G'day Offrdn and Norm
It's a common problem as Norm said , here's a list below to check,
Overinflated Tires: Front tires that are overinflated have a smaller contact patch with the ground, which means less grip. They'll "skid" or "plow" the turf instead of rolling and turning.
Underinflated Tires: While more contact can be good, if the tires are too flat, the sidewalls can flex excessively, causing the tire to deform and lose stability, also leading to a lack of a positive steering response. The correct tire pressure is essential for proper function.
Worn or Damaged Tires: Tires with worn-out treads or turf-style patterns are much more likely to skid on soft, wet, or uneven ground.
Wet or Soft Ground: This is a major contributing factor. When the ground is wet or muddy, the front tires can't get enough traction to overcome the forward momentum of the mower, causing them to slide.
Steering and Alignment Problems
Toe-in/Toe-out Alignment: The front wheels of a riding mower are typically set with a slight "toe-in" (meaning the front of the wheels are slightly closer together than the back). If this alignment is off, the wheels can fight each other, causing one or both to skid during a turn.
Bent Components: Hitting a curb, tree root, or other obstruction can bend parts of the steering linkage, such as:
Tie Rods: A bent tie rod will prevent the wheel from turning correctly.
Wheel Spindles: A bent spindle will cause the wheel to be out of alignment and wobble, leading to poor steering and skidding.
Front Axle: A bent axle can throw off the entire front end geometry.
Loose or Worn Steering Parts: Even if nothing is bent, the steering system can have too much "play" or "slop" due to worn-out bushings, bearings, or a loose steering shaft. While the steering wheel moves, the wheels don't turn as sharply or precisely as they should.
Worn Steering Gear or Sector Gear: These gears transfer the motion from the steering shaft to the tie rods. If their teeth are worn or damaged, they can slip, preventing the wheels from turning completely.
Mower-Specific Factors
Speed: Driving too fast, especially on a slope or during a sharp turn, can cause the front wheels to lose traction due to the momentum of the mower.
Weight Distribution: The weight of the rider and the mower's engine are mostly on the back wheels, which provide the drive. This means the front wheels have less weight on them for traction, making them more prone to skidding. If you're on a slope, the weight distribution can be even more exaggerated.
When I use my tow mower with 600 pounds on the trailer if I need to turn on a loose surface I stand up on the mower so
my weight is more forward and that stops the mower from ploughing straight ahead when the steering is turned.
Adding a little weight to the front of the mower could also help.
Cheers
Max.
