54 mid mount mower deck grass cutting issue

[netwayne]

We currently have an issue with our JD 54" mower deck in that we are having to make multiple passes to cut grass (mostly pasture). The tractor and deck were new in the Fall of 2008 and have served us well over the years. I recently replaced the mulching blades and did a good cleaning of the underside of the deck to remove the buildup of old grass clippings but we still have the issue. I am planning on going through the adjustments of height and leveling soon but wondered if I should be thinking about something else. The belt on the deck is original and I wondered if that is something that could be causing an issue if that belt got stretched over time. The deck has 3 blades and it seems like when we do have to make another pass over grass that we just mowed through, that the area affected is near the center of the deck probably that center blade. Just curious if any of the good folks here have run into this and what they came up with in their troubleshooting. I will add that we generally cut in the "high" range of deck height and that while we are guilty of sometimes expecting too much from the deck when we are cutting grass that we let grow too high before cutting, we still seem to experience the issue even when the grass is a reasonable (maybe 6 inches) to cut. Appreciate any feedback!

 

[bigtiller]

Sharpening the blades will help and lower the deck a little. But really, the higher you cut and the more moisture in the grass, the harder it is to get that "perfect" cut.

 

[classic]

We currently have an issue with our JD 54" mower deck in that we are having to make multiple passes to cut grass (mostly pasture). The tractor and deck were new in the Fall of 2008 and have served us well over the years. I recently replaced the mulching blades and did a good cleaning of the underside of the deck to remove the buildup of old grass clippings but we still have the issue. I am planning on going through the adjustments of height and leveling soon but wondered if I should be thinking about something else. The belt on the deck is original and I wondered if that is something that could be causing an issue if that belt got stretched over time. The deck has 3 blades and it seems like when we do have to make another pass over grass that we just mowed through, that the area affected is near the center of the deck probably that center blade. Just curious if any of the good folks here have run into this and what they came up with in their troubleshooting. I will add that we generally cut in the "high" range of deck height and that while we are guilty of sometimes expecting too much from the deck when we are cutting grass that we let grow too high before cutting, we still seem to experience the issue even when the grass is a reasonable (maybe 6 inches) to cut. Appreciate any feedback!

The problem as you explained is that you are trying to cut way to much grass at one time. You cannot cut 6" and do a good job. Three inches is about max with a lawn mower. You just need to go play with your tractor oftner. You probaly should have a sickle bar mower.

 

[94BULLITT]

How tall are you letting the grass get? How low are you trying to mow it? What kind of grass do you have?

 

[netwayne]

How tall are you letting the grass get? How low are you trying to mow it? What kind of grass do you have?

Probably a little too long at times but this is pasture grass, not a manicured lawn. At the present setting on the deck (low end of the "high" cut setting, puts the bottom of the deck at about 3 inches off the ground. The grass is a fescue with some rye in one pasture and bermuda/rye in the other.

The one thing that prompted this post though is that our mowing habits have not changed since we got the tractor/mower, yet we are now having to make second passes quite often to finish up the mowing. I believe something else has changed....perhaps mower deck is needing adjustment, belt needs to be replaced or something else I am not thinking about. Thought maybe somebody else here experienced something similar and could provide some feedback.

 

[94BULLITT]

Probably a little too long at times but this is pasture grass, not a manicured lawn. At the present setting on the deck (low end of the "high" cut setting, puts the bottom of the deck at about 3 inches off the ground. The grass is a fescue with some rye in one pasture and bermuda/rye in the other.

The one thing that prompted this post though is that our mowing habits have not changed since we got the tractor/mower, yet we are now having to make second passes quite often to finish up the mowing. I believe something else has changed....perhaps mower deck is needing adjustment, belt needs to be replaced or something else I am not thinking about. Thought maybe somebody else here experienced something similar and could provide some feedback.

Usually you don't want cut more than 1/3 of the grass at a time. 3'' is in the appropriate range for fescue

If your mowing habits have not changed the belt is probably slipping.

 

[prosperity]

I have to ask the basics - and only know this from it happening to myself........

You say you cleaned the deck and changed the blades. Is it possible you might have installed the center blade upside down?

 

[Coyote machine]

What he said ^^^^^^^

 

[netwayne]

I have to ask the basics - and only know this from it happening to myself........

You say you cleaned the deck and changed the blades. Is it possible you might have installed the center blade upside down?

No. I was pretty careful about that. Even referred to the manual to verify the direction of the tapered blade (faces up (underside of deck). The issue had started a good period of the time before I changed the blades and continued after the blades change.

 

[jsb2b]

If you shut the deck off at 2000 rpm and it sounds like a turkey gobbling, your belt is stretched. Just went thru that. I noticed the mower's cut was getting progressively worse after 5-6 years, especially in tall grass, and when I killed the mower PTO the gobble, gobble occurred. I replaced the belt and it mows like new again and no turkey sound. When you replace the belt (I bought a Senco for price), you will notice how easily the JD belt comes off and how hard the new belt goes on!!!

If you have been mowing tall pasture for any length of time, you have put stress on the belt and it has stretched. I mow my 4 acre pasture with the deck with Gator blades all the way up (4" ) and it still leaves taller grass in the wheel tracks if the vegetation is 18" to 36" tall. Under a foot is an OK cut....

 

[thatguy]

I have to ask the basics - and only know this from it happening to myself........

You say you cleaned the deck and changed the blades. Is it possible you might have installed the center blade upside down?

this was my first thought as well.. it has happened before and I have to double check the blade position every time i reinstall the blades on my 62D

Another thought - I am pretty sure that the 62D center blade doesnt operate from the belt - its directly connected to the shaft..

 

[KennyG]

Another thought - I am pretty sure that the 62D center blade doesnt operate from the belt - its directly connected to the shaft..

No, the gearbox is offset from center on the 62D and the belt drives all three spindles. You grease all three spindles with zerks on the top of the pulley and they are all exposed.

 

[netwayne]

I think I may try that (belt replacement) and see what kind of results I get. Haven't priced the belt so hoping it's not too pricey. Thanks for the posts guys!

 

[nc redneck]

Make sure the spring loaded pulley or belt tensioner works freely.

 

[jsb2b]

I think I may try that (belt replacement) and see what kind of results I get. Haven't priced the belt so hoping it's not too pricey. Thanks for the posts guys!

Stens 265-309 Belt Replaces John Deere M142997 129-Inch by-5/8-inch for $47.33 on Amazon is less than $80 JD wants for their belt!!!

 

[prosperity]

Stens 265-309 Belt Replaces John Deere M142997 129-Inch by-5/8-inch for $47.33 on Amazon is less than $80 JD wants for their belt!!!

After over 25 years working with Deere mowing equipment, the price for their belts is well worth it in my opinion.

 

[netwayne]

Stens 265-309 Belt Replaces John Deere M142997 129-Inch by-5/8-inch for $47.33 on Amazon is less than $80 JD wants for their belt!!!

Looks like the belt for your 62C is a little different than my 54C. I have an OEM M141627 which has a Stens equivalent of 265-308. That's quite a big difference in price. I will probably pick up the Stens belt and give that a try. I've always been pretty loyal to the brand but that's almost a 2 to 1 diff in price. Thanks for your post!

 

[thatguy]

No, the gearbox is offset from center on the 62D and the belt drives all three spindles. You grease all three spindles with zerks on the top of the pulley and they are all exposed.

I was just looking for this post - i had my mower of and realized i was wrong..

thanks