Two blades or three

[phcaan]

Hello Everyone:

I am contemplating the purchase of a new mower, my 20 year old craftsman has a deck that is rotting out.
I have decided on a Husqvarna and am down to three models, basically the same tractor but with different decks. The first is the YT42XLS with a fabricated deck and three blades. The second is the YT46LS with a stamped deck and 2 blades, and the third is the YT48XLS with a fabricated deck and three blades.
My Craftsman is a 42 inch and is adequate, but a little larger deck would be nice, not too much larger or it would be difficult to get around trees and such.
I guess I am looking for wisdom on the fabricated deck vs the stamped deck and the three blade system vs the 2 blade system.

Thank You.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I have one of each, both with 3 blades, one a 52" and the other a 41".

Without addressing the number of blades, I'd recommend the stamped deck if you're looking for a manicured-look cut. If you have heavy weeds, etc. the fabricated deck will hold up much better.

 

[phcaan]

I have one of each, both with 3 blades, one a 52" and the other a 41".

Without addressing the number of blades, I'd recommend the stamped deck if you're looking for a manicured-look cut. If you have heavy weeds, etc. the fabricated deck will hold up much better.

Thank You for your comment.

 

[Spindifferent]

I own the YTH2348 with 3 blades and the stamped deck. No experience with a 2 blade system or the fabricated deck, but just a comment that the 3 blade system will require a little bit more maintenance because it has an extra blade that needs to be lubed, cleaned, sharpened, etc.

Have been happy with the YTH2348.

 

[phcaan]

I own the YTH2348 with 3 blades and the stamped deck. No experience with a 2 blade system or the fabricated deck, but just a comment that the 3 blade system will require a little bit more maintenance because it has an extra blade that needs to be lubed, cleaned, sharpened, etc.

Have been happy with the YTH2348.

Thank You for your opinion, I'm thinking I will be going with the 3 bade system

 

[Beltman60]

I think the 3 blade would be a better set-up than the 2 blade
The 2 blades would have to go extremely fast to cut the same area as the 3 blades thus requiring more HP
Also would really have to make sure those 2 blades are balanced to be going that fast
now if the blade speed is the same you would have to go slower while cutting

as far as stamped deck VS fab deck just depends how your going to abuse it
I've seen both rust out (heavier deck takes longer to rust thru)