Wood type for rollers?

[Kevin Beitz]

What would be the best type of wood that would not split for roller wheels on tractor mowing decks?

[Lee Schierer]

Plywood would be least likely to split. However, I wouldn't recommend any wood for use as wheels on a tractor mowing deck that is going to get wet, hit rocks, etc. I would use a UHMW plastic or High Density polyethelene. You can buy replacement metal wheels at most hard ware and farm supply stores.

[Jacob Reverb]

Lignum vitae?

[Kevin Beitz]

The original wheels are wood. Horse buggys used hickey.
I just want something that wont split. Maybe gum?

[Frederick Skelly]

Plywood would be least likely to split. However, I wouldn't recommend any wood for use as wheels on a tractor mowing deck that is going to get wet, hit rocks, etc. I would use a UHMW plastic or High Density polyethelene. You can buy replacement metal wheels at most hard ware and farm supply stores.

I think I remember seeing wooden rollers on some older decks, but no idea what they were made of. Most of what I see are a very hard rubber. I agree with Lee - I'd check a farm supply store.

[John TenEyck]

Elm. That's what wagon wheel hubs were/are made from.

John

[Bill Dufour]

If you are in Australia or NZ I would recommend some of the Ecalypts.
Bill D.

[Rich Engelhardt]

Gotta go with John - Elm.

Ever try to split Elm? It's a nightmare - which would make it ideal for wheels.

[Jacob Reverb]

Ever try to split Elm? It's a nightmare - which would make it ideal for wheels.

Same with sweet gum. It's like trying to drive your maul into a tire. But man, does it rot fast!

[Dave Zellers]

I know that they make rolling pins out of tupelo because of the interlocking and tight closed grain.

[Tom Bain]

Same with sweet gum. It's like trying to drive your maul into a tire. But man, does it rot fast!

Definitely an exercise in futility from personal experience ... the maul literally just bounces off the stuff.