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Most Efficient way to Mow Extremely Thick Grass?

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BrandonH

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
It's rained everyday here for over two weeks now, and I've been unable to get a single lawn mowed. Luckily I only have a small number of accounts at the time, but the ones I have will be a nightmare to get back in shape. I have 2 yards that are about 1.5 - 2 acres and are full of thick bahia this time of year. If you're not familiar with bahia it's like mowing little trees:rolleyes: I would imagine by tomorrow the majority of it will be over a foot tall.

I want to know what some of you have found to be the most effective way to mow something that is this thick and make it look good. I don't have a bagger so that's not an option, and I would like to keep from raking and loading 2 acres worth of grass if I can. I have a Scag Wildcat with a 61" deck so it will have no problem getting the grass down. Is it best to cut the entire lawn first at a higher level then come back a little lower? I'm open to any suggestions...the way it looks right now I may be trying to get them done by tomorrow if the weather will cooperate.

Thanks,
Brandon
 
#3 ·
Gator Mag's.. cut once at highest height, then cut again at normal height.. Make sure you charge accordingly..
 
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Discussion starter · #4 ·
qualitylandscaping,

I wish I could charge accordingly. These are accounts that I mow weekly, but have not been able to mow the last 2 weeks. Problem is I only get paid when I mow, so even though it will take me at least twice as long I will get the same amount. And to top it off I'm out the money that I normally would have gotten for the previous two weeks.

-Brandon
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
John,

Do you think doubles will make that big of a difference? I've tried doubles, but on the cag there's the spacer abover the blades. The problem was that when I ran doubles it put my blades too low...they would cut anything I mowed next too such as an elevated sidewalk or a tree. My next problem was when they hit something like I stated above they would move on me... even though I used an impact to put them on. Any ideas on how to remedy this, becasue I definitely like the way they cut.

-Brandon
 
#7 ·
Originally posted by BrandonH
Is it best to cut the entire lawn first at a higher level then come back a little lower? I'm open to any suggestions...the way it looks right now I may be trying to get them done by tomorrow if the weather will cooperate.
Thanks,
Brandon
Click to expand...
Cut it at 3" to 3 1/2" one direction, mow the entire lawn and then come back to your worst areas and cut 1/2" higher in the opposite direction.
 
#8 ·
Brandon, your conditions are about the same as mine. Cut once at full height and then again @ your normal height. You should be able to roll out pretty fast that way and you won't be wasting too much time or fuel. BTW how is biz up there? Any trouble finding work, or are ya'll swamped?
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
TXLawnking,

I was going to try and go full time into it this year, but I haven't been able to for several reasons. My main reason is due to health. I'm currently seeking other employment as much as I hate to, but I plan on keeping a select number of properties as a part-time gig. There's just way too many poeple around here trying to make a living at this. Hempstead has a population of around 5k and there has to be at least a dozen LCO working this area hard. I've tried going into the west side of Houston, but it's the same story. If I had a little more operating funds I could probably gain a few more clients through some massive advertising plan, but funds are low right now.

Do you work primarily in Brazoria? I drove through there the other day on my way home from Surfside and the town can't be much larger than Hempstead. I was just curious if you are able to make a decent living around there.

-Brandon
 
#12 ·
Brandon, no I don't just work in Brazoria, I service all of southern Brazoria Co. And I plan on eventually having another crew work in the northern part of Brazoria& Galveston county. As far as making a decent living, I'm only paying my bills on the grace of GOD right now. My area is Very competitive and I'm just starting out, so It is an uphill battle, But It is getting better!!! I pray your health improves.
 
#13 ·
If you plan on sticking in there, How about, Bellville, Brenham, and Waller? I know they are all small, but if you picked up several accts. in one area it could be worth it.
 
#14 ·
Originally posted by Norm Al
i think the best way is to have a 3 blade BIG mower and only cut with one blade width at a time, at normal level!
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I agree with Norm!!??..... :) :waving: i did this the other day, the grass was about 1 - 2 feet!! on my 48, i used 1 blade alot, but was able to use 2 sometimes. but left a nice cut one time around.
 
#15 ·
I agree with Mike. You want to RAISE the blades for your second cut, because you are, at that point, hoping to break up the clumps and disperse the grass a little better.

If you start high and go lower, you are cutting off MORE grass, as well as dealing with all the grass from the first cut. Trust me, this works. Besides, if its 1-2 feet tall, does it really need to be exactly 3.5"? Most any height will look better than that.
 
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#17 ·
Originally posted by MJB
Cut it higher than normal, then you can lower it a little more next week. Cutting off that much will stress the lawn too.
Click to expand...
True, what I meant was to cut it down it two passes, What I neglected to say was run over it several passes after it's cut down so you don't get the hay field look.
 
#18 ·
as far as getting paid....if you missed last week due to rain and you have to cut it twice this week (in the same visit) then charge them for 2 cuts. It will not be any more money than if you had mowed last week.

Derek
 
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#19 ·
If you don't have any woods to aim the clippings at here's what works for me.Cut around the outside edge always discharging in to the middle. Then make several passesdown the center of the lawn . Next I keep mowing around the outside discharging in towards the center path you mowed. The clippings will be cut several times as they are mowed towards the center. Then depending on how much has built up you can mow the center strip back and forth until the clippings disapear or rake the strip up. Takes less time that multiple cutting 2 or 3 times.
 
#20 ·
Originally posted by MJB
Cut it higher than normal, then you can lower it a little more next week. Cutting off that much will stress the lawn too.
Click to expand...
Only a nuclear blast will stress bahia grass.

Dont even think about bagging it.

DON"T double cut untill the weeds turn from dark green to brown usally takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

After a couple passes stop in an out of the way area and lift your deck and shutdown your blades to dump the excess grass.

Some areas will take 3 maybe 4 passes to distribute the clippings.

Good Luck I'll be doing the same thing today
 
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