How to Adjust Steering on John Deere Zero Turn Mower – Learn These 2 Tricks…

Zero Turn Mowers

How can I adjust the Steering Control Levers in the Neutral(2) position so the Machine stay still like page #18 Owners Manual RZ5424 says?

I just bought a new RZ5424 Zero Turn Lawnmower last week and when I started it and release the Parking Break and move the Steering Control Levers to Neutral position #(2) the lawnmower start turning to the right. The machine Did Not stay still as you said on your manual on page #18. I already checked the air pressure for all tires and All are within the15 PSI, as the Owners Manual recommends. I have not started cutting my grass yet because of that situation and I want to also trained my 14 years old on how to use it too. But without correcting that problem I can’t teach him safely. How can I fix it?

Answer

With you just purchasing the mower last week I would highly recommend you have the dealer do this as it should be covered by the warranty. This adjustment should done trained technicians as unsafe operation can occur.

The adjustment is done on the motion control arm on the side that is not staying in neutral by varying it length by turning the coupler after loosing its locking nuts. Both of the drive wheels must be off the ground to do this adjustment and it requires two people as one is needed to operate the unit and other to make the adjustments.

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Thank you for your prompt reply Mr. Rounds! I purchased the lawnmower thru AAFES Military Stores, not a local Husqvarna dealer. How do I go by having a local dealer come to my house to fix the machine? Do I pay for the adjustment? How do I get reimbursed? Who do I contact and where? I live in Pasadena, MD 21122 is the zip code. So where is the nearest Husqvarna certify service dealer? Please advise.

How Do You Level a John Deere Zero Turn Mower Deck?

The deck of your John Deere zero turn lawn mower may need to be adjusted every so often, so it can render crisp cuts for your lawn. Leveling the mowing deck should generally be done once or twice per season. If you happen to run into a curb or any other object with impact while cutting the grass, then that’s the time you should FOCUS on leveling the deck.

The process of leveling a mower deck is pretty much the same for all John Deere zero turn lawn mower models. But, it’s a good idea to refer to your John Deere mower’s user guide to ensure that you have all the tools for the job. a. Air source to inflate tires b. Tire pressure gauge c. Appropriate size wrenches d. Mower deck leveling gauge e. Working gloves f. A flat work surface Actual Procedure of Leveling: 1. First and the most important thing to do is to park the zero-turn lawn mower on an even and hard surface such as your garage or driveway. You will need to park your mower while its parking brake engaged. Next, adjust the deck of the mower into its highest position, and then select your preferred grass cutting height. 2. To ensure that your tires are not uneven; use a reliable tire pressure gauge. It will help you to check that all your mower tires are inflated to the same number within the required working range. 3. Before leveling up your zero-turn lawn mower, check the cut height settings once again. For example, if you have centipede grass, then your mowing height settings should be two. The main reason behind it is that the two inches is the appropriate mowing height for this type of turf grass. 4. Get started by lowering the deck, but leave some space. It will surely help in making sure that the wheels don’t touch the ground. You can start with either the left or right side. Therefore, make sure that your mowing blade is facing right, if you start from that side. Grab your mowing deck leveling gauge, and measure the distance from the edge of the blade tip to the ground. You can adjust the height with the wrench if it doesn’t match the selected cutting height. 5. If you’d like to raise the deck, you will have to turn the rear lift nut clockwise, and counterclockwise if you want to lower the deck. Repeat this same process for the other side. 6. To level your mowing deck from front to back, and not side to side as detailed above, the blades should be facing forward when turning them rather than side to side. 7. Lastly, ensure that your deck is working perfectly by setting the deck back up to its highest position, and checking if the latch engages. If it does, you can configure the wheels back in the lowest position. If the latch doesn’t engage, you’ll have to adjust the nuts again to lower the deck until the latch is engaged. (Source: MachineFinder.com)

What is the Best Method to Steer Zero Turn Lawn Mower Properly?

Steering a zero-turn lawn mower is similar to rowing your boat. a. When you drive your ZT mower, you first start the mower by initially engaging its parking brake. b. After that, you will need to place the gear shift of the mower in the start position. c. You will also need to keep the levers in the starting position, which is wide apart to each side. d. Turn the key to fire up the lawn mower, and switch the engine to neutral by pulling both the levers towards you over your lap. e. Finally, you will have to disengage the parking brake of your machine. f. To move forward in a straight line, push both the levers forward together. g. The further out you push the levers, the faster the speed. Turning a zero-turn lawn mower is similar to riding a bicycle, where you push the left lever forward to turn right, and right lever forward to turn left. The steering of zero turn lawn mowers is very sensitive, so you’ll have to apply steady pressure when pushing and pulling, or else you will experience jerky movements. If you’d like to bring your zero-turn lawn mower to a stop, simply pull both the levers back towards you to the neutral position. For more information about using commercial zero turn mower steering, check out this video.

There are several ways to smoothen steering in your John Deere zero turn mower. I will discuss my 2 main methods today.

Method No. 1: Riding Your Mower with a Half-Full Gas Tank

When you keep your gas tank to its 50 percent capacity, it becomes easier to control the steering of your mower. Keep in mind that the gas tanks of zero turn mowers are already big in size. Filling them up to the top makes them bulkier. Therefore, it will affect the steering performance of your machine. You can reduce its weight by keeping the gas tank only 50 percent full. And by doing it, you can easily control the steering of your mower.

Method No. 2: Reduce the Tire Pressure

Another great way to improve the steering of John Deere ZT mower is by lowering its tire pressure. Most users tend to overinflate the tires, which is an incorrect practice that could cause a rough steering control experience. By keeping the reduced pressure in the tires of your ZT mower, you can get better control of your steering. That is why, you need to reduce the pressure of your machine tires.

Conclusion

Zero turn lawn mowers from the John Deere brand are rated as some of the most reliable mowers in the market. However, just like any zero turn lawn mowers, its steering must be adjusted every now and then. By reducing the tire pressure and by maintaining the half full gas tank, you can easily control the steering efficiency. And when you improve the steering capability of your machine, it becomes way easier to clean your grass more efficiently. References: https://www.grapevinebirmingham.com/how-to-adjust-steering-on-zero-turn-mower/ https://www.mytractorforum.com/threads/john-deere-zero-turn-tracking-to-the-left.247299/ https://www.theaustle.com/how-to-make-a-zero-turn-mower-ride-smoother/

Daniel Hall I am Daniel and I live in New Jersey. I am 35 Year Old Dad to a loving baby girl. I am working as a Lawn Mowing Technician since last 7 years. This blog is a little attempt to share my knowledge and experience that I have acquired while repairing several brands of lawn mowers.

About Me

Hi, I am Daniel. I live in New Jersey, USA. I am 35 Year Old Dad to a loving baby girl. I am working as a Lawn Mowing Technician since last 7 years. This blog is a little attempt to share my knowledge and experience that I have acquired while repairing several brands of lawn mowers. Feel Free to Get in Touch via Contact Page if you have any personal queries related to your Lawn Mower.

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How To Fix Exmark Zero Turn Steering Problems? Easy 5 Steps (Solved!)

Nowadays, Exmark zero-turn mower becomes one of the best go-to options for landscape professionals due to its excellent cutting quality. But if your Exmark has a steering problem, you will lose control which may cause an accident. In that case, the question comes naturally, how do I fix my Exmark zero turn steering problems? Well, the solution is nothing but a step-by-step process.

  • Firstly, arrange the required tools; disconnect the steering wheel arm from the wheel axle.
  • Then remove the plate after removing the two bolts.
  • Get access to the center groove- remove and clean it with a brush.
  • Reinstall everything back and take a ride to test.

Lawn mower steering is essential; it is necessary to keep it in good form. It might become faulty, but it’s an easy solution if you know the basic troubleshooting.

Common Causes And Solutions for Exmark zero turn Steering Problems

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Following are some of the most common causes and solutions of Exmark zero turn steering problems.

Problem 1: Slipped Steering Gear

When you hit the tree, brick, or curb, you may have dislodged the gear that controls your mower steering. Once it is dislodged, the gear won’t work without fixing.

Solution 1:

Loosen up the bolt that controls and holds the steering gear in place. Then turn the steering wheel to the left until you hear the sound of the gear popping back to its correct position.

Once repaired, tighten the bolt, and your Exmark zero turn mower is ready for the mowing job. If you see the gear is damaged, replacing it with a new one is the best solution.

Problem 2: Tire Pressure

Over or under-inflated tires can also cause problems with your steering system. You can easily fix the tire pressure issue by reading the manual.

Solution 2:

Read the Exmark zero turn mower operator’s manual to know the correct pressure level for your mower’s tires. Once read the manual, take the tire gauge and check the mower’s tires.

If the psi does not match the recommended tire level, fix them. You can inflate or release the air from the mower’s tire to get the right pressure level

Problem 3: Dislodged Ball Joint

The dislodged ball joint can also make your Exmark zero turn steering problematic. It mostly happens when it is hit by some hard object like a tree, wall or rock.

Solution 3:

When the ball joint is dislodged, your mower steering will suffer. So check the ball joints to make sure they are in place.

If they are dislodged, loosen the bolts on the assembly and pop the ball joint to take them back to the right place.

Once they are secured, turn the wheel on the left or right side to check the steering wheel is responding correctly as you turn the wheel.

Problem 4: Damaged Bushes

If you have damaged bushing, your steering system will also suffer. The steering will become stiff and you will face problems while mowing.

Solution 4:

Exmark steering system bushings are under the steering gear. To access the system remove the nuts that control the gear in place and then pull the gear off the machine.

Now remove the bushing that is beneath it. Install new bushing, replace the gears and then secure the nuts back to take the bushing and gear to the correct place.

Ways to fix Exmark zero turn Steering Problems

When you have a problem with your Exmark zero-turn steering wheel, do not worry. By following simple steps, you can fix the issue within 30 minutes.

Step 1- Access the Bottom Area

The first thing that you need to do is to lower the deck to access the area where you want to keep the steering wheel straight. Try to move the steering wheel; you will see the wheel is not moving to the side and forth or back.

Come down to the bottom area, where the gear teeth are moving. Now get up your steering wheel lined up straight, and mark these teeth on the plate with a sharpie marker. It will help you understand where the gear’s center should be when it gets back together.

Step 2- Disconnect Wheel Arm From Axle

Remove the engine top cover and then disconnect the wheel arm from the wheel axle. The arm moves when you turn the steering wheel, so it must disconnect from the axle. By disconnecting, you can move; otherwise, the steering wheel will remain jam-free.

Take two half inches of wrenches on both sides of the arm bolts and loosen them. Once they are loose, remove the arm from the axle. Now check the steering wheel; it will be easy to turn on either side.

Step 3- Remove Plate Bolts

Go to the bottom of the mower engine system; you will see the plate is installed and fixed with two bolts. You will need to remove the plate, but it is only possible when you will remove the bolts.

Unplug the connectors to get access to the bolts. These bolts are a little away from you, so you may be unable to access them with simple hand wrenches. So, take a socket wrench and lose and remove both bolts.

Once the bolts are removed, simply pull up the plate and remove it from its place. Set the plate and bolts aside in a safe place.

Step 4- Clean The Groove

After removing the plate, you will get access to the grove. Look at the groove; you will see the dirt or small grass particles. When it moves, grass or debris stops the groove from turning.

So take the brush and clean all the debris; here, you will see metal tape to stop the debris from coming inside. But when you hit something, the plate may bend, which allows the debris to get in on the groove.

Remove the groove and clean it properly; also, fix the tape; if needed, you can replace it with something new or try to remove the bents, which is feasible.

Step 5- Reinstall The Groove

Once the groove is cleaned, attach it to the wheel arm and then put it back in its place. Attach the other side to the wheel axle. Now take a spacer and fix the groove, then screw the plate with the two bolts.

Take wrenches and attach the arm with the wheel axle by two bolts on the sides. Now check the steering wheel, and it will move freely on all sides. You have fixed the issue.

Take a few yards to check the steering wheel movement. Test the steering wheel by moving the mower forth and back.

Husqvarna Zero Turn Steering Problems (Causes, Solutions, Tips)

Are you fed up with continuous Husqvarna Zero Turn steering problems and desperately looking for a solution?

Well, the first step is to know the exact problem. So, the most common steering problems include mower movement issues, faulty damper, or stiff steering arm.

You can resolve these problems by cleaning the clogged part or replacing the damaged compartment.

But for that, you should also know the cause of the problem.

So, I’ve come up with this blog and will talk about the problems, causes, and solutions for zero-turn steering.

I’ll also give some maintenance tips to alleviate the chances of these problems.

Husqvarna Zero Turn Steering Problems – Causes Solutions

Unquestionably, every problem happens due to certain reasons or causes.

If you locate the causes accurately, you can eliminate the problem by applying the right problem-solving method.

So, here I’ve pulled together some common zero-turn mower problems, causes, and solutions.

Solution

When it comes to the solution, you have to position the levers of the steering system perfectly.

You must take off both steering handles in the first step to correct the position. After that, align them at equal heights.

It is worth mentioning here that you can also utilize the spare holes. They can aid you in adjusting the height according to your ease.

Sometimes you might find it difficult to move your mower on one side. It can happen due to jammed steering arms.

So, when you turn the mower to one side, you will face much resistance.

Husqvarna Zero Turn Steering Problems | Solve with Simple Steps

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People struggle with their Husqvarna Zero mower since they don’t know how to deal with these day-to-day problems. I had the zero-turn mower, and I faced all of the issues, including steering, weak side, tire issues, stiffening steering, and many more. These are the very common problems regarding the zero-turn mower.

Fortunately, I sorted out all the issues and used my zero-turn mower for a long time. Therefore, I came up with all the Husqvarna Zero Turn Steering Problems solutions.

Moving Problem Solution

If your zero-turn mower doesn’t move smoothly and you fail to move the steer, you must be careful about the steering lever. If you love to control your zero turn mower remotely, you must be cautious about the lever.

Problem: The imbalance of the steering lever might create difficulties. If it goes wrong, you will fail to move your mower machine. But the thing is you can quickly solve this problem. The main reason for this problem is the uneven lever.

Solution: You must evenly use the lever so that it will directly work and let you solve the moving problem.

Weak Side Solution

Another problem that you will find in your zero turns is the weak side. If you start the engine and drive it for a while, you might notice that one side of the mower is weaker than the other side. It’s a significant disadvantage of using the Husqvarna Zero Turn Mower. Although the problem might seem significant, the solution is pretty simple and easy.

Solution: Increase the weakened sides’ tire pressure and make them even with the other side. You will no longer face these problems.

Stick to One Place Solution

Sometimes, you will notice that your mower is not moving and firmly sticks to one place. You cannot move it backward or forward since the tire won’t move, but there are no tire issues.

Problem: Here, the main problem is steering dampers. This part of the steering assists the steering lever in moving the mower smoothly. If the dampers get damaged or broken, they will not work and let the lever move like before.

Solution: Changing the steering dampers will be the ultimate solution to this problem. You can also repair the dampers if the broken or damaged issues are not serious. You must be careful about its health and be sure to use the working dampers.

Stiffening Steering Arms Solution

If your steering arms are stiff and you cannot use them smoothly, you cannot drive the mower. It will also become hazardous if you cannot move the steering smoothly while mowing.

Problem: In that situation, you have to check the steering dampers or lever. They might be jammed, or the nuts get the dust and get jammed. As a result, your steering arms are stiff.

Solution: Check the loose nuts and tighten them accordingly. Your problem will be gone, and you can enjoy using the steering smoothly.

Adjusting Zero Turn Steering

Problem: If you want to solve all the problems regarding your Husqvarna Zero Turn Steering problems, you have to adjust the steering speed and the lever. If you look at the issues, you will find that most of the problems are related to lever and steering dampers.

Solution: If you adjust the entire steering of your mower, it will solve all the problems at once. First, adjust the steering speed by losing the steering nuts. You can fix your preferred speed here. Then, go to adjust the lever position. Be sure not to imbalance the lever and install it in the right and comfortable area.

Bob Driver

The machine comes to the Dealer in a box with “some assembly required”. One of the things the Dealer has to install is the control arms. There is a “stub lever” that comes up out of the chassis and the control levers attach to it. There are two (2) mounting bolts for each lever. The upper bolt goes through an arched slot in the control arm. Move both control arms to the “full forward position” and wedge them against the stops with a block of wood. Loosen the bolts at the lever mount and use the arched adjustment slot to get both levers even (at full forward) and then tighten them back down. The right side is usually the one that works loose (out of adjustment) over time. You’ll make way more left turns than right, because your discharge chute is on the right.

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