Deere 54C vs 62C deck

[kirbygiampa]

So last year, I bought a used X475 AWS with a 62C deck. I thought the 62C deck was going to be too wide, so I purchased a used 54c deck. I never put the smaller deck on. I was able to get around all the trees fine. Sure there were a few places I could not go, but I really liked having the wider cut. The one thing I noticed was the 62 inch deck seem to leave a lot of grass clipping in the yard in rows. I guess there was so much grass being thrown, the row of dead grass was huge. It looked bad at times and I almost felt like I needed to rake the dead grass. I guess I could switch to mulching blades to see an improvement. The 62C was able to cut close to trees and under bushes with its longer reach. It was great for going around my pond. I did notice that the deck floated over some of the swales in the yard where my older 38" cut tractor would drop into those holes better.

Anyway today, I put on the 54c. It seemed to cut nicer than the larger deck and I didn't notice the row of dead grass. It also seemed a bit quieter.

So now I am wondering which deck to keep. I like have 62C as it cuts very fast although not as nice. The 54C is smaller, easier to maneuver and takes less space in the garage. I know the 62C is probably the more desired deck, but was wondering if anyone made the switch and has any opinions.

I am usually good at making technical decisions, but this one has me wondering. I am only mowing about 1 1/2 acres of grass so maybe the smaller deck would be best.

Thanks ---- Kirby

 

[chevy]

How tall you let the grass get between mowings has a lot to do with the windrow of cut grass. Also the angle of the plastic deflector shield plays a roll in it. If it is too low, it does not allow the cut grass to be spread out.

I bought a used X475 with a 62C deck about 2 weeks ago, I also have a JD Z655 zero turn that has a 54hc deck. The end of the deflector shield on the 62C deck is almost on the grass. When mowing tall grass it will leave windrows. The end of the deflector shield on the 54hc deck is higher & does not leave the windrows.

You might try raising up the end of the deflector shield some on the 62c to see if that helps.

 

[Dutch445]

good idea from chevy,
also you may want to give different
blades a try, i use the gator type mulching
blades on my 62c with good results.
but, for some reason i seem to have lost
my discharge chute....?...?........

 

[chevy]

I checked out the discharge chute on my 62C deck. It hangs lower than it should because the front lip does not catch the stop on the deck. I had a 62C deck on a 2210 & remember having the same problem. I went to the barn & got the chute off of my 62D deck. Deere has beefed up the front edge that catches the the stop so the newer discharge chutes do not have the same problem.

Old discharge chute.

New discharge chute.

 

[beenthere]

I take the discharge chutes off altogether.
That and the belt covers are brand new and hanging in the shop.

Belt covers are off so the debris that collects around them can easily be blown off with the air hose after each use, and so the area stays dry.