Recycler Deck Minus Insert Cut Quality

[grinchsr 626]

I have a 42: recycler deck with the insert removed.  I am considering using it that way.  Question is cutting quality with out baffles will it clump the clippings?

[953 nut 55,120]

Presuming it is a rear discharge deck it will lay down a uniform layer of clippings. 

[peter lena 8,589]

@grinchsr   been recently lawn testing these , been very good to help in deck discharge , none of my decks have inserts , found them to be a rot / start area , also drop my decks , to oil soak bottom and prop up to the hot sun after cleaning out , to suck in the oil and kill off rust . changing over my other decks to the 7" wheels . pete

 

[lynnmor 7,302]

I use a 42" RD open deck for fall cleanup, the 50" lawn sweeper fills up way more on one side.  When I used it for all mowing there was a windrow whenever the grass was tall.  If you mow frequently it will work OK but don't expect an even scatter of clippings.

Edited August 19, 2022 by lynnmor

[grinchsr 626]

Thanks for the replies 

[peter lena 8,589]

@biged77  have 3 , 42 " R/D DECKS  AND A 36" R/D DECK . like to cut at highest setting , for growth and look . never had any grass rowing issues  at all , but wanted to try a bigger deck wheel , like these because they are  metal , shallow rubber tread , and have push out bearings . gave me just the extra lift I wanted for discharge . keep my decks clean , blades sharp , and rustproofed . since going over to lucas xtra hd , chassis grease in my spindles , mule drive and pto cone roller bearing , firming up my pto lever rod . amazing  quiet ease of operation . once I did it on one horse , I did the same on the other 2 , all equally quiet , no bearing whining, and total ease of operation .  this what I  do , for deck rustproofing / maintenance.  was fed up with issues , decks work , consistently well now . also oil soak them down over winter , upside down  to suck in the oil , deck bottom is black  with oil stain . pete   

 

[biged77 113]

@peter lena I have one RD deck with no insert and two SD decks.  I like the RD deck the best.   

 

I do have a minor rowing issue (about 12" wide) on the right side when the grass is high and when mowing thick zoysia.  I do plan on trying the bigger wheels to see if this helps but I consider the rowing issue to be minor.   I'm also going to try that HD grease to see if it will quieten things down.

 

Clippings build up under the RD deck worse than the SD decks and the RD decks have to be cleaned more often.  I try to clean under the RD deck after every mowing or at least every other mowing.  Build up is more on the right side due to the clockwise rotation of the blades which may also be the reason for the minor rowing on the right side. 

[Handy Don 12,177]

If the mowing too quickly, the buildup on the right is interfering with the cutting action by pressing the grass down before it's cut. RDs, and especially the Recycler, need time to digest.

[grinchsr 626]

I will keep that in mind. Thanks Don

[peter lena 8,589]

@biged77   realise  we all have a  different grass situation , hi / lo , damp , field edging  etc. also have a time factor in there , when to do it . have also changed my cutting patterns  to try a look , or setting of my grass. regularly would try a criss / cross  cut in a  tough spot to find what looks / cuts best . that led me on to how I  regularly cut now . was cutting with the length / width  of my lawn , and regularly  having issues with it , when finished.  now I  just cut in the opposite  up and down direction , and it just looks perfect , in finished  cut . since doing that , my lawn just looks right when done , experiment / for effect , that would be my recommendation . my deck changes reflect , the regular issues I  was having with them , went after every function and  looked for a changing improvement .  bearing grease failure , (  whining  noisy bearings  ) is gone , along with stiff linkage areas / zero rust , fine file sharpening  , blades  for minimal metal removal .  it all added up to  , what I  regularly use , pete

[grinchsr 626]

Thanks again Pete. Not much grass to cut now but I will see what works 

[cod 120]

What I've found with my RD, is when I finish mowing I run my hand under the deck at the left rear corner (just in front of the rear tire) and push the build up of of grass off. I do the same on each side at the front between the anti scalp rollers. In my case it helps to keep those areas dry and I only have to drop the deck once a month to really clean it. Once you've dropped it a couple of times you'll have a better idea of where the grass can build up and come up with a plan that works for you. 

 

Good luck!