RE: (ET) First mowing of the year (at last!) and questions

["Hazen, Dwight L" <hazen indiana edu>]

2) The E20 doesn't steer as well with the mower on. In fact at any speed
above L1-2, the front wheels don't seem to provide much input at all. On 
the
hill I have to slow to speed 1 in order to steer.


Make sure the deck is in good shape that is, all the wheels and rollers 
move
and are not dragging. It takes a lot of energy to push the deck, just try 
to
move it by hand. Disassemble the roller bar and clean and lube it. Any bent
parts should be replaced. Take a good look at the wheels and mounting 
points
make sure they are true. Any thing you can do to make it roll and cut 
better
will increase your mowing pleasure. When you catch on to using the front
mount mower you will not want to mow any other way. Remember the deck will
cut in reverse and if you turn the mower you can swipe under and around a
lot of stuff in your yard.

If the deck is rolling ok then the tires on the tractor are the next place
to look. If you are using the original tires you will notice they are like
stone. 30 plus years and the rubber is hard. You do still have good tread
right? I have played around with new tires and found soft replacement tires
work better than the 30 year stone tires. The down side is the soft tires
start showing wear in 2-3 years.   

Dwight

Dwight L. Hazen, Indiana University, UITS 
Bloomington, In. 47408-7378 Phone 812-855-5367 hazen indiana edu
http://php.ucs.indiana.edu/~hazen/ Ham Radio wb9tlh arrl net
IP Phone 317.278.4014   Change is inevitable except from a vending machine.