gear driven finish mower

[deerefan]

Hello to everyone....I currently own a 6ft King Kutter belt driven finish mower. The belt recently wore out after only 4 months of use. The grass I cut is mostly Baija and only gets about 7 inches tall before I cut it (about every ten days). I was using a 8N but recently purchased a JD 5103. I am wondering if anyone makes a gear driven finish mower that does not require a belt? Thanks for all input!

 

[oldhippy]

I replaced the belt on my 5ft King Kutter finish mower with a B133 belt from NAPA. The belt that I replaced was a KK brand. I used it about one season. Have had no problems with the new belt. I feel sure that the belt for a 6 ft belt would be longer. Hope this helps some.

 

[have_blue]

I think Bush Hog makes a twin blade gear drive finish mower. I'm almost certain I saw one, unless I was dreaming. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[BobG_in_VA]

Don't necessarilly throw out the baby with bathwater. Get a good replacement Gates "load rated" belt and it will probably last as long as the mower. Load rated belts are manufactured to take loads such as high grass and big electric motors turning big manufacturing stuff. I'm thinkin' the belt that came on the mower was "low bidder....". BobG in VA

 

[Soundguy]

7" thick grass is some tough stuff for a finish mower.

I'd do what the others said.. get a good belt.. and make sure it isn't slipping.

Soundguy

 

[hobbyfarm]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( 7" thick grass is some tough stuff for a finish mower.

I'd do what the others said.. get a good belt.. and make sure it isn't slipping.)</font>

I agree with soundguy. 7" grass should be cut in at least two passes with a finish mower. The belt should be able to handle it, intermittently, but continuously; not - it was not made for that. That's what a rotary cutter was made for. A good brand of industrial belt will be able to take the punishment for a while...don't let it squeal, that eats belt life up quick.
The only gear drive finish mower I know of is one for the BCS tillers.

 

[hobbyfarm]

BTW,
I looked at the KK website and the did make some 6' FMs with the double belt. That would be a possible upgrade to better performance and life. (2 B belts are better than 1) and Cs are better yet.
The PDF manual also said, "for lawn grass only" ppg31. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[sweettractors]

<font color="blue"> The grass I cut is mostly Baija and only gets about 7 inches tall before I cut it (about every ten days). I was using a 8N </font>

Not defending KK as we sell First Choice Mowers with 2 drive belts, however, IMHO, Baija is a pretty tough cut at 7 inches and a 8N does not have a gear slow enough to handle the KK mower properly in the described situation. --Ken Sweet

 

[slowrev]

not picking on you Hobbyfarm, just hit your post....

I am not sure I would want a gear drive finish mower. Belts are a lot cheaper than gearboxes if you hit a stump. Finish mower blades are rigid, not hinged like a bush cutter. Belt will absorb shock and or slip. A gearbox would be more likely to break.

Just my thoughts on the matter....Could be totally wrong.

Ben

 

[hobbyfarm]

Makes sense to me...I was trying to give input on the original post. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif