Gauge wheels or no gauge wheels
 

After seeing a picture of a 129 with gauge wheels, and knowing mine doesn't have them, i started doing some research. I found that gauge wheels were optional on decks. What is the consensus on using them? I understand that in certain situations they will prevent scalping, but in lumpy yards, wouldn't they result in an uneven cut? My thinking here is that the gauge wheels will rise and fall on bumps that the larger tractor tires will glide over.

My yard is very bumpy and I get a better cut with gauge wheels, without them it likes to scalp.

I use 'em...they work good.

Unless the deck is very narrow, like under 3ft, I want them. We have them on everything here except the 382--and we haven't mowed with it in a LONG time. We generally set them up so there is not a lot of weight on the wheels (except for the 60" decks under the Supers--but that's a whole other animal).

I agree with this. You don't want the weight of the deck on the wheels. That will result in the uneven cut you talk about, as well as the wheel will wear out very quickly. They aren't designed to carry the weight of the deck so they are there to prevent scalping, nothing more.

Well... THAT'S the rumor. But I'm doing everything wrong cause it all started with my 1330 lawn tractor with the 44" deck, ran it on it's wheels for 23 years, and only replaced the fronts twice.
Run my 50" on the 1650 starting with the wheels on the ground, then bring them up a nudge, let er rip, tatar chip. Same on my 44" under the 782, but it's got runners, so it's not right on the ground.
And as John said, the Haban's on the ground all the time... You talk about uneven terrain, I don't think it get's much worst than ours, and the wheels on the ground aren't going to make a uneven cut.
The deck is rigid, so it's not like the wheel can fall into a rabbit hole... The Haban's run the ground all the time, see any uneven cuts afterwards? Not on mine. My tractor, my way, your tractor, well, your way.:bigthink:

FWIW, the topic of deck wheels was probably one of the most discussed topics I had with customers during my dealership days. Most everyone thought since a wheel was there, it was meant to run on the ground...but no one asked MTD their purpose behind it.

There is a difference between deck gauge wheels and deck caster wheels. My spiel was to help educate customers caster wheels are heavier built (bearing), can turn/rotate, and can run on the ground to allow the deck to float on the ground if so desired. Gauge wheels are positionly stationary and should be called for the purpose they really serve, anti-scalp rollers. Set the deck where you want it and the wheel is there to keep the deck from digging in or, as the name says, the blade from scalping. I only bring this up due to the number of warranty claims customers tried to bring in to us when they bought their machines at the box stores. Clients who bought from me got what I consider a good education on what they could and could not do with their machine. And don't let the appearance of a grease zerk fool you, not all MTD rollers have bearings or bushings to keep from wearing out...ie, parts replacement. :bigthink:

Now every unit is personal and that is why there are aftermarket kits to put gauge wheels on older decks that have the runners as on my 782. I personally like the looks and the functionality they provide, so I say if you can find them, add them on. Just MHO.

I have a 50" deck on my 169, and was never all that happy with all the scalping that happened. My lot was flat, but you could tell no one ever did much work to smooth it out before we rented for a year. I fixed the big holes, but tried to not give the landlord too much free labor since he refused to fix things that were his responsibility... Anyways, I added gauge wheels to the front, mimicking the rear mount on the left side and attaching to the half bar loop runner on the right, cleaned it all up and repainted it. Problem is I moved, so I don't know how much it helped on the same bumpy lawn; the lawn I'm mowing now is much less bumpy but very hilly-I think the steep hill is nearly a 45 degree slope. So far I'm pleased with it, but I've only mowed twice since the change. I wish I had a better picture of it; I'll try to remember to get one tonight and post it tomorrow. My only issue with the wheels is my aversion to welding to anything that is stock...

Here are a few pictures of my amateur front deck wheel addition. I figured I'd use it a few times and then tighten all my bolts up before adding the belt cover back on.

I've got a 50" to hopefully put back in service soon. Heard a few mixed reviews about how they mow. I'll keep the front gauge wheels idea in mind.