Found one of these in really good shape on Marketplace a couple months ago, I wanted it just as a novelty/toy to display in the garage and cruise around my property. He wanted way too much for it though.Anyone have one of these:
Riding Mowers
- Thread starter wizbangdoodle
- Start date
about 7 hours currently with a 50in regular rider.
Revival of old thread.
Now that I've had time to actually mow my lawn with my new ZT, I need advice. After mowing, how do you clean your mower? I have a deck wash attachment, but it doesn't work for shit. I have mulching blades on it. I just mowed today and it was making some weird noises and leaving clumps everywhere. Decided to check the deck. Used the tractor to lift the mower up and found the deck was clogged full of grass. Must have washed out an entire bale of grass from it. Is there an easier way to clean the deck out rather than lifting it with my tractor? This spring grass is so heavy and wet, I'm not sure how to keep it from clogging everything up.
Now that I've had time to actually mow my lawn with my new ZT, I need advice. After mowing, how do you clean your mower? I have a deck wash attachment, but it doesn't work for shit. I have mulching blades on it. I just mowed today and it was making some weird noises and leaving clumps everywhere. Decided to check the deck. Used the tractor to lift the mower up and found the deck was clogged full of grass. Must have washed out an entire bale of grass from it. Is there an easier way to clean the deck out rather than lifting it with my tractor? This spring grass is so heavy and wet, I'm not sure how to keep it from clogging everything up.
Don't cut it wet, and cut it more often if mulching. Wet grass in a MF. Mine will get so long in a week, that I pull the mulch plug off. You could cut slower too.
Don't cut wet? I live in Washington!
I've had to cut twice this week. I think what I may try is doing a pass with a longer cut, say 3.5" and then go down to 2.5" on a second pass.
Still have the issue of cleaning the deck. I may have to put some permanent hooks on my mower to lift it with.
Not cutting it wet is the first thing. Wet grass just compacts in all the crevices of the deck. Ditch the mulching blades and get regular ones. Remove the mulching plug and let the clippings broadcast. I have my chute tied up so it'll throw farther. If I've waited a little too long I'll go over it twice. Once going north to south and then again going east to west without changing the deck height.
Optional- 32OZ tumbler filled ice. Fill 3/4 full of your pick of bourbon and the rest with cherry Dr pepper.
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Optional- 32OZ tumbler filled ice. Fill 3/4 full of your pick of bourbon and the rest with cherry Dr pepper.
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Nailed it! As far as cleaning the deck, when you get rid of the mulching stuff you literally shouldn't have to. Not only that, but too much deck cleaning can force water into the bearings as well.
Get your leaf blower and blow all the loose clippings off from everywhere, including raising the seat and blowing off everything under there as well. Easy peasy and done.
I have my chute pulled up as well. I discharge in the warm/rain season, mulch the other times. I run 8Ten high lift blades I get on Amazon all year. I sharpen them at least once a month depending on use. The sand beats the heck out of the blades.
All of this.
I find using the garden hose attachment can make the deck stink (like something died) if does not get all the clumps/thick stuff out. If that water from the deck drips on your cement, it will stain it. So if you must, let it dry well before storing it.
As for cleaning, we just blow (leaf blower) it off when it's dry. We also try to make sure no dirt, grass etc stays on the outside lips of the deck. Moisture stays there and it WILL rust the deck. Having mud/dirt there is the only reason ill usually put water on my deck. Due to 3-4 family members decks rusting out from that, we very seldom use water to clean after mowing unless there's mud. I probably over grease my mower but imo too much grease doesn't hurt. I also take the blades off and sharpen them with my bench grinder when needed. Check the tires often. Ours tires don't have tubes and I find they do not hold air well. You can get a low pressure gauge for cheap at any ATV dealership or amazon. Do regular maintenance (spark plugs, air filter, oil and oil filter).
This is from someone who has a regular one lawn tractor non zero turn style so YMMV.
As for cleaning, we just blow (leaf blower) it off when it's dry. We also try to make sure no dirt, grass etc stays on the outside lips of the deck. Moisture stays there and it WILL rust the deck. Having mud/dirt there is the only reason ill usually put water on my deck. Due to 3-4 family members decks rusting out from that, we very seldom use water to clean after mowing unless there's mud. I probably over grease my mower but imo too much grease doesn't hurt. I also take the blades off and sharpen them with my bench grinder when needed. Check the tires often. Ours tires don't have tubes and I find they do not hold air well. You can get a low pressure gauge for cheap at any ATV dealership or amazon. Do regular maintenance (spark plugs, air filter, oil and oil filter).
This is from someone who has a regular one lawn tractor non zero turn style so YMMV.
I just got ariens from lowes .
End of last year sale
Was 5200 paid 3200 ,
This year its 6800.
Apex 52
26hp
10 guage fabricated deck
Larger tires than the others .
Does 15mph .
Multiple hight settings
It was an impulse purchase which to me was just right
End of last year sale
Was 5200 paid 3200 ,
This year its 6800.
Apex 52
26hp
10 guage fabricated deck
Larger tires than the others .
Does 15mph .
Multiple hight settings
It was an impulse purchase which to me was just right
I’m a beer guy while mowing. Since my yard is so rough I can’t put the beer down. Ive become proficient at single handing the twin sticks (no homo)
Demonstration with your choice of forum members is required.
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An SVT group SnapChat would really be something exciting. Cool cars, pics of women, my barn full of cats and mowing videos…the possibilities are endless.
Yeah, I think I'll lose the mulching blades for now. Maybe later in the summer I can go back to them. I only put them on at the suggestion of my landscaper that designed and installed our landscaping.
As far as blowing stuff off...that doesn't really work up here. Things are so wet, even when it's not raining, that it would be like trying to blow a mud pie off the lawn.
If the grass is always wet then your deck is always going to get gunked up. Unfortunately lifting it and clearing out with a pressure washer is going to be your best bet. Leaving wet grass clippings clumped in your deck will cause it to rust prematurely
Park it outside or under the carport and let it dry. You can even use something to get the grass/other crap off the deck it to speed up drying right after you finish mowing. Like they said, dont keep storing it wet. Good luck.
I'm half tempted to make a little ramp or something to drive it up so I can wash it. 
Now that I wash it down, I run the blades for a few minutes to "air" dry it. Then it sits out for a few hours. I'm fortunate enough to have enough room in the shop to keep it inside, so it doesn't stay wet. I'm hoping this will be enough to make it last.
Now that I wash it down, I run the blades for a few minutes to "air" dry it. Then it sits out for a few hours. I'm fortunate enough to have enough room in the shop to keep it inside, so it doesn't stay wet. I'm hoping this will be enough to make it last.
I do this too for one lap around.
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