2042 Poor Mowing

[jebediah2]

I just bought my 2042 this season, and I've been very disappointed with the mowing. Right from the start, it has been leaving grass poorly cut, especially right in the middle of the swath. It's been getting worse, and I've only got about 7 hours on it, and have only nicked one small rock. I've had to slow to about half the speed I walk to get decent results, but there's still unevenness and uncut grass. The blades seem a bit dull, and I lost the quick deck clean-out fitting but there doesn't seem to be a lot of clogged grass underneath. I do have the mulching cover in place. Any suggestions before I take the deck off and attempt my first sharpening of the blades?

 

[Fordlords]

The twin blade 42" decks have actually been praised a lot here for cutting great. I would make sure the deck is properly leveled, it might be too low towards the front causing the front scuff roller and center of deck to press down the grass in the middle area of the deck before the blades get to it. Other than that and making sure the blades are relatively sharp and you are mowing with the engine throttled in its top range, the twin blade deck should cut well.

Also check obvious that blades are the right length and installed in the right rotation direction.

-Fordlords-

 

[JohnNH]

I have a 2005 model 2042 and it cuts perfectly. As is the case with all machinery, part of the maintenace is to be sure that everything is adjusted properly (tire pressure should be checked also). I hit the edge of a rock wall with the left side of the deck early this year and had to re-level it (it only took about 15 minutes). The blades need to be sharp and the engine at full throttle. I cut my grass at about 1/3 speed and get excellent results. By the way, I have about 80 hours on my 2042 now and it's still the best investment I have made in years.

If your 2042 is that new = only 7 hours, perhaps you should have your dealer go over it for you to be sure the adjustments and blades are OK.

Good luck with your tractor,
John/NH

 

[MrWiggles2]

Yeah, something is awry. These decks cut great normally. When they don't, as mine was doing, it was due to a lot of grass buildup underneath. So a power washer did the trick. I was getting a lot of grass blow out on the left side and it was just due to the airflow getting all messed up.

Have you looked at the blades, even a small rock and spell big problems. Remember the Shuttle and a harmless piece of foam? Anything traveling at that speed hitting a hard object isn't good. I would take the deck off first and file the blades or grind them sharp. Clean the deck with a scraper and then make sure it doesn't need to be leveled.

If you are using it as a mulcher, I wouldn't recommend it. That isn't the best deck for that. That deck is great at discharging and bagging... great at bagging actually.

 

[Rhoderman]

I feel your pain. Mine cuts like crap too, leaving uncut strips just to the right of center. It's like the wind from the deck is blowing the grass over and the blades can't lift it and cut it.

I complained to the dealer and he gave me a set of high lift cubby blades, they don't work either. I sharpen my own blades very well, and they don't still won't cut that strip of grass. My previous old Ford YT16H would cut like a champ, even with dull blades. When the blades got dull, the tips of the grass started looking frayed. It NEVER left uncut strips like this one.

I don't have the mulching plug installed. I mow wide open.

I think my problem might be related to cutting on the #6 setting. I like to cut the grass high so it looks better and seems to last through the drought better. I noticed if I go down to 4 or 3, it cuts better but still ain't perfect, but I want it to cut correctly at 6 dangit!

Maybe I'll check the level at the #6 setting. When I set it, I used #3 or #4 height. It should be slightly low in the front, right? About 1/4" or less?

I hate having to cut my lawn twice! It's bad enough running over it once when it's dry like this...

If anyone has found a solution to this problem, I'd really be interested in hearing it. I'm about this close >< to dumping it and going for a green machine, which is what I was going to get in the first place. However, I found that the CC had more features for the same price. I'm thinking I was hosed...

 

[OhioGuy]

It could very well be that at the higher settings, there isn't enough vacuum to stand the grass up or the turbulance is pushing it out of the way?

I have a bluegrass/fescue/rye mix, very common in NE Ohio and the recommended height is 2.5 to 3 inches. I prefer the way it looks cut higher so I've always cut at 3"

If my mower had height settings that weren't usable I'd press Cub to find out why. Maybe easier said than done!

Good luck, let us know if you resolve your dilemma.

Curt

 

[keltonkrew]

Mine too cuts great. The first time I mowed with it I didn't like the cut...it was terrible.

found out the deck wasn't level. I adjusted the deck, and then took out the plug in the discharge chute. that cleared it up. cuts great now.

 

[MrWiggles2]

My neighbor has a Craftsman tractor, he cuts his pretty high and what a beautiful cut. It really p1sses me off because, he has this high domed deck and mine is as high as a pizza box. I can't help but think that the cut would be better if the deck had some height to it. Wish they'd make their decks like other mfg, with a full width roller in the back too.

Anyway, try leveling it. Mine is cutting nice now that its clean underneath but when fall comes and the grass gets sticky again, I'll be ranting!