Crop Circles

15 years ago

I have a 2010 JD X534 4-wheel steer lawn tractor with 54 inch mower deck, model #54X, complete with 14 bu. bagging attachement that requires JD blower kit to be mounted to the deck. Everything works just fine, however, when making a 360 circle while mowing, such as going around a tree, over time, the unit seems to have left a perfect circle around the tree/object where the grass is virtually "rubbed" out, creating what I see as a crop circle. Furthermore this appears to occur on the exact path that is below the blower on the discharge side of the deck.

Anyone else experienced this issue? Can the discharge side of the deck be raised to compensate for the weight of the blower unit, without leaving a cut that is not level? The mower deck is still positioned (for levelness) as it was when delivered by the dealer last May (setup originally done by dealer, without blower unit)and still appears to cut quite level, with or without the blower unit installed.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

larso1
15 years ago
Well, in 2009, BBC News reported that Lara Giddings, the attorney general for the island state of Tasmania, stated that Australian wallabies had been found creating crop circles in fields of poppies after consuming some of the opiate-laden crop and running in circles.

So I think the big question is.....do you have any wallabies in the neighborhood? I think this would explain the phenomenom.......(sorry:)
tomplum
15 years ago
So what you are saying is the cutting area below the blower is knocking the grass over rather than cutting on turns? Is there a baffel plate located under the lip of the deck? In answer to your question about leveling- some times it is necessary to change the amount of tension on the blower side and even compensate the point of level on larger decks.
Related Professionals
Springfield Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Manchester Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Milwaukee Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Chula Vista Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Sebring Landscape Contractors · Augusta Landscape Contractors · Somerset Landscape Contractors · Greenville Landscape Contractors · Columbus Landscape Contractors · Greenfield Landscape Contractors · Grand Rapids Landscape Contractors · Janesville Landscape Contractors · Idaho Falls Landscape Contractors · Fargo Architects & Building Designers · Portland Architects & Building Designers
doberman_2007
15 years ago
I have the same mower a 2008 ,54inch cut ,no bagger.
I have found a heavy tractor with 4 wheels steering will leave rings on the outside wheel I swore at first this wasnt true over time it happened... I notice it more on a mature tree that is humped up or raised up.All the weight is shifted to one side. I try to go in different directions ,also with the larger deck it can dig in to the ground if the ground is high, I dont think you will cure it .With the rider that mower is about a half a ton. .. I dont mow very long in a staight line mostly turning but that is why I bought it and have no regrets...
wheelhorse_of_course
15 years ago
Does this mower have anti-scalp rollers or wheels? If so, maybe you could adjust them (even if adjustment is not intended)

If not, is there an add-on kit?
doberman_2007
15 years ago
The mower has a anti -scalp roller on it. Tornado are your trees humped up I call it or raised? I notice mine more on very wet ground,and I know you are not engaging that wheel lock feature turning? I did that and it will give you tons of sod... I didnt release it fast enough and turned. Place your mower in your garage or a level driveway ,turn your wheels all the way left and right measuring the distance of the mowers height . Also with the mower down you should be able to slide your hand under the 4 wheels and floor. I feel the outside tire is marking the ground .