Are Tail Wheels Universal?

[BuzzyG]

I have a Land Pride mower that needs a tail wheel. The available wheel has the correct diameter shaft but it is longer than the receiver on my mower. I would like to know how I handle this. Thanks for the help.

 

[breadtrk]

Huh?

Yes tail wheels on rotary cutters are very universal. They are all adjustable in height. Are you talking about the width of the bracket and the wheel?

If so, you have the wrong wheel.

 

[Fawken]

I don't know how many people here have done this, but I just took the whole tail wheel and assembly off about 25 years ago and never really missed it. Can turn easier, back under trees easier and takes up less space when stored.

 

[BuzzyG]

Fawken, The mower I have has been used extensively without a tail wheel. But I find it very difficult to keep the mower stable without the wheel.

Breadtrk, I am talking about the height of the wheel assembly. The shaft that sticks up into the receiver is far longer than the receiver. But that shaft only has one hole for the cotter pin. I am trying to wrap my mind about how to adjust the height. Spacers, I suppose????

 

[bumperm]

I suppose if you're mowing flat terrain, the tailwheel is superfluous. And otherwise might not serve much of a purpose with the limited range of motion of the top link attach point on newer brush cutters.

In the 80's I had a Bush Hog Squeeler that used a chain from the back to the top link attach. This allowed the tailwheel to follow a significant range of varying terrain - you could back the mower up an embankment or into a ditch or gully and the tailwheel rolled along the uneven terrain allowing the mower deck to self adjust. This, with consideration for pto shaft length and universal joint angle of course. Unfortunately, they stopped making them that way, I assume due to lawyers and the risk of the mower hitting an obstruction and flipping forward into the operator. The more limited range of the current designs is intended to preclude this.

I modified mine to use a chain so I appreciate the tailwheel and will take my chances. If the deck flips forward, it'll beat the living $^$# out of the cab, but I should come away uninjured but with less pocket money - - I'll take my chances.

 

[Fawken]

Fawken, The mower I have has been used extensively without a tail wheel. But I find it very difficult to keep the mower stable without the wheel.

Breadtrk, I am talking about the height of the wheel assembly. The shaft that sticks up into the receiver is far longer than the receiver. But that shaft only has one hole for the cotter pin. I am trying to wrap my mind about how to adjust the height. Spacers, I suppose????

Mine is a Hico and when it had the wheel it had 4 or 5 holes to adjust the height. I guess if you posted a picture it might clear up what you're asking.

 

[bumperm]

BuzzyG,

Sounds like spacers would be used on that one. Some use a flat strap with a series of holes in it and a tab on the wheel support that gets bolted to the desired hole on that strap to adjust height.

 

[Mace Canute]

Fawken, The mower I have has been used extensively without a tail wheel. But I find it very difficult to keep the mower stable without the wheel.

Breadtrk, I am talking about the height of the wheel assembly. The shaft that sticks up into the receiver is far longer than the receiver. But that shaft only has one hole for the cotter pin. I am trying to wrap my mind about how to adjust the height. Spacers, I suppose????

Just buy a whole bunch of flat washers and use them for spacers.

 

[bcp]

The shaft that sticks up into the receiver is far longer than the receiver. But that shaft only has one hole for the cotter pin. I am trying to wrap my mind about how to adjust the height.

Drill another hole.

Bruce

 

[breadtrk]

I'm still not seeing this. Got some pictures Buzzy?