[dirtyratssurfrats]

It’s dangerous to mow near the top edge of a steep bank, even though you may have done it a hundred times before, if the unexpected happens (it’s always unexpected), the time you have to react may be less than a second, maybe much less,, and that’s how it was with me. There were several things I could have done to stop going over the bank, but my only hope would have been an instant instinct reaction, but my brain did not have one.

I didn’t turn over, I drove down it, and hit the bottom hard, then popped up onto an asphalt road; the tractor still running and the deck still operating, but all was not well.

Thinking about what happened I think it’s likely that the left front tire hit the ditch first, took most of the impact and transmitted it to the axle, tie rod, and and drag link.

Here is a list the the damage done I can see.

1. Bent the tie rod
2. Maybe bent the drag link (I know it has a factory bend but I think it is bent more)
3. I believe it twisted the axle spindle (is it possible to bend cast iron?)
( Measuring rim to rim on both sides the left side is closer 1/4’ to 3/8”.)
Plus, just looking at the spindle it looks like the bottom is bent back.
4. Busted the bumper.
5. Some how changed the deck height adjustment.
(I mowed with it after the wreck and the deck is clipping tree roots it missed before at
the same sitting)

If there is good news the tractor still runs, will still mow, the steering gear seems ok, and the mowing deck and attachment points look undamaged.

The new parts I know it needs cost about $ 287.00: (tie rod, drag link, axle and bumper)

But I wonder now if I should try to repair it myself, which I at first thought, or take it to the dealer. It was a jewel of a GT225 I really like this tractor and want it fixed right.

 

[JohnnyReb]

The great news is that it didn't damage you. You can replace your mower or fix it....but you can't replace you. Thank god your only fixing the mower :thThumbsU

 

[dirtyratssurfrats]

The great news is that it didn't damage you. You can replace your mower or fix it....but you can't replace you. Thank god your only fixing the mower :thThumbsU

Well said, JohnnyReb, well said, and amen! I think I needed to be reminded of that. :thanku:

 

[no2498]

if you are ok
look at the air in the tiers you hit hard so may have let some air out of one or two
john

 

[Fightinghalpins]

Look on ebay and local ads like craigslist. If that figure is new from deere you should be able to get it under $150. As for the repairs they are pretty easy with basic tools so you should be able to handle it and if not we can help. Glad to hear you're ok.

 

[KATT]

The great news is that it didn't damage you. You can replace your mower or fix it....but you can't replace you. Thank god your only fixing the mower :thThumbsU

Right !!! :thThumbsU but as usual :wwp::wwp: which will also help if you fix it yourself.

 

[PA318Guy]

Two things (you may have alread done this) is to park on level pad and then inspect all the linkages to the mower deck looking for any bends/twists of steel. Next thing is to inspect the deck height adjuster to see if it has moved. My 212 did this and the adjuster wore through the frame (I couldn't believe it!) and I had to have the frame welded at that point.

 

[dirtyratssurfrats]

no2498
Re: A senior moment leads to trouble with GT225
if you are ok. Look at the air in the tiers you hit hard so may have let some air out of one or two
john

I didn't think of that and the tires do appear soft, Thanks

Fightinghalpins
Re: A senior moment leads to trouble with GT225
Look on ebay and local ads like craigslist. If that figure is new from deere you should be able to get it under $150. As for the repairs they are pretty easy with basic tools so you should be able to handle it and if not we can help. Glad to hear you're ok.

I found an axle with tie rod attached on ebay that fits my tractor, The reps look good on the seller. Thanks for the good advice.

Katt: Who wants pictures. If I decide to fix it myself I will send pictures.

PA318Guy
Re: A senior moment leads to trouble with GT225
Two things (you may have alread done this) is to park on level pad and then inspect all the linkages to the mower deck looking for any bends/twists of steel. Next thing is to inspect the deck height adjuster to see if it has moved. My 212 did this and the adjuster wore through the frame (I couldn't believe it!) and I had to have the frame welded at that point.

Yeah, I did all the above. I could see no damage to the deck. Even in the shape it is in I still mowed the yard, and the deck height adjuster seems to work ok, but I don't really know how it works, and from underneath I could not see tell very much about it.

Is the axle very hard to put on?

And thanks for the replies, fellows.