Zero Turn Mower Pulls to One Side Problem (Fixed)

Zero-turn mowers are great for cutting the grass on the lawn faster, but they can be quite problematic. Many customers have complained that the zero-turn mower pulls to one side whenever they drive. 

This problem happens for four reasons: the steering adjustment problem, bad spindles, faulty damper, and insufficient air pressure in the tire.

The good thing is you can solve these issues. 

What you need to do is follow our guide.

We’ll discuss the details of possible reasons along with the solutions that will help you solve the issue. So let’s dive into the topic. 

Zero Turn Mower Is Pulling Towards One Side – (Reasons with Solutions)

Here are the four common reasons why you’re facing the issue with your zero-turn lawn mower. 

Problem	Symptoms	Solutions
Insufficient air pressure	One or more tires will look weaker than others.	Add more air pressure in the tires.
Steerings aren’t adjusted	The steerings won’t be aligned with each other.	Align the steerings of your zero-turn mower.
Bad spindles	The spindles would be damaged.	Replace the spindles.
Faulty dampers	Damage dampers.	Replace the dampers.

Also Read: 7 Common Simplicity Zero Turn Mower Problems [Fixed]

Insufficient Air Pressure In Tires 

Do you know that tire pressure is one of the main reasons why your zero-turn mower pulls to one side?

The reason behind it is that the tires are the one that takes all the weight and help in maneuvering. 

If the pressure on one of the tires is low, the mower won’t be stable, and you can’t control it.

The mower will automatically move towards one side because of the low pressure. What can you do? 

The Fix: 

1. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to check the tire pressure at home. You only need the right equipment, a tire pressure gauge that is easily available online. 
2. Once you get the gauge, check the maximum PSI level, it will be written on the tire. 
3. Afterward, remove the cap of the tire and insert the gauge and check the pressure. 
4. If the pressure is too low, then fill the tire with air. 
5. Follow the same process for all tires and ensure you’re not surpassing the maximum PSI level. 

Steering Aren’t Adjust

Have you ever focused on the steerings (drive arms) of the zero-turn mower?

If not, then you should be because you control the mower with the steering.

When the steering isn’t adjusted, you won’t be able to control it, and the mower pulls to the side. 

This isn’t a big problem, because we have an easy solution for you.

But before you dive into it, ensure that your zero-turn mower steerings aren’t adjusted. 

1. Sit on the zero-turn mower. 
2. Close the drive arms and push them forward. 
3. If you see they’re not aligned with each other, then you need to adjust them. 

The Fix:

1. If you see the bottom part of the driving seat, there will be bolts. 
2. These bolts are called “steering adjusting bolts.” 
3. What you need to do is tighten or loosen the bolts according to the adjustment. 
4. Once you’re done with the adjustment, check whether the steerings are aligned. 
5. If steerings are aligned, you can use the zero-turn mower again, and it won’t pull to one side. 

Watch the video below to understand whether you should tighten the bolts or lose them.

Bad Spindles

You may not know, but there’s an important component called the spindle. This part is known for rotating the wheel.

If the spindles of your mower are damaged, the mower will not go straight and go towards the specific side. 

The issue we’ve found is that this spindle is installed at the bottom of the deck.

And to access it, first, you have to remove the blades and then the pulleys.

So if you’re not the type of person who can do all of these things, the best is to contact an expert. 

The Fix: 

1. Gather all necessary equipment like an impact driver, wrench, new spindle, and socket wrenches. 
2. Remove the blades from the mower with the help of the impact driver. 
3. Then do the same with the belt and the pulleys. 
4. Lastly, remove all the bolts of the spindles. 
5. Installed new spindles. 
6. In the last, reverse the same process, first install the pulleys, then the belt and the blades. 

Faulty Damper 

The fourth possible issue that might be causing your zero-turn mower to pull to the left or right must be a damper.

The damper helps in reducing the extra loads on the pumps. When it doesn’t work, this process doesn’t happen. 

The Fix:

The solution to this issue is to replace the damper as soon as possible.

It’s an easy process if you’re a tech guy; in case you’re not, you always have the option to contact any expert. 

1. Pull the fender off from the mower by removing bolts with the help of the impact driver. 
2. Then remove the control arm of that side. 
3. Installed the damper correctly by watching the video below. 

Also Read: 7 Common Kubota Zero Turn Mower Problems [Fixed]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you adjust the steering on a zero-turn mower?

If you see the bottom of the steering of the zero-turn mower, there will be bolts.

These adjustment bolts allow us to adjust the steerings (drive arms). You only have to rotate them until you align the steerings. 

How do you keep a zero-turn mower straight?

To keep the zero-turn mower straight. First, set the steerings in the close arms position.

Afterward, push them forward, make sure not to open the arms while doing it, and the zero-turn mower will go straight. 

Why is one side of my zero-turn mower weak?

The main issue that often makes one side of a zero-turn mower weaker than the other is the air pressure on the tire.

When the tire pressure isn’t sufficient, one side will go weak, and the mower will start turning towards that side. 

Conclusion

The issues we’ve stated above the steering adjustment problem, bad spindles, faulty damper, and insufficient air pressure in the tire, are the main reasons why zero turn mower pulls to one side.

You can check the solutions and solve the issue. 

But before you do that, we have a tip: 

Always check whether you’re putting all your weight on one side of the mower or it’s adjusted.

Sometimes this issue happens because we put all of our weight on one side by sitting wrongly on the seat.