Taxguy 0 #1 Posted January 17, 2022 Wheelhorse 266-H, Model 72084 Ser # 5901168: I have used the tractor for snow plowing for the past many years with no problems. A year ago while plowing about 6 inches of snow, completely lost the steering; the steering wheel would go round and round without engaging. The repair shop replaced the steering plates (where the teeth mesh). When I used the tractor again last week (again, about 6 inches of snow), the same thing happened...the gear does not mesh with the teeth on the plate and the steering while goes round and round. No problem when using the tractor (without the snow plow attached) during the summer. Anyone have any thoughts why after all these years, pushing snow with the plow would cause loss of steering? I posted this on "lawnmowerforum" and had suggestion of replacing the lower steering shaft bearing. Thanks much. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maxwell-8 4,367 #2 Posted January 17, 2022 Hard to tell. You have any pictures? Do they have bearings? I thought bushings. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldlineman 1,541 #3 Posted January 17, 2022 sounds like something is flexing when you push with the blade causing the steering gears to loose contact with each other. Look for metal flexing point around steering gears, since it only happens when using plow. Bob 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 29,413 #4 Posted January 17, 2022 1 hour ago, Taxguy said: Anyone have any thoughts why after all these years, pushing snow with the plow would cause loss of steering? Can You post a few pictures of you steering gears? One of us might notice some thing out of the ordinary. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 9,301 #5 Posted January 17, 2022 @Taxguy in a way , not to be sarcastic , having a problem related to a single intended use , is a good thing , look over the entire frame , bolt up to tractor , any loose or related bolts at steering gear to frame area? have SOMEONE ELSE , start , steer and intend to plow , something has to show up . been plowing now coming on 40 years , never had that happen . i,m curious to issue, pete 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 7,221 #6 Posted January 17, 2022 (edited) The steering shaft and gear turns in a standard flanged wheel bearing at the bottom, The steering gear is bolted with a carriage bolt up from the bottom with a fixed washer with square hole then the steering gear is held in place with a stepped washer and bolted down. You need to check all these idlems for looseness and wear. Could be just the nut is loose on the steering gear. There is also a flat bar on top that may attach to the steering shaft can't tell from the parts drawing. Edited January 17, 2022 by Lee1977 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roadapples 6,983 #7 Posted January 17, 2022 Cracked frame? 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,512 #8 Posted January 18, 2022 There is a link to the service manual here. Click on the picture to get to it. https://www.partstree.com/models/72084-266-h-toro-yard-tractor-sn-059000001-059999999-1995/lower-steering-32/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
