Which deck

olds45512 · #1 06-12-2015, 01:46 PM

When I restored my 108 I also did a 48" deck for it but my yard is really uneven so there's spot where it leave high grass on one side and its almost scalping on the other side, I have a few option and would like to here opinions.

1. I have a 42" deck that's in nice shape and would be an easy restore.

2. I also have a 44" deck that decent but would take more work than the 42" plus going to the 44" I'd also have to paint a different mule drive.

Yosemite Sam · #2 06-12-2015, 02:25 PM

Level the yard out!

My yard looks really flat, but does have similar issues in a few areas, fixing the yard would cure the biggest part of the the problems.

Personally I don't really care for any of the IH Cub Cadet decks, the 44/50 decks look like they would do a really good job, but for some reason they seem to leave kind of a crappy cut (although I do have one 44" deck that does do a pretty good job).

The 38/42 decks do a good job but the discharge is so small they clog terribly if you don't keep right up with your grass cutting. A little short blade on the discharge side... not a good idea.

The 48" decks seem like thy would be the best choice, with the larger discharge and similar sized blades all the way across. BUT, they have a tendency to exactly what you describe.

I think the 38/42/48 decks need a better baffle system underneath, much bigger "wind wings" on the blades and wheels on all four corners.

The best decks that I have ever used are ones where the deck stays the same height all the time and only the blades are raised and lowered. They keep a good vacuum, the clippings are all cut up well, the discharge is phenomenal and everything ends up flat and smooth.

These are just my personal opinions based on my experiences.

drglinski · #3 06-12-2015, 08:30 PM

Weird...I've never experienced any annoying issues with a 48" mower...actually they are my favorite and cut the best IMO. If the deck is level and it's scalping, the yard isn't level and/or has high spots.

darkminion_17 · #4 06-12-2015, 09:17 PM

My yard is small but my deck is big on the 1641,but a 38" cast end deck on a 70 does the job when I have one mounted that is...

zippy1 · #5 06-13-2015, 12:54 AM

I like my 44" on the 782, would be better with front wheels though instead of the skids...
My 42" on the 122 cuts super nice, clean, but as mentioned you need not let the grass go to long

cubby102 · #6 06-13-2015, 03:18 AM

Ive never personaly had a issue with the decks clogging and I let my grass get 8+ inches tall before cutting g sometimes. My favorite best cutting deck I have is my cast end 38 followed by my cast end 42. Best cutting deck I've ever had was a 48" on a 124. My 38 rarely if ever scalps anywhere I mow

olds45512 · #7 06-13-2015, 09:45 AM

I think I'm going to try the 42" and see how it works and if I like it I will restore it to match the tractor at the end of the season.

Tankman · #8 06-17-2015, 08:01 PM

I'm thinking, deck needs adjustment and leveling.

Took me a few cuts (48" SD deck) but with advice from forum members, all's well now.

Perhaps adjusting and leaving the grass a bit higher. Don't cut low. Cut often.
Think seat time is good.

litlmikeyl · #9 06-25-2015, 04:52 PM

I have a similar issue with two small areas of my yard that the one side of my 42" cast-nose deck will scalp a bit. Like Yosemite Sam said, making the yard level will fix one of my problem spots. Since the deck has always given me a cut close to what the neighbors' Craftsmans & "green" riders produce even when it was in disrepair I decided to rebuild it nearly verbatim of what IHinIN did with his 48" cast-nose deck.

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=25861

Haven't put the deck wheels and mounts on yet but so far it cuts like a new machine. I'm pretty excited how well it does now.

Just my