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.

 

[ccsial]

I removed the covers! now it's easy to clean & doesn't collect near as much junk.

I did the same thing on the 54" mower on my X748. Solves the problem. What does collect there I blow off with an air hose. I usually pick up some gravel in those recesses too. Some of the areas I mow a lot people wouldn't call a lawn.

 

[AKfish]

Yup... did the same on my X300R. Mow with a "nekkid" mower deck -- it's liberating!

AKfish

 

[sunspot]

I did the same with my Husky after the debris ate the belt at 3 hours old.

 

[gary_dsc]

What's the down side to leaving the covers off?

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

What's the down side to leaving the covers off?

Missing fingers and or toes???

 

[nmu98]

Missing fingers and or toes???

Only if you put your fingers or toes in the belt area when its on

You could also drill a few holes in the outside of the cover to allow you to blow it out easier. My 60" deck on the 445 has more covered and does not collect stuff as bad. I would think more, or less, cover would be better than what they have.

 

[AKfish]

The mower deck on my X300R has the shroud on the left side but the pulley on the right side is open. Maybe there was supposed to be a cover on the right side, too.

I don't know. That's the way it came from the dealer.

But, with the cover off, I can watch for any buildup of grass clippings, leaves, etc. and take care of the problem before it's ever really a problem.

That said, I never work on any of my equipment when it's running - engine, pto, mower deck, anything...

And I wear appropriate clothing (long sleeve shirts, carharts) and boots and gloves and safety impact glasses.

AKfish