Hello
my name is Dave and I have a John Deere 190c tractor. I've had it for about 12 years. It has less than 500 hours. From time to time the steering gears would strip and I would replace them and they last maybe 2 years. Recently I've replaced the steering gears 3 times in the last 2 months. The mower works fine for a cut or 2 and then the gears strip only when turning left, The mower becomes useless for any left turns. No problems when turning right. I had the mower diagnosed by JD but they couldn't see anything obvious. They wanted to replace the gears but that would have been very expensive. Like I said I replace the gears (including the fan gear), bushings, and on the 3rd try replaced the bolts and washers. Its still stripping only on the left turns. Now I do have some terrain that is a bit bumpy from moles but nothing major that the mower can't handle. I cut 2.5 acres some of which is flat and smooth. The engine and everything else about the mower runs excellent. Tires are always checked before a cut and filled if needed. The wheels spin freely without any issues when mower is raised. I grease the wheels every 10 hours. The steering shaft does not appear to be bent. If it is, its not noticeable. The replacement parts cost about $100 and its a 4 - 5 hour job. I've done it 3x . If I did it it again, I don't know what else I can do so I may be looking at purchasing another mower. If anyone has any ideas, Please let me know.
Thanks
Dave
my name is Dave and I have a John Deere 190c tractor. I've had it for about 12 years. It has less than 500 hours. From time to time the steering gears would strip and I would replace them and they last maybe 2 years. Recently I've replaced the steering gears 3 times in the last 2 months. The mower works fine for a cut or 2 and then the gears strip only when turning left, The mower becomes useless for any left turns. No problems when turning right. I had the mower diagnosed by JD but they couldn't see anything obvious. They wanted to replace the gears but that would have been very expensive. Like I said I replace the gears (including the fan gear), bushings, and on the 3rd try replaced the bolts and washers. Its still stripping only on the left turns. Now I do have some terrain that is a bit bumpy from moles but nothing major that the mower can't handle. I cut 2.5 acres some of which is flat and smooth. The engine and everything else about the mower runs excellent. Tires are always checked before a cut and filled if needed. The wheels spin freely without any issues when mower is raised. I grease the wheels every 10 hours. The steering shaft does not appear to be bent. If it is, its not noticeable. The replacement parts cost about $100 and its a 4 - 5 hour job. I've done it 3x . If I did it it again, I don't know what else I can do so I may be looking at purchasing another mower. If anyone has any ideas, Please let me know.
Thanks
Dave
