Does my riding mower need a differential? - Page 2

theclencher · 06-10-2009, 05:33 PM

I think you will be very disappointed with steering response with a solid axle.

Mow the rest of the place with the rider, fix your push mower and use that just on that trouble hill. Maybe more aggressive rear tires would help.

Lug_Nut · 06-10-2009, 06:23 PM

Raise the mower deck when the wheels spin. That takes weight off the small diameter idlers/rollers and puts that weight onto the tractor wheels.
Add a weight box on back. I use an old deep cycle battery back there because I'm too cheap to buy bolt-on wheel weights.

jacktar · 06-10-2009, 08:08 PM

If your mower is older, and you are ready for an upgrade, you could look for one with a LS transaxle or locking diff (yes, they have them).

Check them out at http://www.tufftorq.com/level3.asp?ID=1

Sears markets some re-branded husqvarna garder tractors with upgraded transaxles. The K46 can be found in units in the $1700 price range running a 24hp briggs, while the K66 units will run you around $2400 with a 27hp kohler ... you can figure more for the husqy. Easiest way to tell is lift the seat on your mower and look for the sticker on the bottom of the seat. Search on those in www.mytractorforum.com

K66 mower transaxle is much sought after by mower geeks. It is servicable, with filter, fan, and remote fill tank and optional differential lock. It is also capable of pulling ground engaging impliments like a plow or box blade, so you could also level the hill :-) Here is one on ebay for $250

VetteOwner · 06-11-2009, 06:40 PM

well if your mower has those wide rear tires then a solid axle wont work well. as the rear wheels have much too traction and you would turn the front wheels and they would slide while you go straight.

the same goes for cars as does riding mowers: less air pressure bigger contact patch more grip

personally the narrower tires have much better grip than the huge wide ones.