62D MMM Creating Divots with Front Wheels

[papaw]

No matter how I set the anti-scalp wheels on the new 62D MMM on my JD 2520 CUT, the front ones keep digging into the yard and creating big divots. They get turned sideways and then when backing or going forward they do not straighten up with the mower and dig into the yard.

Has anybody came up with a solution? Previous decks, such as the 60" on my JD 445, had a spring to keep the wheel heased with the deck.

 

[jdbower]

I had managed to fix this problem with my mechanical lift kit by setting the wheels just right, when I had the hydraulic lift kit installed they were back and I had just assumed it was because the mower deck was set a little lower. After seeing your other post about the lift kit being too jerky (yes, it is hard to move the joystick slowly enough to avoid a large bang) I'm beginning to wonder if there's another issue at work.

I'm traveling again so I'm away from my tractor, but I'll have to check when I get home how the linkage works that sets the mower deck height. The one tied to the three point simply had the mower bracket resting on the three point arms, allowing it to rise higher as needed. It's possible that the independent lift kit locks it at the set height, making the wheels next to useless since they'll never be able to lift the mower. Is there freedom of movement upwards when the mower's at cutting height?

 

[papaw]

There is upward movement available when the deck is at mowing heighth. The deck weighs nearly 300 lbs. so when a nice hard side of the wheel plows into the turf, the soil gives before any lifting action occurs.

 

[fud]

Ironic how the anti-scalping wheels are doing all of the scalping!

I have the same issue. JD came and picked up my mower today to try to address the problem. We'll see what they come up with. It seems like a design oversight to me. I will report back when I know more.

Fud

 

[PLUMBER]

Im having the same problem with mine ,i made it a little better by adjusting the front of the deck just a little higher than the back ,still seems to cut okay but i agree there needs to be a fix maybe springs like the older 55s or a long center egg shape wheel also the independent loft seems to have been a waste of money

 

[fud]

Here's an update after my dealer re-checked out the mower. They installed grease fittings on the "king" pins so so the casters can rotate more freely. Then the service manager told me that he is continuing to work with JD on the problem because he feels it is still not right. I don't expect we will have any better fix than that for a while, so I will probably just lift the caster wheels up another notch until something better comes along.

Fud

 

[jdbower]

It's all a clever ploy by JD to make us all want to buy tillers and box blades to level out our yards!

 

[papaw]

I called Deere Customer Service and got the run around - "problem" what problem! They just referred me back to my dealer.

The service manager at my dealer is a great guy - really sharp and willing to pursue things to a satisfactory resolution. He and I think that maybe a flat keyed spindle with bracket and spring to keep the wheel in line with the deck might solve or at least greatly minimize the problem.

Will keep you posted.

 

[megotatractor]

can someone post a pic of these wheels?

 

[jdbower]

can someone post a pic of these wheels?

Your wish is my command!

I can get other angles if you like.