2544 won't mow in the middle

[evan4434]

I have 2008 2544 that won't mow with the middle blade. It will almost always leave grass standing. I have had it in before for this, but the dealer just tells me that I cannot mow with the deck all the way up. I have tried lower the deck a notch or tow but still get the same result. I also have sharpened the and replaced the blades. The mower has done this since new. Do the 2544 just suck at mowing by design or is there something I can do to fix this? Is there a different blade that would work.

 

[OldMachinist]

The only time I've seen where the center blade doesn't cut is when the blade was on upside down. I've seen it on the outer spindles when the belt routing was wrong.

 

[CCinCT]

I'd have to agree with OM that the most likely culprit is that the center blade is installed upside down. It's very easy to check, so I'd do that first. If that doesn't help, check that the deck is leveled front to back. You might want to check level at lowest and highest position to make sure there isn't something funky going on during travel.

 

[JTKub]

The 44" on the 2544 is one of the best cut quality decks. Like the other fellas say, check that center blade. The deck could also be set nose-high which would leave the center blade up in the air too much. On occasion my nose roller will push long dandelions down such that the deck passes right over them. Never had it happen on grass though.

Joel

 

[savageactor7]

If it's not the center blade check the spring on the idler pulley to see if it broken or popped out of the hole. Must be some kind of tension issue preventing that center spindal from spinning.

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

Also check for grass & dirt buildup under the deck. If it gets to the point where there is no clearance between the deck & blade, the grass gets bent over without getting cut.

Bob B.

 

[EuropaChris]

Mine does the same thing - it's not that it doesn't mow at all, but it WILL leave a bit of grass that's sort of uncut, especially if the grass is fairly tall and specifically THICK. I fertilize the snot out of my grass to keep the weeds at bay as well as cut on setting 5. If the grass starts to get a bit long, it will lay over the grass rather than cut it on the middle blade. Blades are sharp, installed properly, and the deck is clean. It's always done this since new (2005).

It helps quite a bit to SLOW DOWN, and run the engine at full rpm. I grew up mowing with a 60's vintage Simplicity Broadmoor that had two speeds, slow and slower. It cut beautifully, but that's because the grass would grow 1/4" while the mower was on top of it.....

Chris

 

[JTKub]

That's right Chris! I do recall you reporting this some time ago. Cut quality/performance is a fickle beast to say the least. As you've reported each lawn's conditions require their own ground speed, deck height and deck leveling. You have to play with it. IMO, on the 3-bladers like we have, you've got to get that right balance of nose-down on the deck. Too much will cause the nose roller to act as a rolling pin. To little and the front blade will miss all together. Super thick, somewhat high, moist grass is the most challenging. Even with a super high dollar machine it will require multiple passes. Exactly why I love my closely-cropped weeds country lot! One pass and it looks awesome. Not real purdy once it starts to grow though.

Joel

 

[micman32]

I get some cut quality issues with the center blade. I have learned to keep the deck clear of too much build up especially around the center of the deck. Speed can be a factor as well as grass being a little too long.
I have a set of Hight Lift Blades that work much better than the Originals that came with my Cub
I have never had the grass not being cut at all in the center blade area. Check the usual stuff. Blades installed correctly, deck is level.




Michael

 

[J_J]

With the engine off, raise the deck up enough to look. Turn one blade by hand and see if all blades turn. Look at all the blades and see if the sharp edge is on the bottom of the blade. On tall grasses like Bahia, even with a $8000 mower, it will leave tall sprigs, and you have to re-cut it.

At the proper cutting height, the front of the deck should be 1/4, to 3/8 lower than the rear. Check that on level cement, road, or whatever. Don't forget, tires should have correct pressure.