How do I ensure purchasing a mower with the best cutting deck for my land?
IN PURSUIT OF A QUALITY LAWN FINISH
The cutting deck and deck placement on any Grillo mower is crucial to achieve a beautiful lawn finish. These compartments are specifically designed to direct clippings through a smooth process straight into the machines’ grass catcher.
Grillo takes design, engineering and testing very seriously, and the result is their FD (Front Deck) range of grass collection ride on mowers. A lot goes into the design of a ride-on mower to create an effective collection process and optimize performance. The three main considerations are 1) Cutting Deck, 2) Collection System, and 3) Deck Placement. For further information on the collection system, blockages, disposal and other common queries; click here.
HOW DOES THE CUTTING DECK OPERATE?
The cutting deck and their blades working in harmony leads to a good collection system. Each cutting deck is designed to direct the grass straight through the mower into the collection bin. A well designed cutting deck will reduce and try to eliminate areas through this collection system where cut grass can build up, potentially blocking the main pathway to the bin. Reduced corners and a streamlined design improves the flow of grass direct to the bin.
A collection system is powered by moving air created by a mechanical impeller blowing the grass; or a draft created by the moving blades. The impeller is great combined with a well designed collection system; reducing any grass blockages and an overall higher quality finish. Without this system combined well, it becomes a serious blocking hazard and an extra cost for parts and servicing. The design of the blades within the cutting deck are also worth consideration as they create the draft required to power the entire system. Blade tips on higher ‘up stands’ create more air-flow, so the collection process is better with higher power.
WHAT CUTTING DECK IS BEST FOR ME?
For steeper hills or rolling terrain, a Grillo gradient climber ride on mower is the best option as the area requires a central weight distribution and low center of gravity.
For a flatter area with little/no sloping or obstacles, a mid-mounted cutting deck (placed under the seat) is a more suitable option as a high degree of visibility isn’t required. However, it is harder to reach the underside of the deck and many working parts require disassembly.
For easy maneuver around obstacles, anti-scalping wheels and difficult corners, a out-front cutting deck (placed at the front of the mower) is the best choice. “Dead space” won’t remain and it travels sideways with ease. These cutting decks can tilt up or to the side; so it is more accessible for any cleaning or service needs.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SINGLE AND TRIPLE BLADES
The FD220R has a cutting deck with single blade system with very high up-stands. A very high airflow is produced, forcing the grass up through the side tube to the bin. The FD280 and FD450 have three-blade cutting systems with direct rear collection.
The collection system removes need for fans or an impeller, reducing potential problems as the air is created with no reliance on a mechanical system. Two of the three blades counter-rotate to create an airflow: directing grass through the rear center chute direct to the grass bin. The third blade cuts any missed grass blades and creates more airflow.
