All Wheel Steer

[mike48130]

I have a X485 AWS and it's great. I think the manual says to lock the rear end for snow plowing, or I read it somewhere. I think it requires tools. I believe you need to pull the link that goes to the rear knuckle and bolt it to the frame, then they are locked. Mine is a 2004, so maybe better or easier technology now.

 

[mike48130]

No tire chains needed here in Texas. Maybe for mud, but not for snow.

I was just looking at the weather, that may not be a true statement this week. Not sure if the storm will make it far enough south to hit you.

 

[beenthere]

I have a X485 AWS and it's great. I think the manual says to lock the rear end for snow plowing, or I read it somewhere. I think it requires tools. I believe you need to pull the link that goes to the rear knuckle and bolt it to the frame, then they are locked. Mine is a 2004, so maybe better or easier technology now.

mike
Have never heard or read of such a thing. There is a rear diff lock to be used only when traction is needed on occasion..
Your comment implies that somehow the steering mechanism is locked/bolted solid.. don't see how that is possible at all.
Certainly isn't in the operators manual.
Maybe someone will chime in who knows more about this.

 

[ruffdog]

Lock the rear steering? That doesn't make sense as it is better for the rears to follow the front tracks.

 

[oldnslo]

My son has an X749 with around 1200 hrs that he had to replace all of the swivel joints and tie rod ends. Through Deere very expensive after market was $250 - $300. His biggest complaint is loss of ground clearance from all the linkage but does like it for maneuvering vs his gx 345

On his the rear tires rub if turned fully but I suspect tires are oversized.

On his you can remove one or two pieces of linkage and lock the rear steer. Did this to drive it home when linkage fell apart.

 

[jaydee325]

The Deere online Implements and Attachments brochure states that for both the TerraGrip Traction Belts and the Tire Chains, a wheel stop adjustment is necessary for the AWS on the X500 models and references the Tractor Manual. The X700 series require wheel spacers.

 

[Gittyup]

I think there are nuance differences in the AWS systems on different models.

I ran a 425 AWS for 20+ years. Never an issue with the linkage. Extremely reliable; just keep the u-joints greased. Though it did reduce ground clearance. On that tractor, to use chains (which I did for all 20 years), you have to have wheel spacers installe.

When I moved up to my X739 AWS, I ordered spacers for it. However, I quickly found out that you cannot use the spacers with a 54" deck, meaning you would have to remove them to put the deck on. The tires would hit the gauge wheels. So I returned the spacers because I had no plans nor needs for chains and wasn't about to pull the wheels off twice a year to install/remove. Also on the x739, the AWS linkage is above the axle. So it doesn't affect ground clearance. I've been using the X for 6 years. No issues with the AWS. I think, because they offer spacers, that they are needed for chains, at least on the X7xxs. I would check with the dealer.

The other issue with chains and AWS is that they must be tight or there is risk of getting them caught up in the mechanisms. As I said I ran chains for 20+ years on a AWS without a problem, but I did put bungies on them and twist-wired them on every year. That is actually the only reason I moved up to the X739. I got tired of putting chains on every year. And the 4WD with HDAPS and some suitcase weights will go through just about any snow without an issue.

AWS is great plowing snow too. You can steer with the backs when the front tires get light. You can actually push snow sideways pretty nicely too. As you can tell, I'm a big fan of AWS.

 

[jaydee325]

I know I started this thread almost 8 months ago! What can I say, takes me a while to make a decision.

I took delivery of an X584 yesterday afternoon. I put about an hour on it mowing a very shaggy lawn!

A few initial impressions:

What a difference 23 years makes. Hadn't realized how worn the 325 was. Not only is the X584 smoother and tighter, but quiet!

AWS really cuts down on the backing up to get around tight areas.

The Accel Deep deck is also head and shoulders above the old deck for cut quality.

I also got the 47" snowblower. I mounted it today just to make sure the dealer delivered all the parts. It's a beast compared to the old 42 snow thrower. While I will never hope for winter, I also can't wait to try this thing!!

Love that "new tractor smell"!!

 

[IndyJay]

I love my AWS 455 , the only disadvantage I can think of is I have trouble plowing or mowing right up against a fence in a long straight line just because as you steer the front away from the fence the rear moves closer. That being said, I’ve never hit anything but I didnt expect that the first time I was using it.

Old post but want to add for anyone coming across this. When I first got my x394 I got it up against a fence that was on a slope. Once. After that I started mowing in reverse along that stretch of fence and never had another issue. Remember going forward, steering away from fence takes rear wheel into fence. In reverse the rear wheel takes you easily away without front wheel getting tight.

 

[ArlyA]

I'd like to have one of these, especially since Husky quit building my center actuating mower!! Can you get it in awd?