42" Deck Baffles

[Hodge71 664]

I just got a 1977 42" RD deck yesterday that has some pretty bent up baffles....at least thats what I think they are called. They are just 2 pieces of very flimsy sheet metal  that divide the 3 cutting blade areas running from the point of what I would call the scallops to the rear of the deck., I recall hearing about people cutting these baffles right out or maybe it was a defferent deck. Has anyone done this? Does it affect the way the mower cuts  or the way the clippings lay? I dont want to do anything adverse to the mower but these things are pretty rough and flimsy from years of rust.I dont think welding on them is an option.

Edited May 11, 2013 by hodge71

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,348]

My 42" RD deck never had baffles. 

[Trouty56 567]

A member names "thehorse" (Len) has a 42" rear discharge deck that came off a tractor that I bought last fall......It was a fairly new deck.....I know it didn't have extended baffles like that if it had any at all.....

[chrisd200(inactive) 55]

Not sure on our wheel horse RD decks, but on mulching applications with newer mowers the baffles are in place to help keep the grass clippings from being thrown all the way to the one outside blade. They help to create a "chamber" for each blade so that each blade can work evenly to cut/mulch or "rear discharge" and disperse the clippings more evenly. Thats the theory, not sure how it applies here. Good luck!

[chrisd200(inactive) 55]

I havent seen those long extensions before and they may be a custom add on..... who knows

[Trouty56 567]

Not sure on our wheel horse RD decks, but on mulching applications with newer mowers the baffles are in place to help keep the grass clippings from being thrown all the way to the one outside blade. They help to create a "chamber" for each blade so that each blade can work evenly to cut/mulch or "rear discharge" and disperse the clippings more evenly. Thats the theory, not sure how it applies here. Good luck!

 

OK...now this point makes sense because the deck I mentioned above had spindle damage on the sides facing the blade before it.  The spindle on the left was not damaged but the center and right spindle were replaced by thehorse because of it.  The baffles would have prevented the damage.

[squonk 41,604]

Mine doesn't have them either. Those 2 little holes in the corners on each side on the top in the pic. It's amazing how much grass and crud come out when you stick an air nozzle in them!

[leeave96 487]

I've never seen any baffles in a rear discharge deck.  I've heard some had them, but just never saw them.  I would think they would be desirable as my 36 in RD deck has them and I think it helps.  I have a 42 inch RD that came as a recycler and after I took out the recycling baffle, there are no baffles.  Cuts great, no vacuum - so driving across my gravel driveway at full throttle doesn't kick up any rocks.

 

Good luck,

Bill

[Wishin4a416 2,191]

My 42" RD deck never had baffles. 

Same here. Its bare.

Edited May 14, 2013 by Wishin4a416

[Hodge71 664]

Well I cut the flimsy extension things out. Definitely were added by someone previous to me. I put the new factory blades on and cut the grass with her today. My gators are still not here yet. but it cut pretty decent for my lawn beeing abourt 10 inches tall. Once I get the gator blades on like Glen Petit suggested to me Im going to cut it again but with the deck down and the wheels on the highest setting. I like his idea of double blades...

Edited May 15, 2013 by hodge71

[leeave96 487]

Don't forget that if the grass is really tall and you are getting some wind-rowing this:

 

1.  I have found that when I see visible clippings after mowing with the RD decks, within a day, they usually disappear.  Don't know if they just fall down in the grass or the wind blows them a bit, but rarely do I see the clippings the next day.  Sometimes it's pretty noticeable and to a "normal" person (I'm nowhere normal... ) they would think - that's a crappy looking cut with those clippings, but next day, they are usually gone.

 

2.  RD decks are great in that you can pull a sweeper when you mow!  So if the grass is really heavy and you've got crazy clippings, a sweeper makes a neat attachment - and if you are good, you can stripe the lawn with it too.

 

Good luck!

Bill

[Hodge71 664]

Thank Bill!! Your input is greatly appreciated. I missed out on a NOS Wheel Horse sweeper last week when I bought the deck. It was a demo model and used very little.....price...$125. I called as soon as I saw the ad but it was already gone.... hope I can find one soon

[ScottCT 15]

My 42 RD is a 1979 and also has the extended baffles. They are somewhat flimsy and beat up but I know they are factory because my father purchased the deck new and never modified it.

 

 

[The Walri 4]

Same here...I recently purchased a 1982 B-115 with a 42" RD with the same baffles (and broken in the same spot) as the pic above.  I'm thinking I will leave them in as long as they're not touching the blades. I'll post a pic if i can figure it out....