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Blade Pitch Professionals Use????
#1
djdicetn
djdicetn
While prepping my new Gravely for the season this past weekend I read through the Owner's Manual thoroughly. While reading the section regarding "Leveling The Mower Deck" I discovered some information that was new to me(as is a lot about mowing:0)
In the section for checking the blade level and pitch, the recommendation was to ensure that the blade tips were the same distance from the ground with all blades aiming side-to-side. Then the recommendation with the blades aiming front-to-back was for the front tip to be 1/8 inch lower than the rear. That is the deck leveling as I had always understood it.
But.......the instructions had a NOTE: that stated "Pitching the front of the blades lower than the rear provides a balance between cut quality and the power needed to cut the grass. Certain cutting conditions require the deck to be pitched with the rear of the blades lower than the front. Heeling the deck this way requires more engine power but can provide better cut quality."
Sooooooooooo, what do some of you guys that mow for a living do regarding the pitch of your blades? Since you are always wanting the customer to be impressed with the cut quality, do you "heel the deck blade pitch" or is there more to this to determine if your engine has "the power" to mow that way??????
In the section for checking the blade level and pitch, the recommendation was to ensure that the blade tips were the same distance from the ground with all blades aiming side-to-side. Then the recommendation with the blades aiming front-to-back was for the front tip to be 1/8 inch lower than the rear. That is the deck leveling as I had always understood it.
But.......the instructions had a NOTE: that stated "Pitching the front of the blades lower than the rear provides a balance between cut quality and the power needed to cut the grass. Certain cutting conditions require the deck to be pitched with the rear of the blades lower than the front. Heeling the deck this way requires more engine power but can provide better cut quality."
Sooooooooooo, what do some of you guys that mow for a living do regarding the pitch of your blades? Since you are always wanting the customer to be impressed with the cut quality, do you "heel the deck blade pitch" or is there more to this to determine if your engine has "the power" to mow that way??????
#2
S
SeniorCitizen
******************************************************************************
I don't mow for a living and really don't care to but I can tell you are wanting a perfect lawn with your new ( Gravley and congratulations ).
I really can't see where there would be a lack of power in your situation so if I were you I would adjust for the best cut . And speaking of leveling for the best cut, put your tape measure back where it belongs and build yourself a leveling gauge so you don't drive yourself to the institution over this leveling job that can be made very simple .
Leveling on a level surface . The surface your mower is on doesn't need be level but flat is very important for precision adjustments . A 15 degree incline will work just as well as a level surface as long as it is flat .
S
SeniorCitizen
While prepping my new Gravely for the season this past weekend I read through the Owner's Manual thoroughly. While reading the section regarding "Leveling The Mower Deck" I discovered some information that was new to me(as is a lot about mowing:0)
In the section for checking the blade level and pitch, the recommendation was to ensure that the blade tips were the same distance from the ground with all blades aiming side-to-side. Then the recommendation with the blades aiming front-to-back was for the front tip to be 1/8 inch lower than the rear. That is the deck leveling as I had always understood it.
But.......the instructions had a NOTE: that stated "Pitching the front of the blades lower than the rear provides a balance between cut quality and the power needed to cut the grass. Certain cutting conditions require the deck to be pitched with the rear of the blades lower than the front. Heeling the deck this way requires more engine power but can provide better cut quality."
Sooooooooooo, what do some of you guys that mow for a living do regarding the pitch of your blades? Since you are always wanting the customer to be impressed with the cut quality, do you "heel the deck blade pitch" or is there more to this to determine if your engine has "the power" to mow that way??????
******************************************************************************
I don't mow for a living and really don't care to but I can tell you are wanting a perfect lawn with your new ( Gravley and congratulations ).
I really can't see where there would be a lack of power in your situation so if I were you I would adjust for the best cut . And speaking of leveling for the best cut, put your tape measure back where it belongs and build yourself a leveling gauge so you don't drive yourself to the institution over this leveling job that can be made very simple .
Leveling on a level surface . The surface your mower is on doesn't need be level but flat is very important for precision adjustments . A 15 degree incline will work just as well as a level surface as long as it is flat .
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#3
djdicetn
SandburRanch,
Thanks for the advice!!! Yeah, I had leveled the deck on my old lawn tractor and used a tape measure.....al the time thinking "there's gotta be an easier way to do this"!!!! That homemade blade level is a GREAT idea and simple enough for "a caveman to do it":0) I'm gonna try the rear blade tip lower than the front after the first time I mow this season and see if I can tell a difference the second time I cut.
djdicetn
******************************************************************************
I don't mow for a living and really don't care to but I can tell you are wanting a perfect lawn with your new ( Gravley and congratulations ).
I really can't see where there would be a lack of power in your situation so if I were you I would adjust for the best cut . And speaking of leveling for the best cut, put your tape measure back where it belongs and build yourself a leveling gauge so you don't drive yourself to the institution over this leveling job that can be made very simple .
Leveling on a level surface . The surface your mower is on doesn't need be level but flat is very important for precision adjustments . A 15 degree incline will work just as well as a level surface as long as it is flat .
SandburRanch,
Thanks for the advice!!! Yeah, I had leveled the deck on my old lawn tractor and used a tape measure.....al the time thinking "there's gotta be an easier way to do this"!!!! That homemade blade level is a GREAT idea and simple enough for "a caveman to do it":0) I'm gonna try the rear blade tip lower than the front after the first time I mow this season and see if I can tell a difference the second time I cut.
#4
S
SeniorCitizen
S
SeniorCitizen
I change and label strips frequently when leveling but if you run short on styrofoam strips just visit the coffee / soft drink shop . :laughing: I forgot to mention the pencil line in the top indent is the first mark made and is for reference to distinguish from the second . That's so this cave man doesn't get confused as he moves from L to R or front to back . :confused2: Also if the blades are razor sharp, as I suspect yours are, a feather light touch to the blade is all that's required . This is also an excellent way to determine if one blade half is bent .
Note: A couple of 1/4 inch wide strips of DUCK tape will also hold the strip on the gauge very well . Sometimes I forget how handy that product is .
Note: A couple of 1/4 inch wide strips of DUCK tape will also hold the strip on the gauge very well . Sometimes I forget how handy that product is .
#5
R
Rivets
R
Rivets
I use a home made device to level the decks also. Take a rod coupler (5/16 or 3/8 works the best) insert a bolt and your ready to go. All you need is a flat surface and a good creeper to go from one side to the other, plus it fits easily in your tool box.
#6
djdicetn
Rivets,
So do you use the "traditional" pitch with the front blade tip lower than the back.....or the opposite?
djdicetn
I use a home made device to level the decks also. Take a rod coupler (5/16 or 3/8 works the best) insert a bolt and your ready to go. All you need is a flat surface and a good creeper to go from one side to the other, plus it fits easily in your tool box.
Rivets,
So do you use the "traditional" pitch with the front blade tip lower than the back.....or the opposite?
#7
Carscw
Carscw
I always set the front a 1/8 to a 1/4 higher than the back.
If you ever have a mower that leaves a strip of grass uncut in the middle of the deck where the blades meet. Set the front of the deck higher than the back.
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
If you ever have a mower that leaves a strip of grass uncut in the middle of the deck where the blades meet. Set the front of the deck higher than the back.
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
#8
djdicetn
I know that most golf courses, football fields, etc. mostly use the huge and expensive Commercial Triplex 7 blade double roller-Hydraulic driven reel assemblies for a quality cut(that looks like an NFL football field). But I'm beginning to think that this tidbit about blade pitch(with the front higher than the back)I picked up in my Gravely manual(might just be because it's a "Commercial" model) is a "well hidden secret" that gives Professional Landscapers an edge on making yards look better when they cut them:0)
djdicetn
I always set the front a 1/8 to a 1/4 higher than the back.
If you ever have a mower that leaves a strip of grass uncut in the middle of the deck where the blades meet. Set the front of the deck higher than the back.
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
I know that most golf courses, football fields, etc. mostly use the huge and expensive Commercial Triplex 7 blade double roller-Hydraulic driven reel assemblies for a quality cut(that looks like an NFL football field). But I'm beginning to think that this tidbit about blade pitch(with the front higher than the back)I picked up in my Gravely manual(might just be because it's a "Commercial" model) is a "well hidden secret" that gives Professional Landscapers an edge on making yards look better when they cut them:0)
#10
djdicetn
Oh well.....so much for my "Conspiracy Theory":0) Must just be a "preference" thing.
djdicetn
I always set the front 1/8"-1/4" lower in the front.
Oh well.....so much for my "Conspiracy Theory":0) Must just be a "preference" thing.
#11
Carscw
Carscw
When I was at the golf course I always set the deck on rotary mowers higher in the front.
My feeling is your cutting the grass with the front and back of the deck kinda like cutting it twice.
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
My feeling is your cutting the grass with the front and back of the deck kinda like cutting it twice.
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
#12
wjjones
I always pitch mine in the front 1/8th to 1/4th.
wjjones
While prepping my new Gravely for the season this past weekend I read through the Owner's Manual thoroughly. While reading the section regarding "Leveling The Mower Deck" I discovered some information that was new to me(as is a lot about mowing:0)
In the section for checking the blade level and pitch, the recommendation was to ensure that the blade tips were the same distance from the ground with all blades aiming side-to-side. Then the recommendation with the blades aiming front-to-back was for the front tip to be 1/8 inch lower than the rear. That is the deck leveling as I had always understood it.
But.......the instructions had a NOTE: that stated "Pitching the front of the blades lower than the rear provides a balance between cut quality and the power needed to cut the grass. Certain cutting conditions require the deck to be pitched with the rear of the blades lower than the front. Heeling the deck this way requires more engine power but can provide better cut quality."
Sooooooooooo, what do some of you guys that mow for a living do regarding the pitch of your blades? Since you are always wanting the customer to be impressed with the cut quality, do you "heel the deck blade pitch" or is there more to this to determine if your engine has "the power" to mow that way??????
I always pitch mine in the front 1/8th to 1/4th.
#13
exotion
As I understand this logic I have seen it where you cut the grass twice like this it leaves sheared/white tips of grass think about it you have 4 in long grass you have the front cutting an in off now you have your rear set to 2 3/4 and the back is only cutting a 1/4 in off leaving the grass to bend when its cut leaving an angled cut and sometimes white tips I have seen it first hand and when I first started out I caused it just saying
exotion
When I was at the golf course I always set the deck on rotary mowers higher in the front.
My feeling is your cutting the grass with the front and back of the deck kinda like cutting it twice.
(( racing is the only sport that you need two balls ))
As I understand this logic I have seen it where you cut the grass twice like this it leaves sheared/white tips of grass think about it you have 4 in long grass you have the front cutting an in off now you have your rear set to 2 3/4 and the back is only cutting a 1/4 in off leaving the grass to bend when its cut leaving an angled cut and sometimes white tips I have seen it first hand and when I first started out I caused it just saying
#14
S
SeniorCitizen
S
SeniorCitizen
Front low -- front higher -- level ? -- Does anyone really know what position the grass blades are in at the rear of the deck, or at the front for that matter, with any particular deck/ mower design . Some may be leaning toward the air flow of the discharge chute ( on discharge decks ) while others may be undecided and some may be running for cover . :laughing: And we haven't even touched on the grass species nor the length we are attempting to mow. I'll just bet your guess is just as good as mine . :confused2: So I recommend not to worry about things that don't need worrying about . :thumbsup:
#15
pugaltitude
pugaltitude
Personally I would do as the manufacturer recomends.
Certain OEMs want up at the front, others level and other down at front.
I still reckon Murray has the easiest way to set a deck by lowering to the ground with the HOC lever and then tightening the 2 thumb wheels and height is set.
A lot of OEMs seem to complicate things.
Certain OEMs want up at the front, others level and other down at front.
I still reckon Murray has the easiest way to set a deck by lowering to the ground with the HOC lever and then tightening the 2 thumb wheels and height is set.
A lot of OEMs seem to complicate things.
#16
S
SeniorCitizen
S
SeniorCitizen
I agree, Murray did have an innovative design and it worked very well. I've never had one of those but was involved with 2 which one of them the wing nuts wouldn't stay tight so I replaced them with Nylock nuts - problem solved.
#17
djdicetn
SandburRanch,
You touched on what was going to be my "follow-up" question(be careful........reading minds like mine can be dangerous:0)
Does the front-lower pitch and rear-lower pitch have significantly different clipping discharge efficiency???
In other words, with my deck set by the dealer at delivery with the front of the blades 1/8 inch lower than the back this has resulted in VERY efficient grass clipping discharge(without any trace of "piles of grass clippings" even without a "mulch kit")......AND......absolutely no grass clipping/dirt "buildup" underneath the deck that requires cleaning the deck belly before the next mowing. If I changed the blade pitch with the back side tip of the blades lower than the front and the cut of my yard looked significantly "smoother"......BUT.....there were heaps of grass clippings all over the yard and/OR a buildup underneath the deck that required scraping or washing out before mowing again this would NOT be a good trade-off in my opinion. I would rather have a less "pro-cut" look to my lawn than to have to deal with piles of grass clippings in the yard or cleaning underneath the deck after each mowing(something I do NOT miss about my lawn tractor with the 54" stamped deck:0)
djdicetn
Front low -- front higher -- level ? -- Does anyone really know what position the grass blades are in at the rear of the deck, or at the front for that matter, with any particular deck/ mower design . Some may be leaning toward the air flow of the discharge chute ( on discharge decks ) while others may be undecided and some may be running for cover . :laughing: And we haven't even touched on the grass species nor the length we are attempting to mow. I'll just bet your guess is just as good as mine . :confused2: So I recommend not to worry about things that don't need worrying about . :thumbsup:
SandburRanch,
You touched on what was going to be my "follow-up" question(be careful........reading minds like mine can be dangerous:0)
Does the front-lower pitch and rear-lower pitch have significantly different clipping discharge efficiency???
In other words, with my deck set by the dealer at delivery with the front of the blades 1/8 inch lower than the back this has resulted in VERY efficient grass clipping discharge(without any trace of "piles of grass clippings" even without a "mulch kit")......AND......absolutely no grass clipping/dirt "buildup" underneath the deck that requires cleaning the deck belly before the next mowing. If I changed the blade pitch with the back side tip of the blades lower than the front and the cut of my yard looked significantly "smoother"......BUT.....there were heaps of grass clippings all over the yard and/OR a buildup underneath the deck that required scraping or washing out before mowing again this would NOT be a good trade-off in my opinion. I would rather have a less "pro-cut" look to my lawn than to have to deal with piles of grass clippings in the yard or cleaning underneath the deck after each mowing(something I do NOT miss about my lawn tractor with the 54" stamped deck:0)