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I have a 329 with a 52" rear discharge with stock blades that are kept sharpened. We have had some odd weather in East central Indiana of late, when the soil is moist, I can mow faster and not get beat to death, however when we go thru a dry spell, my predominately clay soil dries rock hard and I have to slow down or get beat to death with a terrible ride. It seems I get a better cut when the conditions allow me to mow faster. I don't know if it is in my head or not, but it seems that I get a better cut while mowing at a faster speed? Is this just an illusion or with the rear discharge is there a better vacuum at a higher speed rather than just faster than a slow crawl?

trpshoot said:

I have a 329 with a 52" rear discharge with stock blades that are kept sharpened. We have had some odd weather in East central Indiana of late, when the soil is moist, I can mow faster and not get beat to death, however when we go thru a dry spell, my predominately clay soil dries rock hard and I have to slow down or get beat to death with a terrible ride. It seems I get a better cut when the conditions allow me to mow faster. I don't know if it is in my head or not, but it seems that I get a better cut while mowing at a faster speed? Is this just an illusion or with the rear discharge is there a better vacuum at a higher speed rather than just faster than a slow crawl?

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If you are bouncing, the deck and blades are bouncing.

shiftsuper175607 said:

If you are bouncing, the deck and blades are bouncing.

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Agreed, so assuming that I am not bouncing, is there a difference in cut at different speeds?

You mentioned sharp blades that's important at any speed, assuming you are cutting no more than an inch or inch and a half off the grass you should get a reasonably good cut. I find that the grass will rebound from the deck wheels better if the grass isn't so tall. In wide open areas I have no quality of cut issues at 3/4+ speed on the hydrostat. As for the terrible ride problem on the dry hard clay I know exactly how that can take its toll on the body, first thing are you running the recommended air pressure (a pound or two makes a big difference) this past year I purchased a new 725D with a Grammer air suspension seat. Take it from a guy with a herniated disk (L-3) you will never mow without a suspension seat again.

Thanks, I am running exactly 9# in the rear and the recommended in the front. I should check into the suspension seat.