x758 powerflo bagger blowing out grass

[tk tom]

If the deck isn't leveled properly, I.E. the back is level with or lower than the front, it can cause blowout from the front of the deck. The back of the blade tip should be 1/8-1/4" higher than the front if I remember correctly.

 

[jonsstihl]

the blades are brand new standard blades. The guy I bought it from was using standard blades with a mulch kit but he must have hit a rock or something because the baffle was bent and the blade running in the bent area was tweaked.

I leveled the deck once, mowed my lawn without the bagger, then I installed the bagger and leveled the deck again. the front of the deck is currently about 1/8 inch lower than the back.

I really think it is the design of the deck. The front lip is higher than the tip of the blades. JD markets this as an advantage when you are cutting tall grass. But evidently it does not help with the bagger installed.

tonight I should be able to get around to mowing my lawn a second time with the bagger and I will drop the mower down 1/2 inch because I had it set at 3" cutting height last time and that seemed a little tall. I hope that will help.

 

[beenthere]

When the deck design was changed from the older 400 series 54's (around 2002 ) to the 54C, they appeared to go to a boxier-style, more-robust appearance and I believe shortchanged the flow of cut grass beneath. Certainly they were aware of the problem at Horicon plant and tried to cover the new design with patchwork by adding plates to the underside. Another design change that was so expensive to convert their huge press molds over to the new that they couldn't go back. Unfortunate how those decisions are made in corporations that get out the door and no underling engineer can correct it. Much like big government.

My decks are leveled properly with the correct fore and aft 1/8 - 1/4" drop in the blade tips.

That 54C deck has been stored away for the last 10 years and will only go with the X485 if/when it is sold.

 

[jonsstihl]

well I broke down and bought the bumpers and installed them but at 280$ with 15% tax included they are quite expensive.

They do make a noticeable difference in how much leaves stay under the mower. It is still not perfect and not as good as my old x320 with the 48c mower. I am happy about the results because there is a significant improvement but I still don't think I should have to buy it. It should have been included in the kit.

easy to install all I had to do was notch the blower housing so that it would slide into the mower. They bolt onto the lip of the mower with these special clips so there are no holes to drill.