Removing baffles on 54" GR2120 mower deck.

[Telstar2112]

I recently purchased a GR2120 with the 54" deck and find that it does not cut the high grass as well as my old bottom of the line 48" JD lawn tractor. By high grass, I mean 1-2+ feet high. I think the issue may be due to the baffles. Between the smaller blades allowing a shorter deck, and then the baffles in there, it is very easy for the high grass to get bent over and span from baffle to baffle and never get cut. I have to go over it again and again multiple times.
Has anyone removed these baffles and seen an improvement in cutting the high grass?

Also, these baffles are substantial steel and welded in in many places. How would one remove these, I imagine using a cutoff wheel on say a 4" grinder at each weld although there are a lot of them.

And I wonder how much this would weaken the deck, essentially removing a 4" high welded in steel beam that seems like it would give it a lot of strength.

Any ideas or thoughts for other options I am open to suggestions.

(p.s. The blades seem to be high lift blades and are relatively sharp, and I had propped open the chute deflector to help ease the deflection. It does seem to leave the highest tufts of grass so I do think it is likely this spanning issue.)

Thanks,
Steve.

 

[art]

You are correct with your diagnosis as to the baffles potentially being your issue. I would not recommend removal of them as it will hinder your finish mowing area from mowing well. The thoughts of mowing twice to get the cut you want you might mow it before it gets to 2 foot tall and not have the issues. Maybe try it when the high is only one foot and you will cut at near 100 percent and at a higher ground speed equalling out and a better job!

 

[Telstar2112]

Thanks, I am not all that concerned with a premium cut as this is mostly for cutting walking paths on an 80 acre property. There are only a few small "lawn" areas that should look nice but also don't have to be anywhere near perfect. It is not my primary residence and unfortunately sometimes don't get up to the place as often as I would like so the grass can get pretty high by the time I get there late in the spring. As mentioned the old cheap riding mower seemed to do a better job in this tall this stuff so that was a bit of a letdown with the new machine and I am hoping I can remedy it. In searching around I did not see where anyone removed the baffles although many other mowers have them bolted in so they are removable. I would love to know if anyone can confirm that this would help and not weaken the deck much before doing so. I am also not sure if I would take them all as one unit ( easier to weld back in if needed) out or just cut some sections.

Thanks,
Steve.