Rotary Cutter Dealing with grass clumps

kubotakid USA · Apr 28, 2011

Sounds like dull blades, Mowing more often, not quite so low, and keep the rpms high, so it does a better job of mulching, are a few things Id try, , Eric

Arkaybee · Apr 28, 2011

This quote from the Bush Hog manual for a single spindle rotary cutter may be what will solve your clumping problem (it is the last statement in italics that I am referencing):

"3-2 ADJUSTING FOR WORK
The cutter should be operated at the highest position
which will give desired cutting results. This will help
prevent the blades from striking the ground, reducing
blade wear and undue strain on the machine. For
best results under heavier cutting conditions, always
tilt the cutter approximately 2 inches (51mm) lower in
the front. This tilt decreases horsepower requirements
and increases potential ground speed.

When fine shredding is desired, adjust cutter deck level or
slightly lower in the rear. This will keep the foliage
under cutter until thoroughly shredded. More power
is required for shredding.

HTH

Arkaybee

flyinlow402 · Apr 29, 2011

There is also a difference in mowers. I started with a King Kutter and had a terrible mess with clumps (more like piles). Grass would build up in front of the skids, and the discharge portion of the mower was steel that was bent at an angle causing a void that would let grass ball up finally spit out a big clump. I got rid of it and bought a Deere. The skids in front are at less of an angle and rarely drag, and the discharge portion in the rear is a nice smooth radius. It is rare that I ever get a clump anymore, no matter how tall the grass is.

TripleR · Apr 29, 2011

Arkaybee said:
This quote from the Bush Hog manual for a single spindle rotary cutter may be what will solve your clumping problem (it is the last statement in italics that I am referencing):

"3-2 ADJUSTING FOR WORK
The cutter should be operated at the highest position
which will give desired cutting results. This will help
prevent the blades from striking the ground, reducing
blade wear and undue strain on the machine. For
best results under heavier cutting conditions, always
tilt the cutter approximately 2 inches (51mm) lower in
the front. This tilt decreases horsepower requirements
and increases potential ground speed.

When fine shredding is desired, adjust cutter deck level or
slightly lower in the rear. This will keep the foliage
under cutter until thoroughly shredded. More power
is required for shredding.

HTH

Arkaybee

We do this with our Woods DS1260 and it eliminates clumping, but kind of stumbled on it by accident. On my LP RCR2672, I don't mow quite as low and have chains which seems to help over rubber shields.

Chilly807 · Apr 29, 2011

If you're mowing ONLY grass, and the rear of the mower has a removable plate or guard, you can try removing that and let the mown grass blow freely out the back. It's not ideal safety wise, but neither is a typical lawn mower with side discharge.

Like TripleR mentioned, chain shields are available for some mowers that will reduce or eliminate clumping. I suspect the mown grass builds up against the back of the mower deck until it gets too heavy to stay there, then it rolls out as a clump.

Mowing wet grass is bad for clumps too, dry stuff it less likely to clump.

Sean

clemsonfor · Apr 30, 2011

SEOhDave said:
I frequently mow a ~5 acre field. I use a 4' rotary mower which leaves big clumps of cut grass strewn about the field... as bush hogs do. I'm looking for something I could use to either collect or just break up and distribute those clumps after mowing.

I don't want to invest in a finish or flail mower for various reasons. Also, I need to be able to run the clean-up pass at higher speeds. The job already takes a long time as it is.

I'm thinking a landscape rake but if I have to stop frequently to dispose of the piles it collects, that would take too long. Also, I'm guessing I wouldn't want to tear along at top speed with one of those.

Would a drag harrow work? what about a homemade chain-link harrow? I don't really care about removing the grass. I just want to break up the clumps... quickly. Maybe I could even drag the harrow behind the mower.

Run over it at as high a speed as you comfortably can drive with the bushhog after, it will spread those clumps out.

the6shooter · May 1, 2011

If you have a round rear deck type mower, remove the rear cover and replace it with a safty chain kit. by opening up the rear of the cutter, you will be able to disperce the cuttings.

I had a massy, mower that was closed in the rear and every few feet there was what I call a grass fart, and by remowing over it was like hitting a stump.

I made a purchase of a Frontier (jd) 1060 5ft cutter w/ safty chains and have never looked back. problem solved. grass lays down all spead evenly on the ground.

I now have a Modern Ag. mower that came with a rubber cover, got rid if the rubber for the chains on the rear. another happy mower, and no grass farts to deal with.:thumbsup:
david

the6shooter · May 1, 2011

And don't be afraid of sharpening the blades, I do every 12 hrs. of mowing

tables · Aug 3, 2015

So there is no answer for windrows and clumps. Does the width of the mower have any effect?. I have the same problem(s) and don't really have time to mow more often or go back over it.