50c vs 44c deck?
 

Hey guys, I'd like your thoughts on which is better, a 44c deck or a 50c? Does either one cut faster and/or throw the grass out better than the other?

One is 44" wide, the other is 50" wide. Which one do you think will cut faster?

They are the exact same thing, only one is wider. I run both side by side on two different tractors. The 50" takes more power to run..... because it's bigger.

What tractor?
If 14hp and up =50
Otherwise 44
I have both but have never had either on a tractor less than 18hp, I thought they both cut nicely.

I've run my 50C on my 1050... a 10HP. :biggrin2:

It will pull it.... if you go slow, LOL.

I have both on supers the 44 for getting into tight spots, the 50 for everywhere else. The bigger the deck the more strain on tractor. I do not like the 60" decks due to this reason as well as being very heavy to deal with. I think the 60" deck is an engine killer. I know there are members that love them. the 44C and 50C are great decks.

Let me throw this out here, these mentioned decks are not a deep deck, they tend to clog underside in heavy wet grass, and thus don't give a golf course look.
Do they work? yes, and produce a good cut when adjusted correctly, and blades are kept sharp.
They are not a zero turn, with a deep deck, go fast git-er-done, or golf course green results.
Gator blades make finer clippings and work fantastic @ making a lot of leaves disappear in the fall.

During regular mowing, some prefer them others prefer conventional blades.
Best to try a test or two, on your application of conventional Vs. gator mulching blades and decide for yourself.
this is my experiences, yours will vary.
Disclaimer:
Some earthworms,amphibians & snakes were harmed, mutilated or killed during the course of these mowing endeavors.
But rest assured it was not intended.
The follow up of a dozen chickens after the mowings insure that the casualties were proper recycled through their digestive systems,
and the resulting eggs were protein rich. :biggrin2:

Thanks guys. I'm running an 1811, should've mentioned that before. I thought I've seen guys on these forums that reported better experiences with 50c vs 44c decks, so I thought I'd just ask on here what you all thought.

When considering Jonathon's view, remember he is a professional mechanic, his equipment is in top shape, finely tuned, and the mechanics of his decks are impeccable. :biggrin2: Now for the rest of us, a 50 inch deck on a 10HP tractor is not practical.

Your 1811 should have no problem handing the 50 inch deck. I use a 50C on my 784 (older version of the 1811) with NO issues.

:IH Trusted Hand:

It takes some HP to run the 60's. I had a 1572 with a 60 and the poor little Bota didn't like it at all. Also had a 60 on a 2284, the CH handled it with ease.

LOL. I need to put a disclaimer on sig line! :ROTF1:

In all fairness, I did "tune" the 1050 as best I could.... but it's still just a stock 10HP.....set to run rich with some minor governor mods. :biggrin2:
I keep the blades on the 50C sharp and clean it out after every mowing.


George is right though. They aren't the best decks. The later high lift decks on the cyclops series are better. Honestly, I think the old triangle decks cut better, or at least as good. The triangle and the "C" decks neither do very well when you are cutting more than 3" of grass. They tend to lay it over because they just can't spit it out fast enough.