New Wright Stander X 48” or 52” deck

[johnwi]

I’m considering selling my John Deere 648m 48” stand on and purchasing a Wright 48” or 52”. I have about 1 acre to mow at my one property which consists of a gradual slope along with a second property that has a walk out and rather steep hill in back. I’m cutting mostly Kentucky Bluegrass in the Midwest and this mower will not be used commercially. I had no issues cutting with the 648m on hills or scalping my lawn for the most part. I usually mow between 3.25 and 3.5” and do not have space constraints when trailering. With the Wright 48” and 52” only being $100 apart, my only real concern is cut quality between the 2 decks. I’m not needing the larger deck to increase my productivity but the 52” is in stock and the 48" would have to be ordered. I have read some posts about a 52” deck scalping a little more in some situations like at the crest of a hill but nothing too terrible. I only have flat level areas to mow in front of my homes and not too many obstacles to mow around. The cut quality of the John Deere 48” has been quite good. If it’s as good on the Wright 52”, I would have no problem going with that. Any advice on the 48” or 52” deck would be appreciated. Thank you

 

[Custom500]

My opinion is get the narrowest deck that fits your needs. When the decks get too much wider than the track of the mower itself, any un-eveness that rocks the mower side to side is exaggerated out at the ends of the deck and you end up withe ridges in your lawn.

 

[Moparmyway]

When the decks get too much wider than the track of the mower itself, any un-eveness that rocks the mower side to side is exaggerated out at the ends of the deck and you end up withe ridges in your lawn.

This is very true, but learning how to make a second pass is all that’s needed in most cases. In other cases, you might have to approach certain areas differently. It all depends on what your priorities are, but weighing out the time saved with a wider deck, vs. having to cut or edge differently is something that only you can decide.