Vibrations on my ZT34

StarTech · Tuesday at 10:16 AM

Rivets said:
When you have a mulch kit that is properly designed and you know how to use it properly, they do a great job. Yes, you have to learn how to use it!! I’ve have the mulch kit on my 1996 Toro 16-38XL and have neighbors who actually ask to use it because of the way the lawn looks when finished. Only time I don’t like the cut is when I can’t cut dry or grass is too long.

Not all have the time to keep a manicured lawn. With that most mulch setups are terrible at cutting grass without clogging. The only dedicated mulch deck that been though my shop has been the JD Freedom deck.

But even normal decks on some models have discharge problem in heavy grass cutting [tall grass]. The worst I have seen have been on Gravely mowers. I have had shut the decks move to a cut area, raise the deck, cut off the deck, let the clippings drop, and then with the deck still raised re-engage it. It is a rinse and repeat as long you cutting heavy grass. Yet I can take a Super Z and knee high grass with minimum problems.

One key thing with mulching is to travel slower giving the decks time to clear the clippings and always cut dry grass.

Rivets · Tuesday at 1:22 PM

I definitely don’t have a manicure lawn, but I do have a unit which does a great job of making it look good with minimal effort.

StarTech · Tuesday at 2:02 PM

Rivets said:
I definitely don’t have a manicure lawn, but I do have a unit which does a great job of making it look good with minimal effort.

I am always happy to hear someone got their setup working right.

Rivets · Tuesday at 3:08 PM

These old Toros had decks designed for mulching or side discharge. There is a reason that Toro had the best walk behind mowers and tractors until 2005. They stopped producing their own tractors then and since 2021 the quality of their walk behind has also gone down hill.

hlw49 · Wednesday at 8:59 AM

Yes I agree you do have to learn how to use it. you need to mow slower.

MParr · Wednesday at 9:09 AM

StarTech said:
Not all have the time to keep a manicured lawn. With that most mulch setups are terrible at cutting grass without clogging. The only dedicated mulch deck that been though my shop has been the JD Freedom deck.

But even normal decks on some models have discharge problem in heavy grass cutting [tall grass]. The worst I have seen have been on Gravely mowers. I have had shut the decks move to a cut area, raise the deck, cut off the deck, let the clippings drop, and then with the deck still raised re-engage it. It is a rinse and repeat as long you cutting heavy grass. Yet I can take a Super Z and knee high grass with minimum problems.

One key thing with mulching is to travel slower giving the decks time to clear the clippings and always cut dry grass.

Older Gravely mowers are picky about blade choices and deck setup. Some of the older deck designs have smaller discharge openings. Gravely mower decks perform best when they are completely level all around or 1/8" higher in the rear. Aftermarket notched high lift blades work best on Gravely mowers.

bullet bob · Wednesday at 3:18 PM

I'm running G5 gator blades with the slightly heeled deck. HD ZT 60. Didn't use the mulching blades that came with the mulch kit after 2 seasons. Lousy summer cut. Mow slow, mow dry and don't cut too much at a time.......

Freddie21 · Saturday at 7:37 AM

One thing not mentioned was bent blades. Check the tips meet.

StarTech · Saturday at 8:14 AM

One everyone needs realize new blades are half way balance. Nearly one I buy are out of balance. I can do nothing about the mounting being off center on the blade width but can bring the blades into balance otherwise. My balancer is sensitive enough that the weight a paper clip can be detected. If the balance is badly off they get tossed in the recycle bin.

And there are times the spindles themselves are the source of problem. Bent shafts, bad bearings, and bent pulleys; not mentioning a chunk of the deck belt might be missing.

Otherwords if the problem didn't exist before the change then it is one or more of the new components. Otherwise any deck related component can be the cause.

Gord Baker · Saturday at 8:21 AM

slipado4993 said:
Thanks so much for getting back. I am in the process of checking some of the above-mentioned points, some I have already eliminated. Have anyone installed the mulch kit that is offer thru the Gravley parts catalog ? I have and I also installed one on a Dixson mower and got the same vibrations.

That appears to be the root of your problem. Check Belt tightness and if there is still a problem, remove the mulch kit whatever that consists of.

Vibrations on my ZT34

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