King Kutter rotary mower wheel doesn't turn

Gary_in_Indiana · Aug 25, 2003

King Kutter rotary mower wheel doesn\'t turn

Actually, I can turn it manually, but that's about it. It's not at all a free spin. I checked to see if the wheel was too tight in the frame by loosening the nut/bolt assembly and that made no difference at all.

I can't imagine this is normal or right. Has anyone else had this experience? Do I just need a new wheel (to replace my new wheel)?

Bird · Aug 25, 2003

Re: King Kutter rotary mower wheel doesn\'t turn

Sounds to me like there's obviously something wrong; too tight, not lubricated, or damaged. Personally, I'd take it off and look at all the parts to see if I couldn't determine why it doesn't turn freely and then decide whether I needed to "fix" it or replace it.

BillG_in_TX · Aug 25, 2003

Re: King Kutter rotary mower wheel doesn\'t turn

Gary,

I had the same problem with my KK 5' RC. The first time I used it, it was practically leaving a furrow! I asked about it on TBN, and the consensus was that it needed more grease. The next time I used it (about 4 weeks later) it seemed to have loosened up considerably. I didn't add any grease, and it was turning freely, with no "furrow".

Perhaps time (and more grease?) will solve your problem. It's interesting that you and I have experienced the same problems with our RC & QH. The aggravation quotient must be engineered in on purpose. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

kemartin3 · Aug 25, 2003

Re: King Kutter rotary mower wheel doesn\'t turn

When I first got my KK 6' the wheel wouldn't turn. The axle bolt had been overtightened (several people have reported that). I also pumped some grease into it and manually turned it till it broke loose. It loosened up in the first 15-30 minutes of use, and has been fine since. Now, why KK continues to have these problems.... Guess it is just part of the "good value" equation.

Hope this helps,
Kevin

slowrev · Aug 25, 2003

Re: King Kutter rotary mower wheel doesn\'t turn

Not sure about on the wheel, but sometimes too much grease will almost lock up a bearing assembly. Not sure of the technical process taking place here, just know by experience that it can happen.

normde2001 · Aug 25, 2003

Re: King Kutter rotary mower wheel doesn\'t turn

Gary, you need to remove the wheel and shaft/bolt and clean them both in parts cleaner and inspect to see what is making it tight, burr, rust, dent etc. It should not require lubrication to turn freely, merely to prevent wear. After you free it up with a file, grinder, etc. then lube and reassemble.

Gary_in_Indiana · Aug 25, 2003

Re: King Kutter rotary mower wheel doesn\'t turn

I called King Kutter and asked them about this after I posted my question.

I was told the wheels are intentionally over tightened for shipping purposes and should be loosened by the buyer prior to use (Even though there's no mention of this in the manual, I had already done it to no avail). Secondly, I was told there is a grease fitting on the wheel hub for me to lube (I hadn't done this as it's NOT listed in the KK manual as even having a fitting to lube there, but I'll give that a shot, for sure).

Lastly, the good ole boy with whom I spoke told me if that didn't work just give him a call back and they'd get a new one on it's way to me.

While this is at least the third major shortcoming I've seen in their manual, I have to say I was real impressed with the no hassle way they looked at the problem. I wasn't asked to fax copies of dated receipts or anything else for the warranty replacement (if necessary). It was just "Is it new?" "Yep, brand new." "OK, if that doesn't work gimme a call back and we'll send you out a new one."

There's a lot to be said for that 'good ole boy' way of handling things, you know? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'm out of town for the next couple days here so I won't get the chance to post my greasing results until later this week but I will definitely let you all know what happens. Thanks for all of the replies. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

edv · Aug 25, 2003

Re: King Kutter rotary mower wheel doesn\'t turn

Gary....You are not the only one with this problem.... Our company V & V Equipments sells KK cutters....every KK cutter the wheel bolts needs to be loosened and greased....Not a quality fit.... For our customers that demand more quality for just a little more $$$ we sell the Mid West Cutters, and those who want the best we sell Deere cutters.

edv

Gary_in_Indiana · Aug 26, 2003

Re: King Kutter rotary mower wheel doesn\'t turn

Thanks, Ed. At the time I was looking, Midwest (under the First Choice label) couldn't get a vibration problem solved on their five foot rotary cutters so they weren't an option. I waited and waited and finally bought the KK. Of course, that was probably the day the vibration problem was solved, too. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Oh, well... the money I saved turned into either chain guards or my slip clutch & 3 pt. trailer hitch. I don't remember which.

Soundguy · Aug 26, 2003

Re: King Kutter rotary mower wheel doesn\'t turn

When I first got my 5' KK rotary mower, the first time I mowed, the whell dug a furrow. I loosened the nut a bit, and then greased the heck out of it.. turns easilly now.

I do know that TSC sells the replacement hub for that wheen though... perhaps they wear out after a while...

Soundguy