Mower won't mulch like it used to

[DaveL]

A problem I've been fighting for a few years now and have not found a
solution.

Simplicity Regency 12hp lawn tractor (about 1996?- last year the
hydrostatic drive handle was in the middle). It has a mulching kit
(which is just a discharge shoot block) and I use 'leaf cutters' on the
leaves. When I first got the tractor, it did a superb job of mulching -
both the grass clippings and leaves in the fall. The lasts three years
or so, it has started leaving a trail of grass clippings down the
middle, and it take repeated passes to chop up the leaves in the fall.

I typically mow once a week.

I have tried all the following with no success:
Sharpened the blades
Changed the blades
Cleaned the deck
Leveled the deck
Tilted the deck forward and backward
Changed the drive belt
Cheched the RPM
Mow more often

Still it leaves unsightly clippings. The neighbor with a cheap MTD gets
a better cut.

Any suggestions? What have I yet to try?

Dave

[Bob]

"DaveL" > wrote in message ...
> When I first got the tractor, it did a superb job of mulching -
> both the grass clippings and leaves in the fall. The lasts three years
> or so, it has started leaving a trail of grass clippings down the
> middle, and it take repeated passes to chop up the leaves in the fall.
>
> I typically mow once a week.
>
> I have tried all the following with no success:
> Sharpened the blades
> Changed the blades
> Cleaned the deck
> Leveled the deck
> Tilted the deck forward and backward
> Changed the drive belt
> Cheched the RPM
> Mow more often
>
You did many unnecessay things as far as your mulching problem is concerned.

You said you changed the blade. There is a special mulching blade,
different from normal blades. They have more tilt to them and a curve
about halfway between end and center. The theory is that it sets up
upward air curents around the blade which blow the cutting up and as they
fall, the blade cuts them again, and again. They kinda work okay, but
you need to travel slower since (in theory) you are cutting more grass by
cutting the same grass more than once. The second thing is that the blade
must be kept very sharp for maximum effectiveness. By very sharp, I don't
mean new blade sharp, because most new blades are not sharp. I mean
knife-like sharp. The edge doesn't hold long, so blades need to be
sharpened frequently.

Don't know if any of this will help you or not. Hope so.

Bob-TX

[Srgnt Bilko]

Is it possible that somewhere along the line you ended up getting slightly
shorter blades than the original ? A quarter inch difference on each blade
? Could there be a vent hole blocked on the deck ?

"DaveL" > wrote in message
...
> A problem I've been fighting for a few years now and have not found a
> solution.
>
> Simplicity Regency 12hp lawn tractor (about 1996?- last year the
> hydrostatic drive handle was in the middle). It has a mulching kit
> (which is just a discharge shoot block) and I use 'leaf cutters' on the
> leaves. When I first got the tractor, it did a superb job of mulching -
> both the grass clippings and leaves in the fall. The lasts three years
> or so, it has started leaving a trail of grass clippings down the
> middle, and it take repeated passes to chop up the leaves in the fall.
>
> I typically mow once a week.
>
> I have tried all the following with no success:
> Sharpened the blades
> Changed the blades
> Cleaned the deck
> Leveled the deck
> Tilted the deck forward and backward
> Changed the drive belt
> Cheched the RPM
> Mow more often
>
> Still it leaves unsightly clippings. The neighbor with a cheap MTD gets
> a better cut.
>
> Any suggestions? What have I yet to try?
>
> Dave

[DaveL]

Bob wrote:
>
> "DaveL" > wrote in message ...

> > I have tried all the following with no success:
> > Sharpened the blades
> > Changed the blades
> > Cleaned the deck
> > Leveled the deck
> > Tilted the deck forward and backward
> > Changed the drive belt
> > Cheched the RPM
> > Mow more often
> >
> You did many unnecessay things as far as your mulching problem is concerned.
>
> You said you changed the blade. There is a special mulching blade,
> different from normal blades.

The new blade I tried was called a 'gator' blade. It looked like it had
greater lift, and a serrated trailing edge.

> The second thing is that the blade
> must be kept very sharp for maximum effectiveness. By very sharp, I don't
> mean new blade sharp, because most new blades are not sharp. I mean
> knife-like sharp. The edge doesn't hold long, so blades need to be
> sharpened frequently.

I normally have the blades sharpened at the local hardware store. When
they are done, they have all the nicks ground out, but they are not
knife sharp. I'll have to see what kind of an edge I can get on them.

> Don't know if any of this will help you or not. Hope so.

Me too, thanks.

[DaveL]

Srgnt Bilko wrote:
>
> Is it possible that somewhere along the line you ended up getting slightly
> shorter blades than the original ? A quarter inch difference on each blade
> ? Could there be a vent hole blocked on the deck ?

I'm pretty sure the current blades on the machine are the original.
Unless they got switched when they were in for sharpening. The closest
approach of one blade to the other is about 1/4 inch or so, and they are
staggered in the cutting path - there *should* be overlap in the cutting
path.

I don't recall seeing any vent holes in the deck, but I'll take a good
look next time I drop the deck.

Thanks,
Dave


>
> "DaveL" > wrote in message
> ...
> > A problem I've been fighting for a few years now and have not found a
> > solution.
> >
> > Simplicity Regency 12hp lawn tractor (about 1996?- last year the
> > hydrostatic drive handle was in the middle). It has a mulching kit
> > (which is just a discharge shoot block) and I use 'leaf cutters' on the
> > leaves. When I first got the tractor, it did a superb job of mulching -
> > both the grass clippings and leaves in the fall. The lasts three years
> > or so, it has started leaving a trail of grass clippings down the
> > middle, and it take repeated passes to chop up the leaves in the fall.
> >
> > I typically mow once a week.
> >
> > I have tried all the following with no success:
> > Sharpened the blades
> > Changed the blades
> > Cleaned the deck
> > Leveled the deck
> > Tilted the deck forward and backward
> > Changed the drive belt
> > Cheched the RPM
> > Mow more often
> >
> > Still it leaves unsightly clippings. The neighbor with a cheap MTD gets
> > a better cut.
> >
> > Any suggestions? What have I yet to try?
> >
> > Dave

[CW]

Make sure your tire pressures are to spec.

My Snapper Hi-Vac was doing a terrible job of mulching--wasn't leaving
a trail but it was a pretty uneven cut. I found that my tire
pressures were way low. Couldn't believe it made that big of a
difference but the cut is much much better now.

CW

[DaveL]

DaveL wrote:
>
> Bob wrote:
> >
> > "DaveL" > wrote in message ...
>
> > > I have tried all the following with no success:
> > >
> > You did many unnecessay things as far as your mulching problem is concerned.
> >
> > You said you changed the blade. There is a special mulching blade,
> > different from normal blades.
>
> The new blade I tried was called a 'gator' blade.
>
> > The second thing is that the blade
> > must be kept very sharp for maximum effectiveness. By very sharp, I don't
> > mean new blade sharp, because most new blades are not sharp. I mean
> > knife-like sharp. The edge doesn't hold long, so blades need to be
> > sharpened frequently.
>
> I normally have the blades sharpened at the local hardware store. When
> they are done, they have all the nicks ground out, but they are not
> knife sharp. I'll have to see what kind of an edge I can get on them.

Well, I spent quite a bit of time and put the best edge I could on the
blades. They were not razor sharp, but there were knife edge sharp- I
wouldn't have wanted to run my finger down one.

Cleaned the deck again when I was working on the blades. Bearings are
all snug, there is no up and down or side to side play in the shafts.
The blades pass each other with about 1/4 inch clearance. The belt
appears OK, and I retensioned it.

No improvement. It's almost as if the airflow under the deck is blowing
the clipping into the ground down the middle of the deck. It leaves a
trail right down the middle. Multiple passes over the same area in
different directions only move the clippings around.

There has got to be something simple I am missing, but I sure can't
figure out what it is.......

[News Man]

You may have the blade mounted backwards or upside down. It happens. I
know (first-hand). It's easy to check.


"DaveL" > wrote in message
...
> DaveL wrote:
> >
> > Bob wrote:
> > >
> > > "DaveL" > wrote in message ...
> >
> > > > I have tried all the following with no success:
> > > >
> > > You did many unnecessay things as far as your mulching problem is
concerned.
> > >
> > > You said you changed the blade. There is a special mulching blade,
> > > different from normal blades.
> >
> > The new blade I tried was called a 'gator' blade.
> >
> > > The second thing is that the blade
> > > must be kept very sharp for maximum effectiveness. By very sharp, I
don't
> > > mean new blade sharp, because most new blades are not sharp. I mean
> > > knife-like sharp. The edge doesn't hold long, so blades need to be
> > > sharpened frequently.
> >
> > I normally have the blades sharpened at the local hardware store. When
> > they are done, they have all the nicks ground out, but they are not
> > knife sharp. I'll have to see what kind of an edge I can get on them.
>
> Well, I spent quite a bit of time and put the best edge I could on the
> blades. They were not razor sharp, but there were knife edge sharp- I
> wouldn't have wanted to run my finger down one.
>
> Cleaned the deck again when I was working on the blades. Bearings are
> all snug, there is no up and down or side to side play in the shafts.
> The blades pass each other with about 1/4 inch clearance. The belt
> appears OK, and I retensioned it.
>
> No improvement. It's almost as if the airflow under the deck is blowing
> the clipping into the ground down the middle of the deck. It leaves a
> trail right down the middle. Multiple passes over the same area in
> different directions only move the clippings around.
>
> There has got to be something simple I am missing, but I sure can't
> figure out what it is.......

[DaveL]

News Man wrote:
>
> You may have the blade mounted backwards or upside down. It happens. I
> know (first-hand). It's easy to check.

I'm sure it happens, but I've checked that at least 3 or 4 times....



> "DaveL" > wrote in message
> ...
> > DaveL wrote:
> > >
> > > Bob wrote:
> > > >
> > > > "DaveL" > wrote in message ...
> > >
> > > > > I have tried all the following with no success:
> > > > >
> > > > You did many unnecessay things as far as your mulching problem is
> concerned.
> > > >
> > > > You said you changed the blade. There is a special mulching blade,
> > > > different from normal blades.
> > >
> > > The new blade I tried was called a 'gator' blade.
> > >
> > > > The second thing is that the blade
> > > > must be kept very sharp for maximum effectiveness. By very sharp, I
> don't
> > > > mean new blade sharp, because most new blades are not sharp. I mean
> > > > knife-like sharp. The edge doesn't hold long, so blades need to be
> > > > sharpened frequently.
> > >
> > > I normally have the blades sharpened at the local hardware store. When
> > > they are done, they have all the nicks ground out, but they are not
> > > knife sharp. I'll have to see what kind of an edge I can get on them.
> >
> > Well, I spent quite a bit of time and put the best edge I could on the
> > blades. They were not razor sharp, but there were knife edge sharp- I
> > wouldn't have wanted to run my finger down one.
> >
> > Cleaned the deck again when I was working on the blades. Bearings are
> > all snug, there is no up and down or side to side play in the shafts.
> > The blades pass each other with about 1/4 inch clearance. The belt
> > appears OK, and I retensioned it.
> >
> > No improvement. It's almost as if the airflow under the deck is blowing
> > the clipping into the ground down the middle of the deck. It leaves a
> > trail right down the middle. Multiple passes over the same area in
> > different directions only move the clippings around.
> >
> > There has got to be something simple I am missing, but I sure can't
> > figure out what it is.......

[Bill Freeman]

Is your mower a mulching mower? Does it have a discharge chute
attachment that forces the discharge back onto the blade? Just adding a
mulching blade will not make a mower "mulch," per se. What's your brand
etc.?


DaveL > wrote in message
...
> News Man wrote:
> >
> > You may have the blade mounted backwards or upside down. It happens. I
> > know (first-hand). It's easy to check.
>
> I'm sure it happens, but I've checked that at least 3 or 4 times....
>
>
>
> > "DaveL" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > DaveL wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Bob wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > "DaveL" > wrote in message ...
> > > >
> > > > > > I have tried all the following with no success:
> > > > > >
> > > > > You did many unnecessay things as far as your mulching problem is
> > concerned.
> > > > >
> > > > > You said you changed the blade. There is a special mulching
blade,
> > > > > different from normal blades.
> > > >
> > > > The new blade I tried was called a 'gator' blade.
> > > >
> > > > > The second thing is that the blade
> > > > > must be kept very sharp for maximum effectiveness. By very
sharp, I
> > don't
> > > > > mean new blade sharp, because most new blades are not sharp. I
mean
> > > > > knife-like sharp. The edge doesn't hold long, so blades need
to be
> > > > > sharpened frequently.
> > > >
> > > > I normally have the blades sharpened at the local hardware store.
When
> > > > they are done, they have all the nicks ground out, but they are not
> > > > knife sharp. I'll have to see what kind of an edge I can get on
them.
> > >
> > > Well, I spent quite a bit of time and put the best edge I could on the
> > > blades. They were not razor sharp, but there were knife edge sharp- I
> > > wouldn't have wanted to run my finger down one.
> > >
> > > Cleaned the deck again when I was working on the blades. Bearings are
> > > all snug, there is no up and down or side to side play in the shafts.
> > > The blades pass each other with about 1/4 inch clearance. The belt
> > > appears OK, and I retensioned it.
> > >
> > > No improvement. It's almost as if the airflow under the deck is
blowing
> > > the clipping into the ground down the middle of the deck. It leaves a
> > > trail right down the middle. Multiple passes over the same area in
> > > different directions only move the clippings around.
> > >
> > > There has got to be something simple I am missing, but I sure can't
> > > figure out what it is.......

[DaveL]

Bill Freeman wrote:
>
> Is your mower a mulching mower? Does it have a discharge chute
> attachment that forces the discharge back onto the blade? Just adding a
> mulching blade will not make a mower "mulch," per se. What's your brand
> etc.?

Yes. It's a Simplicity Regent Hydro12, with 36" cut. (somewhere around
a 1996 model year) It has a 'mulching kit' on it, which really consists
of just a plate across the discharge chute. Worked well at first, but
for the last few years just will not chop up those clipping.


> DaveL > wrote in message
> ...
> > News Man wrote:
> > >
> > > You may have the blade mounted backwards or upside down. It happens. I
> > > know (first-hand). It's easy to check.
> >
> > I'm sure it happens, but I've checked that at least 3 or 4 times....
> >
> >
> >
> > > "DaveL" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > DaveL wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Bob wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "DaveL" > wrote in message ...
> > > > >
> > > > > > > I have tried all the following with no success:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > You did many unnecessay things as far as your mulching problem is
> > > concerned.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > You said you changed the blade. There is a special mulching
> blade,
> > > > > > different from normal blades.
> > > > >
> > > > > The new blade I tried was called a 'gator' blade.
> > > > >
> > > > > > The second thing is that the blade
> > > > > > must be kept very sharp for maximum effectiveness. By very
> sharp, I
> > > don't
> > > > > > mean new blade sharp, because most new blades are not sharp. I
> mean
> > > > > > knife-like sharp. The edge doesn't hold long, so blades need
> to be
> > > > > > sharpened frequently.
> > > > >
> > > > > I normally have the blades sharpened at the local hardware store.
> When
> > > > > they are done, they have all the nicks ground out, but they are not
> > > > > knife sharp. I'll have to see what kind of an edge I can get on
> them.
> > > >
> > > > Well, I spent quite a bit of time and put the best edge I could on the
> > > > blades. They were not razor sharp, but there were knife edge sharp- I
> > > > wouldn't have wanted to run my finger down one.
> > > >
> > > > Cleaned the deck again when I was working on the blades. Bearings are
> > > > all snug, there is no up and down or side to side play in the shafts.
> > > > The blades pass each other with about 1/4 inch clearance. The belt
> > > > appears OK, and I retensioned it.
> > > >
> > > > No improvement. It's almost as if the airflow under the deck is
> blowing
> > > > the clipping into the ground down the middle of the deck. It leaves a
> > > > trail right down the middle. Multiple passes over the same area in
> > > > different directions only move the clippings around.
> > > >
> > > > There has got to be something simple I am missing, but I sure can't
> > > > figure out what it is.......

[Bob]

"DaveL" > wrote in message ...
> > > > >
> I have tried all the following with no success:

> > > > There has got to be something simple I am missing, but I sure can't
> > > > figure out what it is.......
>
It sure sounds like you have all the right things and then some. Perhaps
there are other reasons. At one point you mentioned that in recent years,
it has not been mulching good. Are you mowing a different grass?

No doubt this problem can be fixed. But, without seeing it, I am at a
loss. Your descriptions are good, but are only what you observe.
Sometimes a different person may notice something that someone else has
overlooked and therefore could not include in a verbal/written description.

I'd suggest taking it to a local mower shop - not a large company like Sears
that sells mowers - just a fixit shop where you can talk to the owner,
manager, and mechanic (all in one person). Just talking doesn't cost,
and he might look at it as a challange (I know I would) and get real
interested in the problem.

Sorry I can't come up with anything better than this to offer.

Bob

[GFRfan]

Bob wrote:
> "DaveL" > wrote in message ...
>
> > I have tried all the following with no success:
>
>
>>>>>There has got to be something simple I am missing, but I sure can't
>>>>>figure out what it is.......
>>
> It sure sounds like you have all the right things and then some. Perhaps
> there are other reasons. At one point you mentioned that in recent years,
> it has not been mulching good. Are you mowing a different grass?
>
> No doubt this problem can be fixed. But, without seeing it, I am at a
> loss. Your descriptions are good, but are only what you observe.
> Sometimes a different person may notice something that someone else has
> overlooked and therefore could not include in a verbal/written description.
>
> I'd suggest taking it to a local mower shop - not a large company like Sears
> that sells mowers - just a fixit shop where you can talk to the owner,
> manager, and mechanic (all in one person). Just talking doesn't cost,
> and he might look at it as a challange (I know I would) and get real
> interested in the problem.
>
> Sorry I can't come up with anything better than this to offer.
>
> Bob
>
>

Just a thought.
How long are you letting the grass get and how much are you cutting off?
1/3 the height of the grass is what's recommended. Mulchers don't work
very well in tall grass.

[AustinMN]

DaveL wrote:
> Bill Freeman wrote:
> >
> > Is your mower a mulching mower? Does it have a discharge chute
> > attachment that forces the discharge back onto the blade? Just adding a
> > mulching blade will not make a mower "mulch," per se. What's your brand
> > etc.?
>
> Yes. It's a Simplicity Regent Hydro12, with 36" cut. (somewhere around
> a 1996 model year) It has a 'mulching kit' on it, which really consists
> of just a plate across the discharge chute. Worked well at first, but
> for the last few years just will not chop up those clipping.
>

Has it lost blade speed? Is there some way the blades could be turning
backwards (not likely, but possible with a few mowers)?

Austin

[DaveL]

AustinMN wrote:
>
> DaveL wrote:
> > Bill Freeman wrote:
> > >
> > > Is your mower a mulching mower? Does it have a discharge chute
> > > attachment that forces the discharge back onto the blade? Just adding a
> > > mulching blade will not make a mower "mulch," per se. What's your brand
> > > etc.?
> >
> > Yes. It's a Simplicity Regent Hydro12, with 36" cut. (somewhere around
> > a 1996 model year) It has a 'mulching kit' on it, which really consists
> > of just a plate across the discharge chute. Worked well at first, but
> > for the last few years just will not chop up those clipping.
> >
>
> Has it lost blade speed? Is there some way the blades could be turning
> backwards (not likely, but possible with a few mowers)?
>
> Austin

Blades are turning the right direction, and are mounted properly. Check
RPM on advice of an email from Simplicity service and found it proper at
2500 RPM. Belt has been tightened and then replaced. A real mystery...

Dave

[DaveL]

Bob wrote:
>
> "DaveL" > wrote in message ...
> > > > > >
> > I have tried all the following with no success:
>
> > > > > There has got to be something simple I am missing, but I sure can't
> > > > > figure out what it is.......
> >
> It sure sounds like you have all the right things and then some. Perhaps
> there are other reasons. At one point you mentioned that in recent years,
> it has not been mulching good. Are you mowing a different grass?

Funny you mention that. It seemed to stop mulching the second year we
had a 'Chem-lawn' clone doing our yard. But we stopped that service,
and nothing has changed. The neighbor still is having his lawn
fertilized and he does not have the mulching problem.

> No doubt this problem can be fixed. But, without seeing it, I am at a
> loss. Your descriptions are good, but are only what you observe.
> Sometimes a different person may notice something that someone else has
> overlooked and therefore could not include in a verbal/written description.

That's very true.

> I'd suggest taking it to a local mower shop - not a large company like Sears
> that sells mowers - just a fixit shop where you can talk to the owner,
> manager, and mechanic (all in one person). Just talking doesn't cost,
> and he might look at it as a challange (I know I would) and get real
> interested in the problem.

I talked to the service guys at the (small-medium sized) lawn and garden
shop where we bought the mower. They suggested the 'gator' blades which
did not help. I may break down and take it in to the shop, but I'm
concerened I end up being charged hundreds of dollars and there will be
no improvement.

> Sorry I can't come up with anything better than this to offer.

I appreciate hearing your thought....

Dave

[DaveL]

GFRfan wrote:
>
> Bob wrote:
> > "DaveL" > wrote in message ...
> >
> > > I have tried all the following with no success:
> >
> >
> >>>>>There has got to be something simple I am missing, but I sure can't
> >>>>>figure out what it is.......
> >>
> > It sure sounds like you have all the right things and then some. Perhaps
> > there are other reasons. At one point you mentioned that in recent years,
> > it has not been mulching good. Are you mowing a different grass?
> >
> > No doubt this problem can be fixed. But, without seeing it, I am at a
> > loss. Your descriptions are good, but are only what you observe.
> > Sometimes a different person may notice something that someone else has
> > overlooked and therefore could not include in a verbal/written description.
> >
> > I'd suggest taking it to a local mower shop - not a large company like Sears
> > that sells mowers - just a fixit shop where you can talk to the owner,
> > manager, and mechanic (all in one person). Just talking doesn't cost,
> > and he might look at it as a challange (I know I would) and get real
> > interested in the problem.
> >
> > Sorry I can't come up with anything better than this to offer.
> >
> > Bob
> >
> >
>
> Just a thought.
> How long are you letting the grass get and how much are you cutting off?
> 1/3 the height of the grass is what's recommended. Mulchers don't work
> very well in tall grass.

I mow normally once a week. It's tough to get it done more often. 1/3
is probably about what I am cutting.

Dave

[Bill Freeman]

I assume you're mulching "dry" grass at approximately the same
time/day as you did before? What do the cuttings look like? How does the
mower discharge "without" the mulching blowback bar in place? Almost sounds
like your blade is put in upside down (not backwards .. . which would be
obvious). Does the mower "cut" at all?


DaveL > wrote in message
...
> Bob wrote:
> >
> > "DaveL" > wrote in message ...
> > > > > > >
> > > I have tried all the following with no success:
> >
> > > > > > There has got to be something simple I am missing, but I sure
can't
> > > > > > figure out what it is.......
> > >
> > It sure sounds like you have all the right things and then some.
Perhaps
> > there are other reasons. At one point you mentioned that in recent
years,
> > it has not been mulching good. Are you mowing a different grass?
>
> Funny you mention that. It seemed to stop mulching the second year we
> had a 'Chem-lawn' clone doing our yard. But we stopped that service,
> and nothing has changed. The neighbor still is having his lawn
> fertilized and he does not have the mulching problem.
>
> > No doubt this problem can be fixed. But, without seeing it, I am at
a
> > loss. Your descriptions are good, but are only what you observe.
> > Sometimes a different person may notice something that someone else has
> > overlooked and therefore could not include in a verbal/written
description.
>
> That's very true.
>
> > I'd suggest taking it to a local mower shop - not a large company like
Sears
> > that sells mowers - just a fixit shop where you can talk to the owner,
> > manager, and mechanic (all in one person). Just talking doesn't
cost,
> > and he might look at it as a challange (I know I would) and get real
> > interested in the problem.
>
> I talked to the service guys at the (small-medium sized) lawn and garden
> shop where we bought the mower. They suggested the 'gator' blades which
> did not help. I may break down and take it in to the shop, but I'm
> concerened I end up being charged hundreds of dollars and there will be
> no improvement.
>
> > Sorry I can't come up with anything better than this to offer.
>
> I appreciate hearing your thought....
>
> Dave

[DaveL]

Bill Freeman wrote:
>
> I assume you're mulching "dry" grass at approximately the same
> time/day as you did before? What do the cuttings look like? How does the
> mower discharge "without" the mulching blowback bar in place? Almost sounds
> like your blade is put in upside down (not backwards .. . which would be
> obvious). Does the mower "cut" at all?

Thanks for the reply...

I always shoot for the dryest day possible. The clippings appear to be
about the length of what was cut off. As if the blades cut ok, but the
clippings are not recirculating and instead are just 'blown down' into
the middle of the cutting path. I haven't tried it at all without the
blowback bar.

Putting the blades in upside down would also mean they are turning the
wrong way; i.e. sharp edge trailing instead of leading. You don't know
how many times I've checked that possibility. The blades are mounted
such that the sharp edge is moving into the uncut grass. The pitch on
the blades is such that the air should be drawn up into the deck. The
'flat' part of the leading edge is down, and the tapered part is up.




> DaveL > wrote in message
> ...
> > Bob wrote:
> > >
> > > "DaveL" > wrote in message ...
> > > > > > > >
> > > > I have tried all the following with no success:
> > >
> > > > > > > There has got to be something simple I am missing, but I sure
> can't
> > > > > > > figure out what it is.......
> > > >
> > > It sure sounds like you have all the right things and then some.
> Perhaps
> > > there are other reasons. At one point you mentioned that in recent
> years,
> > > it has not been mulching good. Are you mowing a different grass?
> >
> > Funny you mention that. It seemed to stop mulching the second year we
> > had a 'Chem-lawn' clone doing our yard. But we stopped that service,
> > and nothing has changed. The neighbor still is having his lawn
> > fertilized and he does not have the mulching problem.
> >
> > > No doubt this problem can be fixed. But, without seeing it, I am at
> a
> > > loss. Your descriptions are good, but are only what you observe.
> > > Sometimes a different person may notice something that someone else has
> > > overlooked and therefore could not include in a verbal/written
> description.
> >
> > That's very true.
> >
> > > I'd suggest taking it to a local mower shop - not a large company like
> Sears
> > > that sells mowers - just a fixit shop where you can talk to the owner,
> > > manager, and mechanic (all in one person). Just talking doesn't
> cost,
> > > and he might look at it as a challange (I know I would) and get real
> > > interested in the problem.
> >
> > I talked to the service guys at the (small-medium sized) lawn and garden
> > shop where we bought the mower. They suggested the 'gator' blades which
> > did not help. I may break down and take it in to the shop, but I'm
> > concerened I end up being charged hundreds of dollars and there will be
> > no improvement.
> >
> > > Sorry I can't come up with anything better than this to offer.
> >
> > I appreciate hearing your thought....
> >
> > Dave

[Bill Freeman]

Dave,

What's the "angle" of the new mulching blade vs that of the original
blade? I've noticed that my Honda cuts better at a 45 degree blade edge
(more vertical) than at a 67 degree (more angle) (from the vertical. You DO
have an interesting problem.

Bill


DaveL > wrote in message
...
> Bill Freeman wrote:
> >
> > I assume you're mulching "dry" grass at approximately the same
> > time/day as you did before? What do the cuttings look like? How does
the
> > mower discharge "without" the mulching blowback bar in place? Almost
sounds
> > like your blade is put in upside down (not backwards .. . which would be
> > obvious). Does the mower "cut" at all?
>
> Thanks for the reply...
>
> I always shoot for the dryest day possible. The clippings appear to be
> about the length of what was cut off. As if the blades cut ok, but the
> clippings are not recirculating and instead are just 'blown down' into
> the middle of the cutting path. I haven't tried it at all without the
> blowback bar.
>
> Putting the blades in upside down would also mean they are turning the
> wrong way; i.e. sharp edge trailing instead of leading. You don't know
> how many times I've checked that possibility. The blades are mounted
> such that the sharp edge is moving into the uncut grass. The pitch on
> the blades is such that the air should be drawn up into the deck. The
> 'flat' part of the leading edge is down, and the tapered part is up.
>
>
>
>
> > DaveL > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Bob wrote:
> > > >
> > > > "DaveL" > wrote in message ...
> > > > > > > > >
> > > > > I have tried all the following with no success:
> > > >
> > > > > > > > There has got to be something simple I am missing, but I
sure
> > can't
> > > > > > > > figure out what it is.......
> > > > >
> > > > It sure sounds like you have all the right things and then some.
> > Perhaps
> > > > there are other reasons. At one point you mentioned that in
recent
> > years,
> > > > it has not been mulching good. Are you mowing a different grass?
> > >
> > > Funny you mention that. It seemed to stop mulching the second year we
> > > had a 'Chem-lawn' clone doing our yard. But we stopped that service,
> > > and nothing has changed. The neighbor still is having his lawn
> > > fertilized and he does not have the mulching problem.
> > >
> > > > No doubt this problem can be fixed. But, without seeing it, I am
at
> > a
> > > > loss. Your descriptions are good, but are only what you observe.
> > > > Sometimes a different person may notice something that someone else
has
> > > > overlooked and therefore could not include in a verbal/written
> > description.
> > >
> > > That's very true.
> > >
> > > > I'd suggest taking it to a local mower shop - not a large company
like
> > Sears
> > > > that sells mowers - just a fixit shop where you can talk to the
owner,
> > > > manager, and mechanic (all in one person). Just talking doesn't
> > cost,
> > > > and he might look at it as a challange (I know I would) and get real
> > > > interested in the problem.
> > >
> > > I talked to the service guys at the (small-medium sized) lawn and
garden
> > > shop where we bought the mower. They suggested the 'gator' blades
which
> > > did not help. I may break down and take it in to the shop, but I'm
> > > concerened I end up being charged hundreds of dollars and there will
be
> > > no improvement.
> > >
> > > > Sorry I can't come up with anything better than this to offer.
> > >
> > > I appreciate hearing your thought....
> > >
> > > Dave

[DaveL]

Bill Freeman wrote:
>
> Dave,
>
> What's the "angle" of the new mulching blade vs that of the original
> blade? I've noticed that my Honda cuts better at a 45 degree blade edge
> (more vertical) than at a 67 degree (more angle) (from the vertical. You DO
> have an interesting problem.
>
> Bill
>

On both sets of blades, the originals and the 'gator' blades, 67 deg
sounds about right. Certainly not 45 deg.

[Bill Freeman]

Dave,

What do your normal blade and discharge chute cuttings look like?
How long are they on a 3- 4" grass height? What is your normal grass
cutting height?

Bill


DaveL > wrote in message
...
> Bill Freeman wrote:
> >
> > Dave,
> >
> > What's the "angle" of the new mulching blade vs that of the
original
> > blade? I've noticed that my Honda cuts better at a 45 degree blade edge
> > (more vertical) than at a 67 degree (more angle) (from the vertical.
You DO
> > have an interesting problem.
> >
> > Bill
> >
>
> On both sets of blades, the originals and the 'gator' blades, 67 deg
> sounds about right. Certainly not 45 deg.

[DaveL]

Bill Freeman wrote:
>
> Dave,
>
> What do your normal blade and discharge chute cuttings look like?
> How long are they on a 3- 4" grass height? What is your normal grass
> cutting height?

Not quite sure what you are asking. I haven't tried it without the
discharge blocking plate (blowback bar?) for a long time. I have the
mower set at it's highest clipping height, clipping at a lower level
seems worse as there is not as much turf left to drop the clippings
into. I'm guessing that the grass is about 4" long when I cut it, and I
cut off about 1/3 (perhaps a bit more) of that length.

The clippings that remain on the lawn appear like they were cut once and
dropped - not recycled into the blade for further 'processing'.

Dave

[Bill Freeman]

Dave,

I think you answered the question(s). Depending on the type of
grass, a high height (recommended, which is what you do) cut does what it
should. If the grass is cleanly cut but not "macerated" (mulched) then I
suspect it's the type of grass being cut and the amount being cut. Try
mulching it at less than a 1/3 height cut. I suspect that's your problem
(all our problems). Mulching works best on a "crew" haircut style.

Bill


DaveL > wrote in message
...
> Bill Freeman wrote:
> >
> > Dave,
> >
> > What do your normal blade and discharge chute cuttings look
like?
> > How long are they on a 3- 4" grass height? What is your normal grass
> > cutting height?
>
> Not quite sure what you are asking. I haven't tried it without the
> discharge blocking plate (blowback bar?) for a long time. I have the
> mower set at it's highest clipping height, clipping at a lower level
> seems worse as there is not as much turf left to drop the clippings
> into. I'm guessing that the grass is about 4" long when I cut it, and I
> cut off about 1/3 (perhaps a bit more) of that length.
>
> The clippings that remain on the lawn appear like they were cut once and
> dropped - not recycled into the blade for further 'processing'.
>
> Dave

[Danny]

Try a Double-Cut

When cutting the grass, cut your entire yard once. Let it dry out for an
hour in the sun, then cut it again the same exact way you cut it the first
time. Dont change you pattern, and you should end up with a pretty good
look.


---------------------
www.askalandscaper.com



"DaveL" > wrote in message
...
>A problem I've been fighting for a few years now and have not found a
> solution.
>
> Simplicity Regency 12hp lawn tractor (about 1996?- last year the
> hydrostatic drive handle was in the middle). It has a mulching kit
> (which is just a discharge shoot block) and I use 'leaf cutters' on the
> leaves. When I first got the tractor, it did a superb job of mulching -
> both the grass clippings and leaves in the fall. The lasts three years
> or so, it has started leaving a trail of grass clippings down the
> middle, and it take repeated passes to chop up the leaves in the fall.
>
> I typically mow once a week.
>
> I have tried all the following with no success:
> Sharpened the blades
> Changed the blades
> Cleaned the deck
> Leveled the deck
> Tilted the deck forward and backward
> Changed the drive belt
> Cheched the RPM
> Mow more often
>
> Still it leaves unsightly clippings. The neighbor with a cheap MTD gets
> a better cut.
>
> Any suggestions? What have I yet to try?
>
> Dave

[Noozer]

"Danny" > wrote in message
...
> Try a Double-Cut
>
> When cutting the grass, cut your entire yard once. Let it dry out for an
> hour in the sun, then cut it again the same exact way you cut it the first
> time. Dont change you pattern, and you should end up with a pretty good
> look.

Doesn't it work better if you cut 90 degrees to the way you made your first
passes?

[Danny]

>> Try a Double-Cut
>>
>> When cutting the grass, cut your entire yard once. Let it dry out for an
>> hour in the sun, then cut it again the same exact way you cut it the
>> first
>> time. Dont change you pattern, and you should end up with a pretty good
>> look.
>
> Doesn't it work better if you cut 90 degrees to the way you made your
> first
> passes?


This depends on the result you are looking for. If your looking to make some
sweet looking lines int the grass, try it my way....

The second time really brings out the lines...

If you crosscut it, you get a different result, and i personally dont like
the crosscut look.

In general, (my opinion) I like a line to go from the bottom of the driveway
to the front door of the house to give it that, come visit us look :)
---------------------
Danny

[Steveo]

"Danny" > wrote:
> >> Try a Double-Cut
> >>
> >> When cutting the grass, cut your entire yard once. Let it dry out for
> >> an hour in the sun, then cut it again the same exact way you cut it
> >> the first
> >> time. Dont change you pattern, and you should end up with a pretty
> >> good look.
> >
> > Doesn't it work better if you cut 90 degrees to the way you made your
> > first
> > passes?
>
> This depends on the result you are looking for. If your looking to make
> some sweet looking lines int the grass, try it my way....
>
> The second time really brings out the lines...
>
> If you crosscut it, you get a different result, and i personally dont
> like the crosscut look.
>
> In general, (my opinion) I like a line to go from the bottom of the
> driveway to the front door of the house to give it that, come visit us
> look :) ---------------------
> Danny
>
>
Hey Danny, how did you make out with that organic broadleaf herbicide
we were talking about?

[LARRY THE CABLE GUY]

On 14 Sep 2004 03:16:05 GMT, Steveo >
wrote:

>"Danny" > wrote:
>> >> Try a Double-Cut
>> >>
>> >> When cutting the grass, cut your entire yard once. Let it dry out for
>> >> an hour in the sun, then cut it again the same exact way you cut it
>> >> the first
>> >> time. Dont change you pattern, and you should end up with a pretty
>> >> good look.
>> >
>> > Doesn't it work better if you cut 90 degrees to the way you made your
>> > first
>> > passes?
>>
>> This depends on the result you are looking for. If your looking to make
>> some sweet looking lines int the grass, try it my way....
>>
>> The second time really brings out the lines...
>>
>> If you crosscut it, you get a different result, and i personally dont
>> like the crosscut look.
>>
>> In general, (my opinion) I like a line to go from the bottom of the
>> driveway to the front door of the house to give it that, come visit us
>> look :) ---------------------
>> Danny
>>
>>
>Hey Danny, how did you make out with that organic broadleaf herbicide
>we were talking about?
Like a shithouse witgh a screen door, I'll say