3/21/2018 11:03 AM
I didn't think there was any improved or noticeable difference. Maybe its our location or the fact we mow our roughs when they are dry, the HOC we've decided is best, Frequency of mowing, Turf type, or other factors that come into play. Bottom line in our experience here in Western ND, no real gain. I was simply looking to reduce the stripping effect with machines in our fleet to match the wide area lastec we use on primary rough locations. The benefits of a sidewinder for trim work are wonderful as we all know. On a side not to this primary reason for trying them out, it dawned on me that a HOC of 1 or higher, those rollers will continue to stripe anyhow. There's no way to prevent that roller to not be in contact with the turf in any regards, and probably at any HOC. These were sold to me by my salesman as non stripping, which I believe now he was misinformed.
As I mentioned, I do like them when our mulching kits are installed. We seem to get less buildup between the deck and the roller this way and don't "Bind" the roller to prevent them from turning.
In reality, Our old sidewinders don't move fast enough to cause any wash boarding anyhow. Having not known that was the development factor, I could understand the relevence for these rollers on a higher production mower in the lines of the 4500 or 4700 models. I'm sure there or others, but my knowledge isn't that developed.