Finishing mower leaves 1/4" uncut grass

[Ben_W]

Finishing mower leaves 1/4\" uncut grass

I have a 2 year old 6'KK finishing mower and it leaves about a 1/4" strip of uncut grass if I mow in a gradual arc. I measured the distance between the blades and found a 5/16" clearance. So, for the arc I mow in it must be just right to allow uncut grass to get past. The blades are not worn and everything else checks out OK, no warped deck or bad spindle bearings. I am contemplating ordering a custom center blade that will leave a 1/8" gap between all three. Any other ideas? Thanks

 

[HammerFour]

Re: Finishing mower leaves 1/4\" uncut grass

The blades should actually overlap, the timing of them keeps them from hitting....I think?

I have a KK 6' finish mower, I will have to look at it later and see if my assumption is correct.

It sounds to me like you need longer blades though.

 

[Ben_W]

Re: Finishing mower leaves 1/4\" uncut grass

They don't overlap or are timed in the way you describe. The two leading blade "Cuts" overlap the middle blade "Cut" if you mow in a perfectly straight ahead. Ben

 

[Nasty135]

Re: Finishing mower leaves 1/4\" uncut grass

Ben_W , The mower blades aren't timed ,because there will always be some belt slippage that wouldn't keep them spinning as if they were geared.

Most likely as you have eluded the arc your cutting is the exact position that allows for the front center blade and whichever (right or left)rear blade to pass through the slight gap in blades... Do your blades have a good bit of wear? (are they round off on the ends,this could cause the missed area)
Could it be the blades aren't original equipment?
Can you modify your technique to eliminate this problem?

Your idea of a little larger blade in the center sounds like it could be a good solution if your sure these blades are the correct blades for this mower.... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[slowrev]

Re: Finishing mower leaves 1/4\" uncut grass

Deck blades are usually offset front to back from each other to allow for overlap. However when turning this overlap might go away. And with some decks the gap is in one direction of turn only, this is mor apparent with 2 blade decks.
If you can fit a slightly longer blade in the middle position on a 3 blade deck it should help or correct the problem..

Ben

 

[Ben_W]

Re: Finishing mower leaves 1/4\" uncut grass

The tips of the blades don't show much wear. I bought this new so they are OEM. I have a lot of areas where I can't modify my technique, other areas I could. If I have to put a larger blade on it I'm OK with that.

 

[trlong]

Re: Finishing mower leaves 1/4\" uncut grass

Ben,

I'm confused /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif(not a rare state when learning about tractors/CUT's, and attachments) /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif. As stated, shouldn't the blades be offset? Why would there be 5/16th clearance (i.e. [2 1/2]/8,...awfully near 1/4"). My 3 blade grooming mower's blades are offset. I can turn as tight as the CUT will turn and there is no "gap" left. You say the blades are fine but, with 3 offset blades, I don't see how the radius of the turn effects the distance between the cut diameter of the blades, of each blade. Ofcourse, I've been know to not see the obvious, even when it's staring me in the face.

Tom

P.S. Illumination appreciated!

 

[have_blue]

Re: Finishing mower leaves 1/4\" uncut grass

Sometimes grass/dirt packed thickly under the deck can cause un mown strips. If this is not the case, then there isn't enough blade arc overlap built in to the mower. In that case, all you can do is to avoid making that certain arc. Your idea of getting a slightly longer center blade is a good one. However, it you will need a lot of luck finding one just the right length yet maintain clearance between the other blades.

 

[thcri]

Re: Finishing mower leaves 1/4\" uncut grass

Ben,

Don't even think of getting longer blades. Your just asking for trouble. The first thing I would do is clean underneath your deck. Got a loader, just lift it up in the air and take a pressure washer to it. Your mower more than likely is like every one elses where the blades are offset so they can go behind the front one or vice versa. The other thing you can check is to take your belt off and see if the bearings on your spindles are ok. The bearings can go bad and your blade can tilt some. I have a New Holland MMM and once a year I have to go and clean the deck to prevent to strip like your talking about. Try not to mow while grass is damp or if there is dew on it.

Hope this helps.

murph

 

[inveresk]

Re: Finishing mower leaves 1/4\" uncut grass

I saw this post a few days back. I just picked up a 6 foot KK mower, rear discharge, and on reading the manual, it says on page 8 that you have to go slow around corners otherwise it will leave a strip uncut. Sounds as if all you need do is slow up some on the bends. . .