Re: (ET) Mowing

[Steve Welch <swelch dejazzd com>]

A "true" deck with sharp blades is key (as others have noted).  I 
currently have baffles & rear discharge.  Springtime requires cutting more 
than once a week, since these blades don't really mulch.  I am still 
interested in trying Gatorblades sometime.

I usually mow in D1 or D2.  D2 is a bit fast, but my tranny is pretty loud 
in D1, so sometimes I use D2 & just use less throttle.  I always switch to 
D1 for the hills.  I can't imagine mowing in L - it would take me way, way 
too long (though I admit the cut would probably be better).

Steve


On May 10, 2012, at 6:41 PM, Charlie wrote:

> I use L for a better cut with the I5.   D1 is much too ragged for me.
> 
> If I use D2 I keep bouncing up off the seat and releasing the deadman 
> switch...
> 
> My machine runs slower in cruise than when I have the pedal all the
> way down - don't know if that's normal or not.
> 
> --Charlie
> 
> 
> On Thu, May 10, 2012 at 6:21 PM, Cz <cz alembic crystel com> wrote:
>> Interesting. I use l while mowing on my e20 in cruise, d1 is much too 
>> fast.
>> 
>> Jim Coate <lists freerangeelectric com> wrote:
>> 
>>> In general, the Elec-Trak may not give as perfect of a cut as "modern"
>>> lawn care standards many now expect (ie perfectly smooth green
>>> mono-crop), especially while making tight turns. Once upon a time the
>>> goal was to simply keep a nice diverse mix of fescues, clover, etc. cut
>>> to a reasonably equal height. On the other hand, it can take down 2'-3'
>>> tall grass & weeds without blinking :-)
>>> 
>>> I've sent Paul other info off-list but the basics: make sure the blades
>>> are sharp, installed the right way up, and the motors are all wired so
>>> they spin in the correct direction (CCW when viewed from the bottom).
>>> Nothing like trying to cut grass with the wrong edge of the blade. And
>>> yes, I've seen some wired wrong. Then make sure the deck isn't bent:
>>> stand it up on edge so you can see that all the motors are parallel to
>>> each other. You want to check that the blades are all in the same 
>>> plane;
>>> I find it easier to visually see that the axis of the motors are all 
>>> the
>>> same. Then check that the cutting height is the same at all four 
>>> corners
>>> (2 casters and 2 ends of the rollers). Also check that the rollers
>>> aren't worn badly: 2-1/2" diameter when new, so ideally still over 2"
>>> and not tapered at the ends. With the deck unplugged and tilted up, try
>>> spinning the blades. All three should turn easily and smoothly, without
>>> evil noises. Turning one by hand pretty fast should make the other two
>>> turn a little bit as well. Watch the centers and make sure they don't
>>> wobble - this could mean a bent shaft which means the ends of the 
>>> blades
>>> will vary in height as it goes around.
>>> 
>>> When mowing, I mostly use D1; I find D2 too fast. I use L if on steep
>>> slope and/or intricate area. Rear discharge is better for tall grass, 
>>> if
>>> using side discharge the clippings from the far side have to all pass 
>>> by
>>> the one blade by the chute so it gets overloaded. With tall grass go
>>> forward over it than back up over the same area. For really tall grass,
>>> may need to raise the deck up with the lift for the first pass. By this
>>> I mean 3' tall or so. If regularly mowing a suburbia lawn, side
>>> discharge may give a slightly nicer cut as scatters the clipping 
>>> better,
>>> but rear discharge should be fine if mow frequently so not taking off
>>> more than 1/3 the length (also recommended for health of the grass to
>>> not stress it too much).
>>> 
>>> ___
>>> Jim Coate
>>> 540-941-1005
>>> Free Range Electric, LLC
>>> *The Electric Tractor Store*
>>> http://www.ElectricTractorStore.com
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On 5/10/12 12:28 PM, paulsouc ymail com wrote:
>>>> I mowed briefly with the Elec-Trak for the first time and found that 
>>>> it
>>>> did a fair job. Rear discharge. Lots of clumps and some unevenness.
>>>> Admittedly, I am a complete novice in its use. Speed may have been too
>>>> fast and perhaps I need to adjust the cutting height though I believe 
>>>> it
>>>> was at about 3" and I was taking roughly an 1.5" off. I will most
>>>> certainly need time to play a bit and makes some adjustments.
>>>> 
>>> 
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