Well, I decided to take mine off my 44" deck b/c most of the lawns I mow have really thick grass and I would have big clumping problems. Also, my residential Timecutter doesn't have as high a blade tip speed as the commercial mowers, so I think it helps the clippings fly easier. I don't really worry about the danger b/c the only time I ever shot something was a golf ball and it flew straight for about 200 feet. And that was with the shield on! By the way FFMED74, fellow firefighter here.
goverment requires me to run mine. but i flip it up when i'm working else where. helps to spread the grass better, and vastly improves wet grass cutting when removed.
I agree with most of the posts above. I flip it up most of the time and just lower it down when there is a safety issue. I would like to put an OCDC on my mowers this year.
Yup me, too. I have a bungee cord that will hold it up when I want it to stay up and the mfg. springs hold it down when needed. Before the end of this season I'll probably have OCDCs installed on both my big machines.
For what it's worth, take a look at the gear/pulley ratio of your timecutter. The ratio is 1 to 1.25. where the blades are spining 25% faster than the motor. Your speed on the blades is actually up there. My Timecutter 44" actually cuts pretty well. You might try the factory high lift blades for a better cut. DP
