Cut down build up under deck

[gps_jetskier]

Anyway to cut down on the build up under the deck. I use my mower for residential use and I have to scrap it out all the time. Will different blades help? I keep the stock ones sharp, I'm not in a particularly wet area, but this seems excessive. I think the blades spin so fast it's just pulverizing everything under there to mush. I get several inches of buildup.

[mowerconsultant]

You have the pre XR-7 deck correct?
Fusion blades with the spacers in your deck and having the deck opening enlarged would help if you havent already did this.
Check belt tension, engine RPM's and deck pitch also.
All of these will help if set properly.
All of that being said, sometimes its just the grass and the moisture content that causes this.

Pj

[gps_jetskier]

I do yes, and the chute opening has been opened up per the mod.

I do not have the fusion blades. It's just the stock blades (two sets).

[lawnstriper23]

Another quick and easy way to help prevent buildup is spraying the bottom of the deck with Pam cooking spray. I do it all the time and works like a charm. Well, not sure how a charm works, but it does help. :)

[silvermaxd]

are you mulching or discharging? I gave up on trying to mulch so I only discharge and it only builds up if the grass has alot of moisture content...summer is not a problem as the grass dries out.

[mowerconsultant]

I do yes, and the chute opening has been opened up per the mod.

I do not have the fusion blades. It's just the stock blades (two sets).

I would get the Fusion blades and blade spacer kit installed, it really makes a difference.

Pj

[blackandgold]

If the deck is not pitched correctly, this can easily happen. If the deck is too flat you will be using more hp and fuel because the blade tips are not doing all the work. Plus, under pitched or over pitched deck will result in deck build up and poor discharge. Do you have flex forks on the mower? I also agree, the the flat blades with the spacers will help quite a bit.

[gps_jetskier]

I'm discharging. Not mulching. I do have flex forks. Not sure what difference that would make really. The deck is pitched according to my manual. I checked that a while back because I also often leave a small strip un-mowed on the trim side. I see it standing on the next pass alot of times. PJ recommended fusions for that as well.

I hate that idea since I have two sets of the stock blades for it.

Frankly I think I need more lift. It doesn't blow grass as far as I'd like. Of course with the deck built up full of grass it really doesn't blow grass well.

[mowerconsultant]

The Fusions will help with the uncut grass, as they are sharpened all the way to the center of the blade almost.
They will also help with discharge flow compared to the blades your using now.

[hamiltonlawncare]

like PJ said the fusions do well I mowed a yard last week that was 3 ft high and wet after i finishedd i pulled up onto trailer to clean out deck before going to next yard..........and nothing underneath

PS i did have to double/triple cut in places but no build up after finished

[DAR57]

The little strip of grass you are leaving on the trim side is the very edge of the blades starting to round off. Sharpen your blades back to original condition with the edge being at a point and you will lose the strip of standing grass.

[User Name Taken]

Mine clogs to the point it makes a grinding sound on the left side. My buildup I'll attribute to the high amount of clover in my yard until mid summer.
What is this 'deck mod' and spacer kit? I use fusion replacements from oregon or gator blades/ flex forks/ I haven't checked my deck pitch but I assume the dealer did when it was new ???

[gps_jetskier]

The blades aren't rounded. I ground them to a point each time. They seem to do it when they're sharp too. I'll get a set of fusions one of these days.

[mowerconsultant]

Mine clogs to the point it makes a grinding sound on the left side. My buildup I'll attribute to the high amount of clover in my yard until mid summer.
What is this 'deck mod' and spacer kit? I use fusion replacements from oregon or gator blades/ flex forks/ I haven't checked my deck pitch but I assume the dealer did when it was new ???

How old is your unit? mid 2005 and older units have a deck opening modification that can be done and installation of flat blades with a spacer kit.
The spacer kit was to compensate from offset blades to flat blades.

Pj

[User Name Taken]

I read last night the spacer kit was for older units. Mine is 2 seasons old. 2008-2009 ?

[mowerconsultant]

I read last night the spacer kit was for older units. Mine is 2 seasons old. 2008-2009 ?

You dont need the spacers, your unit is a XR- deck if it is a 2008 or 2009 or is your unit a Mini Z or Super Mini Z? you dont use the spacers with those decks either.

[User Name Taken]

It's a mini z. I didnt know it was an XR deck. My in-laws super Z has a decal on the deck, mine doesn't

[mowerconsultant]

It's a mini z. I didnt know it was an XR deck. My in-laws super Z has a decal on the deck, mine doesn't

Your unit being a Mini Z isn't a XR-7 deck, its a deck that we have always used flat blades on.

[User Name Taken]

OK, only decal on the deck itself was for the Fusion blades

[mowerconsultant]

OK, only decal on the deck itself was for the Fusion blades

Correct, all of our commercial units come with Fusion blades from the factory.

Pj

[crasmith]

What blades are stock on my 48 FasTrak SD? I looked under the deck and I can see the name Hustler on them but I can't read the rest. I have not cut with it yet and am waiting on the mulching kit to be delivered. Thanks!

[mowerconsultant]

What blades are stock on my 48 FasTrak SD? I looked under the deck and I can see the name Hustler on them but I can't read the rest. I have not cut with it yet and am waiting on the mulching kit to be delivered. Thanks!

The FasTrak SD's come with the Fusion blades from the factory.

Pj

[crasmith]

Thanks Pj! :)