Hello!
I came into a good deal (family) on an i1046 with under 50 hours on it couple of years ago for $500 so I jumped on it.
A problem I've had since the onset is it does not seem to mulch or cut well below the highest setting. Generally this is OK as I like to cut around 4in for a bulk of the growing season. But when things are growing fast in spring and fall I like to cut a little lower so im not out every two days and when I attempt to go anywhere below that highest deck height it makes almost like a grinding noise intermittently and mulches very poorly.
Now I always TRY to follow the 1/3rd rule which means with my grass every 3-4 days and I wait for dry grass when feasible, my grass is VERY thick for the most part. Even if I cut high and then go over it a second time lower the noise is still present and the cut is poor.
I have replaced the belt and greased the zerks (the middle spindle doesnt have a zerk), I also clean the deck every so often (not with the washout port).
Ideas I am thinking about -
Take off deck and see if spindles are noisy when free spinning, if so replace bearings or spindles altogether
Spray deck with non-stick
Replace deck springs
Get very particular (learn) and level the deck (although I think its pretty well level)
Has anyone ever experienced something similar? Anything else I should check?
Thanks for your help!
Obligatory Lawn Pic