Mowing How to I get more power to the blades

hockleytx · Jul 9, 2015

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I own a 04 New Holland TZ18da. Is a small tractor, but I was perfect for my 3.24 acres. The last few years it has been very difficult to mow due to lack of power. The engine is strong and keeps the rpm, but the blades die against high grass, that a grass mower would eat easy. I'm not sure what can I do beside getting a bigger tractor and was hoping one of the members of this forum had experiece this issue and have a better solution. I love the tractor and is paid for.
Anway, ANY IDEAS??

namesray · Jul 9, 2015

Sounds like mower could have loose belts oroil slick on belts. Are blades belt driven?

300UGUY · Jul 9, 2015

When was the last time the blades were sharpened or replaced? The belts will wear over time, working themselves loose.

hockleytx · Jul 9, 2015

Hey guys, thank you so much for responding. I replaced the blades last year trying to fix the problem and the belt looks tide, but I haven't change that yet. What setting is better, the turtle or the rabbit??

Fawken · Jul 9, 2015

What size mower is it? What kind of weeds/grass are you cutting? Have you had as much rain this year as in my part of Texas? Is your depth of cut drifting down? Have you noticed a lack of power doing other tasks with the tractor?

hockleytx · Jul 9, 2015

What size mower is it? belly mower 5 feet (I think)
What kind of weeds/grass are you cutting? Hay
Have you had as much rain this year as in my part of Texas? too much
Is your depth of cut drifting down? It has gotten a few feet the most, I have mowed as much as possible when I can.
Have you noticed a lack of power doing other tasks with the tractor? NO

Fawken · Jul 9, 2015

Its just a fact of life that well nourished grass is going to be harder to cut than our usual, rain starved fields. Also, the angle of the deck can make a world of difference. Should be angled very slightly lower on the front edge.

hockleytx · Jul 9, 2015

Do you know if the mower's belt is adjusted tighter from the tractor with the knob that shows a turtle or a rabbit? I had the impression this adjustment has something to do with that.

Fawken · Jul 9, 2015

No I don't know that, but with a belly mower you could also have a bearing dragging it down. I wouldn't think a belt adjuster would have the turtle and rabbit decal associated with it.

hockleytx · Jul 9, 2015

I'm going to separate my belly mower tomorrow and check the belt and any other moving parts.
Thank you guys so much for your input. It really helps to get more perspective from fellow tractor owners.