Installed 48" deck, now steers hard.....

[Fordiesel69 271]

On the 312-8 I tried the 48" deck and also on my GT-1642.  The steering is noticably harder in which it feels abusive on the steering components.  Whould installing a 520 swept axle help with this, or is there other stuff going on that makes it steer better.

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,938]

I don't have a 48" deck, but on my 416, when the tires are properly aired up and the axle's properly greased, the 42" Recycler on it feels like I have power steering.

[dsholler 54]

I only have a 48 inch deck for my 414. It does not seem to be terribly different with the deck and without. One thought is that if the scalp rollers are touching the ground, that would create a lot more drag ( and tend to keep you going in a straight line). The only other thing I can think of is whether the lift mechanism is rigged wrong and impinging on the steering somehow, but I am not even sure how that might happen.

When you have the deck lowered on level grass, only the back two wheels should be touching the ground, and nothing should touch when it is raised. If that is the case and those wheels are greased, I would see if they are worn out... I have seen other posts on here about those wheels wearing out so they no longer run straight. See

Of course, the worst case scenario is that you have a structural problem, and the weight of that big deck is changing the geometry so the steering binds up.

[Don1977 605]

First check the air pressure in the front tires along with greasing steering and spindles. Might want to give the steering a good going over. The top steering shaft bearing support was not the best design on those models. It caused the shaft to be miss alined at the fan gear. If the bushing at the top is good the fan gear may need some adjustment. Also check the bracket holding the steer shaft and the fan gear they can be broken or could need new bushings. As said above most Wheel Horses steer easy.

[Callen 64]

Try oiling the steering shaft between the fan gear and the cast piece. Grease doesn't get down to that area from the top.