Deck Wheels, Rollers and Castor Faults on Trailed Mowers

The deck wheels and rollers on a trailed mower are the contact points with the ground. When a castor stiffens or a roller wears, the deck no longer follows the surface cleanly, and the cut suffers. Inspecting these parts keeps the deck rolling true.

Check castor wheels turn freely

Castor wheels swivel to follow the tractor's path. A stiff castor drags sideways and leaves a ragged edge. Jack the deck and spin each castor by hand: it should swivel and roll freely. A stiff bearing is greased or replaced. Check the tyre for cuts or flat spots.

Inspect deck rollers for wear

Deck rollers sit under the rear of the deck and set the finish height. A worn roller develops grooves or a flat face. Spin it by hand and look for roughness. A worn roller leaves a visible mark on the cut and changes the height. Replace a grooved or rough roller.

Look for loose or bent fork arms

The castor fork holds the wheel, and it bends or loosens on impact. Inspect the fork for bending, and check that the castor pivot bolt is tight. A bent fork holds the wheel at an angle, and the deck pulls to one side. A bent fork is replaced rather than bent back.

Set wheels to the correct height

Even good wheels cut poorly if set at the wrong height. Adjust the castor and roller height to the deck's intended cut. All wheels at the same setting give an even finish. Re-check after hitting a hidden obstacle, which can knock the setting off.

Grease and inspect regularly

Grease castor pivots and roller bearings on schedule, and inspect them at every sharpening. Wheels and rollers that roll freely let the deck follow the ground and leave an even finish. A well-running deck is quiet, too.

References

BROWN R T, DAVIES M K. Ground-engaging wheels on trailed mowers[J]. Biosystems Engineering, 2021, 203: 400-408.

Brown, R. T., and M. K. Davies. "Ground-Engaging Wheels on Trailed Mowers." Biosystems Engineering, vol. 203, 2021, pp. 400-408.

Brown, R. T., & Davies, M. K. (2021). Ground-engaging wheels on trailed mowers. Biosystems Engineering, 203, 400-408.