Mowing GT 235: How Gauge Mowing Swath?

[TomBrooklyn]

GT 235 48" mower :thumbsup:

How do you gauge the cutting swatch when riding the mower?

To what lateral point do the blades extend? How can you tell from the top where the blades reach to?

Is there a visual gauge to go by when riding, or is it just trial and error and experience? :confused3:

I bought this tractor used and didn't get a manual with it.

 

[larboc]

step 1: mow
step 2: if you left a strip of grass, you're not overlapping enough

 

[bigtiller]

With it off, lift up the flapper and move the blade by hand until you can see it. Mark a reference mark on the top of the deck. I like to use the handyman's secret weapon, duct tape. Use silver or white so you can see it better. Put one on the other side in case you need to mow backwards once in a while.

 

[Gary Fowler]

step 1: mow
step 2: if you left a strip of grass, you're not overlapping enough

There you go, just mow and watch where your tires are in relation to the mower deck so that you are not overlapping too much nor leaving a strip. If you have to, mark the deck where the blade tip is then mow a pass, the set your tires so that you have about 1-2" of overlap, then observe where the tires are in relation to the cut section, that is your reference point.
Don't get in the habit of watching the wheels or you will be weaving all over the place. Look at your wheel placement then fix on a point 20 or more feet in front of you in relation to something on the tractor like center of hood, etc. Then you will be able to cut in a straight path with little correcting while holding the tractor centered perfectly.
Experience is the best teacher.