Lawn Mower Scalp Wheels - Adjusting and Adding

Mower scalp wheels are critical for a smooth cut. Doc shows you the right settings for your scalp wheels and adds a center scalp wheel to his mower deck. www.howtowithd...

[@scottculver4749]

Thank you Doc. My lawn has never looked better. Your energy and knowledge have taken me to a new gardening level.

[@timthomas9105]

Just went from a 42 inch D105 to the 48 inch E140. After reading all of the reviews on Mohawk lawn I wanted to adjust my deck before using. Delivered today and waiting to see the videos before letting my Son touch it.

[@DXT61]

I picture Doc as the guy hollering "Get off my lawn!"

[@lmergenti]

Thank you, Doc, for this great video. My lawn is exactly like yours, and I face the same scalping issues. I just bought a brand new E180 with a massive 3-blade, 54" deck. I've raised my deck to 3.5" but still have bad scalping. But here's what I don't get: My prior tractor was a LT160, 2-blade, 42" deck. I used to cut with it at 3.25" and had only 2 or 3 areas with bad scalping. But now with this 54" deck E180, I have about 15 or 20 scalped areas. At my wits end after plucking down close to $3 grand. I've been thinking about having several yards of black dirt shipped in and trying to fill the low areas, and re-seed. Ughhhhh. Would sure like to avoid that. My next cutting I plan to lower the 4 scalp wheels, and raise the deck to 3.75".

[@jackstroud2414]

your owners manual tells you which hole to put the scalp wheels in, for 3.25" should be the bottom hole, i just bought one used it once and have some really uneven land. My 54" deck has the 5 wheels, the middle one only has one mounting hole.

[@BigAlWillis]

wow, that's a big yard. excellent info, thumbs up

[@RyanMiller3039]

Wow your lawn is beautiful

[@LetsGoitsBrandon]

Great info. I finally adjusted mine today on my 42" Craftsman ZTR. It could definitely use some additional wheels as it only has 2 in the front.

[@itsthereal_dyl]

Love the ingenuity! One of your best videos yet.

[@srobins05]

X390 48"Deck has 5 wheels unless you count the front middle two then its 6. It really cuts well. Im excited to start using it! Thanks for the info!

[@MA.CUTLER]

We'll I'll be dammmed... thanks sir because I've never known what those damn wheels were for 😆 you learn something new everyday👍🏾👍🏾

[@dlkline27]

Ariens solved the scalping problem decades ago with their "flex and float" deck mounted on their GT series lawn tractors. There are no scalp wheels. The deck rides on the ground on it's own rollers and is suspended in such a way that it is independent of the tractor. I've often wondered why no other mower manufacturers adopted the Ariens system.

[@Chris24436]

Those 5 day results are impressive!! Pgf complete is actually fairly priced! A tiny bag of Scott's summer lawn food cost $26 and has no humic acid, micronutrients, phosphorus or potassium, and it has a much larger granular size.

[@anthonycaldi7056]

Great Video Just Subscribed! Let me ask a question.....The before and after of the front lawn at the end of the video is so stark from when it was cut to 5 days of growth, why not cut it at a higher setting to begin with? I used to cut my lawn really low for years and a friend of mine suggested that I was cutting it to short and advised me to cut it at a higher setting. For me that worked out and my lawn always looked greener. My lawn is not as dense as yours appears to be, so I’m not sure if it’s relatable

[@Bunkysworkshop]

I’m not a lawn person but can you fill in the hole and plant grass?

[@HowTowithDoc]

The front of the blade should be roughly 1/8" lower than the rear. Prevents double cutting on rotary type mowers.

[@radioactivelarry]

What a beautiful lawn you have Doc and your whole yard. Have you ever considered using a portion of your yard for a vegetable garden? Love fresh tomatoes on the vine and zucchini squash if you're into those sort of veggies. Maybe we will see your house in Home & Garden some day.

[@chrisfink1]

Deere x380 has adjustable scalp wheels and a center scalp wheel. Never have any issues with mine.

[@zigarooSJunk]

Doc, looking at the deck when lowered, we can easily see that your deck is not leveled. The front is way to low compared to the back. In case you didn’t know, that rod at the front of the deck is for adjusting the height. Instead of adding that extra wheel, you could have level the deck .

[@rogergroover4971]

That’s a great idea! I have a S140 with four wheels but also wanted the center one to help with loading and unloading. Thanks!

[@berryoaks]

I have a JD similar to yours and never knew what those deck wheels were for. Thanks. How do you treat your lawn, both for fert and weeds, with dogs. I have for Doodles that are constantly in the yard and have been hesitant to put down weed control. Now my yard is being consumed by the weeds. The droughts and high heat here in Savannah didn't help either. Keep the vids coming.

[@cadillacshak5600]

Great info Doc! Helped me immensely.

[@matthewderickson1121]

I'd recommend doing the install of center scalp wheel with new outer wheels because they have worn down

[@thephotographicauditor6715]

Some mowers come with a wiiiide (5th) wheel in the center/front of the deck. Ask your parts guy which brand mower decks support that item. The ones I’ve seen are about 6-8” wide, like a miniature rolling pin. GREAT job for thinking outside the box....um...er...deck!!!

[@billyballa7002]

you said it right, cutting bermuda with a riding rotary mower low will create scalped areas and the only way to fix it is by leveling the yard, adding more anti-scalp wheels wont stop it, and the wider the deck the more you will scalp

[@rayzeleski6570]

I have a 2010 Craftsman with a 42" cut deck; sometime last season the control lever for the deck broke off as I tend to get too close to shrubs, bushes & trees. Anyway, I've tried rigging up a homemade suspension apparatus that "hangs" the mower deck from the chassis. It took me forever to "adjust" it so that the deck will cut level, but my problem now is that I not only scalp the lawn, but I'm also scalping TREE ROOTS that protrude above the ground! I'm considering buying 4 anti-scalp wheels in hopes they will stop this problem, because I can't afford to buy another lawn tractor. Will the wheels help me?

[@mavrck89]

Dude, that yard looks phenomenal! Just got my Deere and wasn’t happy with cut. Watched your vid and found out they had my tire pressure close to 30! Also adjusted my scalp wheels based on your vid. Need to pick up that leveling tool, I’m sure the deck is all screwed up too. Thanks for the help. Can’t wait to do next cut and see.

[@markkessler8061]

Hello, I'm a new subscriber and I have many of the same issues that you're showing how to prevent and I thank you for the information. Off this subject, I also have Bermuda grass that I cut with a JD rotary mower. The problem I have is infiltration of foreign grasses and I struggle to get rid of them year after year. Is there a product, granular or spray that I can apply to get my lawn back to just Bermuda grass. I'm hopeful you can help...... thanks!

[@busterjaros7567]

Thx for the great vids Doc. Question. Do you bag your clippings always during normal summer cuts? Or is it okay to just let them fly? Thanks!

[@jackbecker6680]

Great video

[@Jerenorwood]

Why not just fill and level those spots?

[@johnmyser621]

How do you you prevent your scalp wheel from digging into your lawn when you turn your mower. I have a 425z track. I am guessing I must raise my scalp wheels higher?

[@joebieksha2766]

Great video. The hose attachment to the John Deer do you use it and does it work? How about a video on that. Joe

[@erictownsend8711]

Thanks for sharing, explains a "hole" lot.

[@craigclausen6649]

Your video is great but my problem is turning corners and 5he front wheels dragging. We end up having to replace wheels more than once during the summer. Our lawn is even worse than your, we live way out in the country and most of it is old pasture. Do they make front swivel wheels? I have to kept raising and lowering the deck which in turn caused the lever (we have a hydraulic deck) to break. Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated. Thank you,, Nancy

[@michaelsimsplaya4199]

I had a craftsman with no scalp wheels , it never scalped . Bought a Deere with 3 scalp wheels , it scalps like crazy (same yard )????

[@ErikS308]

Good idea but also repair the low spots. Put a little sand in them about every two weeks until you get things level. Don't cover the green grass.

[@gregbrassington2120]

If you only mow your lawn & are familiar where these lot spots are causing the scalping ,why not put soil in the low spots ?

[@thelawnbutcher4674]

So i cut at 3.5 inches.. whats my scalp wheels need to be at off a hard surface? Still 1/4 ? That seems wrong

[@grizzlephotovideo]

Kylekatie Butcher yes, that is correct. Put your mower on a flat, hard service. Lower the deck to your cutting height. The scalp wheels should 1/4 off the ground.

[@firejim1232]

It seems wrong to me too. I have aJD E130.I also cut at 3.5 inches. I lowered my scalp wheels to the bottom hole and there’s an inch and a half gap. My owners manual states that there should be 1/8 to 1/2 inch space. I can’t lower the scalp wheels any lower?

[@sandrarice2069]

Your yard looks like carpet. It's so dense. It's a beautiful yard.

[@justinwhite4198]

Thanks doc

[@jonmernick780]

my kubota has a 54 inch deck with the center wheel also and no chance of scalping

[@carlocabarajas280]

Doc: Do you offer the “add-on scalp wheel” for purchase? I have the John Deere E170 with 48” deck.

[@Offgridwilderness]

Simplicity lawnmowers have the best anti scalp system, a 48 inch deck has 10 scalp wheels. And the rear of the deck has a solid bar of scalp wheels from side to side

[@mikejoyce3782]

On my JD forum, there is always "discussion" about the best cut. Simplicity always has the best cut because of the TRUE floating deck. That said, almost never see that brand among the commercial mowing trade. A compromise I guess.

[@royscarbrough3589]

Thanks-Awesome videos

[@justanotherviewer6604]

Did you find that when the new center wheel touches ground to prevent scalp the sides raise up causing taller grass?

[@rayofishal1804]

Good afternoon Doc. How do I transition from my current lawn to Bermuda? I don’t know what kind of grass I have but I know it doesn’t look like Bermuda

[@swalowit]

Does that "one off" custom anti scalp bracket have a patent or something ? Why is there a # stamped into it if it was made from flat stock ?? Not being a troll, I'm genuinely curious. Thanks

[@bryansmith5980]

If you have and know you have a hole in your lawn. Why not fix the hole? I fix my yard pretty much anytime I come across them.

[@BCUltimateRC]

Great stuff!!! Subbed and liked!

[@60mech5]

Is "scalp wheel" a John Deere term? Just curious, because they are anti-scalp wheels. Good channel.

[@jeffhatley8815]

Any suggestions for a push mower? In 2nd year of new sod and having scalping problems

[@Chris24436]

Manual reel mower.

[@flyingbob297]

JD makes a 48” deep deck that has a roller in front center.

[@HowTowithDoc]

Yes, it's the dealer model that runs about $900 more I believe

[@williamodom2698]

I would put wheels on both sides of front levelling front bracket ?

[@johnyork8148]

started watching but if i hear scalp wheels one more time i,ll burn my mower LOL

[@silentmajority2347]

On the ruts, take a season and fill them little by little with a sand and peat moss mix allowing the grass to come up and through. Golf course trick.

[@dustinworley5845]

Can you put scalp wheels on a push mower?

[@outlandish9233]

I think they're called anti-scalp wheels...…..

[@keithtaylor1783]

Sorry mate it looks like you have so many cutting lines in your lawn ,,I am in Australia and have a very large botanical gardens and a lot of lawns to mow ,,I have a 42'' X300 john deere I have had so much trouble with deck settings Re/ mowing ,,Cheers mate thanx for your video

[@bear4221]

@7:10 Deere used to have a center roller in the front center and rear center. In addition to the rear outer wheels and optional front wheels

[@2shoestoo]

Most of your complaints concerning your John Deere is you have a 100 series. I have a 380 and don’t have those issues. The 380 has a much upgraded deck system

[@HowTowithDoc]

I agree... but $2100 vs. $4500 and I get to gripe... :)

[@jeremyarnett486]

Thanks Doc!

[@TheGermanation]

Cute dogs, but I don't see pee marks killing your grass. How do you prevent that?

[@gregj2647]

Did you take the deck off (pain in the a$$) or drill the holes with the deck attached?

[@jimmike1171]

Hi, Doc. Would it be practical to use this method to add scalp wheels to a deck that didn't come with them? I was thinking of two wheels at the rear of the deck with one front center, like a tripod. Your thoughts? Thank you.

[@robertmailhos8159]

Make sure you check the tire pressure it makes a difference also they weight of the mower up front

[@tomhart7759]

Wouldn’t it have been easier to fill in the hole with a little topsoil.

[@daman9780]

how do you like the john deere e170?....have you had any issues with it?

[@williamodom2698]

Wouldn’t it be easier to fill in the hole and replant the Bermuda

[@glock23northerner]

Got any tips for bahai grass on Bermuda grass?

[@dwmjr2253]

I mark the dips so my tires can ride str8 over them as possible.

[@paulcamp6539]

What do you think about the red magic swivel wheels ?

[@TheHouseOfMoth]

My 17 year old Craftsman has a big scalp roller in the front. Weird that a Deere doesn’t have this

[@dzsebe1]

Hey Doc, Building a new house have bare ground, what should I use to mend in the soil to have a perfect yard. Thanks

[@dzsebe1]

@Eric K - Thanks, should I put some humic down first and till it in?

[@chadwilcox4475]

Doc I really appreciate you’re videos, I have a question about pressure washing, more so what chemicals and ratios would you suggest to soft wash oxidation on vinyl siding?

[@Leigh42184]

Thanks for the info! It would be great to have a video showing how to adjust the reel to bedknife on the TruCut if you have time. Thanks.

[@williamgardner2398]

Best decks have full rollers all the way across the back

[@artmyers6368]

I have Cub cadet. 2 wheels on front. Deck

[@lt.johnh.fainii7187]

Doc get your guy to make a couple scalpwheel brackets for me?

[@sammigans]

Is the pgf complete safe to use on/around my trees too? I put some out 2 weeks ago throwing no caution to the wind (literally) and threw it around the tree(sycamore). It’s got some leaf scorch but idk if that’s bc of the fertilizer or bc of the HOT drought.

[@HowTowithDoc]

Yes, we have been throwing it out on all our landscape plants and gardens to test. good results.

[@redtwin1968]

Put a roller on that deck!😁😁😁

[@countryboy6065]

I think I would call them anti-scalp wheels.

[@turboflush]

I swear I've seen scalpel add-ons on the internet

[@EastBayBlue]

42" decks from every major brand ONLY have 2 scalp wheels.

[@bomar4533]

You mow for Pretty, I mow for cow food...

[@brightsmile8369]

dude .. FiLLL the damn whole with top soil and re seed .. !!!!!!!!!!! or add sand mix gradually .. coz ur land looks pretty level ..

[@williamgoring7605]

Dirty you trying to do like Shadows with your hands on a wall

[@mattdeeretech]

Ok here’s my suggestions: 1: fix the lawn. It’s easier to fill in holes than modify your deck. 2: you make lawn care videos and are complaining about the amount of scalp wheels? You bought the cheapest JD money can buy. I’m guess you bought it from a box box store ? Look at the nicer models they have adjustable wheels and more of them. There is an old saying you get what you pay for. I think that still applies. Other than that nice grass 👍

[@petewiltfang]

I believe that I fill the ruts with dirt and let the grass grow through. John Deere engineers have it figured out so you don't have to

[@williamriley2528]

Actually they are called "GUIDE WHEELS"...!

[@HowTowithDoc]

manuals.deere.com/cceomview/OMM155820_H6/Output/OMM155820_H67.html Tell Deere that then.

[@tallisman57]

Dude, you need to sand your yard and roll it.

[@bluntmanbutt]

Why not fill the hole in?

[@pdxthriftking5033]

If I cut my lawn that short it would die.

[@elijames3041]

I love the videos and stay safe

[@Brian-bi7qe]

Hey Doc nice video. I have a $6000.00 john deere with a 54" deck that has center roller wheels and ajustable side scalp wheels. My dad still finds a way to scalp the lawn even set at 2.5" . The only cure for scalp is to roll and sand and roll again. If it's not flat it will scalp.

[@fishin11]

You have a fairly flat yard compared to mine. Mine is VERY uneven, hills, side hills, valleys, got only 2 holes is all like you, etc, but the grass is flat. Had a Cub Cadet that mowed it PERFECTLY flat. It got to be 18 years old and every independent mower repair place I talked to that does not sell mowers all said I could start to nickel & dime it, so I did ALOT of research. I settled on a Deere X310, just like you a Deere. I’m so SORRY I went with a Deere. NEVER EVER BUY A DEERE AGAIN. I love the mower, but it cuts uneven, it scalps, does not throw the grass out good & more. The ‘tractor’ is great, but it doesn’t cut worth anything. Two different dealers came and watched it cut, had independent repair men come to watch it cut, all said the same thing, can not adjust it to cut good and sorry there’s nothing we can do. Next mower I buy (very soon) the dealer I buy from will have to bring a mower to me & try it on my lawn. Any one want to buy a 5 year old x310 w/150 hours.

[@juliopena21]

I'm trying to figure out how can I have my riding more higher. My blades (deck) and adjustments are all the way high .. my only thinking is buy bigger tires ? What do you recommend? I set my mower at 6 . On high and cuts like 1 or 2 inches. I want higher grass .

[@graemer66]

Big property ! I have also an issue where previous owner cut down a large tree in the middle of my backyard. Now as you can imagine it is sinking due to the roots rotting, I have filled in the dips a number of times but could take a few years before I get it right. I thank you for this video and am about to check my Australian Greenfield ride on to see if I too could improve my cutting. Thanks Graeme in OZ

[@berry2574]

I love the thickness of your grass and the video was great !!!!

[@kenmalone9302]

Fill the hole!

[@mikek6792]

Your metal guy did a nice job stamping the part number into his custom mount

[@Robert-rk8xu]

He said his metal guy cut up the bracket he ordered online.