I have given up on trying to get the tractor mower to collect the
clippings, it has just been far too wet the past couple of years - the
cuttings just stick in the collection duct and build up until it
extends into the cutting deck then jams the blade. The jammed blade
then wrecks the drive V belt.

My first mod, was to fit a flap diverting cuttings from entering the
duct, but even that choked up. So what I have done now is take the duct
off completely.

Anyone else having issues with their mowers jamming up due to the
constant wet weather over the past two years?

--
Regards,
Harry (M1BYT) (L)
http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk

Well, many are around here, and short of fitting some form of warm air dryer
to the front of a mower, I cannot think of a fix for the mulch that is
created by cutting wet grass.

Brian

--
From the Bed of Brian Gaff.
The email is valid as
Blind user.
"Harry Bloomfield" wrote in message
. uk...
I have given up on trying to get the tractor mower to collect the
clippings, it has just been far too wet the past couple of years - the
cuttings just stick in the collection duct and build up until it extends
into the cutting deck then jams the blade. The jammed blade then wrecks the
drive V belt.

My first mod, was to fit a flap diverting cuttings from entering the duct,
but even that choked up. So what I have done now is take the duct off
completely.

Anyone else having issues with their mowers jamming up due to the constant
wet weather over the past two years?

--
Regards,
Harry (M1BYT) (L)
http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk

On Mon, 20 May 2013 10:19:00 +0100, Harry Bloomfield wrote:

I have given up on trying to get the tractor mower to collect the
clippings, it has just been far too wet the past couple of years - the
cuttings just stick in the collection duct and build up until it
extends into the cutting deck then jams the blade. The jammed blade
then wrecks the drive V belt.

My first mod, was to fit a flap diverting cuttings from entering the
duct, but even that choked up. So what I have done now is take the duct
off completely.

Anyone else having issues with their mowers jamming up due to the
constant wet weather over the past two years?

Yes, on Saturday. No rain for 2 days(!), waited until mid-pm. Grass was
about 4" long (needed doing a few days earlier, but...) but is that 'rugby
pitch' stuff - grows big and thick.
Started at no. 3 (Honda motor mower), clogged up, hammering noise due to out
of balance. Cleared it, went to no. 4 and managed to finish, then went over
it again on no. 2.
Then cleared a couple of kilos of clag from underneath - it was pretty solid
and took about 10 min. to do.
The cuttings don't clear the outlet and clog up an adjacent inlet, thus
further reducing airflow.
I must try to do that area more frequently - it hardly grows for a week
then, while I'm not looking, sprints upward. Oh, to make it worse, it's a
neighbour's garden, not mine!
--
Peter.
The gods will stay away
whilst religions hold sway

"Harry Bloomfield" wrote in message
. uk...

I have given up on trying to get the tractor mower to collect the
clippings, it has just been far too wet the past couple of years - the
cuttings just stick in the collection duct and build up until it extends
into the cutting deck then jams the blade. The jammed blade then wrecks the
drive V belt.

My first mod, was to fit a flap diverting cuttings from entering the duct,
but even that choked up. So what I have done now is take the duct off
completely.

Anyone else having issues with their mowers jamming up due to the constant
wet weather over the past two years?

My old Hayter ride on used to clog if I went too fast, but the current
Mountfield seems to cope no matter how wet the grass is. It came with plug
that goes in the discharge chute if I want to mulch rather than collect and
even with that in it cuts wet grass quite happily.

I do make a point of cutting mine at least weekly, perhaps you are not doing
it often enough and its getting too long?

Mike

On Mon, 20 May 2013 10:19:00 +0100, Harry Bloomfield wrote:

Anyone else having issues with their mowers jamming up due to the
constant wet weather over the past two years?

No. If it's wet, it doesn't get mown. B-)

It needs it's first cut now but it's far to wet today. It's about 6" but
we only ever cut at the highest mower setting which is probably about 3".
Cricket pitch or bowling green it is not...

--
Cheers
Dave.

On Monday, May 20, 2013 10:19:00 AM UTC+1, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
I have given up on trying to get the tractor mower to collect the

clippings, it has just been far too wet the past couple of years - the

cuttings just stick in the collection duct and build up until it

extends into the cutting deck then jams the blade. The jammed blade


Have you tried cutting it with the collector disengaged (if your mower can do that), leaving it for an hour or two (in dry weather) and then going over it to collect the dry cuttings?

Grass is 85 or 90% water, drying the cuttings for a while should make it easier to collect.

"Dave Liquorice" wrote in message
ll.co.uk...
On Mon, 20 May 2013 10:19:00 +0100, Harry Bloomfield wrote:

Anyone else having issues with their mowers jamming up due to the
constant wet weather over the past two years?

No. If it's wet, it doesn't get mown. B-)

Yeah, but if we leave it until we've had a few dry days in a row, most
peoples grass will be about 6 foot tall.

We usually mow out lawn every fortnight, tuesday afternoon, because that's
when the recyc bin is emptied, and the following day it's collected again
for garden waste,

My GF got the strimmer out and had got half way around the edges when it
started hailing, that buggered up that plan.

We finally got the grass cut yesterday, it was still partially wet, but we
had no choice, the dog turds were getting lost in the grass and overlooked,

GF made a start with the hover mower, then it discovered a cows hoof the dog
had taken out and dropped in the grass,
one bent blade, but thankfully the drive belt didnt go as she turned it off
the second she heard the rattle (i got the mower off ebay for next to
nothing, last owner had ran over a rock, but must have kept power on, as it
melted then shredded the belt.... not that he knew that, sold as totally
kaput for spares only, i had the exact same mower but with broken switch
levers and a cracked deck, so i swapped the bits over from mine to make one
good mower.

Anyhoo, i got a new blade from Been & Queued (if the belt had gone i'd have
been stuffed as they dont seem to stock them) and blimey, what a difference,
i was emptying the collection basket almost every run up the garden, before
it was a good 6 or 7 runs before it was full, and even tho the grass was wet
the new blade sliced through it nicely,
i had attempted to sharpen my old blade, but prolly got the angle wrong or
something.

When the mower began to clog the deck i just wobbled it side to side and
most of the mulch came down, shredded by the blade and then picked up by the
suction inlet as i went over,
maybe that's a little to do with why it dosent clog that much, as it
collects the grass by sucking it up after the deck has gone over it, i.e.
the inlet for the hover fan is at the back of the deck, and sucks through
the collection basket, hence grass clippings and the occasional light weight
dog turd are sucked up nicely, but the wet stuff dosent get to clog it up as
it's not blown in like most mowers do.

"Muddymike" wrote:
"Harry Bloomfield" wrote in message
. uk...

I have given up on trying to get the tractor mower to collect the
clippings, it has just been far too wet the past couple of years - the
cuttings just stick in the collection duct and build up until it
extends into the cutting deck then jams the blade. The jammed blade
then wrecks the drive V belt.

My first mod, was to fit a flap diverting cuttings from entering the
duct, but even that choked up. So what I have done now is take the duct off completely.

Anyone else having issues with their mowers jamming up due to the
constant wet weather over the past two years?

My old Hayter ride on used to clog if I went too fast, but the current
Mountfield seems to cope no matter how wet the grass is. It came with
plug that goes in the discharge chute if I want to mulch rather than
collect and even with that in it cuts wet grass quite happily.

I do make a point of cutting mine at least weekly, perhaps you are not
doing it often enough and its getting too long?

If mulching is the object and the grass is long and wet then a flail mower
is the ideal solution to getting a good finish without clogging.

Sadly most lawn tractors don't have a PTO or a three point link so they
can't make use of such things. John Deere apparently do, but most things
with "lawn" in the description are built down to a price.

--
€¢DarWin|
_/ _/

Muddymike was thinking very hard :
"Harry Bloomfield" wrote in message
. uk...

I have given up on trying to get the tractor mower to collect the clippings,
it has just been far too wet the past couple of years - the cuttings just
stick in the collection duct and build up until it extends into the cutting
deck then jams the blade. The jammed blade then wrecks the drive V belt.

My first mod, was to fit a flap diverting cuttings from entering the duct,
but even that choked up. So what I have done now is take the duct off
completely.

Anyone else having issues with their mowers jamming up due to the constant
wet weather over the past two years?

My old Hayter ride on used to clog if I went too fast, but the current
Mountfield seems to cope no matter how wet the grass is. It came with plug
that goes in the discharge chute if I want to mulch rather than collect and
even with that in it cuts wet grass quite happily.

I do make a point of cutting mine at least weekly, perhaps you are not doing
it often enough and its getting too long?

Mike

Just a few inches down, it is heavy clay, so we can't even attempt to
go on it until it is dried out after the winter. The first attempt at
cutting in mid April saw it jam up and it burn the cutter belt out. The
third attempt last week saw the main drive belt fail probably due to
age. So when the replacement for that arrived, which is quite a job to
fit, I decided the choking up duct would be better taken off.

--
Regards,
Harry (M1BYT) (L)
http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk

Onetap wrote on 20/05/2013 :
On Monday, May 20, 2013 10:19:00 AM UTC+1, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
I have given up on trying to get the tractor mower to collect the

clippings, it has just been far too wet the past couple of years - the

cuttings just stick in the collection duct and build up until it

extends into the cutting deck then jams the blade. The jammed blade


Have you tried cutting it with the collector disengaged (if your mower can do
that), leaving it for an hour or two (in dry weather) and then going over it
to collect the dry cuttings?

Grass is 85 or 90% water, drying the cuttings for a while should make it
easier to collect.

The collector is a very large one on the back almost 3' square. Leaving
it off, there is a flap which is supposed to allow it to flow through
the duct, then dump it back on the grass. Except it just builds up in
the duct, fills that up then gradually chokes up the blade. The duct is
about 2' long and a hell of a job to clear out when it is impacted.

Last year I tried modifying it by fitting a flap to stop it even
entering the duct, but it still choked up with the air pressure from
the fan. Now I have removed the entire duct and it just blows the
clippings straight out of the deck. Hopefully that should fix it.

It works fine collecting, if and when the grass ever gets dry enough.

--
Regards,
Harry (M1BYT) (L)
http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk

On 20/05/13 10:19, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
I have given up on trying to get the tractor mower to collect the
clippings, it has just been far too wet the past couple of years - the
cuttings just stick in the collection duct and build up until it
extends into the cutting deck then jams the blade. The jammed blade
then wrecks the drive V belt.

My first mod, was to fit a flap diverting cuttings from entering the
duct, but even that choked up. So what I have done now is take the
duct off completely.

Anyone else having issues with their mowers jamming up due to the
constant wet weather over the past two years?

mine never was very good at collecting em anyway. Mulch or spray. At the
moment I am spraying. Saves stopping to clear jams every few minutes



--
Ineptocracy

(in-ep-toc-ra-cy) €“ a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers.

On 20/05/2013 10:19, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
I have given up on trying to get the tractor mower to collect the
clippings, it has just been far too wet the past couple of years - the
cuttings just stick in the collection duct and build up until it extends
into the cutting deck then jams the blade. The jammed blade then wrecks
the drive V belt.

My first mod, was to fit a flap diverting cuttings from entering the
duct, but even that choked up. So what I have done now is take the duct
off completely.

Anyone else having issues with their mowers jamming up due to the
constant wet weather over the past two years?

The first cut of the year is sometimes a pain with mine... the solution
seems to be cut on the highest setting (or one from the highest), and
then do it again at the normal position. If I then do it every week to
ten days it seems ok, but its still possible to get to occasional clog.

Alas my ride on does not have the option to just cut and drop (it can
cut and collect or cut and mulch) out of the box. You can spoof its
various interlocks to run with the collector off, but then it sprays
clippings in a huge fountain some 10' behind you ;-) No doubt a bit of
added on deflecting baffle would fix that and make it less likely to clog.

I am told the one that use a rotary brush for collection like the Contax
ones are better with wet grass.

--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

On 20/05/2013 15:15, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
Onetap wrote on 20/05/2013 :
On Monday, May 20, 2013 10:19:00 AM UTC+1, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
I have given up on trying to get the tractor mower to collect the
clippings, it has just been far too wet the past couple of years - the
cuttings just stick in the collection duct and build up until it
extends into the cutting deck then jams the blade. The jammed blade

Have you tried cutting it with the collector disengaged (if your mower
can do that), leaving it for an hour or two (in dry weather) and then
going over it to collect the dry cuttings?

Grass is 85 or 90% water, drying the cuttings for a while should make
it easier to collect.

The collector is a very large one on the back almost 3' square. Leaving
it off, there is a flap which is supposed to allow it to flow through
the duct, then dump it back on the grass. Except it just builds up in
the duct, fills that up then gradually chokes up the blade. The duct is
about 2' long and a hell of a job to clear out when it is impacted.

I normally keep a length of 2x1 handy to rod it through a bit - normally
clears it if it does block.

Emptying slightly more frequently helps as well - not letting it get too
full.



--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

"John Rumm" wrote in message
o.uk...

On 20/05/2013 10:19, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
I have given up on trying to get the tractor mower to collect the
clippings, it has just been far too wet the past couple of years - the
cuttings just stick in the collection duct and build up until it extends
into the cutting deck then jams the blade. The jammed blade then wrecks
the drive V belt.

My first mod, was to fit a flap diverting cuttings from entering the
duct, but even that choked up. So what I have done now is take the duct
off completely.

Anyone else having issues with their mowers jamming up due to the
constant wet weather over the past two years?

The first cut of the year is sometimes a pain with mine... the solution
seems to be cut on the highest setting (or one from the highest), and then
do it again at the normal position. If I then do it every week to ten days
it seems ok, but its still possible to get to occasional clog.

Alas my ride on does not have the option to just cut and drop (it can cut
and collect or cut and mulch) out of the box. You can spoof its various
interlocks to run with the collector off, but then it sprays clippings in a
huge fountain some 10' behind you ;-) No doubt a bit of added on deflecting
baffle would fix that and make it less likely to clog.

I am told the one that use a rotary brush for collection like the Contax
ones are better with wet grass.


Not in my experience. My old Hayter 18/42 was a re-badged Countax 42inch
with a PTO powered sweeper behind and it was forever clogging unless I went
a a snails pace on wet grass.

Mike

On 20/05/2013 18:26, Muddymike wrote:
"John Rumm" wrote in message
o.uk...

On 20/05/2013 10:19, Harry Bloomfield wrote:
I have given up on trying to get the tractor mower to collect the
clippings, it has just been far too wet the past couple of years - the
cuttings just stick in the collection duct and build up until it extends
into the cutting deck then jams the blade. The jammed blade then wrecks
the drive V belt.

My first mod, was to fit a flap diverting cuttings from entering the
duct, but even that choked up. So what I have done now is take the duct
off completely.

Anyone else having issues with their mowers jamming up due to the
constant wet weather over the past two years?

The first cut of the year is sometimes a pain with mine... the
solution seems to be cut on the highest setting (or one from the
highest), and then do it again at the normal position. If I then do it
every week to ten days it seems ok, but its still possible to get to
occasional clog.

Alas my ride on does not have the option to just cut and drop (it can
cut and collect or cut and mulch) out of the box. You can spoof its
various interlocks to run with the collector off, but then it sprays
clippings in a huge fountain some 10' behind you ;-) No doubt a bit of
added on deflecting baffle would fix that and make it less likely to
clog.

I am told the one that use a rotary brush for collection like the
Contax ones are better with wet grass.


Not in my experience. My old Hayter 18/42 was a re-badged Countax 42inch
with a PTO powered sweeper behind and it was forever clogging unless I
went a a snails pace on wet grass.

One might argue that "collects if driven slowly" is better than not at
all regardless though! Still, not really a problem - I took a look at
the price and decided against!

(I know someone who set his mower to simply eject the grass, and mows
with a tow behind sweeper attached... I tried that with mine and it just
spat the clippings clean over the top of the sweeper).


--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

"Harry Bloomfield" wrote in message
. uk...

I have given up on trying to get the tractor mower to collect the
clippings, it has just been far too wet the past couple of years - the
cuttings just stick in the collection duct and build up until it
extends into the cutting deck then jams the blade. The jammed blade
then wrecks the drive V belt.

My first mod, was to fit a flap diverting cuttings from entering the
duct, but even that choked up. So what I have done now is take the duct
off completely.

Anyone else having issues with their mowers jamming up due to the
constant wet weather over the past two years?



Technique......It's all about technique. (And a bloody sharp edge blade, so
file an edge on the bugger before starting to cut when wet!)

Set cut height to slice off about the top 1" of sward if it's very long.
Lower as required after a full area cut. Repeat.
If cut sward outlet is at RHS toward rear of machine then second line of cut
should overlap the first line of cut by only HALF the blade diameter to the
LEFT side. This allows sward to be flung better out of exit chute as you are
flinging it over an already cleared area and not across the top of uncut
sward. Simplez!

Empty after a few runs, listen to the engine, when it's labouring then
you've overdone it. Watch the excess cut sward behind, if there's lots
you're either full up in the bag or there's a blockage.

If you're on clay generally, over a period of time across the season, add a
thin (½") of 30/50 topsoil and mortar sand mixed evenly every so often
across all the worst areas after cutting to the desired height, this will
allow the grass to grow through and give a more drainable top layer. Take
time to keep it raked level, and you'll have a good surface building up that
will look better and be more managable. The more you do it, the easier the
surface will drain, the more level it will be and the grass will benefit.

After 10 years in the Golf industry sorting these problems on *very*
expensive mowers and idiot operators it's all about doing it right and
making it look nice, and it's easy, when you know how.

;-)

On 20/05/2013 22:42, Nthkentman wrote:
"Harry Bloomfield" wrote in message
. uk...

I have given up on trying to get the tractor mower to collect the
clippings, it has just been far too wet the past couple of years - the
cuttings just stick in the collection duct and build up until it
extends into the cutting deck then jams the blade. The jammed blade
then wrecks the drive V belt.

My first mod, was to fit a flap diverting cuttings from entering the
duct, but even that choked up. So what I have done now is take the duct
off completely.

Anyone else having issues with their mowers jamming up due to the
constant wet weather over the past two years?



Technique......It's all about technique. (And a bloody sharp edge blade,
so file an edge on the bugger before starting to cut when wet!)

Set cut height to slice off about the top 1" of sward if it's very long.
Lower as required after a full area cut. Repeat.
If cut sward outlet is at RHS toward rear of machine then second line of
cut should overlap the first line of cut by only HALF the blade diameter
to the LEFT side. This allows sward to be flung better out of exit chute
as you are flinging it over an already cleared area and not across the
top of uncut sward. Simplez!

What about if your machine is like mine with centre outlet (i.e. between
two counter rotating blades). That presumably limits you to only using a
quarter of the deck's width?

Empty after a few runs, listen to the engine, when it's labouring then
you've overdone it. Watch the excess cut sward behind, if there's lots
you're either full up in the bag or there's a blockage.

If you're on clay generally, over a period of time across the season,
add a thin (½") of 30/50 topsoil and mortar sand mixed evenly every so
often across all the worst areas after cutting to the desired height,

The "worst" areas in my case would be the third of the lawn you could
water ski across with a good run up ;-)

this will allow the grass to grow through and give a more drainable top
layer. Take time to keep it raked level, and you'll have a good surface
building up that will look better and be more managable. The more you
do it, the easier the surface will drain, the more level it will be and
the grass will benefit.

After 10 years in the Golf industry sorting these problems on *very*
expensive mowers and idiot operators it's all about doing it right and
making it look nice, and it's easy, when you know how.

Interesting, thanks...



--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

In message , John
Rumm writes
Anyone else having issues with their mowers jamming up due to the
constant wet weather over the past two years?



Technique......It's all about technique. (And a bloody sharp edge blade,
so file an edge on the bugger before starting to cut when wet!)

Set cut height to slice off about the top 1" of sward if it's very long.
Lower as required after a full area cut. Repeat.
If cut sward outlet is at RHS toward rear of machine then second line of
cut should overlap the first line of cut by only HALF the blade diameter
to the LEFT side. This allows sward to be flung better out of exit chute
as you are flinging it over an already cleared area and not across the
top of uncut sward. Simplez!

What about if your machine is like mine with centre outlet (i.e.
between two counter rotating blades). That presumably limits you to
only using a quarter of the deck's width?

Mine also has contra rotation. The makers supply a choice of *collection
tube* or *mulch attachment*.

I just mulch until the weather allows the collector to work. I can
confirm that cutting, drying and then collecting works well.

One downside to persistent mulching is that my mower does not leave the
clippings evenly spread. Spiral mowing (about 1/3 acre) can leave a
strip of mulch dense enough to discourage grass growth.

--
Tim Lamb

On 21/05/2013 09:41, Tim Lamb wrote:
In message , John
Rumm writes
Anyone else having issues with their mowers jamming up due to the
constant wet weather over the past two years?



Technique......It's all about technique. (And a bloody sharp edge blade,
so file an edge on the bugger before starting to cut when wet!)

Set cut height to slice off about the top 1" of sward if it's very long.
Lower as required after a full area cut. Repeat.
If cut sward outlet is at RHS toward rear of machine then second line of
cut should overlap the first line of cut by only HALF the blade diameter
to the LEFT side. This allows sward to be flung better out of exit chute
as you are flinging it over an already cleared area and not across the
top of uncut sward. Simplez!

What about if your machine is like mine with centre outlet (i.e.
between two counter rotating blades). That presumably limits you to
only using a quarter of the deck's width?

Mine also has contra rotation. The makers supply a choice of *collection
tube* or *mulch attachment*.

I just mulch until the weather allows the collector to work. I can
confirm that cutting, drying and then collecting works well.

One downside to persistent mulching is that my mower does not leave the
clippings evenly spread. Spiral mowing (about 1/3 acre) can leave a
strip of mulch dense enough to discourage grass growth.

I find I need to cut every 4 to 5 days if I mulch to prevent leaving
lots of visible clippings. It also uses more petrol, and creates more
vibration when cutting. So I only tend to do it in the height of summer
to save the hassle of collecting huge amounts of clippings and also to
give the lawn a bit more protection from the heat.


--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

"John Rumm" wrote in message
o.uk...

On 20/05/2013 22:42, Nthkentman wrote:
"Harry Bloomfield" wrote in message
. uk...

I have given up on trying to get the tractor mower to collect the
clippings, it has just been far too wet the past couple of years - the
cuttings just stick in the collection duct and build up until it
extends into the cutting deck then jams the blade. The jammed blade
then wrecks the drive V belt.

My first mod, was to fit a flap diverting cuttings from entering the
duct, but even that choked up. So what I have done now is take the duct
off completely.

Anyone else having issues with their mowers jamming up due to the
constant wet weather over the past two years?



Technique......It's all about technique. (And a bloody sharp edge blade,
so file an edge on the bugger before starting to cut when wet!)

Set cut height to slice off about the top 1" of sward if it's very long.
Lower as required after a full area cut. Repeat.
If cut sward outlet is at RHS toward rear of machine then second line of
cut should overlap the first line of cut by only HALF the blade diameter
to the LEFT side. This allows sward to be flung better out of exit chute
as you are flinging it over an already cleared area and not across the
top of uncut sward. Simplez!

What about if your machine is like mine with centre outlet (i.e. between
two counter rotating blades). That presumably limits you to only using a
quarter of the deck's width?

Empty after a few runs, listen to the engine, when it's labouring then
you've overdone it. Watch the excess cut sward behind, if there's lots
you're either full up in the bag or there's a blockage.

If you're on clay generally, over a period of time across the season,
add a thin (½") of 30/50 topsoil and mortar sand mixed evenly every so
often across all the worst areas after cutting to the desired height,

The "worst" areas in my case would be the third of the lawn you could
water ski across with a good run up ;-)

this will allow the grass to grow through and give a more drainable top
layer. Take time to keep it raked level, and you'll have a good surface
building up that will look better and be more managable. The more you
do it, the easier the surface will drain, the more level it will be and
the grass will benefit.

After 10 years in the Golf industry sorting these problems on *very*
expensive mowers and idiot operators it's all about doing it right and
making it look nice, and it's easy, when you know how.

John,

Counter rotating blades are a PITA. Half width cut can help, but frequently
clogs. Several light cuts of under an inch is preferable. With SHARP blades.
(You could get the trailing edges raised up a few degrees to assist
airflow/throw)

Turf cutter, lift the top off down to about 1½", remove next 2 -3" of
topsoil (Or whatever is there) and add sand in place. Ordinary mortar sand
50/50 with dry soil will be better. Relay the turf and water well.
This works for small areas that may have a depression rather than a large
area which needs better drainage assistance.

Stop struggling with the bigger wet areas and using this summer (If it
appears) to sort some simple herringbone/french drain type drainage.

Dig herringbone shape channels about 3-4" wide joining at the centre of the
wettest part and downward to an area where drainage will help elsewhere or
out into a soakaway (If you feel brave enough to dig one) Use pebbles as a
base and cover with a twice the width of the drain fabric strip. Relaying
turf over the drain without fabric will let the roots get back in and
restrict flow later on

Wet patches that bad will never go away until drainage helps.

I've dug miles of simple land drain over the years and it works if the
simple French drain/Herringbone idea is used

On Monday, May 27, 2013 4:28:28 PM UTC+1, Nthkentman wrote:
"John Rumm" wrote in message

o.uk...



On 20/05/2013 22:42, Nthkentman wrote:

"Harry Bloomfield" wrote in message

. uk...



I have given up on trying to get the tractor mower to collect the

clippings, it has just been far too wet the past couple of years - the

cuttings just stick in the collection duct and build up until it

extends into the cutting deck then jams the blade. The jammed blade

then wrecks the drive V belt.



My first mod, was to fit a flap diverting cuttings from entering the

duct, but even that choked up. So what I have done now is take the duct

off completely.



Anyone else having issues with their mowers jamming up due to the

constant wet weather over the past two years?







Technique......It's all about technique. (And a bloody sharp edge blade,

so file an edge on the bugger before starting to cut when wet!)



Set cut height to slice off about the top 1" of sward if it's very long..

Lower as required after a full area cut. Repeat.

If cut sward outlet is at RHS toward rear of machine then second line of

cut should overlap the first line of cut by only HALF the blade diameter

to the LEFT side. This allows sward to be flung better out of exit chute

as you are flinging it over an already cleared area and not across the

top of uncut sward. Simplez!



What about if your machine is like mine with centre outlet (i.e. between

two counter rotating blades). That presumably limits you to only using a

quarter of the deck's width?



Empty after a few runs, listen to the engine, when it's labouring then

you've overdone it. Watch the excess cut sward behind, if there's lots

you're either full up in the bag or there's a blockage.



If you're on clay generally, over a period of time across the season,

add a thin (½") of 30/50 topsoil and mortar sand mixed evenly every so

often across all the worst areas after cutting to the desired height,



The "worst" areas in my case would be the third of the lawn you could

water ski across with a good run up ;-)



this will allow the grass to grow through and give a more drainable top

layer. Take time to keep it raked level, and you'll have a good surface

building up that will look better and be more managable. The more you

do it, the easier the surface will drain, the more level it will be and

the grass will benefit.



After 10 years in the Golf industry sorting these problems on *very*

expensive mowers and idiot operators it's all about doing it right and

making it look nice, and it's easy, when you know how.



John,



Counter rotating blades are a PITA. Half width cut can help, but frequently

clogs. Several light cuts of under an inch is preferable. With SHARP blades.

(You could get the trailing edges raised up a few degrees to assist

airflow/throw)



Turf cutter, lift the top off down to about 1½", remove next 2 -3" of

topsoil (Or whatever is there) and add sand in place. Ordinary mortar sand

50/50 with dry soil will be better. Relay the turf and water well.

This works for small areas that may have a depression rather than a large

area which needs better drainage assistance.



Stop struggling with the bigger wet areas and using this summer (If it

appears) to sort some simple herringbone/french drain type drainage.



Dig herringbone shape channels about 3-4" wide joining at the centre of the

wettest part and downward to an area where drainage will help elsewhere or

out into a soakaway (If you feel brave enough to dig one) Use pebbles as a

base and cover with a twice the width of the drain fabric strip. Relaying

turf over the drain without fabric will let the roots get back in and

restrict flow later on



Wet patches that bad will never go away until drainage helps.



I've dug miles of simple land drain over the years and it works if the

simple French drain/Herringbone idea is used

We used a Westwood for years and with its powered brush it always collected the clippings. Trouble was getting rid of the clippings. Don't talk to me about composting them. Tried everything and none of them worked. Usually ended up with a stinking green pile of wet sludge.

Gave it up and bought a forward control Husqvarna with a mulching desk. Gets in and around beds much better then the Westwood did.

On 31/05/13 08:51, fred wrote:

We used a Westwood for years and with its powered brush it always collected the clippings. Trouble was getting rid of the clippings. Don't talk to me about composting them. Tried everything and none of them worked. Usually ended up with a stinking green pile of wet sludge.

So what? green sludge ends up as black slime and then organic topsoil
mulch.
Gave it up and bought a forward control Husqvarna with a mulching desk. Gets in and around beds much better then the Westwood did.
well yes. mulching can work too.


--
Ineptocracy

(in-ep-toc-ra-cy) €“ a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers.