New 2013 John Deere Z900 updated

[drakewylde]

Originally Posted by Ridin' Green

It gets grass build up underneath it quite easily compared to the standard Pro deck. It is far more fussy about what blade works ok under it, and it just doesn't cut as clean or well as the standard deck does. I've owned both the std deck, and this MOD, and both were/are 60", so I'm comparing apples to apples. On top of that, I'm not only using the same exact types of blades on the same properties, I'm using the exact same blades that were used on the std deck on the same properties. They are still like new too, so wear or dullness isn't a factor.

I've experimented with several different types of blades, and with the removable baffles both installed and removed with every blade type.

I agree, I have a STD and MOD deck and the STD deck does cut better overall. But one thing that I did notice is the MOD deck Stripes better than the STD. As far as buildup, I do get a little more on the MOD deck I'm sure it must catch on the baffles a little more.

[Ridin' Green]

Originally Posted by drakewylde

I agree, I have a STD and MOD deck and the STD deck does cut better overall. But one thing that I did notice is the MOD deck Stripes better than the STD. As far as buildup, I do get a little more on the MOD deck I'm sure it must catch on the baffles a little more.

That is very true, and it is one reason I went with the MOD this time. I didn't put it in my post though, because if the cut isn't up to spec, then the stripes don't really matter to me. As far as build up, it's fine when everything is nice and dry, but when it's like it is now with the heavy dews we've been getting, it really builds up underneath, where my std deck stayed clean always- rain or shine.

Jim may be right about something being wrong with my deck, but I've checked everything over several times- sharp blades, pitch and level, deck clean enough to eat off of on the underside, spring tension on the deck belt idler. I dunno, but it doesn't cut as good as my std deck did. It isn't terrible, but IMO I shouldn't have to double cut anything/everything with an $11K machine just to make sure there are no stragglers. If I cut at speeds over about 6-7 MPH I start getting them more noticably, and when I cut anything over 3". Below that it does fine.

[Ridin' Green]

Originally Posted by Jimslawncareservice

I should add that I have the same mower and have no problems. We cut similar grasses a couple states apart. I've also cut with a 2012 machine with no problems. I'm not arguing with RG or saying that he's full of it. I'm just saying that I don't have any problems with. Personally I think there's something wrong with RG's deck, something out of his or anyone's control.
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Jim,
I can't remember now, but didn't you say here not too long ago that you got plenty of rain up there this year (or at least enough)? Maybe the fact that we had a drought here this year has something to do with my QOC issues, because I've been reading a couple other threads where guys with Scags wit the V+ are having similar issues, and that's another deck with a great rep for QOC usually.

[Jimslawncareservice]

Originally Posted by Ridin' Green

Jim,
I can't remember now, but didn't you say here not too long ago that you got plenty of rain up there this year (or at least enough)? Maybe the fact that we had a drought here this year has something to do with my QOC issues, because I've been reading a couple other threads where guys with Scags wit the V+ are having similar issues, and that's another deck with a great rep for QOC usually.

We did a while back in august plus it was cooler. Now its piss dry. I have never had a problem with stringers, except with one or two places that are all fine fescue. No mower that i have had on it will mower it crisp every time. Even a velocity deck from scag, which was the worst by far.
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[Jimslawncareservice]

I forgot to add that the grass does not cut the same this year, especially on non irregated properties
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[Ridin' Green]

Well, since I'm into it for that much money, I'm going to hang onto it. I'll see what happens later this fall now that we have a little moisture from dew and a couple light rains.

[Jimslawncareservice]

Originally Posted by Ridin' Green

Well, since I'm into it for that much money, I'm going to hang onto it. I'll see what happens later this fall now that we have a little moisture from dew and a couple light rains.

I would hold on to and see what spring brings.
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[Ridin' Green]

Hmmm.......

I think I'm on to something here. I am using my old 1990 JD 240 garden tractor to mow while my Z is in for some warranty work. This old tractor is far from high tech, heck it isn't even a hydro, but it cuts as good as any Z made, and is far easier on the turf (especially when it's wet), and holds hills 10 times better than a Z- side to side or up and down. Safer by far when you have to turn at the bottom of a steep hill before running through a fence, or off a break wall too. It also lays some beautiful stripes for not having a stripe kit. The stripes are even more impressive when you consider its age and the fact it is a plain jane tunnel style deck that isn't all that deep, especially compared to a Z's deck.

Any way, this tractor has always left a very clean, crisp cut, but today I noticed it was leaving some stringers here and there, which it has never done in the past. Maybe the dryness of the grass blades (even though it has greened up here significantly) is the problem with the QOC on my Z950 after all. I hope so because I really like it otherwise so far.