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

[ruffdog]

The old Yazoo front deck mowers would not hardly move without the springs installed to take the weight off the deck.

 

[KYKub]

Thanks Gale, Wolfy, and ruffdog.

My 60" deck does not have springs installed, but I do see how they could help by taking weight off the deck. I looked at the owner's manual and it looks like something I could probably rig up. I might try that tomorrow.

I might still check into the 48" deck, even if only to have it as a spare.

I appreciate your help! Jeff

 

[KYKub]

My 60" deck does not have springs installed, but I do see how they could help by taking weight off the deck. I looked at the owner's manual and it looks like something I could probably rig up. I might try that tomorrow.

I might still check into the 48" deck, even if only to have it as a spare.

I appreciate your help! Jeff

 

[KYKub]

In case the springs don't work, anybody know whether or not lifting the weight off the rollers while operating regularly would damage the hydraulic system?

 

[tcreeley]

You might consider chains. I used to leave them on my sears gt5000 all of the time when I mowed- too many rough spots and slopes and mud.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I don't think you'll damage the hyd system. It pushes or pulls and then stops and stays but does in time release which lets "stuff" drop. I have a F2680e 2wd that I brought home to hillside lot to see if it would do the job. It would back up any hill with deck dropped (the F decks in front roll on their own wheels in the front). It would not pull the steep hill in front of my house unless I lifted the front wheels just slightly off the ground and let the entire weight of a 72" deck ride on the hyd arms/system which gave me no concern of damage. The wheels are trying to dig into the ground when going/starting up hill until the machine/deck reaches a level plane so great traction/torque/hp is needed when plowing/grading with wheels like that.
I'd lift the wheels off the ground and not be one bit concerned about damaging the hyd system myself.:2cents:

 

[boggen]

*scratching head* 11/25/2014 and mowing?!

TractorData.com - information on all makes and models of tractors = gives basic specs of most tractors out there. you might want to check ground speed (MPH), over all weight, overall HP of engine.

the wider path you cut the more HP that is required to keep the blades spinning. 48" vs 60" that 12 inches does require a bit more HP, more so to get all the grass from one side to the other side of the deck and blow it out.

the other issue, is type of blades you have on the deck. mulching blades for example, cuts the grass multi times, before blowing it out = more HP. a straight blade (no curve/twists in blade itself) will require less HP to turn the blades and keep them spinning, due to once maybe a couple times the grass gets cut before being blown out.

are you trying to drive to fast? to high of a gear? i hate switching vehicles / tractors. when i have to pay attention to speed limits. one vehicle it seems like i am doing 55mph, in another vehicle it seems like i am doing 70 mph, and in another vehicle 45mph. same thing with tractors there be a difference of how fast you feel you are going.

 

[KYKub]

Thanks for the good responses. Ryan, you're right, the lawn sure doesn't need mowing in late November! I've just recently acquired the G1900 and have been testing it out. My issue wasn't lack of power, the tractor has power to spare; my concern was traction and the deck wheels cutting into the turf in turns and on uneven ground.

tcreely: I did try chains. They sure provided great traction, but damaged the turf. Ag tires, however, seemed to work very well for my needs. Great traction. Got the rears from my local tire store and got lucky and bought the front tires at an equipment auction for $30.

John Thomas: thanks for the advice about using the hydraulic lifters to support some of the weight of the deck. I'll give that a go next spring. I have the plow installed now and am waiting for snow!

My wife thinks I'm crazy for buying such an old machine, but I love it! Here's a pic.

Jeff

 

[dragoneggs]

Thanks for the good responses. Ryan, you're right, the lawn sure doesn't need mowing in late November! I've just recently acquired the G1900 and have been testing it out. My issue wasn't lack of power, the tractor has power to spare; my concern was traction and the deck wheels cutting into the turf in turns and on uneven ground. tcreely: I did try chains. They sure provided great traction, but damaged the turf. Ag tires, however, seemed to work very well for my needs. Great traction. Got the rears from my local tire store and got lucky and bought the front tires at an equipment auction for $30. John Thomas: thanks for the advice about using the hydraulic lifters to support some of the weight of the deck. I'll give that a go next spring. I have the plow installed now and am waiting for snow! My wife thinks I'm crazy for buying such an old machine, but I love it! Here's a pic. <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/kubota-lawn-garden/401110-48-vs-60-deck-better-kubota-g1900-jpg"/> Jeff

Looking good!