F3990 Discharge Modification?

[cold1313]

I have an F3990 with the side discharge deck. I'm wondering what I can do to cut down on getting covered with grass when I cut the lawn (short of getting a rear discharge deck)

I see some local companies put on the hose for the bagging attachment on their Grasshoppers and just let the grass blow out behind them. Anybody have any luck with anything?

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I have an F3990 with the side discharge deck. I'm wondering what I can do to cut down on getting covered with grass when I cut the lawn (short of getting a rear discharge deck)

I see some local companies put on the hose for the bagging attachment on their Grasshoppers and just let the grass blow out behind them. Anybody have any luck with anything?

Doesn't help you but I HATE side discharge mowing decks! I always buy/demand rear discharge decks if available. I did own a small Kubota Z which only came in side discharge and I added the mulching kit to solve the problem with the blocking plate and different cutting blades. Solved the grass blow all over me problem and allowed modified mowing on both sides of the deck.

 

[jcummins]

Chute blocker...google it. I haven't done it yet, but have been tempted.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Chute blocker...google it. I haven't done it yet, but have been tempted.

I've considered this in the past but haven't done it. My thoughts are to remove the chute and cover the opening with some type of heavy/pliable rubber (I'm using a cut to shape old discarded truck mud flap on the back of my rear discharge to force grass down but not sure it's doing anything) and screw it in a couple places on each side and see what it would do on the cheap. Could also screw it on the end of the chute to where it flops down to the ground to see what happens.

 

[jcummins]

I took the stock chute off before I even mowed with it. To big to much in the way. So have been mowing with no chute at all.

 

[boggen]

cardboard and ducktape = chute blocker.

of what i can remember, i do not think the chute was ever "on" or at least allowed to lay down. it was always held up with something. so grass could blow out further from the deck.

 

[cold1313]

I've got the deck at 3" or slightly taller, so it blows the grass pretty far. However, I'm out in the country and always have a good breeze and it blows it back at me. A lot of the ~4 acres that I mow on a "weekly" basis is that cheap field grass that grows like weeds. So I often am cutting tall grass or perhaps some damp grass. Right now it doesn't windrow too bad. I was thinking if I could literally route it behind the mower, then I would be good.

The grasshoppers have a powered blower at the chute exit - not sure if the F Series are the same? I'm guessing it'd be big bucks for that attachment & the tubing to route it behind the exhaust of the mower.

Anyone know what the bager deck attachment costs? Just the blower (if there is one) or if I can even use it with my deck? For all I know, I need a deck specific to that.

I got an amazing deal on this machine, so I'm dealing with the side discharge for now.

 

[boggen]

does deck have a spot in the top of it. most likely directly above side discharge. were something could attach?

if you can call around and find a "wholesaler" for hvac in your area. the "cleats" and sheet metal. you can most likely get 1/2 if not more off than local hardware stores. it

sheet metal. is rather sharp, but if you have the right tools can be easy to deal with.
--red, yellow, green handle snippers (right hand, middle, left hand) makes cutting it easier. generally cheap package comes with all 3 types
--they sell a little rectangle. device, that helps you bend the edges.
https://www.menards.com/main/heatin...4421422976-c-6833.htm?tid=1929128657517470066
--then they sell large plier like device, to help finishing up bending
https://www.menards.com/main/heatin...m?tid=7890381000999644655&bargainStoreId=3081
--sheet metal screws, make sure you get a socket wrench adaptor for a drill
https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...?tid=-6147619304121417263&bargainStoreId=3081
--if you not use to doing it, get a small little drill bit. approx 1/2 the size or small than screw. just enough to get things started.
--S cleats
https://www.menards.com/main/heatin...?tid=-2784868495780417841&bargainStoreId=3081
--corner S cleat
https://www.menards.com/main/heatin...?tid=-2784868495780417841&bargainStoreId=3081
--drive cleat (doubt you will use but)
https://www.menards.com/main/heatin...?tid=-2784868495780417841&bargainStoreId=3081
--sheet metal sheets.
--black permanent marker
--straight edge.
--doubt you would need it, but hvac metal tape.

guessing $100 to $150 bucks. for tools and enough cleats and sheet metal to fabricate something up. most of it is tools.

watch some youtube videos, of making a custom air filter, and/or custom duct work.

==========
if wanting pipe....

culvert pipe the plastic stuff, been a while i think it only comes in 20' foot lengths. you might find it in 10' lengths. get something that is double lined (corrugated on the outside, and then a nice smooth pipe on the inside)

4" pipe most likely clog up. guessing min 6" up to 8" or 10" diameter pipe.

 

[cold1313]

I could fab something up but I'd like to see if I can stick with the Kubota option. Curious if I can buy some of the OEM attachments (would be nice to have an exploded diagram to look at the different part numbers)

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I could fab something up but I'd like to see if I can stick with the Kubota option. Curious if I can buy some of the OEM attachments (would be nice to have an exploded diagram to look at the different part numbers)

Maybe you can see exploded diagram with part numbers here. http://www.kubota.com/part/partsList.aspx I sue it for my mowing deck parts.