Anyone familiar with GCK60-BX and deck issues?

[shelkol]

I have a BX2200 with the 60" deck and a modified GCK60-BX leaf catcher. I modified it by removing the bags and adding a big box so I don't have to empty it as often. But I have 2 issues that I have not been able to resolve.

1. The front blade of the deck sends leaves out under the front of the deck and they bypass the boot. I thought about adding a shield to the right front deck but think that would just push the leaves preventing them from entering the deck.

2. If the leave are heavy, I have to crawl or the boot plugs. Sometimes even if I crawl, it's too fast and it plugs.

I am running at full throttle.

Lust looking for someone wiser than me who has 'fixed' these issues

Thanks
Sheldon

 

[JimDeL]

...issues that I have not been able to resolve.

1. The front blade of the deck sends leaves out under the front of the deck and they bypass the boot. I thought about adding a shield to the right front deck but think that would just push the leaves preventing them from entering the deck...

Thanks
Sheldon

I have the same problem with the deck. I haven't (yet) found a solution.

Here's hoping somebody will post a good solution.

 

[shelkol]

After checking out some manuals, it looks like I don't have the right boot. I bought the bagger used. Buying the right boot and the weldment is over $200 and I'd do it if it solved the problem. But if you have it too, then why waste the $$.

I was thinking about a flap on hinges that would fold to let leaves in but it would only go back to a vertical and not let leave out. I'll have to experiment

Thanks

 

[shelkol]

I got a 1" square tube, cut it to one side of the front of the deck. There were existing holes in the front lip of the deck so I drilled holes in my tube to match. I can bolt it up to the bottom of the front lip.

Then I went to good ole amazon and bought a vinyl strip from one of those hanging doors that you can walk through. They are 8" wide. I doubled it up, screwing one side to the front of my tube and the other side to the back of my tube. Effectively forming a U that sweeps the ground.

( I can not lower my deck below 4" as it has been so many years that my anti scalp wheel height is frozen)

While not perfect, it does so much better.

I have modified my technique. I used to keep the right side of the deck in the leaves so the blowout wouldn't cover the area I just cleaned.. Now I mow with the left side in the leaves since little or no blowout. I can also mow only 1/3 to 1/2 the deck width so I don't over load the vacuum and plug up the works.

My latest idea (which I probably won't try this year) is to fold the vinyl strip in half and put the 'fold' between the tube and the deck. This should give me 2 flaps hanging down. It would be easier to install as you could get to the bolts and nuts. It won't be as stiff but I think it will still be sufficient. I had tried just the 8" hanging down one the front of the tube, but it got mutilated.