Mowing 62" MMM mower poop

[megotatractor]

62\" MMM mower poop

any suggestions how to prevent that nasty grass build-up on the underside of a mid mount mower? the blades howl very loudly when clearance becomes zero between blade and buildup. My john Deere 62" mmm becomes full within two hours of cleaning. should I spray Pam on the underside? or what?? /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[OhioGuy]

Re: 62\" MMM mower poop

I try to paint the underside of the deck each year and I think that helps but I think the only real answer is to never mow wet grass.

Curt

 

[KiotiJohn]

Re: 62\" MMM mower poop

Well now, you just got that tractor and you're already messing it up by doing grass cutting chores. Didn't anyone tell you that we really DON'T use our tractors, we just make the stuff up for newbies???? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Really, after all you went through looking, I thought you MIGHT just put it inside and look at it!
I believe you bought a loader too didn't you? Lift the front of the tractor with the FEL bucket, and use compressed air to blow the build up off while scraping with something that won't scratch up the underside any more than using it does.
Make sure you place something under the tractor to support it in case the hydraulics let go, crusing you under the tractor! You can also use a pressure washer under there, but be careful not to let it get up into the clutch. If you do, you will need to unscrew the clutch drain plug (see the manual) which is about midway under the bottom, above the MMM, let out the water and replace the plug. Otherwise, your clutch may start sticking from rust.
And like the MAN said, stop mowing wet grass!! I hope this helps, John

 

[megotatractor]

Re: 62\" MMM mower poop

wiseguy,eh? non-stick cooking sprays won't help? darn. I'm not aware of any wet grass around here, you'd think it'd be dry after 5 inches of rain.

 

[TC18guy]

Re: 62\" MMM mower poop

try doing a search in the customization and attachment forums. I know there has been several discussions on different thing you can do. There seems to be some mixed feelings on whether you should treat the underside of a deck or not. I don't have a buildup problem, but I was thinking of using some spray-on bedliner or something myself.

 

[Bobm]

Re: 62\" MMM mower poop

Assuming you are not truly mowing wet grass, you might try thoroughly cleaning the deck underside (pressure wash) and after allowing to dry 100%, applying two coats of Slip Plate.

Slip Plate is graphite impregnated paint that is commonly used on all types of agricultural equipment... especially hay and tillage equipment. Comes in spray or liquid, and although pricey does work to prevent or eliminate build-up.

Slip Plate is commonly found at any ag implement dealer, TSC, etc. Good Luck!

 

[CHUCKG]

Re: 62\" MMM mower poop

Hi Megotatractor:

I also have the 62" MMM on my 2210. I have the mulching kit installed on mine - not certain if you do or not. Anyways, when I first got the machine I tried mowing some wet, 6" high grass down to about 3" all in one shot and at a fairly fast speed. You quickly find out that doing it this way is a no-no.

I might add that my neighbor was also helping me cut this lawn with his Kubota BX22. His MMM did not have a mulching kit and he was having the same problems I was. We both experienced grass build up and the infamous howling noise.

The solution here was that we slowed down and took small bites (about 1") and kept cutting it in this fashion. Took several passes but we eliminated grass build up on the underside of the decks and unnecessary stress on the blades.

Now, whether my grass is wet or dry, (I always try to mow when the grass is dry, but sometimes not) I take small bites and cut more frequently. I cut every five days instead of seven, for instance. If my mowing starts showing a grass strip buildup on the lawn, I slow my speed down.

Another thing I did at my 50 hour service, (I have 70 on my 2210 now) was to convert all my fluids, including the gear box on the MMM to Amsoil synthetic products. What a difference this has made. The mower seems to operate so much smoother - it now hums and is considerably less noisy.

I am not experiencing any grass buildup on the underside of my MMM. My Kubota buddy often raises his discharge shute flap to prevent grass buildup on his machine.

Chuck

 

[megotatractor]

Re: 62\" MMM mower poop

in a perfect world I would mow as you suggest. But it rains, and it seems to be monsoon season, and can't always mow when it's dry. I cut every 5 days. no mulch kit. would the weed to grass ratio make a difference? My yard was previously 6 to 10 foot weeds and it now starts to resemble a lawn but still weedy.

 

[CHUCKG]

Re: 62\" MMM mower poop

Hi Megotatractor:

I know what you mean about monsoon season, it's probably been the wettest summer in history here in Virginia for us.

I really don't know if your weed to grass ratio would make a difference without seeing what your mowing. I can only guess if your mowing heavy or thick weed stocks, it very well could make a difference.

As a suggestion for you - if you have an area that is mostly real grass and your not having any problems mowing this verses the area where you have the weeds, then you can pretty much conclude that the weeds and not the grass could be part of your problem.

You probably have already tried this, but if I were mowing that, I would first experiment by taking small bites, mow slow, and lift my discharge shute all the way up. When I was mowing with a discharge chute, I would either remove it completely, or put a clamp with a string or rope on it and tie it in the upright position, especially in wet conditions. If the grass can't get out it will clog that deck in a heart beat.

Final suggestion would be - if your finding that the weeds are the problem your only solution would be to kill the area and reseed with grass, which I'm sure you have already considered doing.

Certainly wish you luck.

Chuck

 

[KiotiJohn]

Re: 62\" MMM mower poop

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( wiseguy,eh? non-stick cooking sprays won't help? darn. I'm not aware of any wet grass around here, you'd think it'd be dry after 5 inches of rain )</font>
You know, I'm not sure if they would work or not. It's worth a try, and I'm sure they wouldn't hurt anything. Who knows? Maybe it will make the underside slick enough for more of it to slide off. At any rate, you know I was just kidding you. Good luck, John