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AC 620 60" cut ability |
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Ken P
Bronze Level Joined: 28 May 2015 Location: Mid Atlantic Points: 15 |
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Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 5:00pm |
Yes it is, better than I remember. I guess performance drop off was so slow I diddnt notice. Ohh also I did bungee strap my stone guard up for the first time ever and wow yeah that really allows the grass to get blown out evenly and leaves no trails and clumps at the chute like it used to. Unbelievable what a few tune up tricks can do!
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If youre always in control you're not driving fast enough
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BrianC
Orange Level Joined: 16 Jun 2011 Location: New York Points: 1613 |
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Yes, the mower operates much more efficiently in tall grass without the stone guard.I have used it 3 times since removing it and it is an obvious improvement. It does throw sticks (and stones I assume) way further. I do no use it around people or property, so I accept the increased hazard risk. I wouldn't use it around the house or cars now.
This thread got started in part about mowing time. So stone guard out is all around improvement. For cutting in the rectangular field, the full size 160 tractor with 6ft finish mower still faster than the 620. 40hp and 72" beats 18hp and 60". The 160 has a relatively short wheelbase, it turns pretty well. I wanted to check the 620's deck for level and got a BIG SURPRISE reading the manual. Manual can be downloaded from the Simplicity support site. Deck model number is 1690074. My expectation was that the front (center) blade tip would be lower than the rears (as HudCo stated). But the manual says the rears should be lower! Why, is this because this deck has rear rollers vs. the now usual suspended type decks? I guess I should follow the manual. Can someone comment on the leveling issue? I gave up looking for high lift blades. As far as I can see, Stens doesn't have them for this deck. So Ken has his machine running better and so is mine, pretty good. |
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Jim Hancock
Orange Level Joined: 11 Sep 2009 Location: EL Reno, Ok. Points: 1109 |
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Yessirree!!!
That's acuttin' grass in a hurry! Glad to hear of the huge improvement!
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How blessed we are by HIS GRACE!
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Ken P
Bronze Level Joined: 28 May 2015 Location: Mid Atlantic Points: 15 |
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I just thought you guys deserved a final update. I found a way to calculate blade tip speed. At the RPM I was running, 2600RPM blade speed was way too low. Partly due to me never lubricating the govenor linkage. Doing that brought it up to 3000RPM then adjusting the spring anchor and now at 3300RPM my blade tip speed is just around 19,000 FPM which is the legal limit. So now in 4th Gear (it has 7) and in high range it cuts grass fast as physically comfortable and does a great job of it. I can do the whole acre in 50 minutes without trimming. Good enough for me as this is a hudge improvement. Top speed on pavement in high gear is 8.5 MPH on gps!
Thanks again all!! Ken |
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If youre always in control you're not driving fast enough
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Jim Hancock
Orange Level Joined: 11 Sep 2009 Location: EL Reno, Ok. Points: 1109 |
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Hey Brian,
Just a thought, double check your deck belt tensioner to make sure that it's able to keep the belt tight. I discovered that my Craftsman had a scissor style tensioner and had started to have a rust build up and would keep the deck belt tight as it was sticking. I took it all apart, cleaned and greased it good & stuck it back together. I don't get any slippage now!
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How blessed we are by HIS GRACE!
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Jim Hancock
Orange Level Joined: 11 Sep 2009 Location: EL Reno, Ok. Points: 1109 |
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Hi Brian!
Glad to hear it! I was wondering how it went and I thought of you yesterday when I mowed mine. I see you already did what I was about to suggest by taking off the rock deflector. Mine is hinged, so all I dis was make a stiff wire bracket to hold it open and it's there to flip down when I mow a ditch with houses around. I also balance my blades, too, and that really makes it nice with no vibration. |
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How blessed we are by HIS GRACE!
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BrianC
Orange Level Joined: 16 Jun 2011 Location: New York Points: 1613 |
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Well the grass got tall enough. I took the stone guard off the mower deck. Still using the stock blades. Mowed this morning when the grass was wet with dew. I can say there was a major improvement in ejecting tall wet grass. The grass is now blown out with authority.
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Jim Hancock
Orange Level Joined: 11 Sep 2009 Location: EL Reno, Ok. Points: 1109 |
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Hi Ken!
Glad to hear that you got a couple of bugs taken care of to wind 'er up! With kudos to HudCo, I've had an old timer small engine repairman tell me to set the top RPM to 3600 & no more, which is pretty much what my Kohler 18.5 hp runs. And with my hi lift blades on, it's sucks the dry leaves and anything else out of the low spots down to the dirt normally & if I lower the deck when they're wet. I also don't set it down for very long when I lower it if I have any smalls branches hiding underneath them neither. But it does clean out the deck of any stuck grass, too.
Edited by Jim Hancock - 15 Jun 2015 at 1:21pm |
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How blessed we are by HIS GRACE!
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HudCo
Orange Level Joined: 29 Jan 2013 Location: Plymouth Utah Points: 3303 |
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set your top no load speed at 3400 rpm and replace the blades you wil pick up what you need
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BrianC
Orange Level Joined: 16 Jun 2011 Location: New York Points: 1613 |
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Ken, yeah stick with that Lowes-MTD, looks to be in great condition. Sounds like you have a lot of obstacles and such since you need to use a push mower. I set up the landscaping such that things are not in my way. Maybe you should consider that approach.
When I mow, it can involve 4 machines, yes I like to play on power equipment, I got a John Deere x320 48" for the fine lawn around the house. It is quiet, mows good, just the right size, no power steering, but absolutely doesn't need it. I use the JD318 46" for the dirty work- around the periphery of the fields and woods, mowing between the blue berries. Engine is good transmission is not so good. Up front we have a road fronting field. For this I use "Pretty Boy", the Allis Chalmers 620. Because it is so good looking, I won't get close to any nasties- don't want to scratch it up. In back there is a pasture. Normally I use the Allis 160 tractor with 72" woods finish mower. Lately I have been using the 620 because the 160 always seems to have an implement attached that is reason I need to use next. The decision to use the 620 comes with the knowledge that the Onan is a gas hog, going to cost a few bucks extra, especially compared to the 160. So I saw one of the little 1320 Ford tractors on side of road, I drove past, but then had to turn around. Walking up towards it, big for sale sign $500! Read the fine print- mower only, not the tractor". Darn. |
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Ken P
Bronze Level Joined: 28 May 2015 Location: Mid Atlantic Points: 15 |
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Brian, Someone came down from New York and bought the AC for the $1500 he was asking.
After working on my MTD I found that from lack of lubrication (my fault) the throttle control at the governor was loose with a little slop not allowing for full throttle. I adjusted and lubricated the thing and picked up 300 RPM. Did my acre in under an hour easily. Not the best job but I need to find out what the optimum engine Wide open throttle is supposed to be. Its at 3200 now. Also found a way to calculate blade tip speed and am still shy of the 19000FPS allowed by law. Im going to find engine WOT speed then re calculate and possibly install a smaller driven pulley on the deck. |
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If youre always in control you're not driving fast enough
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fixer1958
Orange Level Joined: 13 Feb 2010 Location: kansas Points: 2435 |
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I always wanted a 620/720. The ones I found were more than I wanted to spend.
Found a JD 318 (52" cut I think it is for $150. Good shape bad engine. Redid the junk Onan that was in it and used it about 5 years. Got tired of fixing the pos engine, flywheel/starter issues and most everything else except the deck and hydro. Was looking at zero turns and the prices I couldn't justify so....I was going to spend money on something so I got a 24hp Briggs repower for that JD 318. Took a hour and 30 minutes to get going and then bought a deck speedup pulley. That is a mowing monster now, no comparison from the way it was before. But as fate would have it I came across a 1990 Ford 1320. 20 hp 3 cyl diesel, FWA, hydro drive in pieces for free. Came with a 6' belly mower and a 5' front hydro blade. Finally figured out that cluster puck and got it going. Parts prices are insane on those Jap tractors. I have $700 in it now. It is as close to a zero turn as you can get. Cuts golf course like, twice as fast and half the fuel. Not a single problem with it yet and I have put close to 60 hours on it just this spring. I would never believe it's a 20hp. goes through 18" tall grass and not even bog down. Granted I may have to run over the real tall stuff again but it goes through it like it was nothing. The JD will just sit in the wings as a backup I guess. The WD doesn't get used much anymore for mowing, just driveway work (1/2 mile drive) or just finding something to use it for because I like it. My 2 cents |
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BrianC
Orange Level Joined: 16 Jun 2011 Location: New York Points: 1613 |
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Thanks Jim.
Ken, today I cut a section with the 46" cut JD. Just 10 days ago I cut it with the 620 (60" cut). Grass was shorter and drier today with the JD, but I had the observation the 620 did it faster. Not like zero turn faster, but definitely faster. Did someone "we" know buy that 620? |
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Jim Hancock
Orange Level Joined: 11 Sep 2009 Location: EL Reno, Ok. Points: 1109 |
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Hi Ken.
I was answering Brian as he probably didn't see further up where I posted Stens website to chase down the blades for his mower. I think that if he changes blades, it will make a lot of difference. From the looks of your deck, I'd say that you've got the clearance there to get the air flow. What I did was to pull up the deflector on my Craftsman which allows it to really spread out the cut grass. I don't doubt that your blades are hi lift as per their specs and say so. The blades that I have on my Craftsman of about the same vintage as your mower, '96, I think, have the back edge turned up to about a 40-45* angle to aggressively throw out the cut grass. As a matter of fact, take the paint off of our mowers and they almost look like twins! I'm not kidding that I really can cut my acreage when it's dry, about an acre an hour or less when it's shaggy and needing it. Obviously, a little linger when it's taller. This is with my Craftsman with an 18.5 hp Kohler and 46" cut deck. You may want to look Stens over and/or call them to find a dealer near you to compare blades.
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How blessed we are by HIS GRACE!
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Ken P
Bronze Level Joined: 28 May 2015 Location: Mid Atlantic Points: 15 |
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I didn't know if you were referring to me actually so I will answer your question. The tractor had been sitting in my garage for 9 years and needed a starter. Last night I installed a new starter, battery, drained the fuel, checked the Jet, replaced fuel filter and primed it by blowing compressed air into the fuel fill neck till fuel came out of the jet access plug. The thing started right up no smoke and so quiet compared to the monster single cylinder models Ive been looking at. I had forgot the quiet power that twin briggs had with its large muffler.
Bottom line is the deck I have is the deluxe version and already has high lift blades from MTD. They haven't changed the design So...if I find something that fits from a different manufacturer that looks different I'll try them. Other than that I will get it back together and use it to reset my base line for a while then decide what to do from there. I really don't like to replace a piece of equipment until it is either useless or in a state of disrepair past senseless overhaul. With about 1400 hours on it it has had multiple tie rod ends, one front axle, king pin bushings, steering worm gear and rack(?) gear multiple batteries and one set of belts oil changes and spark plugs once. That is all. The deck has no rust and the blades are sharp from whenever I sharpened them last. I hit nothing at all doing my yard so its an easy job for my machine. I guess there is something to be said for keeping it in a garage on a concrete floor. That's why my deck is in such good shape as well as no rust anywhere in the machine. As sweet as this thing is it will likely reconfirm how slow it is compared to the folks I have been hiring. I will re evaluate after using it for a few months, turns out I don't have the kind of cash to blow right now like I usually have, slow at the shop. My very good condition machine won't bring but maybe $200 so its not even worth selling. Good luck all Edited by Ken P - 11 Jun 2015 at 11:58am |
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If youre always in control you're not driving fast enough
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Jim Hancock
Orange Level Joined: 11 Sep 2009 Location: EL Reno, Ok. Points: 1109 |
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Hi Brian. This should get you to Stens site with 3 choices of blades for your size of cut. tel:800-457-7444
Give them a call to find out where your nearest dealer is. Edited by Jim Hancock - 11 Jun 2015 at 10:34am |
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How blessed we are by HIS GRACE!
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BrianC
Orange Level Joined: 16 Jun 2011 Location: New York Points: 1613 |
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No. I didn't know what or where to purchase.
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Jim Hancock
Orange Level Joined: 11 Sep 2009 Location: EL Reno, Ok. Points: 1109 |
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Did you get you a set of Hi - Lift blades to try out?
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How blessed we are by HIS GRACE!
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BrianC
Orange Level Joined: 16 Jun 2011 Location: New York Points: 1613 |
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I am waiting for the grass to get tall again. I will remove the rock guard, cut the grass, and report here. Last I said was the deck was choking on tall grass, wadded it up and then puked it out.
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Charlie175
Orange Level Joined: 11 Sep 2009 Location: Shenandoah, VA Points: 6351 |
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ad was pulled yesterday
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Charlie
'48 B, '51 CA, '56 WD45 '61 D17, '63 D12, '65 D10 , '68 One-Ninety XTD |
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Jim Hancock
Orange Level Joined: 11 Sep 2009 Location: EL Reno, Ok. Points: 1109 |
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Stens site: www.stens.com
I talked to them yesterday about becoming a distributor/dealer. Phone number is on the site and I'd call them to find out where the nearest dealer is to you. HTH.
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chainweaver
Bronze Level Joined: 09 Feb 2014 Location: west central m Points: 62 |
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Imho, you should jump on the 620. I have one, and a jd gt235, and just inherited a cub cadet enforcer zero turn. The cub doesn't have any suspension and in my rough yard rides like crap and dont like hills! 30 minutes on it & i bail. I prefer the allis.
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Jim Hancock
Orange Level Joined: 11 Sep 2009 Location: EL Reno, Ok. Points: 1109 |
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Welcome aboard Ken.
You're close enough to be a member of this group! You had an exposure to an AC and now you want one! Ken & Brian C: I get my hi lift blades from Stens.
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Ken P
Bronze Level Joined: 28 May 2015 Location: Mid Atlantic Points: 15 |
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Good luck to all of you I enjoyed my short but sweet membership to your forum. I can see this would be a welcoming place to get all kinds of useful information. I will stay a member but won't be active at all as I don't own a AC or even what would most consider an interesting yet useful classic machine. I think the AC would fit this desire well. When I was 13 my neighbor had an AC 16 Horse single cylinder with 4 tiny headlamps and that thing was a beast. Thats why I consider AC my first choice in heavy duty homeowner garden capable tractors. Maybe in the future, who knows!!
Ken
Edited by Ken P - 01 Jun 2015 at 11:14am |
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If youre always in control you're not driving fast enough
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Ken P
Bronze Level Joined: 28 May 2015 Location: Mid Atlantic Points: 15 |
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I decided to try a modern set of blades for my Lowes/MTD. Mine does have the more desireable deck that doesent scalp with all of its wheels and is true floating but for $70 its worth a try.
The AC runs well, turns, changes direction and cuts grass as well as I guess it should but deck control does not go up properly, the guy seems to think the bleed or down valve may be hanging open. He says the same hydro pump drives the trans and the deck piston under the seat so obviously the pump is ok. Also if it were mine I'd disassemble the thing completely, sandblast each piece and re assemble the thing so it would look sa good as my MTD. As of now I don't need another project. Possibly for a few more bucks and a little luck I can get something that I wont have the never ending desire to completely disassemble and clean up. All my junk is older as I keep stuff forever but it is all clean under a small layer of dirt like my MTD. If he still has it after I try a newer design blade on my existing machine and still am not happy I may check it out again if he still has it. He is a friend of mine so I don't think its right to ask him to hold it for me as I may not buy it so I am going to add this link to the craigs list listing he has it under. It is in Adamstown which is in Frederick County Maryland. http://baltimore.craigslist.org/for/5010131187.html
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If youre always in control you're not driving fast enough
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macvette
Orange Level Joined: 13 Jun 2011 Location: nekoosa, wi Points: 1656 |
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Well, Ken = all of us are anxiously awaiting your conclusion and decision!
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ACmowerguy
Orange Level Joined: 20 Apr 2010 Location: Winfield, MO Points: 1199 |
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Its taking you too long to mow your lawn with the MTD. I could mow about an acre in about an hour with my Simplicity Landlord with 50" deck or JD345 with 54" deck. I don't mow when its wet. It makes a big difference cutting dry grass. If you mow wet grass and don't clean the deck out all the time you can expect the deck to rust through.
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10 various B-series garden tractors, AC Homesteader8, 416 hydro,710 gt, 914, 916H, 917H, 920D, and many misc attachments
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macvette
Orange Level Joined: 13 Jun 2011 Location: nekoosa, wi Points: 1656 |
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Well, I guess I was already thinking about what else the new owner could do besides mow-'cause I see a 3 point back blade in the background! Looks like a cat. 0 to me! Guess I should stop dreaming about attachments I would like, and let Ken make his own decision!
LOL!
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BrianC
Orange Level Joined: 16 Jun 2011 Location: New York Points: 1613 |
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What part number from which supplier are the high lift blades?
A $70 experiment would be worthwhile for me. |
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Ken P
Bronze Level Joined: 28 May 2015 Location: Mid Atlantic Points: 15 |
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Im going to look at it tomorrow morning if all goes well. if ultimately I don't buy it then yes I will tell everyone here about it.
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If youre always in control you're not driving fast enough
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