Modifying the blades on a timed deck will probably net you a thin strip of uncut grass down the center. Multi blade decks use one of 2 forms of overcut to prevent leaving a center strip of uncut grass.

Timed decks have a simple overlap. Un-timed decks have the blade staggered, one forward a little of the other so they can have an overlap without interference.

Your timed deck has blades aligned evenly side by side and shortening blades to prevent contact will leave a strip.

I have trhe same mower but not the same problem. My problem is with breaking the belt everytime I hit a rock. It costs me 53.00 for a new belt everytime I break it. There has to be a solution to this. I know don't hit any rocks, well that is easier said than done, as everytime I mow I find one that wasn't there before. I have tried putting on a regular surpintine belt but it just rose up the pulleys as they turned and eventually popped off. So I was thinking about just modifying it and putting v-belt pulleys like my old trusty Montgomery Wards garden tractor, that I have put through hell and it just keeps on mowing. Anybody have any thoughts on this modification.

Five belts in two years and my small lawn is perfect.
I hit a pine cone today and snapped another $58 Belt. A PINE CONE !

I am selling this piece of junk

For all of you who still happen to have an EZR1742 with a timmed deck, I have a simple and absolutly free cure.
remove your plastic covers and remove the nut that clamps the tension pully in place. Adjust belt as normal and do not clamp that nut down to hold the pully in place. This will allow the belt to pull the tension pully loosening the belt enough to pop off the cogged pulleys instead of breaking the belt. Try it and enjoy!!

I am so mad... if I could find the pothead that designed this deck I would drive to his house and Toss rotten eggs on his lawn... I have been fighting this deck for ten years. Wheatbarley. You must not have gotten the fix they sent out, no doubt after a "brainstorm session" they attached a top plate to the the cogged belt sprocket that guarantees the belt cannot come off. Not only have i broken numerous belts i have broken several aluminum housings that support the blade shaft, not to mention how many blades I have ruined. Ariens, and Gravely its parent, should be very embarrassed, I know any Dealer I talk to quickly drops his eyes as soon as I tell my ordeal.
After saving for years, so I no longer have to push a mower i spent 2 month's take home pay on this pig.. I am going to try shortening the blades as suggested until I can either save my pennies to afford a new deck, or maybe I should just drive this piece of s@@% into the river.

Ariens was Established in 1933 in Brillion, Wisconsin. A true American success story, Arien rose out of the depths of the global depression to become a producer of highly regarded and innovative agricultural equipment.
In the latter half of the 20th century Arien changed its focus to lawn and garden equipment.
The company was quick to recognise the potential of zero turn mowers, and soon shifted its focus away from the more traditional lawn tractor designs.

The Arien Company is still under the control of a fourth-generation member of the Arien family, Dan Arien.
Ariens is known for its premium 'Zoom' range of zero turn mowers for consumers.
Arien's mission statement is:
Passionate People � Astounded Customers

LOOK OUT DAN! I am an Astounded Customers with a whole bucket of Rotten eggs headed your way. 1742 zero satisfaction is what you should name this mower.