ptsg
Super Member
A proper skid design will hardly leave any marks and for the most part, it will only leave marks if turning too tight, which can be solved by lifting slightly and relieving some of the weight on the ground. We never use the gauge wheel in the back of the mower here and let it ride on the ground. It's a brush mower after all, not a finish mower.That would work great if the skids were well rounded front/back AND on the sides. Many cutters will lop off huge amounts of sod while turning a corner.
This is a common design on the skids, mostly rounded on front and back with cutting height adjustable in a couple positions: