Mower Deck questions

firstbase · Jun 1, 2013

Two questions on mower decks, please excuse ignorance! 1) I see posts stating that a chain hung deck is generally better than one that is not. It seems to be an upgrade. Exactly why is that? What does hanging like this do for the mower or mow quality? Allow it to follow the ground more closely for a better cut? 2) Generally speaking (there may be other factors as well of course) does a deeper deck of 5" do a better job of mulching than the seemingly tradition depth of 4"? Thanks in advance for comments!

firstbase · Jun 2, 2013

Wow, 122 views and no replies?!? Is that record?!?! SOMEBODY knows the answers!!

Carl_NH · Jun 2, 2013

OK - chain hung decks are usually on Zero turns, mid mount decks are usually attached to pins with a frame. I don't think there is a huge difference in cut or capability of either mounting method, but the tip speed of the ZTR can be higher providing a better cut then the offset of the blades so they have overlap is another that improves cut quality.

Both will float over things, but I usually don't run the deck wheels on the ground in either case as I cut grass at 3.5" and the rollers are not engaging the ground unless its a high spot.

TripleR · Jun 2, 2013

Too be honest some of us may not know what you are talking about so more information may help. Nothing I own or have ever owned had a chain on the MMM (mid mount mower)or are you talking about a RFM (rear finish mower) or something else.

firstbase · Jun 2, 2013

Sorry. Looking at your signatures I think you guys are outta my league! I'm looking at near commercial ZTR's and notice that some manufacturers "upgrade" to a 4 point chain hung deck system when you go up there ZTR food chain. Ferris is one..I believe scag too. I may be reading more into than is there. Maybe it just makes it easier to level he deck is all. On the deck depth, I see several bragging about the upgrade to deck deeper than 5" stating that it increase air flow, etc. Just wondered if this would help with mulching. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

firstbase · Jun 2, 2013

Carl_NH said:
OK - ..... but the tip speed of the ZTR can be higher providing a better cut then the offset of the blades so they have overlap is another that improves cut quality.

Thanks Carl, can you clarify a little? Not sure I understand what you are saying on the offset....?

Carl_NH · Jun 3, 2013

On any three blade deck usually found on mid mount or ZTR's the center blade is forward of the left and right blades and provide overlap of say 1/2". Then in some cases the left or right blades may be offset more to get even more overlap.

Simply put draw three circles on a piece of paper offsetting each so they don't intersect but effectively overlap each other. Like on my Ferris it is a 52" cut, and has 3 18 1/8" blades or 54.5" total so the overlap is 3/4" from the center to the sides.

The tip speed is also usually 17-18000 resulting in a finer/faster cut on the ZTRs.

firstbase · Jun 3, 2013

Thanks Carl, got it. I appreciate the comments.

TripleR · Jun 3, 2013

Sorry I couldn't be of help, but I know nothing about zero turn mowers.

The kid · Jun 4, 2013

firstbase said:
Sorry. Looking at your signatures I think you guys are outta my league! I'm looking at near commercial ZTR's and notice that some manufacturers "upgrade" to a 4 point chain hung deck system when you go up there ZTR food chain. Ferris is one..I believe scag too. I may be reading more into than is there. Maybe it just makes it easier to level he deck is all. On the deck depth, I see several bragging about the upgrade to deck deeper than 5" stating that it increase air flow, etc. Just wondered if this would help with mulching. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

I don't mulch with my ZTR, so I can't help you there. As for a deeper deck as you put it. It you have high lift bladed installed, a deeper deck will allow taller grass to be cut smoother and would help in recutting the grass before it exits the deck. It is important to check your deck if you have rough spots to assure the baffles under the deck haven't been compromised. Air flow meaning a clean underside and sharp blades is the recipe to a nice cut.

Chain hung would be the same as a four point mount. Most high end ZTR's have easy adjustments to make sure the deck is floating level. I own a MTD Pro MMZ 2554 that's about ten years old and still cuts like a new one. Maintenance is key. -kid