60" MMM gauge wheels

[sss]

60\" MMM gauge wheels

Has anyone else had problems with the gauge wheels on the 60"MMM on a BX2200. I've had the rear left one basically rub, melt and come off the shaft. I picked up two replacement wheels at the dealer for $5.00 each but I know this will happen again because of plastic rolling around metal. The gauge wheels are set correctly and do not bear any weight of the deck but still spin constantly as they move across the yard. Has anyone tried to bore out the plastic wheel a little bit more and insert a metal bushing so that at least there is metal on metal (which can be greased). I'm going to try this with the extra wheel I bought but thought I'd ask to see if this has been done (and worked or failed) or if there is a better solution or different aftermarket gauge wheel to buy. Ideally, I would think something that is sealed around the shaft with a grease fitting would be best.

 

[rlw]

Re: 60\" MMM gauge wheels

This is my 2nd mowing season with the 60" MMM and haven't had any problems/failures with the gauge wheels yet. However, I do lube them periodically with a spray oil/lube. I've read previously on TBN that someone had drilled and installed a grease fitting on the small hub of the wheel for easier lubing.

 

[MReeter]

Re: 60\" MMM gauge wheels

We are also on our 2nd season with our BX and have'nt had this problem,a little squeaking once in a while,but no failure.I also spray a little lube on them every so often.

I remember a post where an owner had drilled and tapped holes at a 45 degree angle in the "hub" of the wheels and installed grease zirks.

I recently looked at Deeres new X-Series mowers and they have a similar deck set-up as the BX,with grease zirks on the anti-scalp rollers (plastic)....Good idea.

You might check to see if your deck is level,seems odd that the left rear would melt down and none of the rest.

 

[RRiche]

Re: 60\" MMM gauge wheels

I also had a meltdown, but it was on the discharge side front. The mower was not attached correctly from the dealer on the front carriage. (Meltdown after about 1 hour of use)

I noticed something was wrong when I turned curves, I would get an uneven cut. So I checked the deck level and it was way off. Also it does not hurt to raise the deck wheels up an extra notch.

At what setting are you mowing at? What posistion do you have the gauge wheels.

 

[sss]

Re: 60\" MMM gauge wheels

I mow at 2.5 and have the setting as per the manual (don't remember the letter from the manual). I've tried raising them up but they still spin from the grass and in certain areas I get burn spots from the deck on uneven ground. I've measured all wheels on the concrete and in the grass and all have 1/2 to 3/4 inch clearance but I think the constant spinning is the culprit. I mow 2.5 acres which takes about 1 1/2 hours so I assume a lot of heat builds up on the wheels during that time. I've tried the grease/oil to little help. I mentioned the rear left because it was the first to really melt but the other three are also showing signs of wear. I know everyone thinking raise the wheels up but that doesn't give me the cut I want so I need an alternative. I left one wheel with my uncle who has a machine shop - he's going to drill out the plastic area to a larger diameter and insert a metal bushing. He's then going to try and seal it and insert a zerk fitting so that the wheel and shaft can be greased. If it works, I'm doing all four wheels which should end this problem. I just thought maybe there was another aftermarket or different brand wheel that would work better. I also think that the thickness of the St. Augustine grass around my house contributes to the problem. I know that the parts manager at my dealer stocks these wheels and he said he trys to keep around 7-10 on hand for the exact problem I had. He's also checking with Kubota about a replacement wheel design or warranty coverage because of the number of replacement gauge wheels they've sold. I'd welcome any suggestions or ideas you guys may have.

 

[RET]

Re: 60\" MMM gauge wheels

Scott,
I run my BX deck just as I think you are describing....I have the gauge wheels adjusted pretty low - essentially in light contact with terra firma at all times. I do this so that the gauge wheels will 'catch' the deck quickly and minimize an uneven cut when on bumpy ground. I haven't had any wheel heating problems and have never greased the wheels. Obviously, I must have found a "sweet spot" for the gauge wheel locations that's not TOO firmly planted to the ground while mowing. I also have a JD LX277 riding mower with rear gauge wheels with grease zirks, and forward wheels just like those on the BX. I have those wheels set so that they are FIRMLY planted on the ground while mowing....Luckily, no failures on these either in about 3 yrs of use mowing 3 acres/week (pre-BX days).
I have been hesitant to grease the wheels....my push mower has similar wheels - essentially plastic bushing (probably nylon?) in contact with a metal spindle. The push mower manual makes a big point of letting you know to NOT grease the the wheels because the grease will collect dirt/grit that will actually increase wear on the plastic bushing and decrease life.
Instead of rambling on about nothing, let me get to the point...maybe there's another mode of failure other than the obvious one being discussed here of excessive weight on the guage wheels (?).
And, I agree that the BX guage wheels SHOULD be fitted with a metallic bushing and grease zirks. Has anybody found aftermarket fits yet?
r

 

[wdn]

Re: 60\" MMM gauge wheels

I had three of the four wheels fail this way. They melted. The dealer replaced them under warranty. Now that I know the problem exists, I lubed the axles with 3-in-1 oil and it stopped the squeaking/meltdown. They should definitely have a metal bushing on those wheels.

 

[tractorman]

Re: 60\" MMM gauge wheels

There seems to be alot of confusion when it comes to adjusting the gauge wheels on BX decks. Remember that you have to adjust thier height setting each time you change the height position of the mower deck. To set them properly first pull your tractor onto a level area (preferably a garage floor or driveway. Adjust the blade height of the mower by turning the control dial and then lower your mowing deck by moving the hydraulic control lever forward. Now you can adjust your anti scalp rollers so that there is 1/4 - 1/2" of clearance between them and the ground. They should not be in contact with the ground all the time. This will cause them to burn out as some of you have mentioned. Good Luck.....tractorman

 

[sss]

Re: 60\" MMM gauge wheels

I've set mine this way - the problem is they keep turning as they roll across the tops of the grass. If I stop, I can put my fingers between the soil and the wheel, but it will still spin because of contact with the grass when the tractor is moving. My yard is thick St. Augustine grass and I mow on the '2' setting with the wheels properly set. I've now got three wheels beginning to whallow out the plastic wheel. The other day while mowing, I realized how many times I turn mowing and started watching the gauge wheels. I noticed that during a turn the wheels spin a lot less as their being dragged sideways during the turn. I'm beginning to think this is contributing to my problem since the wheels are fixed in a straight position and unable to turnwith the tractor. I think I'm going to try pinning the wheel differently by putting the pin through a hole on the wheel shaft above the mounting bracket and another pin through a hole at the bottom of the mounting bracket so that the wheel has the ability to turn inside the bracket (like the wheels on a rear finish mower or the rear wheel of a rotary cutter). I've also found some thin wall tubing to drive inside the wheel hole. I'm then going to try riging a smaller bolt throught the metal shim so that there's metal to metal contact and no more metal to plastic rubbing.