Caltric AM131089 Front Wheel Caster Tire Compatible with John Deere SST15 SST16 SST18 Z225 Z245 Z445 ZTrak

What It Is

This is an aftermarket front caster wheel and tire assembly (Caltric AM131089) designed to replace the OEM part on select John Deere ZTrak zero-turn mowers and SST garden tractors. It’s a complete wheel-and-tire unit used for front steering support on residential or light-commercial mowers.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify your mower model exactly. This Caltric part is listed for John Deere SST15, SST16, SST18, Z225, Z245, and Z445. It replaces OEM part number AM131089. Check your current wheel’s bolt pattern, tire diameter (typically 11x4.00-5), and axle size (usually 5/8” or 3/4”). Not all ZTrak models use the same caster—Z225 and Z245 often share the same front wheel, but Z445 may differ. Measure your existing wheel’s hub width and tire height to avoid fitment issues. This is an aftermarket part, not John Deere OEM, so quality and exact dimensions may vary slightly.

Key Things to Know

• Quality concerns: With only one review at 3.0 stars, durability is unproven. Some aftermarket caster wheels have softer rubber or thinner steel hubs that wear faster than OEM.
• Installation difficulty: Typically easy—remove the retaining clip or bolt, slide off the old wheel, and install the new one. No special tools required, but you may need a jack or block to lift the front of the mower.
• Common gotchas: The tire may be slightly under-inflated from shipping; check pressure before use. Also, the bearing or bushing might not be pre-greased—add grease if needed. Confirm the axle bolt or clip is included (often not).
• No warranty info: Caltric parts usually have a limited warranty, but verify the return policy in case of fitment failure.

Should You Buy It

This is a budget-friendly option if your OEM wheel is worn out and you’re comfortable with possible quality trade-offs. It’s best for DIY users who want a quick, low-cost replacement for a non-critical front caster on an older or light-use machine. If you need long-term durability or exact fit for a commercial mower, stick with the John Deere OEM part.