nikeman

This started the end of last mowing season and I forgot about it until today when I was mowing. The grass was as long as it's been all year so far so it was easy to notice. For some reason the mower is leaving a thin line of grass uncut down the middle. It's a 42" deck and only has 2 blades. Deck appears to be level when I put my level on it. What could cause this and how can I fix it. Mower is only 2 years old. It's annoying having to retrace my steps to get spots I know I didn't miss.

Rough Rooster

From your description, it seems you need new blades. They have become worn enough to leave the thin streak of uncut grass.

RR

danpik

The blades may be dull enough that they are not cutting. I find that I have to sharpen my mower blades about every 7-8 cuttings if I want them to cut well. After that I get poor cutting quality (for my standards). Keep in mind that I am cutting roughly 1/2 acre.

ZTMAN

If the grass was high, the thin strip usually comes from the anti scalp rollers mid deck pushing the grass down, and there is not enough vacuum from the deck to give it a clean cut. I dont know if that small of a mower has the rollers mid deck but you can tell if this is the issue by slowing down. The slower you go the better the cut

nikeman

Thanks. I'll try replacing g the blades since I have hit a few tree roots since I got the mower. It doesn't have anything between the 2 blades either. I want mulching blades anyway.

nikeman

Just an update. I replaced the blades and man were those old ones in bad shape! Took my impact drill to get the nuts off of them things too! Glad it was an easy fix.

dd57chevy

joecaption

I always apply some antisieze to the bolts to make it easier next time.
The OEM blades on my new mower only lasted 20 hours.
And where almost worn in 1/2.
I ordered some Oregon brand Heavy duty Gater blades that are .050 thicker, 1/2 wider and made with Titaniam in the steel.
20 Hours and they still look like new, and are still sharp.
The OEM blades where about $70.00 a set, these where $80.00.
Well worth the extra money.

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nikeman

I bought a mulch kit at home depot with the 2 blades and a plug for about $50. Prob not the best blades but 10x better than what was on the lower. Not sure about the plug yet since the lower seems to work a lot harder with it on although the grass was longer than I usually let it get. Normally I now every week but it was 2 weeks this time around due to lack of time. I'll give it one more chance next week to see if I keep it on.

GrayHair

Thanks for posting your resolution. Always nice to learn the final outcome.

dd57chevy