New 61 Scag Tiger Cat II 61"

[Graybeard315]

The Scag, Hustler, Spartan, Fast-Cat and Ferris ZTRs I looked at all recommended running at full throttle. Most of the Commercial units will achieve a blade speed of 18,500rpm or so. Anything around 18,000rpm I have read is best. I went with the Ferris IS800Z due to a couple of bulging discs in the lower back, glad I did as the independent suspension really smooths out the terrain compared to the others.
When I get to a brown spot I usually just raise the deck with the foot adjustment, seems to keep the dust down a little better.

 

[bridge4]

I have a dusty drive on the edge of a lot of what I mow, I disengage and engage at full speed, I think most commercial guys do. I try not to do it a TON, and I try to give it at least a few seconds between on and off.

I have the amazon jack I think OP is talking about, I use it to change blades and clean my deck, it's great. I change blades about every 8 hours of mowing or if I've run over some things and notice a difference. Use scag OEM. I have a v-ride with the 61 inch velocity deck.

Of course you get some clumps when wet, totally normal, I do clean my deck half way through a mow like that usually just with my hand as much as possible with the deck raised then keep mowing.

 

[Tomtint]

I have a couple Scag mowers, they are built to last .thats for sure. As to your questions..I think a set of race ramps would be easiest to use and clean under your deck. Harbor freight has them for about 20.00. You should be cutting at full throttle but not engaging the blades at full throttle. The bagger setup at have a vacuume that will suck clippings from under the deck..and maybe the dust as well. But long wet grass will create headaches no matter the system. I really try to only mow when the grass is dry..it saves me time and the cut quality is always better. Keeping sharp blades is key.
As far as speed goes, it really depends on terrain, I use a Walker GHS for my yard. It's relatively flat but bumps can get you off your line if going fast. I'm usually running at WOT and about three quarter speed.