eXmark users, its time to stand up and be heard!

[65hoss]

Any eXmark users that have ever had a problem with blowout during leaf season need speak up. I'm creating this thread to put the ball in eXmarks corner because I've been getting lots of people asking me about the anti-blowout baffle. Problem has been that many people have other size decks than the 52" and 60". There are lots of 44", 48" and others out there that could benefit greatly from this product.

My 52" Lazer HP was having a blowout problem during leaf season with the ultravac. I chased leaves all over the place, and as we all know, time is money. I got a anti-blowout baffle and solved the problem. On thin turf, no turf, and grass areas it works awesome. This product saved me TONS of time this spring doing cleanups due to running at normal speeds and only have to go over it once.

I firmly believe this anti-blowout baffle adds to our bottom line. Since time is money and chasing leaves all over a lawn eats into our time, the anti-blowout baffle will pay for itself and help us make more profit. Profit is why we buy the machines we buy. Adding to those machines to make them more profitable is a necessity to this business.

Any eXmark users that would be interested in one of these to enhance your mowers, please post on this thread. Maybe with 1 voice(or thread) we can get them to listen to you guys that don't run 52" or 60" decks.

[MikeLT1Z28]

i'd like one for a 36" as well. still suffers from the same symptoms. for what it's worth, i've seen the baffle on 65hoss's at work and it's proof enough for me!

:blob4: :blob4: :blob4:

[eXmark]

Hoss,

Thank you. I assure you that we are hearing you and have been for some time. Please understand a fix or cure that works for one deck size needs to be tested on the others. Not all cutting width decks react the same to a given change. That is why we test in many different conditions and have the performance evaluated by more than one engineer or one customer.

We are actually testing more than one solution to the issue had hand. A couple of these look very promising. We would however prefer to finish the testing and make sure our products function as advertised before going to market.

Until those products are ready for market there are several things that can be done to ensure that the mowers are functioning at the best possible level with the UltraVac's.

Verifying the deck rake, deck idlers are functioning properly, switching to a solid airfoil blade or a low lift blade, make sure the UltraVac drive idler is functioning properly. In some cases replacing the belt on the UltraVac has help with issues of plugging and in theory could make an improvement in the area of blow out if it is not functioning properly. In some cases it is possible to lower the cutting height and that helps dramatically as well. Scheduling some of the jobs a little sooner to prevent an over abundance of leaves which requires raising the deck even higher can help as well. We've heard some comments regarding the performance of aftermarket "gator" type blades that have been positive.

Most of these solutions hold true when side discharging as well.

Please if any of you have a question regarding how to improve the cut or reduce the blow out of your particular machine give us a call and we'll certainly try to improve the situation.

Thanks

Terry

[Scotlawncare]

Ok exmark, don't forget us Metro guys too. I have a 2000 48" metro and WANT that baffel bad. I mainly run the mulch kit all year long and have had probs with blow out on leaves so far. i know that you guys have to test things before bringing them into production. I know we have to wait for this time frame but I would be willing to input any info I can about my setup that would help the design or testing to put this into production for the 48" decks faster.

email me at scotlawn@midsouth.rr.com if you guys want any outside info on conditions in the midsouth.



Scot

[Angelo]

Anit blow out baffle; I'd buy one for my 48" tt, and 48" metro. Cmon exmark leaf season is quickly approaching.:D

[Bob's Lawn]

I have a 2002 Exmark 48" TTHP. I run with the mulch kit all year, and with leaves starting to fall I end up chasing them.

If the anti-blowout baffle works, I know I would have one in a second.

Love the Exmark and the ECS controls. The one change I would recommend is to move the "keep alive" lever more to the inside. It sometimes grabs branches and chainlink fences.

[Doogiegh]

I'd love to be able to get a baffle for my 32" Exmark Metro, 12.5 hp Kawi, gear driven, pistol grip. (gotta be exact on the machine, right?)

I believe that the size of the deck does not matter, whether you are running a 32,36,48,52,60, or even 72, the problem is the amount of AIR that is moving under the deck and the front right corner is the escape passage out of the deck.. If that can be "baffled", then the leaves have no escape from Alcatraz (under the deck) :)

I'm even looking at buying some sheet metal type of duct work for houses and cutting a piece to mount somehow to my exmark to create my own baffle under production is underway...

I just will NOT drill holes in my deck to attach this baffling, so I don't know how I will get it to be attached, but I'll think of something. <G>

Thanks Exmark for your continual hard work and dedication!

Gary H

[odin]

I want one for the 48 lazer hp

[joehar]

i have the 48 hp which i love.i would like the baffle to try for this leaf season.ill keep checking with my dealer for updates.

[NBLL]

I could use a baffle on both of my 48's and not just for leaves. All year when I mow it blows grass out the front. People dont appreciate grass in their newly mulched landscape. :(

[greenman]

I'm with MikeLT on this one,as well as everyone else. I have the Metro 36.

[Premo Services]

I have the tthp 48 inch and would love to get my greedy little hands on a anti blowout baffle for it. Count me a big YES!!!:D

[ranger520]

would like one for a 36 metro asap. Would be a big help.

[naturescape]

I'd like the baffle for my 2002 48" TT. I am currently running a mulch kit on it, but may have to remove simply because there is too much blow out. A few leaves blow onto neighboring properties, and it's just a matter of time before someone complains about blowing just one half of a leaf on their property! It doesn't seem like the baffle would be too different of a design from the 3 blade 52" mower.

Please let us know when/should the product become available!

[Toroguy]

Yes'

Me too!

[crazygator]

Exmark guys,

I have the Turf Tracer 36" and need a baffle for it as well. I know from HOSS's reports and others that his works awesome. Please help us all out!

[ProMo]

hmmmm sounds like some of my symtoms

[gogetter]

I'd like one for my 36" Metro also!

[SLS]

Count me in for a TTHP 36" version if one becomes available.

[germann]

We could really use one for the 36 and 48 inch model! Have a problem with blowout and this would just be great!

[Scotlawncare]

Exmark,

Any new info on the anti blowout baffle for other mowers. Leaves are starting to fall and I know there are plenty of guys wanting one and several willing to test any prototype you guys have. Don't leave us in the dark on this. I know it takes longer than a few weeks to put one out but at least let us know if there is some hope for us WB users.

Scot

[eXmark]

Hey Guys,

Here's what we know about the Blowout Reduction Baffle Kits. The kit fits any 60" deck (FMD603 or 604) with a serial number of 130,000 and higher. The 52" Baffle will fit the FMD523 decks, which we put under the Lazer Z HP's.

This baffle was designed to do just what it says. . .reduce blowout when cutting in dry conditions. We know that it does this because we've tested it in the field under these conditions. We also know that it improves the performance of these mowers when bagging leaves. Both Fred and 65Hoss have conducted their own tests and could vouch for the performance of the baffle. This is when the additional baffle really shines.

You're probably wondering, "What about adding the baffle when mulching?". The baffle keeps blowout to a minimum when mulching in dry conditions. It also helps when mulching leaves; however, the improvement isn't as great with the mulch kit as it is with the UltraVac.

We don't know what this baffle would do on the 44" or 48" Lazer Z HP's. This would probably be the easiest place to start with when adapting the kit to other decks. We could assume that the performance would be similar to the 52" and 60" kits, but we don't know this for sure.

When it comes to the smaller, fixed-deck models, like the Metro or Viking Hydro, that presents another challenge. The deck and existing, flow control baffles are a little different than those on the walks and riders. This would require a different type of blowout baffle. Like anything else, these baffles take time to develop and test.

I wish I could tell you that we would have something for all of you guys this season, but I don't think this is going to happen. I can tell you that, thanks to your help, this project has moved up the list of "Things to do at Exmark." You may not see something this season, but there's a good chance of seeing something next year.

Thanks again for all of your contributions on LS.com,

Dustin
Exmark Customer Support

[binmown]

us 48"tthp users are anxious and waiting!

[Shady Brook]

I was feeling kind of in a pinch with all the leaves falling, and my rider having some problems, so I thought I would turn to my exmark 48 walkbehind.... Tried everything under the sun, and the leaf chasing is insane. I think I will pick them up by hand before I try it with that mower as is. The thing cuts real nice, but IMO the blowout is totally unacceptable. I saw a great deal on a new hydro walkbehind 48 and passed for this very reason. :(

Jay

[eXmark]

Jay,

Sounds like you are experiencing much more problems than the anti-blow out baffle would fix.

There are a couple of things you should look at. The first is blades. Stay away from the notched airfoil blade and depending upon conditions the "gators" may not work well either. I would try the solid airfoil and if the leaves are extremely dry the low lifts may help as well.

I would also look at the deck idler. Make sure that the pivot is functioning properly. To check it you need to remove the trim side belt shield and pull the belt toward you while lifting it off of the spindle pulley. This will remove all tension from the pivot. Now simply swing the arm back and forth on the pivot. It should pivot with almost no resistance. I call it "sloppy" loose. If it doesn't simply remove the idler arm and clean up the bushing/pivot with some emery cloth, re-grease and re-assemble. Pay close attention to the location of the belt on the PTO engagement pulley under the engine. Often when re-installing you can allow the belt to drop below the pulley and it destroys itself when the blades are engaged. You can also place a hardened steel washer p/n 63-8410 below the idler pivot to help ensure that the idler pivots correctly. This washer helps ensure that if the idler pivot bolt is over tightened or if the pivot gets debris in it that it can still pivot freely.

You should also have engine rpm's checked. It is unlikely that you deck has negative rake but this too can cause severe blow out.

The condition of the grass catcher can also effect the mower ability to bag debris. Leaves in particular can be difficult to bag if the grass catcher can't "breath" properly. The grass catcher really acts as a sieve. It's supposed to let the air out and stop the debris. If the mesh or screen of the grass catcher is partially plugged it can create a back flow of air which will cause the severe blow out that it sounds like you are referencing.

Backing the throttle off a ¼” can in some cases can compensate for one or more of these other items being incorrect as well.

Please remember that all decks will exhibit some degree of blow out in the right conditions. If all of these items are functioning properly then your mower should bag as well as most if not all 48” decks on the market.

Thanks

Terry

[jason r.]

I'd buy one today if it was available for my 44"Lazer HP. Would also like one for my future TTHP w/ 36" deck.

[ProMo]

i dont even attemt to mulch leaves with my 36 it is so bad

[Lawn Dog2001]

I just wanted to say that I could not be happier with how my 48" MetroHps mulch leaves. I use your mulching kits on two of my machines and I experience almost no blow out what so ever. I cant speak for any of your bagging systems, because we dont bag. But as for your mulching system during leave system, its simply FANTASTIC. :D

[crazygator]

Wondering if a blow out baffle is in the works for the 36" TTHP? Been chasing leaves this season way too much due to blow out on the right side and need some help. Anything in the works for us yet?????

Thanks guys!

[eXmark]

Crazy Gator,

Are you mulching, side discharging, bagging etc? Also what height are you cutting at and what type of blades are you currently using?

I'm not aware of any testing regarding a baffle for the 36" but the engineers like to keep a lot of little secrets.

Thanks

Terry

[Hawkeye5]

Add one more vote for the 48" Lazer HP.

[Hawkeye5]

Add my vote to those who want a blow-out baffle for a 48" ZHP.

[crazygator]

Terry,

Sorry for not enough info.

36" Turf Tracer HP with mulching kit, Exmark mulching blades or gator blades and cutting height either 3" to 3 1/2". Machine seems to have blow out coming from the left side and out in front of the right front caster. Please dont think I am upset. It hasnt been terrible or anything, but sometimes kind of funny chasing a few rougue leaves that wont find the underside of the deck. :D Thanks for your help. And tell the engineers to get to work, break time is over now......hahaha

[ProMo]

listen to crazy gator he speaks the truth:cry:

[Hawkeye5]

Sorry for the double post, my server must have been slow as the first didn't show up, even after 20 minutes.

[eXmark]

Crazy Gator,

Thanks! That helps a lot. At that height, at least in our testing with our mulch kit the Gator Blades should be causing an increase in blow out. Try the factory blades and compare the results. You may find that in your area the Gators work great during one season of the year but not as well during others. Based on the feedback we get the factory blades should be an improvement. Most likely you won't get rid of all of the blow out but swapping blades should help.

Mulching at 3 1/2 can be difficult, especially with fall leaves/grass or stressed grass due to drought or other conditions. All of these can tend to cause a little extra blow out at heights about 2 1/2 - 3" often along with a slight drop off in cut quality. If the leaves aren't too deep you may want to lower the cutting height one hole as well.

Thanks

Terry

[Lawn Dog2001]

Crazy Gator,

Dropping to 2 1/2" will definately improve your leaf mulchability. I run exmark micro mulch blades. At 2 1/2 we never have a problem. From time to time, depending on the lawn, we do mulch leaves at 3" and there is always a little more blow out. At 3 1/2 I can definately see how there would be a lot of blow out.

Although, Im sure in your area you are cutting thicker turf, than we are here in the fall.

[crazygator]

Thanks for the replies. Although this time of year the turf isnt growing, maybe just slightly so it is not a factor.

Cutting height is the biggest variable. At 3" or less you get a hydro leaf plow :D , so higher is better for us due to many many trees and those pesky little things called leaves that get all piled up. I have tried both blade combo's and both work about the same. Just trying to get a handle on it better. Of course when I get the Lazer HP next season with the Ultravac it wont be as big a problem. Except for the gated back yards.

I will continue to work with it. And if anyone else has an idea I would be happy to try it. Thanks again everyone.

[unclepaul]

when the leafs are really bad I have a 60in lazer with gators and a controlable discharge sheild that closes deck off to grind them. Then i follow with a 60 with ultra vac . I never break belts and is really clean when finished. Looking forward to the new altra vac dumping system, those bags get heavy.

[locutus]

I need one for my 36" metro. Hurry-up

[eXmark]

Locotus,

Until one is available you may want to experiment with deck rake, blade height with in the deck and blade type.

If your side discharging or bagging I'll assume you've already tried the solid airfoil blade. I mulched almost exclusively with my Metro 32" and it can get a little dusty in leaves but boy did it mulch them up well.

Thanks

Terry

[eXmark]

Locotus,

Until one is available you may want to experiment with deck rake, blade height with in the deck and blade type.

If your side discharging or bagging I'll assume you've already tried the solid airfoil blade. I mulched almost exclusively with my Metro 32" and it can get a little dusty in leaves but boy did it mulch them up well.

Thanks

Terry

[eXmark]

Locotus,

Until one is available you may want to experiment with deck rake, blade height with in the deck and blade type.

If your side discharging or bagging I'll assume you've already tried the solid airfoil blade. I mulched almost exclusively with my Metro 32" and it can get a little dusty in leaves but boy did it mulch them up well.

Thanks

Terry

[Tvov]

I don't know if Exmark will okay this, but we just took some indoor-outdoor carpeting, cut it about 6" wide and the length of the front of our Metro, and bolted it to the front of the mower, sticking down 1 1/2" or so. Works fine, makes a HUGE difference, and we replace it every other year.

And these repeat posts are getting ridiculous!

[ffemt1271]

why , with everyone having this problem, hasnt someone tried to fabricate one?

[eXmark]

Guys,

The engineers are working on several projects right now. I know they were considering a couple of different ideas. As soon as I know something I'll pass it along.

Thanks

Terry

[TRAVCO]

48 HP need baffle customers unhappy as well as me.

[eXmark]

TRAVCO,

The last I heard the blow out baffles or all of the 3 blade units had been moved up on the priority list and should be available by spring.

Thanks

Terry