Re: New Cub Cadet XT2 - 42
The cover won't fall off as your cutting the grass but it looks messy afterwards with grass pushing out at the bottom. When I'm done using the machine, I blow it off every where good with my leaf blower, then I unscrew the screw and wire then wipe the grass clean on the deck. Then I replace the wire, washer and wingnut.
I think the way the deck is made (and the way the cover fits) grass will fill up the voids around the opening. In defense of the Cub Cover plate, my former Sears machine did the same thing. I had to undo the rubber bungee cords and remove that cover to clean out the grass in the same areas. I guess it is what it is with these covers being some what a "after thought" accessory for the machine.
My little snapper 20" push mower as a cover and it fits a lot tighter. I don't clean that out, as it sits very tightly around the opening.
Perhaps if the grass pushing out is a concern for you, take some window caulking and put a nice bead all around the opening of the cover. Attach the cover and let it dry for a few days. That would form a gasket where the grass won't push out of that opening. I don't know how long it will last. Even better find a black rubber used for car windows. That would last and look better than the white stuff.