KUBOTA 60" MMM GIVING A VERY POOR CUT

lstumper067 · Mar 27, 2005

KUBOTA 60\" MMM GIVING A VERY POOR CUT

I love my Kubota BX2230 don't get me wrong, but I get a poor cut with the 60" MMM. Now, I have done every thing I know to do. Sharpened Blades, leveled the deck many times. Removed a thin metal plate under the left side of the deck that no one knows what it is there for, not even the dealer.
When I mow, I must really go slow to get a decent cut and even then some types of onions and grass must be re cut.
Because of this I find myself cutting the grass too short sometimes just to get the neat cut I desire. Maybe the weight of the machine compared to a dedicated lawn mower is pressing the grass down and it doesn't pop up quick enough to be cut by the MMM.

Is anyone out there having the any of the same problems??? does anyone have any suggestions???
I am wide open for suggestions, or am I just wrong and everyone else is getting a perfect cut with their 60" MMM.
Frankly a crappy cut makes my blood pressure rise.

Thanks,
Stumper
Nash Ridge
North Mississippi

rfogle · Mar 27, 2005

Re: KUBOTA 60\" MMM GIVING A VERY POOR CUT

Don't all the 60" decks have a self level system? Are you getting different cut heights when comparing each mower pass? What range do typically mow in and at what rpm? Are the mower blades original or after market? Do you use the bagger system?

Junkman · Mar 27, 2005

Re: KUBOTA 60\" MMM GIVING A VERY POOR CUT

The long strip of metal on the front of the left side of the mower deck is a baffle to keep the grass swirling inside the deck on the way out to the right side. It helps keep a vacuum under the deck. I suggest that you put it back.
I have a 60" deck and the cut isn't as good as it used to be, but I attribute that to the fact that my deck is no longer level. Once I level the deck again, I am sure that the cut will be as good as new. This might also be your problem. It takes a lot of effort to level a deck and the measurements must be taken at the blade tips, not the metal shroud. I would put a BX up against any lawn mower for quality of cut and know that it will be equal or better.... Junk..

lstumper067 · Mar 27, 2005

Re: KUBOTA 60\" MMM GIVING A VERY POOR CUT

Junkman, do you find that your blade height when using a ruler is accurate with the adjustment knob? I mow at full throddle, the cut is level but just not clean if you know what I mean.

stumper

lstumper067 · Mar 27, 2005

Re: KUBOTA 60\" MMM GIVING A VERY POOR CUT

We posted on the baffle thing awhile back, but I think your right Junkman, I'am gona put it back, I though at first it helped to remove it but I'am not so sure at this point.

stumper

Junkman · Mar 27, 2005

Re: KUBOTA 60\" MMM GIVING A VERY POOR CUT

I learned about the strip being a "baffle" when talking to the factory rep from Husqvarna. One of there tractors had the same thing and I asked what it was for.
As for cutting, I get a clean cut every time. To properly measure the blade tips, you have to have it on a smooth and level surface and use either a gauge block, or some other instrument that will give you a good measurement every time. I have read how to do it, but don't look forward to doing it. I am tempted to take mine back to the dealer and have them do it. What will take me 2 or 3 hours, they can do in 15 minutes. I have a friend that uses a small engine bore gauge that locks in place to make measurements. I am thinking of borrowing this from him, but I also know that experience is the greater part of getting it right each time.

btolle · Mar 27, 2005

Re: KUBOTA 60\" MMM GIVING A VERY POOR CUT

I am really not trying to give you a hard time, but are you sure the blades are on correctly?

The reason I ask is someone had a post the other day where they had 3 blades and had installed the 2 outer blades upside down. It was cutting great in the center and ragged on the outsides.

Just a suggestion and if it turns out that is the problem you don't have to admit it. Just make up a story about how the grass was just too wet or something /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Edited to add ZD21 not cutting right post

It was a ZD21 that had the blades upside down, don't know if you can put them on wrong on your MMM or not.

Bill Tolle

rosey · Mar 27, 2005

Re: KUBOTA 60\" MMM GIVING A VERY POOR CUT

As I said on the other post reference under "uneven deck" I have never been satisfied with the cut quality of my BX as compared to my last machine which was a dedicated lawn tractor (JD LX277). The cut is fair but dosen't give the " manicured look that I used to get. That being said , my BX is more versitile and has been a "work-horse" for me.

Tom_H · Mar 27, 2005

Re: KUBOTA 60\" MMM GIVING A VERY POOR CUT

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( are you sure the blades are on correctly?...someone ...had installed the 2 outer blades upside down. It was cutting great in the center and ragged on the outsides.)</font>

This was my first thought too. When the deck is upright and you are facing the bottom of the blades, the bevel should be facing the deck itself and you should not be able to see the bevel (that's how it is on my mulch blades). With all you've done, you should be getting a decent cut. The back end of a blade actually will cut, but would leave the kind of cut you describe. I almost put one on upside down after sharpening yesterday. Don't feel bad, we all do this stuff at one time or another. I remember the time I pulled out the drip pan from beneath the car, put on the new oil filter, and put in 4 quarts of oil before realizing I'd forgotten to put the plug back in the bottom of the pan. Talk about a mess! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

lstumper067 · Mar 27, 2005

Re: KUBOTA 60\" MMM GIVING A VERY POOR CUT

I am open to any suggestions anytime, the incorrectly installed blade idea is very reasonable and I will be sure to check that, but if the blades are wrong they came from the factory that way because I have not changed them, or replaced them yet. I have noticed this problem since the tractor was new. I will reomove them next weekend and replace them with a new set, in the meantime thanks for everyone's input. I will work with the problem and post results. I would never give up the BX due to the little problem
because as most of you know (it does so much more)
This is a great site. Happy Easter to all.

stumper