2305 - 62C mmm cut quality

[orlo]

Hi:

I've got 50+ hours on my 2305 with the 62C and the cut quality is suberb. I did just level it and it was pretty sensitive to being level. Sounds like the grass isn't recovering when you run it over? (It's staying flat instead of getting sucked straight up in the deck).

Are you running with R4's or Turfs? I run R4's and generally don't have any issue. Sometimes when mowing wet tall grass (Rarely, I generally avoid this) I have to overlap the cuts enough so that I cover the 'tire' area with the outside of the deck next pass.

I hardly ever have to do this and mow 5 acres every time. By chance are you using mulching blades instead of high lift (standard - discharge/bagging) blades? If so the deck may not be pulling enough vacuum to pull the grass back up. Also, mow at 2900rpm or higher to get the maximum blade speed.

Hope some of this helps.

 

[chipsndust]

gmoney:
Did you check the blades?
I'm betting that one or more is upside down (flat side needs to be towards grass, "beveled" side toward the sky, when deck is installed).
I'm very pleased with my 2305/62C MMM - I am using gators.

 

[gmoney]

I response to orlo... I have turfs.

I did check the blades and they are on correct. Maybe a purchase of the gators are in the future. I am going to wait until late summer when the grass starts growing again...

 

[SmoothSippin]

My cut was terrible when I first got it. Found out the deck was not leveled correctly. I went and bought the gauge from JD and did it myself. Cuts great now. One thing you might want to check. Make sure all your wheels do not contact the ground when the deck is lowered to your desired cutting height. I had that issue too. It will screw your cut. ESPECIALLY on turns. Hope that helps

 

[SmoothSippin]

Another point. Not to knock Gators, they work great in taller grass (mulching effect). However, it is my opnion that the deere blades will give you a better cut. They DO NOT hold there edge as well as the Gators.....

I use gators and deere blades on this deck and on my 757. Just my 2 cents.

 

[jrwattsjr]

I have the same problem which started in 1998 when I bought my 4100 with 60 deck. John deere replaced the deck, links and blades nothing fixed it. The area john deere rep even came out and look at the cut, and said this deck is for a tractor and will never cut as good as lawn mower. But over the years I found out that the cut height is between 2 and 2 1/2" the streaks go away, and 2 1/2 to 3" is really good except on heavy cuts, and above 3" is only good on light cuts. But when I run my hydraulic dump bagger there no steaks at any height, which tell me the air flow under the deck is not good enough to lift the grass blades back up after the tractor run over them. Also they do not make high lift blades for my tractor which I believe will fix my streaking problem.

 

[gmoney]

I think the poor cut quality was probably a combination of 2 things. Now that the lawn has thickened up quite a bit the cut quality has really improved. I also think I was going a little too fast when I first got the tractor. I got another question though... how much belt dance to you guys see on your decks? I've got about 1.5 to 2 inches.

 

[Dutch445]

We have had a few comments on the deck belt dance.....
We have noticed many decks wearing against the plastic
cover. In particular, one instance the customer was mowing
with his 2305 under recommended RPM, and the belt movement was
much more than if he brought the machine up to the right speed.
Also, check the belt pulleys for trueness, have found some
of them out of round or not centered, which could cause some
of the belt issues.
Does anybody feel the deck has too much vibration?

 

[grejef]

I own a 2305 with the 62 and you need to run it at the established RPMs of 3100 for the mid PTO. This is the same for the rear. This is stated in the owners manual and The only problem I have with the deck not cutting right is when I make tight turns. Also, try cutting in low gear instead of high.

I purchased a 2305 with 62C mmm about a month ago and the cut quality is not good at all! I have tried running it wide open and at 2500 rpm's, slow or fast, there is no difference. I am not cutting a hay field either, in fact it is a newly planted lawn that is not very thick. The areas that are not being cut are where the blades meet or (roughly) where the tire tracks are. The discharge side is slightly worse than the other. In looking at the blades they appear to be fine?? Any idea on what to look for before I complain to the dealer?

 

[megotatractor]

I would say it is likely a front/back level problem. my 62c can skip like that in heavy grass when turning but otherwise cuts very nice. what is your cutting height? The new grass could be esp tough, are the blades good and sharp? Is the deck free of "poop" build up? Another thought; did you check the drive belt? Perhaps there is a problem there?

Dutch445; there is deck vibration. and I do get some wear from the belt against the plastic guards. I have gotten bad vibrations from gunk stuck to the blades and it gets washed off unevenly when I wash the underside with the powerwasher - "uneven gunk syndrome".