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leaving a streak
#1
J
JESUS freak
J
JESUS freak
I have a 2015 XT3 GSX. It leaves a small streak of uncut grass only when i turn right or left. The blades LOOK good. Any suggestions?
#4
K
keakar
K
keakar
im guessing you have just enough of the edge of the blades are worn down and rounded off so its too short to overlap cut when you turnI have a 2015 XT3 GSX. It leaves a small streak of uncut grass only when i turn right or left. The blades LOOK good. Any suggestions?
#5
J
JESUS freak
J
JESUS freak
I checked the deck level and one side was 1/8 inch higher . This has taken 80-90 percent of it out. The blades look good. I have not measured them for length. This is a 48 inch fabricated deck with 3 blades.
#7
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
#8
Mower King
Mower King
Just one side of the deck being 1/8" higher, will not be the cause of leaving a streak of grass......it's something else!I checked the deck level and one side was 1/8 inch higher . This has taken 80-90 percent of it out. The blades look good. I have not measured them for length. This is a 48 inch fabricated deck with 3 blades.
#11
J
JESUS freak
J
JESUS freak
Problem is still present. Any suggestions? New blades (Oregon). ThanksNew blades installed and looks like the problem is cured.
#12
S
slomo
slomo
S
slomo
Tire air pressure should be spot on according to your manual specs. Front tires might be low allowing the sidewall to dive in and cut low on turns. Check your air pressure monthly.Problem is still present. Any suggestions? New blades (Oregon). Thanks
slomo
#13
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
If I repeat this often enough perhaps it will sink in
One blade is foreward of the other so they only overlap when traveling in a strait line
Put two coins on a sheet of paper with some flour on it represent your blades & lawn
Put your fingers on the coins then swing them left & right
You will see one way the overlap increases and the width of cut decreases and the other way the width stays the same but there is a big section that is not cut
The mount this happens will depend upon the mowing speed , they mowing height, the type of blades, the type of grass, the height of the grass.
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
If I repeat this often enough perhaps it will sink in
One blade is foreward of the other so they only overlap when traveling in a strait line
Put two coins on a sheet of paper with some flour on it represent your blades & lawn
Put your fingers on the coins then swing them left & right
You will see one way the overlap increases and the width of cut decreases and the other way the width stays the same but there is a big section that is not cut
The mount this happens will depend upon the mowing speed , they mowing height, the type of blades, the type of grass, the height of the grass.
#14
J
JESUS freak
I could care less how many times you print it sir.. I only asked a simple question. If no simple answer leave it alone
J
JESUS freak
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
This is sort of normal and is a function of the way the blades overlap
Triple check that the front blade is the correct length.
Try turning different curves.
You will see that a specific turn will leave a mowhawk
Happens more or less on every deck that does not have timed overlapping blades
If I repeat this often enough perhaps it will sink in
One blade is foreward of the other so they only overlap when traveling in a strait line
Put two coins on a sheet of paper with some flour on it represent your blades & lawn
Put your fingers on the coins then swing them left & right
You will see one way the overlap increases and the width of cut decreases and the other way the width stays the same but there is a big section that is not cut
The mount this happens will depend upon the mowing speed , they mowing height, the type of blades, the type of grass, the height of the grass.
I could care less how many times you print it sir.. I only asked a simple question. If no simple answer leave it alone
#15
C
cruzenmike
Good luck!
C
cruzenmike
Has this happened since new? Do you notice this only at certainly cutting heights? If the problem has always been present then it is the result of bad design. If not, then something has gone wrong in/under the deck. As for cutting height, there is a time when the blades may not be processing the clippings fast/efficient enough which is then also affected by turning. I am not familiar with the 48" deck but if I do recall the GSX had many deck options 42-54" and in stamped and fabricated variations. I personally had a mower with the 50" stamped deck and it cut beautifully without trails. Might I suggest reaching out to Cub Cadet customer service or your local dealer as this machine is a dealer only model; they may have some insight into your problem. Generally I would think that the blade overlap in any deck design would account for turning unless there are other variables at play that are not deck related, such as grade, mowing speed, grass length, cut height, blade sharpness, blade tip speed and the list goes on. I don't have an answer but maybe just taking the deck off, flipping it over and rotating the blades by hand to see where they "meet" at the overlap may tell you wherever or not the deck is okay?I have a 2015 XT3 GSX. It leaves a small streak of uncut grass only when i turn right or left. The blades LOOK good. Any suggestions?
Good luck!
#16
J
JESUS freak
J
JESUS freak
Thanks...looks like that is my next option...talk to a local dealer or customer service. I have had the deck off and all LOOKED ok. Thanks fo the reply !Has this happened since new? Do you notice this only at certainly cutting heights? If the problem has always been present then it is the result of bad design. If not, then something has gone wrong in/under the deck. As for cutting height, there is a time when the blades may not be processing the clippings fast/efficient enough which is then also affected by turning. I am not familiar with the 48" deck but if I do recall the GSX had many deck options 42-54" and in stamped and fabricated variations. I personally had a mower with the 50" stamped deck and it cut beautifully without trails. Might I suggest reaching out to Cub Cadet customer service or your local dealer as this machine is a dealer only model; they may have some insight into your problem. Generally I would think that the blade overlap in any deck design would account for turning unless there are other variables at play that are not deck related, such as grade, mowing speed, grass length, cut height, blade sharpness, blade tip speed and the list goes on. I don't have an answer but maybe just taking the deck off, flipping it over and rotating the blades by hand to see where they "meet" at the overlap may tell you wherever or not the deck is okay?
Good luck!
#17
J
JESUS freak
J
JESUS freak
It's only on turns...right or left. The mower was purchased used a year ago. Its a XT3 GSX with a 48 inchfabricated deck. I have used it all season and only noticed it as of lately as the grass has really thick. Earlier i didn't notice it.Pros, at least in my area, mow straight lines on our zero turn mowers, which can be done on a lawn tractor too so you can avoid funky cut quality on turns.
If I get a "mohawk" mowing straight its always between the middle and right blade when mowing heavy growth due to overloading the deck or in line with the left front caster from it laying the grass down. The remedy is a quick second cut. It's almost impossible to get a crisp-looking cut in our cool season grasses on lush lawns cut weekly unless you're running a vacuum bagger.
#18
D
Darryl G
D
Darryl G
Where is this uncut grass? does it change position depending on which way you turn? So it's on sharp turns I take it?
What you can do is cut 2 or 3 laps around the perimeter doing gradual turns, if that's possible, and then mow straight back and forth on the inner portions of the lawn, using the cut perimeter for your turns. You'll need to swing out wide to make your turns and then cut back in on a lawn tractor, but it can be done. Or just run around the perimeter where the turns and uneven grass is after you're done. As suggested above, this may just be normal. You can however make operational changes in you mowing style to accommodate for it. There's more to cutting grass than many realize...
What you can do is cut 2 or 3 laps around the perimeter doing gradual turns, if that's possible, and then mow straight back and forth on the inner portions of the lawn, using the cut perimeter for your turns. You'll need to swing out wide to make your turns and then cut back in on a lawn tractor, but it can be done. Or just run around the perimeter where the turns and uneven grass is after you're done. As suggested above, this may just be normal. You can however make operational changes in you mowing style to accommodate for it. There's more to cutting grass than many realize...
#19
C
cruzenmike
C
cruzenmike
I tend to do 3 point turns with some backing up at the end of each row so if there happened to be an uncut strip from the turn it would be recut as I mow in the forward direction again. The fact that you mention that you only really noticed it now that the grass is thick points back to my theory that the deck is not processing the clippings effectively enough. I know that you tried different blades already, but do a little experimenting with different cut heights and different ground speeds.
I just acquired a new to me John Deere with a mulching deck that would leave a strip of uncut grass along the left side of the deck. In my case, it was due to trying to cut off more than the blades could process given the deck setup. I removed the mulching baffle and the issue resolved instantly. So in my case, the inability of the grass to evacuate from beneath the deck was impeding the blades from cutting all of the grass.
In your case, it may be a problem of geometry as it relates to the direction that the deck/mower is traveling and the cutting "swath" of each deck blade. I believe that someone else tried to explain this already. Combine that with the turbulence of each blade and a potentially "loaded" deck, you will end up with uncut grass.
This is all theory of course, but it makes some sense if you think about it. No offense to your mower, but the reason why you don't see this issue in commercial zero turns is that they tend to have deep decks, high blade tip speeds, AND if you ever watch them now, their mowing technique usually results in some double cutting at the end of each row.
I just acquired a new to me John Deere with a mulching deck that would leave a strip of uncut grass along the left side of the deck. In my case, it was due to trying to cut off more than the blades could process given the deck setup. I removed the mulching baffle and the issue resolved instantly. So in my case, the inability of the grass to evacuate from beneath the deck was impeding the blades from cutting all of the grass.
In your case, it may be a problem of geometry as it relates to the direction that the deck/mower is traveling and the cutting "swath" of each deck blade. I believe that someone else tried to explain this already. Combine that with the turbulence of each blade and a potentially "loaded" deck, you will end up with uncut grass.
This is all theory of course, but it makes some sense if you think about it. No offense to your mower, but the reason why you don't see this issue in commercial zero turns is that they tend to have deep decks, high blade tip speeds, AND if you ever watch them now, their mowing technique usually results in some double cutting at the end of each row.
#20
cpurvis
cpurvis
When you position the blades tip-to-tip, how much clearance is there between them?
This is a problem that all non-timed, multi-blade mowers have. If you visualize an imaginary line between the axis of the leading blade to either trailing blade, you will see that as this imaginary line becomes perpendicular to the direction of the mower's movement, a gap exists that neither blade will cut. That problem is dealt with by keeping the gap between blades to a minimum and advising users to mow in a straight line. The owner's manual of my 2140 Cub Cadet with a two-blade, non timed deck advises users to make 270 degree turns to the right instead of making 90 degree left turns.
This is a problem that all non-timed, multi-blade mowers have. If you visualize an imaginary line between the axis of the leading blade to either trailing blade, you will see that as this imaginary line becomes perpendicular to the direction of the mower's movement, a gap exists that neither blade will cut. That problem is dealt with by keeping the gap between blades to a minimum and advising users to mow in a straight line. The owner's manual of my 2140 Cub Cadet with a two-blade, non timed deck advises users to make 270 degree turns to the right instead of making 90 degree left turns.
#21
C
cruzenmike
One thing that I just thought of is the blade width. If the blades that the OP is using are not the correct width, wouldn't that also affect the gap/overlap in the deck?
The deck should be equipped with MTD part number 490-110-C185 for side discharge operation. Also would be good to check that the engine is running at the proper rpm, full throttle, no load as even a few hundred rpm can have a significant impact on cut quality.
C
cruzenmike
Your manual recommendation certainly makes sense considering that most 2 blade decks have the right blade out in front of the left one. On a 3 blade deck as the OP has, this issue would theoretically exist when turning right or left (which he stated is happening) and since these decks typically place the middle blade out in front, there would be a gap on either side of it.When you position the blades tip-to-tip, how much clearance is there between them?
This is a problem that all non-timed, multi-blade mowers have. If you visualize an imaginary line between the axis of the leading blade to either trailing blade, you will see that as this imaginary line becomes perpendicular to the direction of the mower's movement, a gap exists that neither blade will cut. That problem is dealt with by keeping the gap between blades to a minimum and advising users to mow in a straight line. The owner's manual of my 2140 Cub Cadet with a two-blade, non timed deck advises users to make 270 degree turns to the right instead of making 90 degree left turns.
One thing that I just thought of is the blade width. If the blades that the OP is using are not the correct width, wouldn't that also affect the gap/overlap in the deck?
The deck should be equipped with MTD part number 490-110-C185 for side discharge operation. Also would be good to check that the engine is running at the proper rpm, full throttle, no load as even a few hundred rpm can have a significant impact on cut quality.
#22
cpurvis
The only way I see to keep that from happening would be to limit the turn radius of the mower but NOBODY is going to go for that. I'd be glad to see them bring back timed-blade mowers.
cpurvis
Mike, you're absolutely correct about the issue being there in right or left turns for 3-blade mowers. But I also think the 270 degree turns also keeps the mower in grass that's already been mowed.Your manual recommendation certainly makes sense considering that most 2 blade decks have the right blade out in front of the left one. On a 3 blade deck as the OP has, this issue would theoretically exist when turning right or left (which he stated is happening) and since these decks typically place the middle blade out in front, there would be a gap on either side of it.
One thing that I just thought of is the blade width. If the blades that the OP is using are not the correct width, wouldn't that also affect the gap/overlap in the deck?
The deck should be equipped with MTD part number 490-110-C185 for side discharge operation. Also would be good to check that the engine is running at the proper rpm, full throttle, no load as even a few hundred rpm can have a significant impact on cut quality.
The only way I see to keep that from happening would be to limit the turn radius of the mower but NOBODY is going to go for that. I'd be glad to see them bring back timed-blade mowers.
#23
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
Older decks had a greater overlap so this was not a problem.
Modern residentials have only 1/2" at best of overlap some are as low as 1/4" .
Add to that the idea that they all have to turn almost as sharp as a ZTR and you have this problem that is never explained to customers.
Then there is the total failure of matching the mower deck to the grass being grown and the idea the we humans are the masters of the universe so it will do as we wish .
Owner was told it is an inherit property of the deck in the 3rd post but he chose to ignore it.
Perhaps basic geometry is no longer taught in USA primary schools any more.
Modern residentials have only 1/2" at best of overlap some are as low as 1/4" .
Add to that the idea that they all have to turn almost as sharp as a ZTR and you have this problem that is never explained to customers.
Then there is the total failure of matching the mower deck to the grass being grown and the idea the we humans are the masters of the universe so it will do as we wish .
Owner was told it is an inherit property of the deck in the 3rd post but he chose to ignore it.
Perhaps basic geometry is no longer taught in USA primary schools any more.
#24
D
Darryl G
D
Darryl G
But there are ways to deal with these inherit issues. Once you understand what's happening you can work around it.Older decks had a greater overlap so this was not a problem.
Modern residentials have only 1/2" at best of overlap some are as low as 1/4" .
Add to that the idea that they all have to turn almost as sharp as a ZTR and you have this problem that is never explained to customers.
Then there is the total failure of matching the mower deck to the grass being grown and the idea the we humans are the masters of the universe so it will do as we wish .
Owner was told it is an inherit property of the deck in the 3rd post but he chose to ignore it.
Perhaps basic geometry is no longer taught in USA primary schools any more.
#25
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
A full month back, in post # 7 Jesus freak was told just that but for some reason he refuses to believe it .
Some of my more obstinate customer had problems coming to grips with this till I did the 20¢ pieces & flour demonstration.
This was suggested in post # 13 yesterday but again Jesus Freak refuses to understand that he has to change the way he uses the mower rather than changing the mower .
People seem to have a problem understanding that grass is a real living thing and the grass you cut last week will not be exactly the same as the grass that you cut today .
I have this problem with office Johnnies who have always lived indoors , work indoors on the carpeted floor so believe everything should remain exactly the same .
Gardeners & farmers have no problems with this they understand the natural environment changes every day but office workers seem to have problems getting their heads around this.
And the higher up they are the less they seem to understand that things do not happen in a particular way just because they said so.
Perhaps I should have YELLED in place of repeating myself.
Some of my more obstinate customer had problems coming to grips with this till I did the 20¢ pieces & flour demonstration.
This was suggested in post # 13 yesterday but again Jesus Freak refuses to understand that he has to change the way he uses the mower rather than changing the mower .
People seem to have a problem understanding that grass is a real living thing and the grass you cut last week will not be exactly the same as the grass that you cut today .
I have this problem with office Johnnies who have always lived indoors , work indoors on the carpeted floor so believe everything should remain exactly the same .
Gardeners & farmers have no problems with this they understand the natural environment changes every day but office workers seem to have problems getting their heads around this.
And the higher up they are the less they seem to understand that things do not happen in a particular way just because they said so.
Perhaps I should have YELLED in place of repeating myself.
#26
S
slomo
slomo
S
slomo
Are you kidding, Geometry? My state being Oklahoma is #48 or #49 out of 50 in high school test scores. Look at me, a pure dummy squad leader. And all our teachers want a pay raise LOL. I say bring up the test scores THEN we will talk about money. Kids are not benefiting at all from this teacher walk-out we had at the state capital. I say cut teacher pay by about 60% till the scores across all schools come up. They only work a few months out of the year anyway.Older decks had a greater overlap so this was not a problem.
Modern residentials have only 1/2" at best of overlap some are as low as 1/4" .
Add to that the idea that they all have to turn almost as sharp as a ZTR and you have this problem that is never explained to customers.
Then there is the total failure of matching the mower deck to the grass being grown and the idea the we humans are the masters of the universe so it will do as we wish .
Owner was told it is an inherit property of the deck in the 3rd post but he chose to ignore it.
Perhaps basic geometry is no longer taught in USA primary schools any more.
slomo
#28
B
bertsmobile1
You want the best and brightest to teach children and bring the best out in them .
However we do not value teachers so they are down the bottom of the pay pool so teaching becomes a last chance job for the hopeless.
We will happily pay a CEO $ 10,000,000 a year when in fact most businesses will run happily without a CEO as 9-11 proved but we are reluctant to pay teachers more than a barber or barman.
Look at the best schooling systems world wide and then look at what they pay their teachers compared to other professions.
The big problem is the system is run by the wealthy who want their kids to succed and if that means making sure your kids fail then they are fine with that.
SO the last thing they want is their kids not getting into Harvard because some snotty brat fathered by a mower mechanic got a better score.
B
bertsmobile1
Getting off topic here , but if you are paying peanuts then only monkeys will apply for the jobAre you kidding, Geometry? My state being Oklahoma is #48 or #49 out of 50 in high school test scores. Look at me, a pure dummy squad leader. And all our teachers want a pay raise LOL. I say bring up the test scores THEN we will talk about money. Kids are not benefiting at all from this teacher walk-out we had at the state capital. I say cut teacher pay by about 60% till the scores across all schools come up. They only work a few months out of the year anyway.
slomo
You want the best and brightest to teach children and bring the best out in them .
However we do not value teachers so they are down the bottom of the pay pool so teaching becomes a last chance job for the hopeless.
We will happily pay a CEO $ 10,000,000 a year when in fact most businesses will run happily without a CEO as 9-11 proved but we are reluctant to pay teachers more than a barber or barman.
Look at the best schooling systems world wide and then look at what they pay their teachers compared to other professions.
The big problem is the system is run by the wealthy who want their kids to succed and if that means making sure your kids fail then they are fine with that.
SO the last thing they want is their kids not getting into Harvard because some snotty brat fathered by a mower mechanic got a better score.