What is this flat metal bar on the mowing deck?
 

I heard something dragging on the ground today so I took off the mowing deck and on the front bottom there is this metal piece. Do I need it lol? It's all warped and bent out of shape. Is it just reinforcement or does it serve a purpose?

I am guessing it is some sort of Baffle or Shroud, used to create "lift". You can take it off, pound it straight, then re-attach it. Or, take it off and leave it off.

I agree on helping with suction lift, and depending on the thickness, it might also help strengthen the front lip of the deck, as they usually get banged up quite a bit.

I think it helps keep grass under vs blowing on top of deck

In my parts manual there are 2 pieces
1 is called Skirt centre
2 is called Skirt RH
Oz

Thanks. It looks like it came off because the bolts broke so I will have to get some new tap screws or something. I guess I'll take it off for now.

Its the baffle. Alot of them have been removed. Also alot of them get complaints about cut quality.


I try to leave them in when I can. Helps with lift

3 years late to the party, and first post. Wondered why clippings were flying up onto me/tractor from under left side of deck...missing skirt baffle.