Struggling With 54" Deck On 4110. Really Poor Performance.

No. I gave it a few runs when I got the machine but it was just around my yard. It was noisy, blades scuffing on the grass build-up.
Then this spring I pulled the deck. Replaced various lift turnbuckles and linkages that were bent.
Flipped the deck and it was completely packed with grass mulch. The blades actually had cut their own circular path in the crap.
Cleaned the whole thing and replaced the blades, which are in decent shape.
Worked on leveling and gave it a few runs on one area that is mowed and a couple acres.
It mowed ok but I noticed the discharge was almost non-existent. Acting like a mulcher.
Next went to mow a field that had light grass growth. Had been about 2-3 weeks since I mowed it with the finish mower.
My 6 foot finish mower mows with no issue so thought this one would do ok. Also, my 755 with 60" and my X585 with 54C deck both can mow it without issue set at a 3 inch cut height.
The 4110 almost immediately started to bog down, light black smoke, and you could hear the grass thumping and banging around in the deck and no discharge. Chute is clear.
I mowed for a while trying to figure out what was going on and what I was doing wrong. Gave up.

Came back and pulled the deck and it was packed with mulched grass. And I mean gooey grass pulp!
My X585 will eat this same field up and discharge nicely.

My assumption at this point is the blades just don't work well for anything more than a "mowed" yard. I also wonder if they are really more designed as a "mulching style" blade.
They are the stock JD blade per the parts diagram.
Still working on leveling but it's pretty good.

This is what it looks like after a little mowing. Pretty frustrating at this point. I got this one to do heavier mowing chores.

John D 2 said:

How low is your mower set?

And are your running your mower at 540 rpm?

In your photo, that build up in your deck is not from a recent mow. It's been there for a while.

Standard blades shouldn't be mulching the grass.

Also have you tried raising the grass chute while its running?

Not trying to offend, just trying to troubleshoot.

Click to expand...

No problem, here are answers!

How low is your mower set?
Not at all other than winter. Purchased last fall from original owner who only mowed his yard with it.

And are your running your mower at 540 rpm?
Run it at the mark for 540 on the tach which should also be 2100 for the mid PTO.

In your photo, that build up in your deck is not from a recent mow. It's been there for a while.
That build up has been there about an hour. I cleaned all the crap from the underside (described above) which took an hour it was so built up. The metal was scrapped clean and wire brush then air blow out. That picture is from less than an hour mow on a normally mowed area with about a week and a half growth. Cut height about 2 3/4 inches. It illustrates the issue I am having.

Standard blades shouldn't be mulching the grass.
Agreed, I bought new blades from Deere. Part Number M115496 and they are the same as what was on it. Picture above is after blade install.

Also have you tried raising the grass chute while its running?
Yes, and by doing that I can see that it is clear. Normally when the deck is clogging up you expect the chute to be clogging but on this one it is clear.