Sorry about the typo, SXA is correct so the header is wrong. I'm not much of a typist. I need to clarify my problem as well: The blade can't keep up with the wheel speed so it misses lots of grass. I could easily throttle back to slow it down but the blade would also slow proportionately. I have no idea who could EVER use second gear and actually cut grass. So its not the speed per se, but the blade to wheel speed ratio. Pushing that heavy SOB is no easy chore. My back is still sore from doing so nearly a week ago. If the blade could keep up, I'd gladly use second gear and jog my way around the yard and be done in a heartbeat. I've been told the design speeds are 2.66 and 3.68 MPH (3.9 and 5.4 feet/sec). This is not a new issue, I've been dealing with it since new. My back never hurt for a week though (I'm getting old!). The mower is otherwise fantastic. Extremely well made and reliable. Starts first pull every time except the first spring start which takes 3 or 4 pulls. Bottom line: I'd LOVE to change the drive ratio but I don't know what I'm getting into (whether or not it can be done). I should rephrase, anything can be done but at what cost/effort. Does anyone have a shop/service manual for this? I'm hoping simply changing 2 gears with appropriate diameters will yield the perfect mower.
