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South656 · Jul 19, 2005, 12:36 PM

Hi All!

I just recently purchased a Craftsman 18.5 hp 42in. Deck riding lawn mower/tractor. It has a Briggs and Stratton Intek plus OHV engine. It has a 12 gauge deck with twin hi-life blades also. I have used it twice since I got it a few weeks ago and have found some problems when cutting my grass with it. It has a wheel in the back of the deck on each side which is supposed to help when cutting on slopes or hilly areas. My yard slopes a good bit and I have been experiencing some scalping in some places of my yard. I tried setting the mower to a lower speed but that does not help. I only have the blade on level 4 which is even higher than the recommended for burmuda grass, which is what I have in my front yard. When I cut over the slopes and certain areas in my yard, the blade cuts too short and leaves patchy brown spots. I am not sure what else I can try to fix this. I have fescue in my back yard and do not have this problem there. Anyone know what else I can try, or have any input on it... that would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
South

labman · Jul 19, 2005, 12:43 PM

The problem may be more irregularities than the slope. Even on a smooth curve, the wheels will be on lower parts than the center and scalp. I tired adding a third wheel to my mower. It seemed to help the scalping, but tended to jam from grass packed in it.

thebriggsdude · Jul 19, 2005, 08:27 PM

I just purchased the same mower, great engine. But even a yard that appears flat, may not be, those wheels help some but one steeper side, and one higher side and they will scalp, but they have a front roller to prevent scalping on the front. Also make sure the tire pressure is right, and the decks leveled correctly.