Enhancing 44C Mower Cutting & Blade Speed

Carl_NH · #1 07-03-2009, 08:25 PM

Hi All,

Well my neigbor has a CC 3165/48" deck and the volume of discharge and sound level when cutting is much higher - and the center spindle is smaller than my 1811/44C which leads me to believe the blade tip speed is higher and on the newer versions. Aso the "cornering or turning" cut quality appears better due to the higher tip speed.

The issue is when I cut less than a 6' radius my 44C leaves a streak of partially cut grass. I have the 44C deck - original with baffles intact, sharp blades and probably running about 3200 RPM when cutting. The front of the deck is slightly lower (1/4") to the rear. in straight line mowing the cut is great but leaves some residue in heavier grass and to get a really uniform cut (anal) I need to mow the area again.

So I have two questions, 1) is there a high lift/mulching style blade that will improve the cut quality or do I need to go to a smaller center spindle to increase tip speed and 2) on the enclosed decks (like 44C) how do you keep the clippings and crap out of the enclosed spindle drive area other than cleaning every few months? The cover on these units seems to trap debris and this leads to rusting of covers and deck.

Thanks in advance to your suggestions and replies.

Carl

Matt G. · #2 07-03-2009, 10:29 PM

First off, get your engine turning 3600 rpm. It'll cut better and it's better for the engine, too.

aagitch · #3 07-03-2009, 11:40 PM

I've heard the gator blades help out. Other than that I don't know if I'd speed up the deck rpm with a different pulley since it wasn't designed for it. I'm sure it would handle it since it's a good heavy duty deck.

greg r · #4 07-06-2009, 02:20 AM

Speeding up will come at a price, though it's hard to say how much. But basically the torque/power for heavy cutting will be reduced somewhat.
I'd check into the Gator blades, I've talked or written to folks who really like them.
Once I get my tractor problems fixed, they'll be the next upgrade I'm gonna try.
I believe the spindle drive area needs to breathe, heat from the bearings and belt needs to escape. If you close it up too much, it'll trap moisture worse than it does now as well.