Michelin Tweel Turf Caster Frequently Asked Questions

The Tweel Caster is designed with the optimal balance of mass and compression in order to provide the best cutting experience. The enhanced suspension effects achieved through the engineered design provide a softer ride which can give the sensation that the machine is lighter or is "floating", in contrast to riding on a mower with semi-pneumatic tires.

I feel the front wheels "shimmy" when I drive on concrete or smooth pavement. What is that?

The Tweel Caster has a tread surface contoured to achieve the best cut quality. When driving on a road surface the Tweel Caster can shimmy. The product is designed to balance the caster motion on turf surfaces for improved operator comfort and cut quality.
Note: for many mower types, the shimmy on solid, smooth surfaces can be reduced or eliminated by slightly increasing the spindle bearing preload, per the instructions below.
Note: Check the load specifications to ensure your mower does not exceed the weight/load capacity of the Tweel Caster product. Heavier mowers may result in an exaggerated shimmy effect.

I feel a bumping when I first start to mow after it has been sitting. It goes away with use. What is that?

The Tweel Caster is made of engineering elastomers designed to balance comfort and cur experience as a sort of suspension. These materials can settle during prolonged sitting. This flattening is temporary, has no measured negative impact on cut quality, and quickly disappears with use.

This is a good question because the tread depth is not an indicator. There are four small recess holes in the center of the tread to indicate ideal end of life. When these holes are no longer visible, the caster has reached the ideal end of life - the point at which comfort and cut will no longer be remain in balance. Continued operation beyond that can be OK but it dependent upon the application and left to the judgement of the user.

Caster bushings can be purchased separately to accommodate different caster fork widths and axle bolt diameters. See the chart below:

MSPN	Description	Axle Bolt Diameter	Bushing Width	Assembly Overall Width	Likely Fitment Examples
22794		1/2"	5/16"	6 3/8"	Many Older Cub Cadet, Lesco
13767		1/2"	5/8"	7"	Scag Patriot, Cheetah
22090		1/2"	1"	7 3/4"	Lazer E/S/X 60" and smaller, V-Ride, Tiger Cat 61" and smaller

Use of Spacers (if required)

Adjusting Front Caster Spindle Bearing Preload

(only if front caster shimmies during travel)

Source: Michelin Tire