Mowing 62C deck, after all these years I still can't get it level.

[beenthere]

I've had them before, and don't like them any better than the standard Deere blades. Don't mow as well but are more rugged IMO.

 

[hosspuller]

One more item to check. Along with your blade height, check your blade level and straightness. If a spindle mount or blade is bent, the cut will never be level. With two or more blades, every blade has to spin in the same plane as the others. Use a straight edge, with all blades in a line. The tips should measure the same distance from the level.

 

[ovrszd]

How do you like the Gator blades? I use the heck out of them.

This is just my second year with them. They are alright. Clean up the clippings real nice. Only thing I don't like is if you get behind and mow tall grass, you have to slow down. They don't lift as well as standard blades.

 

[megotatractor]

Thanks. Those who have expressed the poor cut quality of this deck I agree.
I did get a digital tire gauge to ensure the pressures are equal, they are.
I haven't got a blade level gauge yet. But on using a carpenter's level; I have a long one that I place on the tops of the gauge wheel posts I assume the deck is square. that way I should get a fairly good front to back level?? But perhaps the wheels are not designed to be on the same plane as the blades?
I have tried adjusting both side hangars and the front hangar and have never managed the perfect cut. Must be some flaw in the C series decks. Oh well, it's going to be a VERY long time before I can try something else. (thanks Obama). I guess I'll just have to live with it..

 

[megotatractor]

One more item to check. Along with your blade height, check your blade level and straightness. If a spindle mount or blade is bent, the cut will never be level. With two or more blades, every blade has to spin in the same plane as the others. Use a straight edge, with all blades in a line. The tips should measure the same distance from the level.

That is a thought. will check.

 

[hawkeye08]

I have an older rider mower that has all the adjustments right, including tire pressures, but still has some uneven cutting at times. It appears to me that part of it is the rider is well worn (I have a new ZT that I use now) and the deck is pushed sideways some, just slightly to the left when mowing, especially taller grass. This causes the right side to dip slightly. I could adjust it so the right side is slightly higher on the measurements and then when it shifts a bit when mowing is closer to level... but I only use it now for pasture, etc and don't care if the result is perfect. I really like the results my new mower has, but noticed when cutting shorter 4" I have to play closer attention to how I mow the parts that are not flat.

Hope you figure it out, I know it can be frustrating.

 

[beenthere]

I reiterate... getting the deck right cannot be done with a carpenters level. You are barking up the wrong tree.. so to speak.

The deck is to be carried by the tractor, not using the deck wheels to carry the deck except for uneven ground.

And if you don't want to buy the height gauge, then just use a 2" block of wood to position under the blade tips and adjust fore and aft tips by sight as related to block height.

 

[KennyG]

I think my 62 D deck is essentially the same as a C. After leveling I'm able to get a smooth cut on level ground. If it wasn't for the tire tracks, you couldn't tell where the mowing paths are. Of course, my real problem is that a lot of my lawn isn't smooth, but a deck can't do much about that. Don't tell the safety police, but when there's no one around I leave the grass deflector off the deck. and, combined with Gator blades, eliminate the grass clipping rows. If it wasn't for the tracks from a 2000 lb machine, you couldn't tell it was just mowed.

 

[hosspuller]

If all the blades & mounts are okay... Is the underside of the deck clean? A wad of clippings stuck somewhere will upset the air flow. That can push grass down so the cut is uneven after the deck passes.

 

[stlbill]

For sure my 62C with Deere mulch kit does not provide the same cut quality as my Honda 21" walk-behind. I do have the John Deere brand cut gauage and have a lot of trouble getting the deck level within 0.125" per the manual. I have trouble checking air pressure in rear tires because they are fluid-filled. If I were retired and had plenty of time I would use the 21" mower for my several acres. Until then the 62C is a lot faster and the cut quality is good enough for the time savings.