If you go into the mower store, you’ll probably notice that some lawn mowers have two anti-scalping wheels, and others have four. Even though the lawn mowers look pretty much the same, there is a definite difference in their design. So, what’s the difference between having 2 vs 4 anti-scalp wheels, and which is better for your lawn? Well, let’s take a closer look at what the number of anti-scalp wheels has on your mower and your lawn.
Should You Have 2 or 4 Anti-Scalp Wheels on Your Deck? (The Short Answer)
The two main factors to consider when deciding between 2 vs 4 anti-scalp wheels are the size of the cutting deck and how uneven your lawn is. The larger the deck, the more it will be prone to scalping. Additionally, an uneven lawn will also increase the chances of scalping, no matter the size of the mower.
2 vs 4 Anti-Scalp Wheels: What Difference Does It Make?
When looking at anti-scalping wheels, it’s important to look at how much of the deck hangs over the mower’s main body. Another thing to factor in is the distance between the front and rear wheels. Anti-scalping wheels have to accommodate the lawn mower’s side-to-side and front-to-back rocking motion.
If you check out John Deere tractors, all their mowers with a 42-inch cut only have 2 anti-scalping wheels, regardless of which model it is. But when you get to 48-inch cutting decks, the design changes, and an extra set of rear anti-scalping wheels are added to the deck. This is because the cutting deck’s increased width alters the pivoting ratio.
Ok, let me explain. If you place a lawn tractor on level ground, then tilt it to one side, the deck will eventually touch the floor. So, if you lifted both the front and rear wheels on the right side, then the left side of the cutting deck would lower and hit the floor.
Now, if you increase the width of the cutting deck and again lift both the front and rear right-side wheels, you wouldn’t need to tilt the mower as much before the deck hits the ground. Increasing the width of the deck greatly increases the chance of scalping from a side-to-side pivot.
So, what about the front-to-back pivoting? Well, the longer the wheelbase of the lawn mower, the higher the potential for scalping. So, any bump that can fit between the front and rear wheels will likely be scalped.
Therefore, adding anti-scalping wheels to the front of the deck means the deck is pivoted between the front scalping wheels and the rear tires. This reduces both the overall length of the pivot and the potential for scalping. Now, if you have an additional set of rear anti-scalping wheels, this reduces the scalping potential even more.
A lawn tractor with an average 50-inch wheelbase and no anti-scalping wheels would potentially scalp any bump smaller than 50 inches. Adding a front set of scalping wheels would reduce this to around 40 inches, and the second set of anti-scalping wheels would reduce this down to around 25 inches.
Now is it as important from front to back? No, not really. It’s the side-to-side pivot that is most important.
When Are 2 Anti-Scalp Wheels Ok?
If your lawn were as flat and level as a bowling green, then you really wouldn’t need any scalping wheels at all. But not many of us have lawns that are this even. So, if you have a cutting deck that is about 40-42 inches wide, then I’d say you’ll need at least the front 2 anti-scalping wheels.
Also, if your lawn is pretty much at one level and you don’t have any slopes and banks, then 2 anti-scalping wheels should work just fine.
When Are 4 Anti-Scalp Wheels Needed?
The first reason I would choose to have 4 vs 2 anti-scalp wheels is if I were buying a mower with a cutting deck over 40-42 inches. The extra overhang of the cutting deck on lawn tractors like the John Deere S200 48-inch and the X500 54-inch is going to create a real problem if you only have 2 anti-scalping wheels.
Also, if you have a hilly yard, then these extra wheels really come in handy, especially on the crest of a hill and when you cut along slopes.
If you have ever seen a yard where the whole length of a hill crest is scalped, then I bet their lawn mower doesn’t have four anti-scalping wheels. If you notice scalping on a lawn where they turn their lawn mower, you’ll be able to tell if they have their anti-scalping wheels adjusted correctly. This is usually where the lawn mower will pivot to the outside, and the deck will scalp into the lawn.
So, if you are deciding between 2 or 4 anti-scalp wheels, think about the width of the cutting deck and how many uneven areas you have in your lawn. As a general rule, I recommend 2 anti-scalp wheels for smaller cutting decks and even ground, then 4 anti-scalp wheels on bigger decks on uneven ground. If you fall somewhere in between, then you won’t go wrong with four.
And don’t forget, you can always add after-market anti-scalping wheels to your lawn mower if you need extra.
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