then, use a 9/16 socket to loosen the mounting bolts.

Try to pull off the steering shaft with the washer.

Now, it’s time to install the new steering shaft through the steering plate. Replace the mounting nuts to resemble the washer and supporting plate. After that, slide the shaft through the bushing and then secure the pin tightly. Reposition the fuel tank. Reattach the deck, steering wheel and all parts you apart. Next, examine the steering wheel whether it works or not. If it doesn’t work, then move forward!

Damage Bearing

You are now frustrated, right? Look that you haven’t checked one part – the bearing. Sometimes, damage bearing is the cause behind the riding lawn mower steering problem. Let’s check the part and lubricate it!

Solution

First, pull off the steering wheel cover. Use a ¾ socket to loosen the nuts that secure the steering wheel. Remove the nuts and washer to pull off the wheel. Now, take the bearing out from the axle. Now grease the bearing and lubricate it inside the wheel. Now, reverse the process to reattach the wheel. Now, check the steering issue!

Low Tire Pressure

The lawn mower steering works well when there is perfect pressure in the tires. So, it’s important to check the tire pressure on each wheel of the lawn mower.

Solution

You need to use a pressure gauge to check the tire pressure. If the tire pressure is lower than the mentioned pressure in the manual operator, then fill the tire until it reaches the exact pressure in psi.

If your lawnmower won’t start then follow this article Yard machine lawn mower won’t start? What’s the reason?

Maintaining a beautiful lawn can be a daunting task, especially if you lack the appropriate know-how and tools to handle the challenges that may crop up. Fortunately, LawnAsk is here to offer you an all-encompassing resource that covers everything you need to know about lawn care.

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It is well known and well documented that zero-turn mowers have overtaken the lawn mowing market in recent years and there is a good reason for it, people are increasingly time-poor. Zero-turn mowers utilise a dual hydrostatic drive system (one for each rear wheel) which independently operate from one and other allowing you to turn on a dime.

This feature has shown to save the average user up to 40% of the time when mowing their lawns as they manoeuvre and steer around obstacles in your yard in one clean motion.

Saving you time:

That’s 45% of your time you can spend elsewhere and not on your mower! Yes, zero-turns do require a large paycheck, but a common saying is so relevant here and that is that you are buying back your time. and more individuals that enter our store work long hours and often even work Saturdays and Sundays, with little free time this is often a deciding factor which drives people towards a zero-turn mower.

This little anecdote may give you a prime example, at home we have 5 acres of property to mow and working fairly long hours means that finding the time can get tough. The larger zero-turn Toro we use allows us to get home at 6:00pm at night and quickly knock off 2 acres of grass in under an hour with the little amount of daylight I have left. This wouldn’t be possible for a tractor style ride-on mower. You would have to leave it till the weekend where you can find ample time to get the job done eating away at spare time.

Cost:

One thing I will note is zero-turns are substantially more expensive than your traditional tractor, so the price is a pivotal factor when making this decision. It’s easy when writing these articles to spend other individuals’ money so catering to the consumers budget is a priority.

If zero-turn mowers are slightly out of your budget, then there are other options to turn to also which we would be more than happy to point you towards. The more you spend the more of your time you buyback but it’s about balancing those two trade-offs and finding the middle point in which a machine satisfies both the budget and the time you want to spend mowing.

Lap Bars or Steering Wheel?

Now the big question to consider when deciding to purchase a zero-turn is the whole point of this blog. Steering wheel, or lap bars? Traditionally zero-turn mowers were only known to exist with the lap bars which you would more commonly see. Now, these are perfect as you can quickly adjust the speed of each wheel by simply pushing or pulling the levers in front of you. This is both quick and efficient as you can instantly change the direction of the mower buy pushing the lap bars.

There is also less serviceable parts in the front end steering of the unit in comparison to the steering wheeled zero-turn mowers making them a little more cost-efficient to run in the long term. Toro is well known for their lap bar zero-turn mowers and make a great machine as you can see in the video below. For more specific information on individual units please visit our products page.

If your property was predominantly flat then a Toro lap bar machine is definitely ideal for you, the lap bars are also more ideal for people that have leg injuries because there is no pedals to push with your feet, and also those who find turn the steering wheel difficult as the lap bars are much easier to push during operation than the steering wheel is too turn.

They have also recently introduced their MyRide technology with aids in comfort reducing the shocks your body and more importantly your back feels when mowing on rough terrain. Watch the video below!

Although there is one downside to the process. As these effectively control the speed of the rear wheels then you driving from the back consequently meaning the front wheels are simple jockey wheels much like a supermarket trolley. The reason this can translate to a flaw is on a slope if the jockey wheels have a desire to travel down the hill then there is no alternative but to follow the path of this direction, this is even worse when mowing in the wet.

Now you can obviously go up and down the slopes easily but travelling on the side of a slope, hill, dam bank is where the issue lies and is substantially present according to your property. Some people have steep dam banks they must travel on and others have fence lines at the base of a slope which inhibits their ability to go up and down the hill and must travel alongside it.

Although the lap bars are faster than the steering wheel to manoeuvre in general the steering wheel version comes into its own when operating on slopes. The drive is foot-operated by a pedal and the steering is dedicated to the steering wheel much like a tractor but with zero turning capabilities. The Cub Cadet range which we stock then allows you to travel on slopes up to 20 degrees! That’s massive!

The secret is the steering wheel physically gives you control of the front wheels, you hold them straight then the machine will go straight. With the lap bars, you can have no control over the front wheels when travelling on a slope meaning that if they decided to travel down the slope that’s where you will be going.

This video below by the Homesteader’s store in the USA explains this more clearly. Thanks to Homesteader’s store for the great video!

The next positive point I’m going to make about the steering wheel zero-turn is nothing to do with the machine but is everything to do with the operator. I had one man come in to purchase a new mower after owning a lawn tractor for years. He, like many, opted for a zero turn with the lap bars as the steering wheeled ones were not around at this point in time. Now his wife who normally mowed the grass for him was a little a taken back when he arrived home with the new zero-turn mower.

Although she gave it a go, being accustom to driving the steering wheel tracker she had one or two close calls on the new mower and shied away from using it meaning the husband was stuck mowing it all the time. If you’re comfortable with the steering wheel, then this option can also be more ideal as you want to be confident when using your machinery.

Verdict:

Now although the Cub Cadet steering when the range in both domestic and commercial field is a great choice for properties with heavy slopes the lap bars are much quicker if your property is flat. A level property that predominantly has slopes which can be tackled up and down and not on the side is best suited to a lap bar model such as the Toro zero-turn mowers.

Although we are placing greater emphasis on “time spent mowing” as the critical factor in the decision. In reality, there are a number of factors which must be taken into account such as servicing, cost, brand, experience, what makes you comfortable and more. Each factor may also be given more weight than the other according to the particular individual that is purchasing a new machine, this article focuses more on time spent mowing because personally that is my pivotal factor, yours may be different.

Either way, you are purchasing a great machine but that is not what this is about, this is about purchasing the right machine for your property or your commercial lawns you desire to mow with consideration to time spent mowing it. Click the picture below to be taken to the zero-turn products we offer so you can browse them individually in more detail. If you have any further questions feel free to comment on the blog below, contact us directly or visit our showroom in Ballarat, Victoria.

Hopefully, this helped you in making a more informed decision for when you purchase your next zero-turn mower.