I’ve got a 42” Toro TimeCutter 4235 zero turn mower and it seems like the drives are unbalanced or out of sync or something. On flat level ground, it’s about 3/4 forward on one to match full forward on the other to stay straight.

Not really a problem, more of an annoyance. Anything to check specifically?

Second hand mower, 2013 year, runs well though it seems slightly down on power. One side of the deck has been worn flat from the previous owner running it against the concrete to save on trimming.

Have you drained, changed filters, and refilled the hydo fluid?

Youtube has videos on the process. Make sure to get all the air out.

Sound like it could use a good tune up:
Blades
Belts
Plug
Filters
Oil change


Previous owner neglected it.

They took decent care of it, other than the deck. It was serviced regularly at the dealer, but I don’t know about the hydro units. I’ll check them.

My... not a Toro... has adjustment bolts to limit the travel of the go sticks so you can adjust them and make them hit the stop at the right time to drive straight. It also has another adjustment so that after setting for balanced straight line travel the position of the go sticks can be moved forward and back to make them line up even with each other. Maybe yours just need some stick adjusting?

Hmmm. Maybe, though when turning one side seems to have more effect then the other side.

Have a Timecutter SW 4200 and the service manual has a section on adjusting the unit so that it drives straight:

"Tracking Adjustment
Zero turn tractors should drive in a straight line with the wheels going straight forward and WITHOUT
having to “steer” the unit straight. If the tracking is off and the person “forces” the unit to drive straight
by steering it straight, there can be whining from one of the hydros if there is enough traction to load up
the hydro. On grass, this would probably result in turf tear. If the user points the unit forward and drives
it, tracking will be off if the rear wheels determine where the unit goes. The unit will drift to one side or
the other as the steering wheel “follows” where the back wheels are driving the unit."

There's an bolt adjustment on each hydro to set both of them when in neutral so neither wheel creeps and they are within a couple of RPMs of each other when measured over a period of time. This is done with the unit lifted so both rear wheels are off the ground. Yours might just need adjusting. B is the adjusting nut.

Make sure all tires are properly inflated.

Tire psi is good, I’ll check the adjustments.

If it was serviced regularly at the dealer and has the issues you describe, then I suggest another dealer or someone is being less than honest (not suggesting you).

The dealer would at a minimum drive in in/out of shop which would likely require turns. They would notice steering issue and mention solution. If they didn't then their ability as a repair facility should be questioned.

If the dealer suggested remedy but previous owner opted out, then why didn't they mention it to you.

I stand by my initial assessment.

I hope you resolve the issue.


Lack of power can come with worn belts. Specifically the drive belt.


Hoe many hours are on the unit?