How to fix uneven cut

[Rctex]

I brought my 6 year old 54" Toro ZTR mower in late last Fall to get the blades sharpened, tune-up and a wash. I was moving 75 miles away and wanted to get the mower as maintained as possible before relocating. Starting the Spring mowing season, it was more than apparent that the mower was not cutting evenly. The grass was growing like crazy as we received more than 8" of rain beyond the average for April. I cut the lawn to at least get the grass under control. What suggestions do you have to level out the cut? TIA

Yooper Dave

I have toro myself
It’s pretty uneven so I’ll rule out tires
I guess u made sure all blades on right way and make sure blade is on spindle correct since it sits on a hub
U sharpen blades so make sure deck is hanging equal
Shake it good an recheck
Coulda just been hung up
If not adjust height

 

[bob11x]

Great post. I have also seen cracked spindle housings that flex under load. Also usually if it's cracked, the deck is possibly sprung. Mostly on stamped decks. I have seen it on a fabricated deck also - not common.
Verify the blades aren't bent (nesting together works if you don't have new ones).
Spin tip to tip with neighbor and they can be off.
Easy fix is to shim under spindle housing mounts to level it up.
Proper way is to spring the deck back. We used to do it with a 2 or 3 guys and a 5' bar and a chain around the spindle and an old blade.

Lawn mower mechanic here.

First three things to check: blades for straightness (lift machine, spin each one around, check tips of each blade against each tip of the mating blade), lift trunnions, (cast lift blocks often wear unevenly), and deck level (caused in part by tire pressure.


I like to level decks at 6 points- with the blades facing parallel to the machine, you should record 1/8-1/4” lower in the front than the rear. I check both outer blades at the front tip and both at the rear.

First though check your side-to-side: with the tires at a proper pressure, set the blades perpendicular to the machine, and measure for level.

1/4 inch is within spec, I aim for 1/8 or less difference.

Hope this helps.


Oh, and unless you’re brush hogging, it’s rare to bend a deck shell, especially a fabricated deck, much less that badly.

Same for spindles.

 

[bgr]

Check the blades first. My repair shop put two on upside down.
the last time I used them.