Smoother Steering For Your Zero Turn Mower

In this video I'll go over two common problems with zero-turn mowers which can result in herky-jerky steering. When you can't get smooth acceleration or turning out of your zero-turn mower, with the mower bucking back and forth like a bronco, it might be your steering technique if you are new to the mower. Or, it may be the machine itself if an important part has worn out. I'll talk about technique and show you the part you need to check for older machines.

[richardcumpston]

Thanks for doing this video. I have a Toro exhibiting the same problem. I made the mistake of ordering some dampers on Amazon. They were worse then originals. Ordered a pair from Toro dealer and the problem is now fixed. Learned my lesson.

[Hubjeep]

Thank you! I just picked up a used Zero turn with vacuum system, steering is all hekry-jerky. Just checked the steering dampers and they are both shot! Machine has under 1, 000 hours, hopefully this makes it smooth again.

[karenlee]

I wanted to know how to adjust new mower steering, when handles are even mower wants to turn to the right. MTD 46" Craftsman

[WallsBeeMan]

Presented very well. thanks for the info....tim

[edstheart]

Great video and the dampers on my Toro Z148 are definitely bad. Wish you had included the removal of them as haven't found any info on how to do that. Going to tackle it when my new dampers show up as may need to cut the grass before they get here. Thanks for getting me on the right track. I have had this mower for 20 years and it started doing the jerking around last year.

[djarvismax]

New dampener fixed my problem. Thanks!

[joeg]

Bought a zero turn (Toro) for my mom a few years ago. It has had jerky steering since it was new. My zero turn (Simplicity) steers smooth and always has. Hoping to use the info in your video to fix my mom's mower. It is horrible to drive!

[BasicPurple]

Will this also help with the sqeak that happens when i move the lapbars?

[tracieclarke]

I just got a new to me toro and the right handle won't go back to center on its own. I have to pull it back to center in oder to slow or go to neutral. What could it be?

[Youngphoenix]

Thanks for this video it really helped find my problem.

[travisconner]

What does it mean when one lever is stiffer compared to the other one?

[shanepipkin]

I have a 930 deere that is smooth no resistance but my ferris 2200 is stiff I can't find anything on how or what to do on lessing the resistance. what do you think?

[roristumpf]

My damper pops off . I bought a new one and it does the same thing. Any ideas? I have a Gravely ZT42

[cujo]

How many hours did you have on your ZT mower when you needed to replace those dampeners?

[mattsitton]

Tried your suggestion. Now my mower drives smooth. 2010 Dixon that I just got.

[masonpetrov]

My mower is jerky so I tried replacing the dampeners the problem still exists. My new ones are nowhere near as stiff as yours (can push them together fairly easily). Is that normal for some mowers to have such different stiffness?

[Dcelrod]

Where did you find the steering dampeners?

[toddbenfield]

Mine on my Ferris are way too stiff! Any suggestions?

[codyhoward]

Thanks very much, very informative video

[bigjoe]

I don't like my armrests either. I learned something new but you didn't tell us where to get them or how much they cost?