DennisFolsom
Gold Member
Today, I mowed for the 3rd time with my new YT4000 24 HP 46in (Model 917.288572). Tonight, I decided to grease it, since I wasn't sure whether it was adequately lubed during assembly (or prep, if there was any). I'm the kind of guy who reads the manuals on my equipment, so I studied the Lubrication Chart. The chart referred to Zerk fittings on the spindles and wheel bearings, but also said the steering pivot bolts and the steering sector gear teeth should be greased. I thought "Have I got to take those pivot bolts out to lube them?" It turns out that they had Zerks on the bottom of them!. I did have to smear grease on the steering gear teeth with my fingers. There was some on them, but I got some more on.
I think the grease job done before I picked the tractor up was hit and miss. One of the wheel bearing fittings was so dry, I doubt it had ever seen a grease gun. The wheel on the other side had almost enough grease spilled to lube the whole tractor. I don't know if they actually got any in it, though.
For what it's worth, I'm glad I greased mine early in its life. (I probably should have done it before the first mowing.) At least now I know it has been greased.
Overall, I like this Lawn Tractor. I have my "Big John" (JD 4600) for the snow removal and heavy stuff. "Little Red" will be doing lawn mowing duty only, on a 1/3 acre lawn that is a bit rough in spots. It's true that a heavier duty garden tractor would have been a better ride, but this should do the job for years, for a lot less cash.
I think the grease job done before I picked the tractor up was hit and miss. One of the wheel bearing fittings was so dry, I doubt it had ever seen a grease gun. The wheel on the other side had almost enough grease spilled to lube the whole tractor. I don't know if they actually got any in it, though.
For what it's worth, I'm glad I greased mine early in its life. (I probably should have done it before the first mowing.) At least now I know it has been greased.
Overall, I like this Lawn Tractor. I have my "Big John" (JD 4600) for the snow removal and heavy stuff. "Little Red" will be doing lawn mowing duty only, on a 1/3 acre lawn that is a bit rough in spots. It's true that a heavier duty garden tractor would have been a better ride, but this should do the job for years, for a lot less cash.
