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Raptor SD cut quality - any recommendations?
#8
Ric
Ric
#10
Ric
Ric
#12
Ric
Ric
#14
ztrjim
ztrjim
#15
M
mooch91
Got em this week:
Installed them today and will probably cut with them tomorrow. Not a great test because the lawn is already starting to go in to winter dormancy, but I'll see how it goes.
One thing I noticed - I was borderline with the engine cutting out while engaging the blades before I installed the G5s. Since the G5s, I need to keep the throttle all the way up to engage without stalling the engine.
Seems others are also having issues (clutch?) so I may need a service visit next season.
M
mooch91
Got em this week:
Installed them today and will probably cut with them tomorrow. Not a great test because the lawn is already starting to go in to winter dormancy, but I'll see how it goes.
One thing I noticed - I was borderline with the engine cutting out while engaging the blades before I installed the G5s. Since the G5s, I need to keep the throttle all the way up to engage without stalling the engine.
Seems others are also having issues (clutch?) so I may need a service visit next season.
#18
M
mooch91
M
mooch91
OP back...
Still having trouble getting a good cut with my 54" RSD. I put the Gator G5 blades on late last season, and now cut twice this spring. First cut was a "clean up" cut - didn't take much off. The cut yesterday was after a week with some good rain, probably took an inch off the grass with cutting at 3.25".
Still getting "windrows" of grass and lots of "stragglers" left behind. I'm going to experiment with a couple of things:
Pics from yesterday's cut:
Still having trouble getting a good cut with my 54" RSD. I put the Gator G5 blades on late last season, and now cut twice this spring. First cut was a "clean up" cut - didn't take much off. The cut yesterday was after a week with some good rain, probably took an inch off the grass with cutting at 3.25".
Still getting "windrows" of grass and lots of "stragglers" left behind. I'm going to experiment with a couple of things:
- Drop cutting height to 3". It seems as if there is a magic point at 3" where the mower tends to lay and blow more than stand and cut. I'm going to try a little shorter to see how it does.
- See if I can cut/adjust the discharge chute to get a straighter, more open discharge than a directed one. The RSD deck does not have a square discharge out the side to where I can just lift or remove the chute to test this out. It needs some sort of blockage along the top to push the clippings out the side and not allow them to blow out the top. I'll have to fabricate something or put a flat cut on the plastic chute itself.
Pics from yesterday's cut:
#20
M
MRCo.
M
MRCo.
Anyone else thinks that grass looks pretty damn good?!?!? 
Nice yard.
That's some thick looking grass. The RSD deck is shallower and will have some issues with real heavy material volumes as such. A rule of thumb for grass health and cut quality is at most remove 1/3 of grass length, perhaps cut it a touch more often?
Nice yard.That's some thick looking grass. The RSD deck is shallower and will have some issues with real heavy material volumes as such. A rule of thumb for grass health and cut quality is at most remove 1/3 of grass length, perhaps cut it a touch more often?
#22
M
mooch91
I did a cut after the one pictured at TWO DAYS and still got some visible clippings. It's hard to find time more than once a week to be out there cutting.
Thanks for the compliments on the lawn. Definitely lush, at least this time of year.
M
mooch91
Anyone else thinks that grass looks pretty damn good?!?!?
That's some thick looking grass. The RSD deck is shallower and will have some issues with real heavy material volumes as such. A rule of thumb for grass health and cut quality is at most remove 1/3 of grass length, perhaps cut it a touch more often?
I did a cut after the one pictured at TWO DAYS and still got some visible clippings. It's hard to find time more than once a week to be out there cutting.
Thanks for the compliments on the lawn. Definitely lush, at least this time of year.
#25
Ric
Ric
#29
Ric
Ric
#30
M
mooch91
M
mooch91
Spent a frustrating Friday cutting 5 days worth of dry growth from my lawn at about 3" high. It had not rained during the previous 5 days but the night before we got a bit of drizzle, leaving the lawn damp when I had to cut it that morning. Had to TRIPLE cut to get this:
Cleaned this mess from under the deck:
Went to see my local dealer. When I told him I was using the Gator G5s, he told me he's not surprised that I'm having discharge and clumping issues, saying the blades are better suited to mulching. He also recommended pitching the deck 1/4" forward.
He gave me a set of the high lift blades and asked that I try them with the deck pitched forward.
Installed them yesterday. Will try a cut today (though only two days of dry growth). I also installed a both adjacent to the discharge chute to level it out a bit so it's not pointing downward (raises it about 1").
Cleaned this mess from under the deck:
Went to see my local dealer. When I told him I was using the Gator G5s, he told me he's not surprised that I'm having discharge and clumping issues, saying the blades are better suited to mulching. He also recommended pitching the deck 1/4" forward.
He gave me a set of the high lift blades and asked that I try them with the deck pitched forward.
Installed them yesterday. Will try a cut today (though only two days of dry growth). I also installed a both adjacent to the discharge chute to level it out a bit so it's not pointing downward (raises it about 1").
#32
Ric
The Gator blades are High lift as well as mulching blades. I'll bet if you pitch your deck forward and leave the Gator blades on you wont have that mess. If you triple cut that and you have that left there's something else wrong. I mow wet grass all the time and I never have discharge problems with Gator blades and never leave anything like that, if I did I wouldn't have many clients .
Ric
Spent a frustrating Friday cutting 5 days worth of dry growth from my lawn at about 3" high. It had not rained during the previous 5 days but the night before we got a bit of drizzle, leaving the lawn damp when I had to cut it that morning. Had to TRIPLE cut to get this:
Cleaned this mess from under the deck:
Went to see my local dealer. When I told him I was using the Gator G5s, he told me he's not surprised that I'm having discharge and clumping issues, saying the blades are better suited to mulching. He also recommended pitching the deck 1/4" forward.
He gave me a set of the high lift blades and asked that I try them with the deck pitched forward.
Installed them yesterday. Will try a cut today (though only two days of dry growth). I also installed a both adjacent to the discharge chute to level it out a bit so it's not pointing downward (raises it about 1").
The Gator blades are High lift as well as mulching blades. I'll bet if you pitch your deck forward and leave the Gator blades on you wont have that mess. If you triple cut that and you have that left there's something else wrong. I mow wet grass all the time and I never have discharge problems with Gator blades and never leave anything like that, if I did I wouldn't have many clients .
#34
1
1striper1
That's what my lawn looked like last year right after I got my 60" XOne but it is a rear discharge. Deck was down 1/4" when I bought it.
1
1striper1
Spent a frustrating Friday cutting 5 days worth of dry growth from my lawn at about 3" high. It had not rained during the previous 5 days but the night before we got a bit of drizzle, leaving the lawn damp when I had to cut it that morning. Had to TRIPLE cut to get this:
Cleaned this mess from under the deck:
Went to see my local dealer. When I told him I was using the Gator G5s, he told me he's not surprised that I'm having discharge and clumping issues, saying the blades are better suited to mulching. He also recommended pitching the deck 1/4" forward.
He gave me a set of the high lift blades and asked that I try them with the deck pitched forward.
Installed them yesterday. Will try a cut today (though only two days of dry growth). I also installed a both adjacent to the discharge chute to level it out a bit so it's not pointing downward (raises it about 1").
That's what my lawn looked like last year right after I got my 60" XOne but it is a rear discharge. Deck was down 1/4" when I bought it.
#35
M
mooch91
M
mooch91
If any day should have been a day to get a good quality cut, today was it. Only two days since the last cut, very dry the past couple of days, and lawn was dry this morning.
Again, trying with the high lift blades, a completely clean deck, pitched 1/4" forward, and chute raised up about an inch.
The results:
The stripes were awesome today, and the mower cleaned up the last of the small clumps left over from Friday. Not a windrow anywhere.
But I'll need to give it a few days and mow again to see if the results can be sustained.
The mod I made to the discharge chute, for those interested - very simply, 5/16" bolt in through the hole to space the chute "up":
Again, trying with the high lift blades, a completely clean deck, pitched 1/4" forward, and chute raised up about an inch.
The results:
The stripes were awesome today, and the mower cleaned up the last of the small clumps left over from Friday. Not a windrow anywhere.
But I'll need to give it a few days and mow again to see if the results can be sustained.
The mod I made to the discharge chute, for those interested - very simply, 5/16" bolt in through the hole to space the chute "up":
#41
Ric
Unless your planning on a five day mowing schedule I'd say you have more problems than you know. I mean really, your mowing 5 days worth of very dry growth with a mower that has a 18.900 FPM Blade tip speed and mowing only just over an inch of grass and your still leaving clippings
something is wrong. Cutting off the chute isn't going to solve your problem.
Ric
Unless your planning on a five day mowing schedule I'd say you have more problems than you know. I mean really, your mowing 5 days worth of very dry growth with a mower that has a 18.900 FPM Blade tip speed and mowing only just over an inch of grass and your still leaving clippings
something is wrong. Cutting off the chute isn't going to solve your problem.
#42
1
1striper1
Could be very well that nothing is wrong. Look at what I was getting last summer with my Hustler XOne 60" RD in conditions that sounded similar to what the OP is dealing with.
One would think yes, with the extreme blade speed a ZTR is running that the blades would turn the clippings into dust.....but they don't.
EDIT - this is the result with Gator blades
1
1striper1
Could be very well that nothing is wrong. Look at what I was getting last summer with my Hustler XOne 60" RD in conditions that sounded similar to what the OP is dealing with.
One would think yes, with the extreme blade speed a ZTR is running that the blades would turn the clippings into dust.....but they don't.
EDIT - this is the result with Gator blades
#44
Ric
Ric
#47
Ric
Ric
#49
Ric
Ric
#51
Ric
Ric
#53
Ric
Ok I said I'd post some pictures. The pictures of this lawn were taken this morning after the clients had watered so it was plenty wet as you can see the water standing in the flowerbed. The next picture is just as I was getting started. Third is the roadway portion after mowing once. The last four are when finished and there is no clippings left with the G6 Blades and I removed between 3 and 3.5 inches of St Augustine grass with no double cutting.
Ric
Ok I said I'd post some pictures. The pictures of this lawn were taken this morning after the clients had watered so it was plenty wet as you can see the water standing in the flowerbed. The next picture is just as I was getting started. Third is the roadway portion after mowing once. The last four are when finished and there is no clippings left with the G6 Blades and I removed between 3 and 3.5 inches of St Augustine grass with no double cutting.
#55
Ric
Ric
#57
Ric
Well as I said your Kentucky blue grass is much like our Bahia grass, it's grows as a single chute with its own root system and like our Bahia is a thin blade grass and somewhat harder to cut. I can also tell you St.Augustine can be pretty dense grass. I can also tell you by looking at your photos the grass has been let go to long between cuttings and is not being cut short enough because the grass is lying down when your finished.
As far as cutting height goes you can cut KBG down to as low as 1.5 inches if you want during the cool times of the year where you are and increase your height during the summer months when it's hot to 3 inches for your location unless it gets extremely hot then maybe as much as 4 inches.
The growing rate of your grass could very with changes in the weather but I doubt you'll see much of a difference or if it has anything to do with the height it's cut at. I think your problem with your cut and clippings isn't blades, I personally think it's the deck not being deep enough to carry the load or the amount of grass it trying to cut.
Just a suggestion but you may want to consider the pro"s that cut of some of the higher end properties in your neighborhood and see how much they would charge you to cut the lawn at it's proper height and then try to maintain that height with your Raptor.
This is the St.Augustine I cut
Ric
Well as I said your Kentucky blue grass is much like our Bahia grass, it's grows as a single chute with its own root system and like our Bahia is a thin blade grass and somewhat harder to cut. I can also tell you St.Augustine can be pretty dense grass. I can also tell you by looking at your photos the grass has been let go to long between cuttings and is not being cut short enough because the grass is lying down when your finished.
As far as cutting height goes you can cut KBG down to as low as 1.5 inches if you want during the cool times of the year where you are and increase your height during the summer months when it's hot to 3 inches for your location unless it gets extremely hot then maybe as much as 4 inches.
The growing rate of your grass could very with changes in the weather but I doubt you'll see much of a difference or if it has anything to do with the height it's cut at. I think your problem with your cut and clippings isn't blades, I personally think it's the deck not being deep enough to carry the load or the amount of grass it trying to cut.
Just a suggestion but you may want to consider the pro"s that cut of some of the higher end properties in your neighborhood and see how much they would charge you to cut the lawn at it's proper height and then try to maintain that height with your Raptor.
This is the St.Augustine I cut
#58
1
1striper1
1
1striper1
IMO - the ONLY time you should cut a KBG lawn down to 1.5" is the final cut of the season before winter sets in.
Think of a bell curve when thinking of cutting heights for cool season grasses. Low (1.5 - 2") in spring adjusting slowly up to 3" in the heat of summer and slowly back down again to the same LOW area in the fall and pre-winter final cut.
Weeds and other bad grasses will be kept at bay by keeping the grass taller.
But what do I know....I don't have 2000 posts and live in Wisconsin.
Think of a bell curve when thinking of cutting heights for cool season grasses. Low (1.5 - 2") in spring adjusting slowly up to 3" in the heat of summer and slowly back down again to the same LOW area in the fall and pre-winter final cut.
Weeds and other bad grasses will be kept at bay by keeping the grass taller.
But what do I know....I don't have 2000 posts and live in Wisconsin.
#59
Ric
Gee seems like I just kinda said or posted the same thing in my last post, as far as cutting height goes you can cut KBG down to as low as 1.5 inches if you want during the cool times of the year where you are and increase your height during the summer months when it's hot to 3 inches for your location unless it gets extremely hot then maybe as much as 4 inches.
Ric
IMO - the ONLY time you should cut a KBG lawn down to 1.5" is the final cut of the season before winter sets in.
Think of a bell curve when thinking of cutting heights for cool season grasses. Low (1.5 - 2") in spring adjusting slowly up to 3" in the heat of summer and slowly back down again to the same LOW area in the fall and pre-winter final cut.
Weeds and other bad grasses will be kept at bay by keeping the grass taller.
But what do I know....I don't have 2000 posts and live in Wisconsin.
Gee seems like I just kinda said or posted the same thing in my last post, as far as cutting height goes you can cut KBG down to as low as 1.5 inches if you want during the cool times of the year where you are and increase your height during the summer months when it's hot to 3 inches for your location unless it gets extremely hot then maybe as much as 4 inches.
#62
Ric
Ric
#64
Ric
Ric
#66
Ric
Ric
#69
Ric
Ric
#70
PVHIII
PVHIII
#71
M
mooch91
M
mooch91
Yes some of us are!
Cutting down at 3 inches now with virtually no chute (cut square to the edge of the deck). We are practically in a drought here in PA so cuts are very dry. Using the super high lifts the dealer gave me.
Still leaving visible clippings a row or 2 over in some spots of the yard. It is cutting VERY smooth, just not getting the clippings as far out as it could. I measure that the clippings go about 5 feet out at most.
I might still be expecting too much. We are getting out first rain in over a month and I won't be out there again until this weekend (1 week cut interval) so this next cut will be a real test.
Cutting down at 3 inches now with virtually no chute (cut square to the edge of the deck). We are practically in a drought here in PA so cuts are very dry. Using the super high lifts the dealer gave me.
Still leaving visible clippings a row or 2 over in some spots of the yard. It is cutting VERY smooth, just not getting the clippings as far out as it could. I measure that the clippings go about 5 feet out at most.
I might still be expecting too much. We are getting out first rain in over a month and I won't be out there again until this weekend (1 week cut interval) so this next cut will be a real test.
#72
Ric
I seriously doubt that you are experiencing any dormancy, browning maybe but that's probably lack of water. I don't always agree with these cutting heights you read from all these organizations either but 99% of the time they are right. I had a client just put in a Fescue lawn a bit ago and I sure didn't like what they said to cut the lawn.
I started cutting it at 3 inches and I thought the lawn looked great but the people who installed the lawn had a bloom-in fit and at 3" I was having Trouble with the stuff browning out but I gave in but I told the guy when it died I wasn't going to replace the stuff but I wasn't that polite in my wording to him.
I looked online and everywhere I looked it told me the same as he did so I cut the stuff at 2.5 and a month later the lawn is the best looking lawn in the neighborhood. It did exactly what they said it would do. The articles I post are just a couple that I found online and there are lots of others I read also and all will tell you about the same thing.
As far as I'm concerned you can cut your lawn any height you like but your the one complaining about the cut and how it looks and what or how your mower is cutting.
Ric
Yes some of us are!
Cutting down at 3 inches now with virtually no chute (cut square to the edge of the deck). We are practically in a drought here in PA so cuts are very dry. Using the super high lifts the dealer gave me.
Still leaving visible clippings a row or 2 over in some spots of the yard. It is cutting VERY smooth, just not getting the clippings as far out as it could. I measure that the clippings go about 5 feet out at most.
I might still be expecting too much. We are getting out first rain in over a month and I won't be out there again until this weekend (1 week cut interval) so this next cut will be a real test.
I seriously doubt that you are experiencing any dormancy, browning maybe but that's probably lack of water. I don't always agree with these cutting heights you read from all these organizations either but 99% of the time they are right. I had a client just put in a Fescue lawn a bit ago and I sure didn't like what they said to cut the lawn.
I started cutting it at 3 inches and I thought the lawn looked great but the people who installed the lawn had a bloom-in fit and at 3" I was having Trouble with the stuff browning out but I gave in but I told the guy when it died I wasn't going to replace the stuff but I wasn't that polite in my wording to him.
I looked online and everywhere I looked it told me the same as he did so I cut the stuff at 2.5 and a month later the lawn is the best looking lawn in the neighborhood. It did exactly what they said it would do. The articles I post are just a couple that I found online and there are lots of others I read also and all will tell you about the same thing.
As far as I'm concerned you can cut your lawn any height you like but your the one complaining about the cut and how it looks and what or how your mower is cutting.
#73
PVHIII
PVHIII
#76
PVHIII
PVHIII
#79
PVHIII
PVHIII
Lol....as opinionated as I am... I'm sure I have..unless I had a large FLAT yard I would avoid the 60" model...my dealer attributed it to the terrain around here...could be I guess...smart choice you made there going with Kawasaki instead of the Kohler..one of the many reasons I bought my Hustler..I don't think them Kohler's are gonna boost sales that's for sure...What most folks don't think about (and no I am not most folks) lol...at least I didn't anyway because I actually wanted a larger deck but they (dealer) didn't have one in stock and I don't do very well at waiting so I ended up with a 48" is unless you go up in engine size your gonna lose power with that larger deck..glad I ended up with my 48" because I feel like any bigger and mine woulda been under powered...FX691V and a 48" deck is a good combo...at least on my FTSD it is anyway..I hope you enjoy your new mower as much as I've enjoyed mine
#80
F
flightco
I really wanted the 48 but there were none in stock and he couldn't assure me if I waited for his order to come in it would have the Kawasaki engine. (I think it would, the Hustler web site is now showing the Raptor as either/or but not the SD). I could have purchased it at one of the other dealers but the dealer I worked with honored the Lowes 10% off coupon for the mower and accessories and he is installing them at no charge; therefore I have a 54". (I have to say, he seemed genuinely pleased with the order with the 10%, I was afraid if I found a dealer to honor it he would have an attitude).
I appreciated the humor about "most folks"
F
flightco
Lol....as opinionated as I am... I'm sure I have..unless I had a large FLAT yard I would avoid the 60" model...my dealer attributed it to the terrain around here...could be I guess...smart choice you made there going with Kawasaki instead of the Kohler..one of the many reasons I bought my Hustler..I don't think them Kohler's are gonna boost sales that's for sure...What most folks don't think about (and no I am not most folks) lol...at least I didn't anyway because I actually wanted a larger deck but they (dealer) didn't have one in stock and I don't do very well at waiting so I ended up with a 48" is unless you go up in engine size your gonna lose power with that larger deck..glad I ended up with my 48" because I feel like any bigger and mine woulda been under powered...FX691V and a 48" deck is a good combo...at least on my FTSD it is anyway..I hope you enjoy your new mower as much as I've enjoyed mine
I really wanted the 48 but there were none in stock and he couldn't assure me if I waited for his order to come in it would have the Kawasaki engine. (I think it would, the Hustler web site is now showing the Raptor as either/or but not the SD). I could have purchased it at one of the other dealers but the dealer I worked with honored the Lowes 10% off coupon for the mower and accessories and he is installing them at no charge; therefore I have a 54". (I have to say, he seemed genuinely pleased with the order with the 10%, I was afraid if I found a dealer to honor it he would have an attitude).
I appreciated the humor about "most folks"
#81
M
mooch91
M
mooch91
OP back.
Embarrassing cut tonight with my SD 54.
I was on vacation this week, so my lawn went 8 days since the last cut. We had two significant thunderstorms this past week which brought some torrential rains, too, so there was some growth.
I'd say I was between 5 and 6", cutting at 3". So in some cases I was taking 50%+ off the lawn. Not ideal, but I would have hoped not overwhelming for the mower either.
Attached is what I got. This is still with the super high lifts and a squared-off discharge chute.
Embarrassing cut tonight with my SD 54.
I was on vacation this week, so my lawn went 8 days since the last cut. We had two significant thunderstorms this past week which brought some torrential rains, too, so there was some growth.
I'd say I was between 5 and 6", cutting at 3". So in some cases I was taking 50%+ off the lawn. Not ideal, but I would have hoped not overwhelming for the mower either.
Attached is what I got. This is still with the super high lifts and a squared-off discharge chute.
#83
PVHIII
PVHIII
#91
Ric
Ric
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Ric
Ric
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PVHIII
PVHIII
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PVHIII
PVHIII
#102
PVHIII
PVHIII
#107
Ric
Ric
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PVHIII
PVHIII
#111
PVHIII
PVHIII
#112
PVHIII
PVHIII
#114
PVHIII
PVHIII
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Ric
Ric
#116
PVHIII
PVHIII
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PVHIII
PVHIII
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PVHIII
PVHIII
#121
Ric
Ric
#122
Ric
Originally Posted by Ric 
The Thing is if your a homeowner and using the mower for your personal use the Raptor sd with the FR and 2800 drives are all you would need, a commercial drive is really a waste of money for a homeowner.
The theory above just doesn't make any sense to me at all, bigger, faster, more power
PV I'd stick to what you have.
Ric
The Thing is if your a homeowner and using the mower for your personal use the Raptor sd with the FR and 2800 drives are all you would need, a commercial drive is really a waste of money for a homeowner.
The theory above just doesn't make any sense to me at all, bigger, faster, more power
#124
Ric
Ric
#126
Ric
Ric
#128
M
mooch91
M
mooch91
Another pretty miserable cut at a 7-day interval today.
I did about 1/4 of the lawn Friday night before some heavy rain started yesterday. I came back and redid and finished it off today.
The area I didn't cut on Friday was obviously the worst (I took off a couple of inches of growth), but even the area cut on Friday had heavy clippings and some clumps. I triple cut some areas and still have a nice heavy dusting of clippings.
My wife is actually starting to get upset because my son is tracking healthy quantities of clippings in to the house.
One interesting thing I observed and now I think I know why multiple cuts don't seem to make the clippings go away - the discharge coming out of the side seems to be concentrated to the front end of the discharge chute. I would say that better than 80% of the clippings come out in a stream about 1-2" wide at the front end of the chute. They're definitely not discharging from the whole width of the chute. I don't know if this is the way all side discharge mowers work or if it's something unique to mine that's contributing to my problem. I'll see if I can post a video I took of the discharge while mowing.
I did about 1/4 of the lawn Friday night before some heavy rain started yesterday. I came back and redid and finished it off today.
The area I didn't cut on Friday was obviously the worst (I took off a couple of inches of growth), but even the area cut on Friday had heavy clippings and some clumps. I triple cut some areas and still have a nice heavy dusting of clippings.
My wife is actually starting to get upset because my son is tracking healthy quantities of clippings in to the house.
One interesting thing I observed and now I think I know why multiple cuts don't seem to make the clippings go away - the discharge coming out of the side seems to be concentrated to the front end of the discharge chute. I would say that better than 80% of the clippings come out in a stream about 1-2" wide at the front end of the chute. They're definitely not discharging from the whole width of the chute. I don't know if this is the way all side discharge mowers work or if it's something unique to mine that's contributing to my problem. I'll see if I can post a video I took of the discharge while mowing.
#130
Ric
I know your going to think I'm crazy but Right off hand the video is telling me two things, One with the build up of grass on the top deck your mowing way too much grass at a time. Two by the looks of the ground and the rate it's moving your mowing too fast.
As I said earlier in the thread you need to increase the frequency of cutting to no more than every three days until you get the lawn under control. Every 7 days is not going to be acceptable. I'd start at the top of my height settings and cut at a 3 day interval bringing it down a setting every cut until you get the lawn cutting to a 3"and 3 1/4" height and at that point re-cut the lawn when it gets to a 4" height at your 3" setting and you''ll solve your clumping issue and have a better looking lawn.
The mower you have is doing all it can do and no matter what changes you make it's not going to help.
Ric
Here is the video, hope it works:
I know your going to think I'm crazy but Right off hand the video is telling me two things, One with the build up of grass on the top deck your mowing way too much grass at a time. Two by the looks of the ground and the rate it's moving your mowing too fast.
As I said earlier in the thread you need to increase the frequency of cutting to no more than every three days until you get the lawn under control. Every 7 days is not going to be acceptable. I'd start at the top of my height settings and cut at a 3 day interval bringing it down a setting every cut until you get the lawn cutting to a 3"and 3 1/4" height and at that point re-cut the lawn when it gets to a 4" height at your 3" setting and you''ll solve your clumping issue and have a better looking lawn.
The mower you have is doing all it can do and no matter what changes you make it's not going to help.
#131
PVHIII
PVHIII
I would go ahead with your Fast Trak demo...you will not have these problems with the Fast Trak....when you spend as much on a mower as you did that Raptor SD you shouldn't have to "baby" it to get the result you want...I think that's a very poor deck design on the Raptor and Raptor SD...you may be mowing a lil too fast and cutting more off at once than you should but sometimes I know that I want to now faster than I should and cut more off at once than I should so I want a mower that can handle it and I have one in the Fast Trak SD..I just can't wait for you to demo that Fast Trak!Another pretty miserable cut at a 7-day interval today.
I did about 1/4 of the lawn Friday night before some heavy rain started yesterday. I came back and redid and finished it off today.
The area I didn't cut on Friday was obviously the worst (I took off a couple of inches of growth), but even the area cut on Friday had heavy clippings and some clumps. I triple cut some areas and still have a nice heavy dusting of clippings.
My wife is actually starting to get upset because my son is tracking healthy quantities of clippings in to the house.
One interesting thing I observed and now I think I know why multiple cuts don't seem to make the clippings go away - the discharge coming out of the side seems to be concentrated to the front end of the discharge chute. I would say that better than 80% of the clippings come out in a stream about 1-2" wide at the front end of the chute. They're definitely not discharging from the whole width of the chute. I don't know if this is the way all side discharge mowers work or if it's something unique to mine that's contributing to my problem. I'll see if I can post a video I took of the discharge while mowing.
#132
PVHIII
PVHIII
#133
PVHIII
PVHIII
#134
PVHIII
My Fast Trak doesn't discharge like that...IMO this is just another flaw with this deck... All your questions will be answered when you get that demo or maybe I should say..all your problems solved.
PVHIII
Here is the vid, hope it works:
My Fast Trak doesn't discharge like that...IMO this is just another flaw with this deck... All your questions will be answered when you get that demo or maybe I should say..all your problems solved.
#136
Ric
Ric
#138
PVHIII
PVHIII
#139
Ric
Ric
#140
Ric
Ric
#142
Ric
Ric
#145
Ric
Ric
#147
Ric
If they don't matter how they look I'd say stick to the old home depot cub cadet, why waste the money on a ZTR. Seriously a ZTR wasn't designed for a bush hog, the tractor would be just as fast if that's your trying to accomplish.
Ric
well, the lawns i'll be cutting wont matter how they look. lol
these raptors cant cut any worse than my old home depot cub cadet, could it?
walk? i suppose i could use the exercise, but it ain't gonna happen.
If they don't matter how they look I'd say stick to the old home depot cub cadet, why waste the money on a ZTR. Seriously a ZTR wasn't designed for a bush hog, the tractor would be just as fast if that's your trying to accomplish.
#148
KrashnKraka
KrashnKraka
#149
PVHIII
PVHIII
#150
PVHIII
The Raptor that I bought and happily returned for a refund...did not cut as well as the Troy-Built lawn tractor I traded in for it...and the lil stump I hit that bent the deck mounts...my Troy-Built would have been able to absorb the impact because there was some play in the deck mounts it would give a little instead of bending the deck mounts like the Raptor did.
PVHIII
well, the lawns i'll be cutting wont matter how they look. lol
these raptors cant cut any worse than my old home depot cub cadet, could it?
walk? i suppose i could use the excercise, but it aint gonna happen.
The Raptor that I bought and happily returned for a refund...did not cut as well as the Troy-Built lawn tractor I traded in for it...and the lil stump I hit that bent the deck mounts...my Troy-Built would have been able to absorb the impact because there was some play in the deck mounts it would give a little instead of bending the deck mounts like the Raptor did.
#154
F
flightco
Thank you Ric, I will try that.
I think you are a lawn pro so I will pose a couple questions to you
1. Any idea why I get clumping in reverse when virtually nothing in forward (grass is very wet)
2. This entire conversation got me very interested in "clumping" and why the pros don't get any. I had the opportunity to watch two lawns being pro cut today. I took my dogs for a walk past the houses and both had clumps of grass, I was surprised because I have not seen this before. they both had different ways to take care of the problem, one used a back mounted blower and blew the clumps into fine grass and they dissipated. The other walked around the yard with what looked to be a very stiff bristled push broom and raked over the clumps and they disappeared. Is this how pros normally deal with clumps?
F
flightco
Try This for turning at the end of a run. It's the Y Turn
Thank you Ric, I will try that.
I think you are a lawn pro so I will pose a couple questions to you
1. Any idea why I get clumping in reverse when virtually nothing in forward (grass is very wet)
2. This entire conversation got me very interested in "clumping" and why the pros don't get any. I had the opportunity to watch two lawns being pro cut today. I took my dogs for a walk past the houses and both had clumps of grass, I was surprised because I have not seen this before. they both had different ways to take care of the problem, one used a back mounted blower and blew the clumps into fine grass and they dissipated. The other walked around the yard with what looked to be a very stiff bristled push broom and raked over the clumps and they disappeared. Is this how pros normally deal with clumps?
#156
Ric
Ric
#157
PVHIII
Glad you are happy with your mower... nothing feels any worse than spending a few grand and not being happy...you need to make what's called a 3 point turn... I think there are videos on you tube to help you with that...enjoy that new mower
PVHIII
Glad you are happy with your mower... nothing feels any worse than spending a few grand and not being happy...you need to make what's called a 3 point turn... I think there are videos on you tube to help you with that...enjoy that new mower
#158
KrashnKraka
KrashnKraka
#159
PVHIII
PVHIII
#160
PVHIII
A.K.A....Three Point Turn
PVHIII
Try This for turning at the end of a run. It's the Y Turn
A.K.A....Three Point Turn
#161
T
turboawd
T
turboawd
so i got a 54" raptor sd. cut some tall grass today 12", and had quite a bit of wet grass stuck under the deck.
i'm thinking of swapping the stock blades for something with more lift.
the grass seems to clump in the upper corners of the deck. i wonder if something can be placed there to fill the corner or make it a 45 degree inside corner.
here is a quick sketch. see red lines.
i'm thinking of swapping the stock blades for something with more lift.
the grass seems to clump in the upper corners of the deck. i wonder if something can be placed there to fill the corner or make it a 45 degree inside corner.
here is a quick sketch. see red lines.
Attachments
#162
F
flightco
I really don't get it, you just said you cut 12 inches of wet grass, which means you cut 6 to 7 inches of wet grass and you wonder why it was stuck under the deck; what do you think wet grass is going to do? You don't need more lift, you need to cut your grass more often.
F
flightco
so i got a 54" raptor sd. cut some tall grass today 12", and had quite a bit of wet grass stuck under the deck.
i'm thinking of swapping the stock blades for something with more lift.
the grass seems to clump in the upper corners of the deck. i wonder if something can be placed there to fill the corner or make it a 45 degree inside corner.
here is a quick sketch. see red lines.
I really don't get it, you just said you cut 12 inches of wet grass, which means you cut 6 to 7 inches of wet grass and you wonder why it was stuck under the deck; what do you think wet grass is going to do? You don't need more lift, you need to cut your grass more often.
#164
PVHIII
PVHIII
#165
PVHIII
PVHIII
#167
PVHIII
PVHIII
#168
PVHIII
PVHIII
#169
PVHIII
PVHIII
#170
M
mooch91
Still waiting too, the holiday weekend did not allow me to reserve with the dealer this weekend.
I'll share an update on the cut I made yesterday. Six days since my last cut due to a short vacation again this time. It was long, for sure, but by no means a pasture at this point.
I measure that I was cutting at about 5 1/2 inches of length:
Or to put it another way, taking off about 2 - 2 1/2 inches:
I cleaned the deck beforehand and put the high-lift blades back on. About 1/3 of a 5-gallon bucket worth of scrap came off:
Some pics during and after pass number one:
I then raised the deck by 1/2 inch and did a second (and in some cases a third) pass across the whole lawn to try to disperse the clippings, in progress shot:
Ended up like this:
Couldn't get them to completely disappear, I was just blowing them back and forth after a while, but the stripes looked nice:
Healthy amount of deck blowout happening with the high-lift blades and the deck raised by 1/2 inch:
M
mooch91
Still waiting too, the holiday weekend did not allow me to reserve with the dealer this weekend.
I'll share an update on the cut I made yesterday. Six days since my last cut due to a short vacation again this time. It was long, for sure, but by no means a pasture at this point.
I measure that I was cutting at about 5 1/2 inches of length:
Or to put it another way, taking off about 2 - 2 1/2 inches:
I cleaned the deck beforehand and put the high-lift blades back on. About 1/3 of a 5-gallon bucket worth of scrap came off:
Some pics during and after pass number one:
I then raised the deck by 1/2 inch and did a second (and in some cases a third) pass across the whole lawn to try to disperse the clippings, in progress shot:
Ended up like this:
Couldn't get them to completely disappear, I was just blowing them back and forth after a while, but the stripes looked nice:
Healthy amount of deck blowout happening with the high-lift blades and the deck raised by 1/2 inch:
#171
PVHIII
Where'd you get your stripping kit?...Very nice yard BTW.
PVHIII
Still waiting too, the holiday weekend did not allow me to reserve with the dealer this weekend.
I'll share an update on the cut I made yesterday. Six days since my last cut due to a short vacation again this time. It was long, for sure, but by no means a pasture at this point.
I measure that I was cutting at about 5 1/2 inches of length:
Or to put it another way, taking off about 2 - 2 1/2 inches:
I cleaned the deck beforehand and put the high-lift blades back on. About 1/3 of a 5-gallon bucket worth of scrap came off:
Some pics during and after pass number one:
I then raised the deck by 1/2 inch and did a second (and in some cases a third) pass across the whole lawn to try to disperse the clippings, in progress shot:
Ended up like this:
Couldn't get them to completely disappear, I was just blowing them back and forth after a while, but the stripes looked nice:
Healthy amount of deck blowout happening with the high-lift blades and the deck raised by 1/2 inch:
Where'd you get your stripping kit?...Very nice yard BTW.
#173
M
mooch91
M
mooch91
Just curious... does everyone else have this seemingly "empty" bolt hole on the top of their Raptor SD deck as well? Every time I see it has filled up with grass, I wonder what it's for, or if something "fell off" my deck.
#174
PVHIII
PVHIII
#175
PVHIII
PVHIII
Looks like some pretty country there in the background...didn't know it was that pretty in New Jersey.Still waiting too, the holiday weekend did not allow me to reserve with the dealer this weekend.
I'll share an update on the cut I made yesterday. Six days since my last cut due to a short vacation again this time. It was long, for sure, but by no means a pasture at this point.
I measure that I was cutting at about 5 1/2 inches of length:
Or to put it another way, taking off about 2 - 2 1/2 inches:
I cleaned the deck beforehand and put the high-lift blades back on. About 1/3 of a 5-gallon bucket worth of scrap came off:
Some pics during and after pass number one:
I then raised the deck by 1/2 inch and did a second (and in some cases a third) pass across the whole lawn to try to disperse the clippings, in progress shot:
Ended up like this:
Couldn't get them to completely disappear, I was just blowing them back and forth after a while, but the stripes looked nice:
Healthy amount of deck blowout happening with the high-lift blades and the deck raised by 1/2 inch:
#177
PVHIII
PVHIII
#183
T
turboawd
T
turboawd
i wonder if you could benefit from a mulching kit. it would probably keep the grass suspended longer in the deck and chew up the grass more.
Shop Hustler 54-in Zero-Turn Radius Mower (ZTR) Mulch Kit at Lowes.com
Shop Hustler 54-in Zero-Turn Radius Mower (ZTR) Mulch Kit at Lowes.com
#185
PVHIII
PVHIII
#187
KrashnKraka
KrashnKraka
#190
PVHIII
PVHIII
#192
PVHIII
PVHIII
#193
PVHIII
PVHIII
#194
PVHIII
PVHIII
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eIIWdww0tY8Still waiting too, the holiday weekend did not allow me to reserve with the dealer this weekend.
I'll share an update on the cut I made yesterday. Six days since my last cut due to a short vacation again this time. It was long, for sure, but by no means a pasture at this point.
I measure that I was cutting at about 5 1/2 inches of length:
Or to put it another way, taking off about 2 - 2 1/2 inches:
I cleaned the deck beforehand and put the high-lift blades back on. About 1/3 of a 5-gallon bucket worth of scrap came off:
Some pics during and after pass number one:
I then raised the deck by 1/2 inch and did a second (and in some cases a third) pass across the whole lawn to try to disperse the clippings, in progress shot:
Ended up like this:
Couldn't get them to completely disappear, I was just blowing them back and forth after a while, but the stripes looked nice:
Healthy amount of deck blowout happening with the high-lift blades and the deck raised by 1/2 inch:
#195
M
mooch91
M
mooch91
Could I be cutting too SHORT?
It's been two days since my last cut to 3" and I went and tinkered with the mower today.
Pulled off the belt covers, wanted to check how the belt and pullies looked. It was definitely packed good with grass, but no evidence of misalignment, damage or glazing to the belt, or anything else not working right:
It's been two days since my last cut to 3" and I went and tinkered with the mower today.
Pulled off the belt covers, wanted to check how the belt and pullies looked. It was definitely packed good with grass, but no evidence of misalignment, damage or glazing to the belt, or anything else not working right:
#196
M
mooch91
M
mooch91
Re-leveled the deck and decided to try a cut. Now remember, it's been TWO DAYS (actually closer to 1 1/2 when I tried this morning). It was a little damp from rain yesterday, but not too bad.
Got this, cutting down to 3":
Hard to appreciate from the pictures, but the lawn was littered with small clumps. I stopped after a dozen passes or so.
Did I mention I'm cutting only TWO DAYS worth of growth?
Got this, cutting down to 3":
Hard to appreciate from the pictures, but the lawn was littered with small clumps. I stopped after a dozen passes or so.
Did I mention I'm cutting only TWO DAYS worth of growth?
#197
M
mooch91
M
mooch91
So for grins, I raised the deck another 1/2" (about 3.5") and ran over the whole lawn.
At this point, the cut was phenomenal:
[
Left with just some dry clippings that dispersed when I blew them in to the lawn:
Not sure if the good result is a result of the lighter load (two days growth + 1/2" higher cut) or if the higher cut overall works much better on my lawn. I have been having more problems this year (compared to last) and one thing that changed was I reduced the cut height to 3" based upon some earlier recommendations in this thread. I had been previously cutting at 3.5 - 3.75". Still had some issues at that height but far less than what I've been experiencing this season.
At this point, the cut was phenomenal:
[
Left with just some dry clippings that dispersed when I blew them in to the lawn:
Not sure if the good result is a result of the lighter load (two days growth + 1/2" higher cut) or if the higher cut overall works much better on my lawn. I have been having more problems this year (compared to last) and one thing that changed was I reduced the cut height to 3" based upon some earlier recommendations in this thread. I had been previously cutting at 3.5 - 3.75". Still had some issues at that height but far less than what I've been experiencing this season.
#199
PVHIII
PVHIII
I always take my blower to mine when I get done mowing... Keeps buildup outta the trans fans and outta all the nooks and crannies on the deckCould I be cutting too SHORT?
It's been two days since my last cut to 3" and I went and tinkered with the mower today.
Pulled off the belt covers, wanted to check how the belt and pullies looked. It was definitely packed good with grass, but no evidence of misalignment, damage or glazing to the belt, or anything else not working right:
#200
FieldCut48
FieldCut48
#210
M
mooch91
M
mooch91
Trying the higher cut - 3.5 inches - super high lift blades.
Stripes are still pretty awesome.
Amount of sloppy clippings left behind is just a little bit less. Not nearly enough to say I'm happy.
Deck blowout from the side and front is SEVERE.
This is only three days since last cut (Saturday afternoon). No rain the past three days.
I should have done a selfie to show all the grass on my shirt and face. Must've left my selfie stick somewhere.
This weekend will be my demo weekend. I have a couple of dealers lined up, I'm not counting on the upgraded Hustlers alone.
Stripes are still pretty awesome.
Amount of sloppy clippings left behind is just a little bit less. Not nearly enough to say I'm happy.
Deck blowout from the side and front is SEVERE.
This is only three days since last cut (Saturday afternoon). No rain the past three days.
I should have done a selfie to show all the grass on my shirt and face. Must've left my selfie stick somewhere.
This weekend will be my demo weekend. I have a couple of dealers lined up, I'm not counting on the upgraded Hustlers alone.
#211
M
mooch91
M
mooch91
I do have a replacement discharge chute on order since I cut mine. I may go back to using the unmodified one again, and probably need to restore it anyway if I trade the machine in.
Since I already cut the old one, I wanted to experiment creating an "operator controlled discharge chute" - a blockoff plate to prevent discharging in to my flower beds. I have a fairly narrow swatch (about 8 feet) between my two primary planting beds that gets filled with grass. I just mulched it two weeks ago with some dark brown mulch and it looks gray already from the yellowed grass clippings that have blown in when I mulched.
Works OK, not great. I have to manually flip it down when I'm passing through the flower bed area, and then I manually lift it when I'm done. Although it's a fairly heavy steel plate, it does lift from the discharge and will still blow out some clippings. I'm thinking of drilling some holes in it to allow the air out, but keep the grass in.
Since I already cut the old one, I wanted to experiment creating an "operator controlled discharge chute" - a blockoff plate to prevent discharging in to my flower beds. I have a fairly narrow swatch (about 8 feet) between my two primary planting beds that gets filled with grass. I just mulched it two weeks ago with some dark brown mulch and it looks gray already from the yellowed grass clippings that have blown in when I mulched.
Works OK, not great. I have to manually flip it down when I'm passing through the flower bed area, and then I manually lift it when I'm done. Although it's a fairly heavy steel plate, it does lift from the discharge and will still blow out some clippings. I'm thinking of drilling some holes in it to allow the air out, but keep the grass in.
#216
KrashnKraka
With my 'mod' I can opt out to dump in a very neat 300mm (1') wide
windrow, no spillage. It's conditional in that grass over 200mm (8")
has to be mowed twice, but the idea works well.
After reading this thread I am thinking a smart man would patent(?)
the concept
KK
KrashnKraka
With my 'mod' I can opt out to dump in a very neat 300mm (1') wide
windrow, no spillage. It's conditional in that grass over 200mm (8")
has to be mowed twice, but the idea works well.
After reading this thread I am thinking a smart man would patent(?)
the concept
KK
#221
KrashnKraka
Yeup...seen yer "Fall", some say it is "pretty", me, I differ
Tried that Qwikchute concept and seen others fit similar.
Diddun work for me, clogging the deck continually. So
basically I use a chute out of the deck to dump vertically
into a row. It works and that comment about debri discharge
and safety...?..using the vertical discharge there is no chance
of flying objects. All that said mine is not to what I want yet in
terms of versitility...so it could be a while before I yam famous
on eweToob :laughing:
KK
KrashnKraka
Yeup...seen yer "Fall", some say it is "pretty", me, I differ
Tried that Qwikchute concept and seen others fit similar.
Diddun work for me, clogging the deck continually. So
basically I use a chute out of the deck to dump vertically
into a row. It works and that comment about debri discharge
and safety...?..using the vertical discharge there is no chance
of flying objects. All that said mine is not to what I want yet in
terms of versitility...so it could be a while before I yam famous
on eweToob :laughing:
KK
#227
G
Grass Whisper
G
Grass Whisper
Kraky: Should have said 2 inch cut. My mistake.
I went with the RSD b/c it had widest tires of the line and thought that it would reduce rutting with the wider tire print. Now, if I look at upgrading the mower to a fastrak the drive tires go down in size. Would the fastrak deeper deck mulch better or not? Is my thinking off with the rutting and the size of the drive tire issue? Thanks for your help ahead of time.
I went with the RSD b/c it had widest tires of the line and thought that it would reduce rutting with the wider tire print. Now, if I look at upgrading the mower to a fastrak the drive tires go down in size. Would the fastrak deeper deck mulch better or not? Is my thinking off with the rutting and the size of the drive tire issue? Thanks for your help ahead of time.
#231
KrashnKraka
KrashnKraka
#232
M
mooch91
M
mooch91
OP back...
Fasttrack demo completed today.
Fasttrack and Raptor SD mowing comparison coming this afternoon.
A little teaser:
Fasttrack demo completed today.
Fasttrack and Raptor SD mowing comparison coming this afternoon.
A little teaser:
#233
M
mooch91
M
mooch91
Demo unit was a standard Fastrack with about 72 hours on the clock.
Blades were the 'standard' ones that were 'freshened up' with a new edge right before I took it home and deck was scraped (I watched both at the shop).
I set the deck at the 3.25" setting, though I did not confirm actual height (feels like it was about right), which is about 0.25" lower than I have been cutting on the Raptor SD.
Deck itself on the Fastrack was pitched UP in the front about 0.25". I did not confirm the pitch on the blades. I've had the Raptor SD deck DOWN about 0.25" in the front. Not a very meaningful comparison unless I can confirm the blades on both units have the same pitch.
I did not check tire pressure.
We had a thunderstorm dump a ton of rain about 4AM, and I cut at 9. The grass was still very damp, and in some small spots, soggy.
Here is a pic of the unit:
Blades were the 'standard' ones that were 'freshened up' with a new edge right before I took it home and deck was scraped (I watched both at the shop).
I set the deck at the 3.25" setting, though I did not confirm actual height (feels like it was about right), which is about 0.25" lower than I have been cutting on the Raptor SD.
Deck itself on the Fastrack was pitched UP in the front about 0.25". I did not confirm the pitch on the blades. I've had the Raptor SD deck DOWN about 0.25" in the front. Not a very meaningful comparison unless I can confirm the blades on both units have the same pitch.
I did not check tire pressure.
We had a thunderstorm dump a ton of rain about 4AM, and I cut at 9. The grass was still very damp, and in some small spots, soggy.
Here is a pic of the unit:
#240
KrashnKraka
Other than throwing model names around the thread has developed into nothing to do with Hustler, per se.
Whatever, 3 hours is no way enough experience to publish informed review.
- made by others - directed at this thread then maybe you could consider getting out more.... over shooting the messenger?
Qantas | All inclusive airfares on Australia Pacific?s Best Airline
You can book me in on that link,,I have free time come March/2016.
Of course same 'rules' as LMF - no charge for onsite tutorials ... hehheh
Alternatively, you could follow my posts. I leave plenty of tips, all over :-|
Trust that helps some.
KK
/out
KrashnKraka
Pay little heed to my 'rant' beyond noting I too can express my opinion which holds this 'conversation' come training seminar really belongs elsewhere... like that Front Porch forum I was directed to.
Other than throwing model names around the thread has developed into nothing to do with Hustler, per se.
Whatever, 3 hours is no way enough experience to publish informed review.
Heh... I am just the one letting you know. If you are not aware of other satirical theads and posts
- made by others - directed at this thread then maybe you could consider getting out more.... over shooting the messenger?
Qantas | All inclusive airfares on Australia Pacific?s Best Airline
You can book me in on that link,,I have free time come March/2016.
Of course same 'rules' as LMF - no charge for onsite tutorials ... hehheh
Alternatively, you could follow my posts. I leave plenty of tips, all over :-|
Trust that helps some.
KK
/out
#241
M
mooch91
M
mooch91
All,
One last-ditch adjustment tonight.
In an effort to mimic the setup on the Fastrak I used this weekend, I put the stock standard-lift blades back on and pitched the deck UP about 1/4 inch at the front. I set the deck at exactly the same location I measured the Fastrak.
I set at 3.25" and started mowing, about 2 hours after a thunderstorm with a heavy downpour. This was about 3 days worth of growth. Very similar to the conditions I mowed last Saturday.
Know what? No clumps. As a matter of fact, no significant clipping load either. I was watching a spray out the chute, instead of the stream I've seen. Much more like what I would expect from cutting only a few days worth of growth. And somewhat consistent with the cut on the Fastrak. There were a fair number of stragglers left behind, which is why I moved away from the standard-lifts in the first place (and something I didn't notice with the Fastrak).
Virtually no clippings on me, very little on the mower, and only a light dusting on the driveway when I got done. First "clean" cut I've had all year, single pass.
Did the blades make the difference?
Deck pitch?
Did I perhaps cut higher than 3.25" and not take as much off as I normally would have?
I dunno. But now I have a tough decision to make. My dealer has made me an offer to get in to the Fastrak that would result in me losing very little on the Raptor SD trade, just a very marginal depreciation for one year's use. I did enjoy the Fastrak and it definitely felt like a more stout machine, though engine was the same and other components were similar to the Raptor. I just need to decide if it's worth another $1800 beyond what I already paid, or do I take the chance keeping the Raptor.
One new thing tonight - something is wrong with the right stick on my Raptor. It's gotten very tight, particularly when engaging the parking brake...
One last-ditch adjustment tonight.
In an effort to mimic the setup on the Fastrak I used this weekend, I put the stock standard-lift blades back on and pitched the deck UP about 1/4 inch at the front. I set the deck at exactly the same location I measured the Fastrak.
I set at 3.25" and started mowing, about 2 hours after a thunderstorm with a heavy downpour. This was about 3 days worth of growth. Very similar to the conditions I mowed last Saturday.
Know what? No clumps. As a matter of fact, no significant clipping load either. I was watching a spray out the chute, instead of the stream I've seen. Much more like what I would expect from cutting only a few days worth of growth. And somewhat consistent with the cut on the Fastrak. There were a fair number of stragglers left behind, which is why I moved away from the standard-lifts in the first place (and something I didn't notice with the Fastrak).
Virtually no clippings on me, very little on the mower, and only a light dusting on the driveway when I got done. First "clean" cut I've had all year, single pass.
Did the blades make the difference?
Deck pitch?
Did I perhaps cut higher than 3.25" and not take as much off as I normally would have?
I dunno. But now I have a tough decision to make. My dealer has made me an offer to get in to the Fastrak that would result in me losing very little on the Raptor SD trade, just a very marginal depreciation for one year's use. I did enjoy the Fastrak and it definitely felt like a more stout machine, though engine was the same and other components were similar to the Raptor. I just need to decide if it's worth another $1800 beyond what I already paid, or do I take the chance keeping the Raptor.
One new thing tonight - something is wrong with the right stick on my Raptor. It's gotten very tight, particularly when engaging the parking brake...
#246
G
Grass Whisper
G
Grass Whisper
mooch91: This is where I am at as well. The Raptor SD deck is different than the Fastrak. I am looking at the Fastrak as an upgrade and dealer will allow me to demo. Thinking about letting go of the "mulching issue" provided the cut looks good.
#247
M
mooch91
Give a shot to the last tweak I made and see if/how you like the change. Pitch the deck UP about 1/4" in the front. And if you can remove the mulching kit for a while, try discharge with the standard blades. I was surprised how well it seemed to worked (best cut of the season), but it was only one cut and it would be hard to judge unless I did it a few times (still not sure if it was something about what I changed or if I was just cutting less off because of the changes).
I think, though, that I'm going to make the upgrade today. Dealer got a shipment of Fastraks and has one set aside for me.
M
mooch91
mooch91: This is where I am at as well. The Raptor SD deck is different than the Fastrak. I am looking at the Fastrak as an upgrade and dealer will allow me to demo. Thinking about letting go of the "mulching issue" provided the cut looks good.
Give a shot to the last tweak I made and see if/how you like the change. Pitch the deck UP about 1/4" in the front. And if you can remove the mulching kit for a while, try discharge with the standard blades. I was surprised how well it seemed to worked (best cut of the season), but it was only one cut and it would be hard to judge unless I did it a few times (still not sure if it was something about what I changed or if I was just cutting less off because of the changes).
I think, though, that I'm going to make the upgrade today. Dealer got a shipment of Fastraks and has one set aside for me.
#252
G
Grass Whisper
G
Grass Whisper
What's the easiest way to post pictures to this forum?
I would be thrilled to show you my yard. Apple product though, so I'm stumped.
I would be thrilled to show you my yard. Apple product though, so I'm stumped.
#253
T
turboawd
use the 'manage atachments' feature in the options below where you write your reply. if you cant move the pictures to your computer, then i dont know what to tell ya. lol
T
turboawd
What's the easiest way to post pictures to this forum?
I would be thrilled to show you my yard. Apple product though, so I'm stumped.
use the 'manage atachments' feature in the options below where you write your reply. if you cant move the pictures to your computer, then i dont know what to tell ya. lol
#275
PVHIII
PVHIII
#276
PVHIII
PVHIII
#277
PVHIII
PVHIII
#278
PVHIII
PVHIII
#279
B
bigdaddyr
Clumps disappeared with trading my Raptor SD in for the Fastrak SD. Leaves a great cut. Love it.
B
bigdaddyr
Clumps disappeared with trading my Raptor SD in for the Fastrak SD. Leaves a great cut. Love it.
#280
PVHIII
Congrats on the new mower and that's a beautiful yard you have there..I added Flex Forks to mine and a set of Gator Blades...improved upon what is already a great machine.... enjoy that thing I sure do mine as I'm about to go saddle up now... Lol
PVHIII
Clumps disappeared with trading my Raptor SD in for the Fastrak SD. Leaves a great cut. Love it.
View attachment 27155View attachment 27156
Congrats on the new mower and that's a beautiful yard you have there..I added Flex Forks to mine and a set of Gator Blades...improved upon what is already a great machine.... enjoy that thing I sure do mine as I'm about to go saddle up now... Lol
#282
PVHIII
PVHIII
#286
B
bigdaddyr
Thanks for the comments on the yard. It's the best it's ever looked. Only thing I've done right is not mow to low. No seeding, fertilizing or anything else yet. I will be working to try to get it better.
I enjoy the heck out of the machine. Mows so fast I'm done before I'm ready so now I have to start the lawn care business I've been pondering for years.
I also want to build a stripe kit from the tutorial on here.
B
bigdaddyr
Thanks for the comments on the yard. It's the best it's ever looked. Only thing I've done right is not mow to low. No seeding, fertilizing or anything else yet. I will be working to try to get it better.
I enjoy the heck out of the machine. Mows so fast I'm done before I'm ready so now I have to start the lawn care business I've been pondering for years.
I also want to build a stripe kit from the tutorial on here.
#287
PVHIII
PVHIII
#288
5
577jersey
5
577jersey
My 54 cuts pretty darn good so far,,you may want to check that your deck is level,,mine does leave a scragler here and there and a small wind row in high wet weedy stuff on first cut with stock blades,I did order some high-lift blades to see if that helps.
The discharge chute opening on the deck is a little too small for this deck,I am going to get out my angle grinder first thing when this warranty runs out and make it look like a true commercial deck opening...lol
The discharge chute opening on the deck is a little too small for this deck,I am going to get out my angle grinder first thing when this warranty runs out and make it look like a true commercial deck opening...lol
#291
C
clubairth
C
clubairth
Correct that's why Hustler came out with a modification kit to fix the discharge problems. I did it to mine and it is a big improvement!
Here is the kit;
Here is how I cut the cut the deck opening bigger;
Here is the kit installed on my SD54;
Kit part # 123352
Attached is the factory bulletin #603 explaining how to do the mod.
.
.
.
Here is the kit;
Here is how I cut the cut the deck opening bigger;
Here is the kit installed on my SD54;
Kit part # 123352
Attached is the factory bulletin #603 explaining how to do the mod.
.
.
.