x340 mower disappointment

[BarTX]

I recently bought the x340, 54" deck, kawasaki motor. I thought this was going to be the perfect mower for my home in the country. I am having a problem with the deck, it is getting clogged up around the sheaves (pulleys). The sheaves are actually recessed into the deck and just collect dirt and everything else with no place to go. There are low profile covers over the sheaves that will not let debris escape. I have a cub mower that has slots cut into the deck to let debris escape. I think this mower has a terrible deck design. I wish I wouldn't have bought this mower. I have complained to JD and asked if I could return the mower, they are saying they want to come out and see if they can do anything. What are they going to do? Unless your cutting a manicured type lawn, you don't want this mower. Don't make the mistake I made. Look at the deck and you will see how easy it would be to clog up.

BarTX

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I think they used to have a money back guarantee for some period of time. Maybe for 30 days???

Sorry you don't like it. There are reasons for the recess, it gives room above the blades for the clippings to exit without the need for twice the length pulley shafts. Also helps create a lifting vacuum force. I agree they could do a better job of covering the belts but then it would be even harder to clean out.

Maybe you could cut some strategic holes in the plastic shroud to blow out debris.

 

[Revelation]

After I cut my lawn, I spend 25 seconds with an air blower to clear the area by the belts. Works great. Kyle in Tex is a smart lad, and I agree that's why they have the design the way it is. Try the air blower and keep the great looking, tough and reliable John Deere.

 

[TimS]

Is the debris actually causing any problem? Or you just don't like the way it looks?

 

[BarTX]

The debris is not causing any problems, but I have only cut with it twice. The grass that I am cutting is in sandy/silty soil. When you have been cutting for a while those plastic covers on the deck get packed with sand and grass. The sheaves are spinning in a sandy grit . It seems to me that eventually this will cause a problem and possibly could be a fire hazard.

 

[shot_gun]

Sorry to here about your troubles but the deck design is like kyle said. I have seen people use a 7/16" nut and longer bolt to raise the shield up a little bit so you can blow out the debris when your done. I use my leaf blower to dust off the machine real quick when I'm done. Quick and easy. Adding slots to the deck will weaken the deck around the spindle pockets. I don't think that is a good idea. Just my .02

 

[BarTX]

The debris is not causing any problems, but I have only cut with it twice. The grass that I am cutting is in sandy/silty soil. When you have been cutting for a while those plastic covers on the deck get packed with sand and grass. The sheaves are spinning in a sandy grit . It seems to me that eventually this will cause a problem and possibly could be a fire hazard.

add 5 characters\

 

[slkpk]

Thats no different than any other mower deck I've had. Just blow it out with air when your done. slkpk

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Wow, that sand is not good for anything mechanical. Are you trying to establish a lawn? If you can get your grass thick and lush, you'll be able to mow a bit higher and you won't get so much sand on your deck.

I too, use a lawn and leaf blower to clear mine out or sometimes I pressure wash it. I definitely recommend cleaning it out every hour or so.

Mine gets a bunch of oak leaves in it.

 

[dbdartman]

Although I don't have that bad a problem with the covers on my X304, they still collected too much clippings for me, so I fixed it. I removed the covers! now it's easy to clean & doesn't collect near as much junk.