Lawn mower wheel wear

[Constant Mesh]

I recently bought an inexpensive self-propelled walk behind mower. All the wheels are plastic. The front drive wheels have teeth around their inner circumference. A metal gear on each end of the left-to-right driveshaft interfaces with the wheel teeth. The drive wheels are identical -- no left or right.

My question is about the lifespan of the teeth on the wheels.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/TWO-NEW-OEM-CRAFTSMAN-HUSQVARNA-PUSH-MOWER-SELF-PROPELL-DRIVE-WHEELS-194231X460-/331535538578?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d310ed992

It appears that the plastic teeth will wear primarily on one side -- the side receiving power from the driveshaft gear.

It would appear that the left wheel will wear one side of the teeth and the right wheel the opposite side of the teeth.

My question -- would the teeth last longer if the wheels were periodically swapped to equalize the wear on both sides?

I have no idea how many hours of use one might expect to get with these wheels.

 

[Intech]

Makes sense

 

[lnewlf]

CT

 

[rushes]

Constant Mesh. That's an interesting name. Is this a test?

Don't know if that might wear them out faster. ?

If you like to tinker, take them off and clean them occasionally, and I bet you can pass that fine machine down to your heirs....

 

[infrared]

Automobile paste wax is a good lubricant for plastics and Nylon/Delrin parts. Carnauba type is the best; it makes a hard film and it stays put. Lube the axle/wheels too, because worn axle holes will chew up the gears.

Swapping wheels from side to side each season should help, too. Ask about replacement parts once each season, also, so you can get new wheels on order before they quit making them.

Cheers,

Infrared

 

[Walter]

I found letting a self propelled mower do just that and not push it has had good results in gear life for me after fixing once. I was told this advice from the local shop where they fix them that I purchased my parts for the repair.

 

[user 8909]

yes.

keep the front at 39psi and rear at 42

 

[dcarver]

man, how much lawn do you have?

 

[HotRodZilla]

When I was a kid, we had a self propelled mower. That thing finally died maybe 5 years ago. After close to 30 years of use something finally broke, and it wasn't those dumb plastic gears. I wouldn't worry about swapping them, but honestly, they don't make them like they used to. Haha...