2014 X739, which deck for best cut?

[eagle628]

The new high capacity deck is almost an exact clone of the 7-Iron, a definite step up from the older Edge. I have a 54 inch edge deck on my X595, and it cuts pretty well, but the 60 inch 7-iron on my Z830A is far better. Cuts better in turns, where the edge will sometimes leave streaks, stripes better, you can mow faster, better discharge. Get the high capacity deck.

 

[Eric102]

Thanks guys, decided on 54HC with auto connect for the better cut. Will also be getting the power flow bagging system which I have on my existing 318, its always worked great and has been very durable for being 27years old. Have accidently run a lot of sticks and cones through it over the years its still all original except for a couple belts.

 

[Goin4forty]

Thanks guys, decided on 54HC with auto connect for the better cut. Will also be getting the power flow bagging system which I have on my existing 318, its always worked great and has been very durable for being 27years old. Have accidently run a lot of sticks and cones through it over the years its still all original except for a couple belts.

I'm also saving for the Powerflow system. Loved it on my X324. Hope I can get it bought before the grass gets too long. I do have the mulching kit and used it in the fall and was very happy with it.

 

[Eric102]

I'm also saving for the Powerflow system. Loved it on my X324. Hope I can get it bought before the grass gets too long. I do have the mulching kit and used it in the fall and was very happy with it.

So the mulching kit actually works without clogging up? Did you try it on damp grass or was it dry?

 

[Goin4forty]

I used it most of the fall so that I wouldn't have so many leafs to deal with. Mostly dry grass and leaves but an occasional time or two with damp grass. Worked very well. Comes with blades designed for mulching.

 

[Gittyup]

I've read that the mulching kit on this deck works well. I do think "works well" is a bit subjective. I had a mulching kit on my old 425. I hated it. Cut wasn't so great and it would "throw up" big clumps of green flotsam at times in the yard. It was outstanding on leaves, though. Taking it on and off is not practical on the 425, and it looks to be similar on the new deck: put it on and leave it on (maybe with the exception of the chute cover).

The one part that I did like was the front blow-out shield. This past weekend I was looking for a way to attach a rubber blow-out shield across the front of the deck. I couldn't find any mounting holes????? I was going to do a home grown thing, but am now wandering how the parts that perform this function in the OEM mulch kit will attach. For now, I have no plans to drill holes in the deck. Maybe once it's older. I sure do like that shield though. Helps keep the clippings from blowing out from under the front of the deck.

 

[Goin4forty]

I think one thing that is important to keep in mind that if you are going to mulch, you need to mow more often. If you wait until you "need" to mow and it's not dry, some clumps are inevitable.

 

[Eric102]

I like the idea of mulching but here in the NW the grass is often damp to wet and when you do get a chance to mow its often higher than you would like for mulching, which usually results in green clumps on the lawn. We do get a couple of dry months in the summer where it would work but bagging is no big deal with less than an acre to mow.

 

[Gittyup]

So true. But mowing often is a luxury, time wise, that many us do not have. Also, sometimes because of high humidity, the grass just never really dries.

I think one thing that is important to keep in mind that if you are going to mulch, you need to mow more often. If you wait until you "need" to mow and it's not dry, some clumps are inevitable.

 

[Eric102]

I guess since I'm getting the auto connect option I could just buy two decks, one with and one without the mulch kit Downside is I'd need to build a second garage just to store it, current garage is stuffed to the rafters already.