Another new GT48DXLS owner - Thanks to TBN

[Gem99ultra]

Good Morning Teachu2...about 6 hours on my GT48DXLS and as you have reported it continues to impress. Very strong...I have mowed 18"+ tall, thick green weeds and while the motor feels a bit labored it quickly clears itself and handles the weeds well. Occasionally leaves an odd standing tall stalk but with what I am mowing that is understandable. I also do not discriminate against small brush and it handles that well also.

SO far I have been stuck 4 times Twice in wet clay as the tires "loaded up" with clay and were like "slicks". Had to pull it out...locked diff no help when traction in rear tires is near zero and terrain is uneven. The other two times I was stuck on dryer ground and the locked diff quickly supplied relief. Wet clay is terrible.

Couple of questions...

1) I have operated last two lawn tractors for over 25 years with rear wheel weights and chains...never removed either. Only stuck once during that whole time...hung up on the deck trying to cross a small stream Dealer is brand new but thinks he "heard" you could not add chains...due to tire clearance??? It does look tight.

Are you aware of anyone who has added chains? Is there such a thing as a low profile chain?

What about better traction tires? Maybe HDAP like JD 5xx series has??

I have pretty much used in each of my mowing areas and the traction is my biggest problem...I knew that but had hoped the diff lock would be a solution. Either need chains/wheel weights or perhaps better traction tires. However, I think the wet clay would nullify other traction tires also?

2) With my use I have learned that blades/spindles and belts are often the "breaking" point as I use my mower as a quasi brush mower. I think I need to add a front end mower lift as this deck is likely too heavy for me to deal with...particularly for blade sharpening/change which I need to deal with pretty often. As long as I use blocks to support frame for safety I assume I can reach under and remove the blades for maintenance?

3) I see you changed to Oregon mulch blades. I do not bag but have no strong reason to mulch. The new mower is a monster at blowing the clippings...and does not seem to clog up at all. My concern is blade strength, holding an edge and high lift for blowing out. I know I will dull...both on heavy weeds and sticks as well as glancing off rocks, small residual stumps and dirt. I like the performance so far of the stock blades but wonder if there is a stronger version that would perform the same but maybe last longer between sharpening and other damage...ie heavier duty blades (that still throw the clippings as well).

BTW...I am actually a little nervous and watchful as I think some may have issues with damage from stuff thrown out the chute. Most of what I do has nothing to damage from thrown debris and I usually am out alone. I LOVE the power of the dispersal of clippings, small rocks, twigs etc but would not surprise me if they modify the chute in the future to deflect a bit more...or other solution.

4) Soon will be looking to do the 8 hours oil/filter change...looks like straight weight 30 will be my choice as we rarely see 90F+. No synthetic oil for straight weight I don't believe? Would not a multi weight xx/30 or 40 be a good choice? Any problems with oil filter change out? Do you have the filter number handy?...I don't see it in the Kawa manual.

I view the problems I have had with the mower...primarily getting stuck...as my usage issues. I suppose it is possible I may need to "pay up" and get either an x590 or perhaps an x7xx (with all wheel drive)...or other and mower. Perhaps I need to stay away from my clay areas...that and this has been a VERY wet year here in Northern Minnesota. Time will tell...I now know what it won't do

Appreciate reading your inputs...TMR

BTW...I have learned that even when coated with mud it cleans up pretty good with a quick hose washing and then mowing all my rough surface terrain...now clean as new (well almost)

I don't have a GT48DXLS, but I do have a GTH26V52LS, 2wd non-locking differential. Traction problems were eliminated with the tire swap like I mentioned in msg. 39 above, and with 50# rear wheel weights. Mud and wet grass are no long and issue

 

[Teachu2]

Good Morning Teachu2...about 6 hours on my GT48DXLS and as you have reported it continues to impress. Very strong...I have mowed 18"+ tall, thick green weeds and while the motor feels a bit labored it quickly clears itself and handles the weeds well. Occasionally leaves an odd standing tall stalk but with what I am mowing that is understandable. I also do not discriminate against small brush and it handles that well also.

SO far I have been stuck 4 times Twice in wet clay as the tires "loaded up" with clay and were like "slicks". Had to pull it out...locked diff no help when traction in rear tires is near zero and terrain is uneven. The other two times I was stuck on dryer ground and the locked diff quickly supplied relief. Wet clay is terrible.

Couple of questions...

1) I have operated last two lawn tractors for over 25 years with rear wheel weights and chains...never removed either. Only stuck once during that whole time...hung up on the deck trying to cross a small stream Dealer is brand new but thinks he "heard" you could not add chains...due to tire clearance??? It does look tight.

Are you aware of anyone who has added chains? Is there such a thing as a low profile chain?

What about better traction tires? Maybe HDAP like JD 5xx series has??

I have pretty much used in each of my mowing areas and the traction is my biggest problem...I knew that but had hoped the diff lock would be a solution. Either need chains/wheel weights or perhaps better traction tires. However, I think the wet clay would nullify other traction tires also?

2) With my use I have learned that blades/spindles and belts are often the "breaking" point as I use my mower as a quasi brush mower. I think I need to add a front end mower lift as this deck is likely too heavy for me to deal with...particularly for blade sharpening/change which I need to deal with pretty often. As long as I use blocks to support frame for safety I assume I can reach under and remove the blades for maintenance?

3) I see you changed to Oregon mulch blades. I do not bag but have no strong reason to mulch. The new mower is a monster at blowing the clippings...and does not seem to clog up at all. My concern is blade strength, holding an edge and high lift for blowing out. I know I will dull...both on heavy weeds and sticks as well as glancing off rocks, small residual stumps and dirt. I like the performance so far of the stock blades but wonder if there is a stronger version that would perform the same but maybe last longer between sharpening and other damage...ie heavier duty blades (that still throw the clippings as well).

BTW...I am actually a little nervous and watchful as I think some may have issues with damage from stuff thrown out the chute. Most of what I do has nothing to damage from thrown debris and I usually am out alone. I LOVE the power of the dispersal of clippings, small rocks, twigs etc but would not surprise me if they modify the chute in the future to deflect a bit more...or other solution.

4) Soon will be looking to do the 8 hours oil/filter change...looks like straight weight 30 will be my choice as we rarely see 90F+. No synthetic oil for straight weight I don't believe? Would not a multi weight xx/30 or 40 be a good choice? Any problems with oil filter change out? Do you have the filter number handy?...I don't see it in the Kawa manual.

I view the problems I have had with the mower...primarily getting stuck...as my usage issues. I suppose it is possible I may need to "pay up" and get either an x590 or perhaps an x7xx (with all wheel drive)...or other and mower. Perhaps I need to stay away from my clay areas...that and this has been a VERY wet year here in Northern Minnesota. Time will tell...I now know what it won't do

Appreciate reading your inputs...TMR

BTW...I have learned that even when coated with mud it cleans up pretty good with a quick hose washing and then mowing all my rough surface terrain...now clean as new (well almost)

1) I have no experience with chains or clay mud, and my 275lbs on the seat seems to work as wheel weight.
2) I use a mower jack with no issues, but only to pull/change the blades.
3) The Oregon G5 Gator blades are a big step up from the originals. They also propelled the discharge out the chute with authority. I changed to the mulch plug and gained a) lower noise level, b) contained discharge- no more covering the road with cut grass, and c) substantially decreased width since I removed the chute. Makes it easier to clear obstructions, rocks, trees, etc. Strictly a personal choice - and I may pull the plug for the first mowing of the season. Either way, the G5 blades are GREAT!
4) Open your hood. On the right side inside the hood is a sticker - I took a phone picture of mine, so I can refer back to it any time. Has blades, belts, filters, spark plug, and oil all listed. Husqvarna recommends 10W30, Kawasaki seconds that to 86 degrees, then says straight 40. Kawi also cautions that multiweight oils will be consumed at higher weights.

 

[Teachu2]

 

[Teachu2]

May try these on the rear: http://www.millertire.com/products/...-12/23x10-50-12-firestone-flotation-23-4-ply/
or Amazon.com: Carlisle Tru Power Lawn & Garden Tire - 23X1.5-12: Automotive

 

[Gem99ultra]

May try these on the rear: http://www.millertire.com/products/...-12/23x10-50-12-firestone-flotation-23-4-ply/
or Amazon.com: Carlisle Tru Power Lawn & Garden Tire - 23X1.5-12: Automotive

hehehe - yep, those tires will definitely give Teachu2 more traction! All the traction one would ever want. But they will definitely chew up the turf. If it's only pasture land he's cutting, those are the answer. In my case I needed something more multi-use, i.e. traction on dam banks but smooth enough on the lawn to not damage it. Teachu2 now has choices for Mild to Wild

 

[TMR]

hehehe - yep, those tires will definitely give Teachu2 more traction! All the traction one would ever want. But they will definitely chew up the turf. If it's only pasture land he's cutting, those are the answer. In my case I needed something more multi-use, i.e. traction on dam banks but smooth enough on the lawn to not damage it. Teachu2 now has choices for Mild to Wild

What tires did you change to? TMR

 

[Gem99ultra]

What tires did you change to? TMR

Same tread pattern as my picture on the above msg #39. Several brands out there and all about $100 each. Wheel weights, 50# each side, helped the turfs, but the turfs just didn't have enough grab. The all terrain's don't tear up the lawn portion of my mowing, but have no traction problem at all on my 25 degree pond banks.

I tried filling the tires with water, but that was a bummer. Filled fronts caused VERY hard steering, so I dumped the water idea altogether. Wheel weights 'helped' but did nothing for me in muddy and/or wet areas. My combo is fronts factory turfs, no nothing. Rear 50# weights and ATV's.

 

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

May try these on the rear: http://www.millertire.com/products/...-12/23x10-50-12-firestone-flotation-23-4-ply/
or Amazon.com: Carlisle Tru Power Lawn & Garden Tire - 23X1.5-12: Automotive

Bahahahahahaha!!! That's deff overkill there for a mower. Next you can put in a split rear break kit and add an air bag suspension seat.

 

[wayneandroxanne]

Do you have the number for the plug kit? My dealer is lost for parts...thanx the dealer has 965894003 which has additional baffles for $180..I can mulch now with a plugged bagger chute and hi-lft blades....trying to do it better
Its a 2017

 

[Teachu2]

Do you have the number for the plug kit? My dealer is lost for parts...thanx the dealer has 965894003 which has additional baffles for $180..I can mulch now with a plugged bagger chute and hi-lft blades....trying to do it better
Its a 2017

correct part number is 965894003. That part is $64.99.