48" vs 60" deck - which is better for a wooded, hilly lot?

[KYKub]

Hello. Recently acquired a G1900 4WS with a 60" deck. I love the tractor--in great shape and runs and operates smooth--but was disappointed in the traction on my wooded, hilly lot. Granted, it was pretty wet when I tried to mow on a warm day after some really cold days (=pretty moist conditions), but, still, the machine just seemed too heavy too pull a fairly steep hill that, by comparison, my Cub Cadet lawn tractor with turf tires pulled pretty well (as long as I leaned just right in and over the seat!).

I mow about 1 acre regularly.

I have loaded tires with fluid. and am ordering new ag tires and hope that helps.

The 60" deck is a monster and I'm wondering if dropping to a 48" deck might make the tractor lighter and a bit more agile. Anyone have any good information on this? I have my eye on a 48" deck I can probably get for $250 or so.

Thanks for your input. Jeff

 

[ruffdog]

Are you mowing with the deck on the ground, pushing through the grass and riding on the wheels or is it up slightly keeping the weight on the tractor?

 

[KYKub]

Hi ruffdog. I was running with the deck on the ground. I think that is the intended procedure. Rollers cut into the ground in several places and slipping tires was a problem. Would it damage the hydraulic system if I constantly run the machine with the hydraulic system "lifting" the deck? (the 60" deck weighs 270 pounds!)

Any opinion as to whether or not the 48" deck might be an improvement?

Thanks again. Jeff

 

[Gale Hawkins]

We have a 60" deck but I would be very happy with a 54" in tight places and to give us a more trailer options. Between 60 vs 48 I would now go with the 48" I expect.

 

[KYKub]

Thanks, Gale. I know what you mean about trailer options - a 60" mower means you need at least 63" clearance, which means anything 5' wide or less won't work. My own solution was to modify (generous description, actually cut the sides off) my own 4' steel trailer to let the deck hang over both sides. Not a job I'm particularly proud of, but it works and I don't plan to trailer often.

4WS makes maneuverability pretty good, even with the 60" deck, but do you think the weight difference with a 48" deck would make any appreciable difference with traction?

Jeff

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Jeff I really do not know but I do not think the weight difference would be a functional factor.

 

[Wolfy]

I like small decks, but rubbing any deck on the ground is going to give you too much drag to overcome.

 

[ruffdog]

Does yours have a spring kit installed? The more weight lifted off the deck would give you more traction. See thread:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-lawn-garden/234475-g1900-modifying-deck-ground-contact.html

 

[ruffdog]

I believe you can see the spring just in front of the rear tire. see pic:
TractorData.com Kubota G1900 tractor photos information

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I thought the wheels were just to tag on un level places so a not to gouge the lawn? I know with a zero turn they will mess up with the control if they are carrying much weight on the deck wheels.