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BadBoy Mower Cut
#1
C
Chappydean
C
Chappydean
I own two mowers. 2002 Dixie Chopper 25HP 50" and 2011 Badboy AOS 35 HP diesel 60". I mow my personal property for a total of 12 acres. I am not a paid poster nor have any dog in the hunt other than I own it.
I want to weigh in and express my findings. A lot has been posted concerning BadBoy mowers (read them all before buying) and I can agree with most. The quality of the mechanical structure and ride is beyond words. A very well built, powerful machine.
That being said, why does one purchase a mower? How about cutting grass? There is hype being posted and I want to clearly state the quality of the BadBoy cut. There is no comparison between my Dixe and the BadBoy cut.
Believe all the postings you will but the BadBoy cannot touch the Dixie cut and I find it sub par for the cost of such a machine. Possibly the machine can be mechanically modified to get a better shave, but should a buyer have to modify engineering to get the cut right? Not with this price tag. ($14000). I have had the machine for about 3 months and have reverted back to the Dixie as the primary mower.
Now I need to decide to re-engineer the deck or try to get my money back. I paid cash. Dismally disappointed in the mower due to the VERY poor cut. You cannot get a close cut at all due to rear deck chains and front wheel limitations. Even the blades are about 3/4" above the leading front edge of the deck. That plus your deck elevation will be your closest cut. The space distance between the blades themselves is the first noticeable uneven cutting leaving raised strips of grass.
All for $14000. You want truth about this machine, just ask me not the pumpers.
I want to weigh in and express my findings. A lot has been posted concerning BadBoy mowers (read them all before buying) and I can agree with most. The quality of the mechanical structure and ride is beyond words. A very well built, powerful machine.
That being said, why does one purchase a mower? How about cutting grass? There is hype being posted and I want to clearly state the quality of the BadBoy cut. There is no comparison between my Dixe and the BadBoy cut.
Believe all the postings you will but the BadBoy cannot touch the Dixie cut and I find it sub par for the cost of such a machine. Possibly the machine can be mechanically modified to get a better shave, but should a buyer have to modify engineering to get the cut right? Not with this price tag. ($14000). I have had the machine for about 3 months and have reverted back to the Dixie as the primary mower.
Now I need to decide to re-engineer the deck or try to get my money back. I paid cash. Dismally disappointed in the mower due to the VERY poor cut. You cannot get a close cut at all due to rear deck chains and front wheel limitations. Even the blades are about 3/4" above the leading front edge of the deck. That plus your deck elevation will be your closest cut. The space distance between the blades themselves is the first noticeable uneven cutting leaving raised strips of grass.
All for $14000. You want truth about this machine, just ask me not the pumpers.
#2
BKBrown
BKBrown
I'm sorry to hear that !:thumbdown:
I am wondering if you have made this known to the people at BadBoy ?
You are right, a machine that has that price tag should have a perfect cut.
I have no dog in the hunt either as I own a Ventrac.
I am wondering if you have made this known to the people at BadBoy ?
You are right, a machine that has that price tag should have a perfect cut.
I have no dog in the hunt either as I own a Ventrac.
#3
C
Chappydean
C
Chappydean
Thanks for the response.
I have not contacted BadBoy yet but will begin a communication today. I am torn between fixing the problem myself or turning it back over to them. I know the dealer cannot help. He is simply after the sale.
Except for the cut, I really like the machine. Very comfortable and well made......
BUT IT DON"T CUT GRASS!....lol....
I have not contacted BadBoy yet but will begin a communication today. I am torn between fixing the problem myself or turning it back over to them. I know the dealer cannot help. He is simply after the sale.
Except for the cut, I really like the machine. Very comfortable and well made......
BUT IT DON"T CUT GRASS!....lol....
#4
Briana
Briana
Hey there! WELCOME to LawnMowerForum! :biggrin:
I moved your thread to the General Mower Discussion Forum. You'll get a better response there. :thumbsup:
I moved your thread to the General Mower Discussion Forum. You'll get a better response there. :thumbsup:
#5
Jetblast
Jetblast
It sounds like you're cutting your grass very low. Have you tried cutting it at around a 3" height? If so, does it do any better?
#6
BKBrown
BKBrown
Interested - has BadBoy done anything to help your situation ?
#7
R
robert
R
robert
chappy, not to be a wiseguy but what would you rather have; a BB that does not cut so good or an Exmark, that you bought new - used once and that does not cut at all ?
#8
C
Chappydean
C
Chappydean
I have enjoyed and appreciated all the responses.
I want a low cut. 1 inch or less. Dixie Chopper does this extremely well and have had the mower since 2002.
Dealer wants a shot at it and I will let him try. I simply hate the back and forth routine. Dealer thinks deck is out of level due to deck collision/jarring of some kind? Okay...... the BB is that sensitive? Uh-Oh. I thought it was the best built machine to stand up to the rigors of what it was made for.
I am a control system engineer, not well versed in the mechanical side and do question a lot when logic doesn't fit. The whole idea just seems.... not right. Could just be me, but it just looks like the machine cannot do what I am asking of it.
That being a 1 inch or less, even cut. No stripes. If it cannot, it is what it is and it is not the machine for me. I know somebody would love to have it. Dealer gets it back.
I want a low cut. 1 inch or less. Dixie Chopper does this extremely well and have had the mower since 2002.
Dealer wants a shot at it and I will let him try. I simply hate the back and forth routine. Dealer thinks deck is out of level due to deck collision/jarring of some kind? Okay...... the BB is that sensitive? Uh-Oh. I thought it was the best built machine to stand up to the rigors of what it was made for.
I am a control system engineer, not well versed in the mechanical side and do question a lot when logic doesn't fit. The whole idea just seems.... not right. Could just be me, but it just looks like the machine cannot do what I am asking of it.
That being a 1 inch or less, even cut. No stripes. If it cannot, it is what it is and it is not the machine for me. I know somebody would love to have it. Dealer gets it back.
#9
Jetblast
Jetblast
1" or less is an extremely low cut, more in greenskeeper rotary blade mower territory. I'm not too surprised that the Bad Boy won't do that well, but I am surprised that the Dixie Chopper will.
Nevertheless, Bad Boy and most other manufacturers advertise their products as being able to cut from 1-4 or 1-5 inches. If they say they can do a 1" cut, I guess they should do a 1" cut or expect to be called out on it from time to time.
Nevertheless, Bad Boy and most other manufacturers advertise their products as being able to cut from 1-4 or 1-5 inches. If they say they can do a 1" cut, I guess they should do a 1" cut or expect to be called out on it from time to time.
#10
C
Chappydean
C
Chappydean
Yep the Dixie Chopper can. I had to adjust the deck to specifically get it. The adjustment range/angle was there. The BB does not have the adjustment range/angle to do it. Plus , the blades appear too far apart with a half closed in blade operating section. The Dixie blade cavities are about 1/3 of the circle and blades almost touch.
A BB sales rep contacted me and offered support and am very pleased at this. Rep indicates no problem with cutting issues known.
Have arranged to get it back to the dealer for a go at it. We'll see from there.
A BB sales rep contacted me and offered support and am very pleased at this. Rep indicates no problem with cutting issues known.
Have arranged to get it back to the dealer for a go at it. We'll see from there.
#11
BKBrown
BKBrown
Glad to hear that BB Service Rep. has made contact. You may get the results you want YET ! I'll bet that BB will at least use your desire as a way to re-think adjustments etc. They aren't old and established enough to ignore what customers want and are willing to listen ! :thumbsup:
#13
BKBrown
BKBrown
I believe Ventrac is in that category also ! :thumbsup: Started and run by the Steiner family (father was the designer of the first Steiner articulated tractor).
#14
C
Chappydean
C
Chappydean
Re: BadBoy Mower Cut update
Took the BB in to the dealer. He readjusted the deck as I was thinking it had to be by adding length to the rear deck chains to lower the back angle. Releveled the deck. Now it gets the lower cut I was looking for.
Once back at the property noticed the far left blade was not cutting as low as the other two. The deck was level. Raised the mower and saw that the left blade was higher by 1/8 inch. Place a washer between the blade and spindle. Now equal cut.
There are still faint grass cut difference between the blades. While raised I measured nearly 3/4 inch between each blade with cut at 3 and 9 o'clock. I do not know much about the air flow and lift under the decks and how that much of a gap gets cut. The Dixie has about 1/4" between the blades with the cut at 2 and 10 o'clock.
Well..... end result is the cut is tolerable though not perfect. I would like to go to some 'lifting' blades to see if the inbetween cut improves. Or even a blade that is an 1/8" longer on each end for a total of 1/4" more in overall length.
That's my story.
Took the BB in to the dealer. He readjusted the deck as I was thinking it had to be by adding length to the rear deck chains to lower the back angle. Releveled the deck. Now it gets the lower cut I was looking for.
Once back at the property noticed the far left blade was not cutting as low as the other two. The deck was level. Raised the mower and saw that the left blade was higher by 1/8 inch. Place a washer between the blade and spindle. Now equal cut.
There are still faint grass cut difference between the blades. While raised I measured nearly 3/4 inch between each blade with cut at 3 and 9 o'clock. I do not know much about the air flow and lift under the decks and how that much of a gap gets cut. The Dixie has about 1/4" between the blades with the cut at 2 and 10 o'clock.
Well..... end result is the cut is tolerable though not perfect. I would like to go to some 'lifting' blades to see if the inbetween cut improves. Or even a blade that is an 1/8" longer on each end for a total of 1/4" more in overall length.
That's my story.
#15
BKBrown
BKBrown
Chappy,
Is there any point at which the blade tips are closer together than 3/4" or overlap because one blade is behind (or in front of) the other ?
If there is a 3/4" gap that is not being cut I would think BB would want to solve that problem for you.
What did the Service Rep. have to say about your situation (and do you know what he told the dealer ??) ????
I would just like to know how BB is dealing with customer issues (it tells anyone a great deal about the company) !!! Do you feel better about the company than you did for a while ?
Is there any point at which the blade tips are closer together than 3/4" or overlap because one blade is behind (or in front of) the other ?
If there is a 3/4" gap that is not being cut I would think BB would want to solve that problem for you.
What did the Service Rep. have to say about your situation (and do you know what he told the dealer ??) ????
I would just like to know how BB is dealing with customer issues (it tells anyone a great deal about the company) !!! Do you feel better about the company than you did for a while ?
#16
K
KennyV
K
KennyV
If you have 3/4 inch at the closest the blades can get, find blades that are 1/2 to 5/8 longer... What you want is blades that do not touch... (they will not stretch while in use... if they clear when rotated by hand, they will clear when in use... 3/4 is too much. :smile:KennyV
#17
C
Chappydean
C
Chappydean
I have the rep's email and will tell him my findings. I do not know of any conversation between BB and the dealer. I have no problem with BB. I take some of the blame as I over-bought and did not do due diligence in my study of the machine. I know better.
Yes, as I stated, I can live with the latest results but be known that they are inferior to competitor's cuts. I do not have to speak to BB to know that there is no solution for the problem other than retooling for future builds. Again, the only solution for a little better cut is a slightly longer blade for this machine which would need to be custom and very expensive.
I was being generous with the 3/4" gap. Lining the blades up there is 1/2" on either side of the cutting cavity to the blade. So that would be 1" plus the thickness (did not measure) of the cavity wall. FYI, this is the 3 to 9 o'clock rear cavity wall which the Dixie does not have. It's is 2 to 10 o'clock which allows for closer blade tolerances as they come around and together.
Yes, as I stated, I can live with the latest results but be known that they are inferior to competitor's cuts. I do not have to speak to BB to know that there is no solution for the problem other than retooling for future builds. Again, the only solution for a little better cut is a slightly longer blade for this machine which would need to be custom and very expensive.
I was being generous with the 3/4" gap. Lining the blades up there is 1/2" on either side of the cutting cavity to the blade. So that would be 1" plus the thickness (did not measure) of the cavity wall. FYI, this is the 3 to 9 o'clock rear cavity wall which the Dixie does not have. It's is 2 to 10 o'clock which allows for closer blade tolerances as they come around and together.
#18
BKBrown
BKBrown
I wouldn't be so quick to assume the blade would need to be custom.
Measure your stock blade from cutting tip to cutting tip on a diagonal and add 1/2 the gap (minus maybe 1/8" to 1/4") and measure the center hole. Width and thickness of the blade are also a factor.
Give us those measurements and I bet someone here can find you a stock blade.
Measure your stock blade from cutting tip to cutting tip on a diagonal and add 1/2 the gap (minus maybe 1/8" to 1/4") and measure the center hole. Width and thickness of the blade are also a factor.
Give us those measurements and I bet someone here can find you a stock blade.
Again, the only solution for a little better cut is a slightly longer blade for this machine which would need to be custom and very expensive.
#19
C
Chappydean
C
Chappydean
Man, I do appreciate all the input and advice. I'll check the blade length out. Sometimes I get on a single track. I believe a longer blade will help and there is definitely room for it. The main thing with the BB is that 9 to 3 wall. It can never get as close as the Dixie. I only have it to compare to and am unfamiliar with other brand engineering.
I have passed all this on to the sales rep. Am waiting and curious as to what BB has to say. They may avoid me as I think they shorted me a roll bar. Ironic, shorted blades and shorted roll bar. lol!
Thanks again guys. Great group.
I have passed all this on to the sales rep. Am waiting and curious as to what BB has to say. They may avoid me as I think they shorted me a roll bar. Ironic, shorted blades and shorted roll bar. lol!
Thanks again guys. Great group.
#20
J
jamminloud
J
jamminloud
Hey Chappy,
I feel your pain. I too bought the compact diesel about a year ago and had the same problem. Great strong frame and engine, but crappy cut. Mine was leaving the 'strips' you mention. The dealer and I did everything we could to no avail. He even took it in and gave it back to me saying it was solved, and when I got the mower home and measured, all he had done was lower the deck in the rear about 1/2" lower than the front. Not what BB recommends and not good for cutting anything thick.
Long story short, there is a work-around. Thanks to this forum, I found a guy who said get a set of Exmark blades. I did and if you hold the Exmark blades on end next to the BB blades, there is a tiny length difference. The Exmark's are a tad longer. It made a huge difference. It is still not perfect in my book, but much much better. If I had it to do all over, I would put the money I spent on the BB into a Kubota or something else. I wanted a diesel and the BB was the cheapest diesel I could find. It's a good operating mower, it just has one of the worst cuts I've ever encountered right out of the box. Try the Exmark blades, you won't be sorry you spent the money. :licking:
I feel your pain. I too bought the compact diesel about a year ago and had the same problem. Great strong frame and engine, but crappy cut. Mine was leaving the 'strips' you mention. The dealer and I did everything we could to no avail. He even took it in and gave it back to me saying it was solved, and when I got the mower home and measured, all he had done was lower the deck in the rear about 1/2" lower than the front. Not what BB recommends and not good for cutting anything thick.
Long story short, there is a work-around. Thanks to this forum, I found a guy who said get a set of Exmark blades. I did and if you hold the Exmark blades on end next to the BB blades, there is a tiny length difference. The Exmark's are a tad longer. It made a huge difference. It is still not perfect in my book, but much much better. If I had it to do all over, I would put the money I spent on the BB into a Kubota or something else. I wanted a diesel and the BB was the cheapest diesel I could find. It's a good operating mower, it just has one of the worst cuts I've ever encountered right out of the box. Try the Exmark blades, you won't be sorry you spent the money. :licking:
#21
reddragon
reddragon
thats a carpet!....not a lawn!.:laughing:
#22
Gregster
Gregster
I had the same issue with mine and similar solution.
I was leaving strips, and had constant build up under the deck, and engine bogging down.
I have the mulch kit on and a friend told me to get the gator blades, which was bad for my particular mower.
I contacted customer service, and followed they're advice.
I put the bad boy true mulch blades on. They are heavy blades. Way thicker and longer as well.
The result was perfection. Even at transport speed, no strips, no bogging, no grass build up above the blade anymore or scraping the deck down after each mowing.
Love this machine, my friends say I act like its my Harley!
I was leaving strips, and had constant build up under the deck, and engine bogging down.
I have the mulch kit on and a friend told me to get the gator blades, which was bad for my particular mower.
I contacted customer service, and followed they're advice.
I put the bad boy true mulch blades on. They are heavy blades. Way thicker and longer as well.
The result was perfection. Even at transport speed, no strips, no bogging, no grass build up above the blade anymore or scraping the deck down after each mowing.
Love this machine, my friends say I act like its my Harley!
#23
J
jamminloud
You mean like these?
038-6060-00 Bad Boy 60" High Lift Fusion Blade - S & H Farm Supply
My Bad Boy compact diesel manual calls for blade number 038-6060-00. That is just a high lift notched fusion blade and not a mulcher. I don't know if you're referring to 038-6000-00 as "true bad boy mulcher blades", but the only thing I could find are the Oregon made 396-740 Gator G6 mulching blades which appear to be the thickest and heaviest.
Bad Boy 60" Gator Mulching Blade 396-740 - S & H Farm Supply
I think I'll go back to doubles this fall with a new set of these G6 gators and my existing bahia blades and see what happens....:smile:
J
jamminloud
I had the same issue with mine and similar solution.
I was leaving strips, and had constant build up under the deck, and engine bogging down.
I have the mulch kit on and a friend told me to get the gator blades, which was bad for my particular mower.
I contacted customer service, and followed they're advice.
I put the bad boy true mulch blades on. They are heavy blades. Way thicker and longer as well.
The result was perfection. Even at transport speed, no strips, no bogging, no grass build up above the blade anymore or scraping the deck down after each mowing.
Love this machine, my friends say I act like its my Harley!
You mean like these?
038-6060-00 Bad Boy 60" High Lift Fusion Blade - S & H Farm Supply
My Bad Boy compact diesel manual calls for blade number 038-6060-00. That is just a high lift notched fusion blade and not a mulcher. I don't know if you're referring to 038-6000-00 as "true bad boy mulcher blades", but the only thing I could find are the Oregon made 396-740 Gator G6 mulching blades which appear to be the thickest and heaviest.
Bad Boy 60" Gator Mulching Blade 396-740 - S & H Farm Supply
I think I'll go back to doubles this fall with a new set of these G6 gators and my existing bahia blades and see what happens....:smile:
#24
djdicetn
Still sounds like you have had to spend a lot of time(like most of the other Bad Boy owners in this thread) to get the performance(cut) you expected for your hard-earned money. Do these compact diesel models have the "Armortek5" deck that I looked at on the 31hp gas-powered 54" Outlaw model??? I was very impressed with the "looks" of that heavy 5 gauge deck, but from what I'm hearing heavy-duty doesn't neccesarily equal quality:0(
If I had spent the $7,000 bucks the dealer wanted for that BB and had gotten a "less than golf course" cut results I would have been fit to be tied!!! I am sooooooo glad I ended up buying the Gravely Pro-Turn 152 XDZ(for several hundred dollars less "out the door" than the Bad Boy)!!! I only have 4.5 hours on it and have mowed my yard 5 times, each time it looked like a professional landscape company had mowed it(that golf course look I had craved).
djdicetn
jamminloud,You mean like these?
038-6060-00 Bad Boy 60" High Lift Fusion Blade - S & H Farm Supply
My Bad Boy compact diesel manual calls for blade number 038-6060-00. That is just a high lift notched fusion blade and not a mulcher. I don't know if you're referring to 038-6000-00 as "true bad boy mulcher blades", but the only thing I could find are the Oregon made 396-740 Gator G6 mulching blades which appear to be the thickest and heaviest.
Bad Boy 60" Gator Mulching Blade 396-740 - S & H Farm Supply
I think I'll go back to doubles this fall with a new set of these G6 gators and my existing bahia blades and see what happens....:smile:
Still sounds like you have had to spend a lot of time(like most of the other Bad Boy owners in this thread) to get the performance(cut) you expected for your hard-earned money. Do these compact diesel models have the "Armortek5" deck that I looked at on the 31hp gas-powered 54" Outlaw model??? I was very impressed with the "looks" of that heavy 5 gauge deck, but from what I'm hearing heavy-duty doesn't neccesarily equal quality:0(
If I had spent the $7,000 bucks the dealer wanted for that BB and had gotten a "less than golf course" cut results I would have been fit to be tied!!! I am sooooooo glad I ended up buying the Gravely Pro-Turn 152 XDZ(for several hundred dollars less "out the door" than the Bad Boy)!!! I only have 4.5 hours on it and have mowed my yard 5 times, each time it looked like a professional landscape company had mowed it(that golf course look I had craved).
#25
J
jamminloud
I don't remember reading anything in my manuals about the deck being an 'Armortek5'.
All I can say is, if the dealer said "you can have your money back or a new machine" ... I'd take the money. I'm a farmer and the son of a farmer. I think I know a design problem when I see one.
My dealers remedy was to lower the rear of the deck 1/2" lower than the front. No joy. And not what BB recommends. Every country boy knows you lead into the cut with a lower deck angle in the front. Rear angle puts unwanted load on the machine.
J
jamminloud
jamminloud,
Still sounds like you have had to spend a lot of time(like most of the other Bad Boy owners in this thread) to get the performance(cut) you expected for your hard-earned money. Do these compact diesel models have the "Armortek5" deck that I looked at on the 31hp gas-powered 54" Outlaw model??? I was very impressed with the "looks" of that heavy 5 gauge deck, but from what I'm hearing heavy-duty doesn't neccesarily equal quality:0(
If I had spent the $7,000 bucks the dealer wanted for that BB and had gotten a "less than golf course" cut results I would have been fit to be tied!!! I am sooooooo glad I ended up buying the Gravely Pro-Turn 152 XDZ(for several hundred dollars less "out the door" than the Bad Boy)!!! I only have 4.5 hours on it and have mowed my yard 5 times, each time it looked like a professional landscape company had mowed it(that golf course look I had craved).
I don't remember reading anything in my manuals about the deck being an 'Armortek5'.
All I can say is, if the dealer said "you can have your money back or a new machine" ... I'd take the money. I'm a farmer and the son of a farmer. I think I know a design problem when I see one.
My dealers remedy was to lower the rear of the deck 1/2" lower than the front. No joy. And not what BB recommends. Every country boy knows you lead into the cut with a lower deck angle in the front. Rear angle puts unwanted load on the machine.
#26
Gregster
You are right, they are not true mulching blades after all but, are actually the notched high lift fusion blades. They are cutting so beautifully on my unit. My manual doesn't mention armor tech 5 either. Curious to what year your CD is? Mine is a 2010. I also increased belt tension for deck and hydraulic.
Gregster
You mean like these?
038-6060-00 Bad Boy 60" High Lift Fusion Blade - S & H Farm Supply
My Bad Boy compact diesel manual calls for blade number 038-6060-00. That is just a high lift notched fusion blade and not a mulcher. I don't know if you're referring to 038-6000-00 as "true bad boy mulcher blades", but the only thing I could find are the Oregon made 396-740 Gator G6 mulching blades which appear to be the thickest and heaviest.
Bad Boy 60" Gator Mulching Blade 396-740 - S & H Farm Supply
I think I'll go back to doubles this fall with a new set of these G6 gators and my existing bahia blades and see what happens....:smile:
You are right, they are not true mulching blades after all but, are actually the notched high lift fusion blades. They are cutting so beautifully on my unit. My manual doesn't mention armor tech 5 either. Curious to what year your CD is? Mine is a 2010. I also increased belt tension for deck and hydraulic.
#27
J
jamminloud
Mine is either an '09 or a 10. I can't remember off the top of my head...
But the decks have not changed any. I ask the dealer often if BB has modified the CD deck. So far, nope. I switched to Exmark blades. Same 20.5 length, but if you stand the Exmark Oregon made blade next to the BB recommended blade, they are just a tad longer. It made a big difference in the cut on my machine. Still not perfection, but much better.
Are you cutting any bahia grass, rye, or nutgrass? Like I said, Augustine will cut clean and quick with my machine. But anything tough gets two passes, at opposing angles. :smile:
J
jamminloud
You are right, they are not true mulching blades after all but, are actually the notched high lift fusion blades. They are cutting so beautifully on my unit. My manual doesn't mention armor tech 5 either. Curious to what year your CD is? Mine is a 2010. I also increased belt tension for deck and hydraulic.
Mine is either an '09 or a 10. I can't remember off the top of my head...
But the decks have not changed any. I ask the dealer often if BB has modified the CD deck. So far, nope. I switched to Exmark blades. Same 20.5 length, but if you stand the Exmark Oregon made blade next to the BB recommended blade, they are just a tad longer. It made a big difference in the cut on my machine. Still not perfection, but much better.
Are you cutting any bahia grass, rye, or nutgrass? Like I said, Augustine will cut clean and quick with my machine. But anything tough gets two passes, at opposing angles. :smile:
#28
djdicetn
Gregster/Jamminloud,
Below is a link to my local Bad Boy dealer's BB webpage that describes the Armortek5 deck. There are also some pricing for the 2012 models and the ability to click on one of the models(click on it's picture) which will take you to the Bad Boy website for that model. The link for the Outlaw-Commercial has even more information about the Armortek5 deck design on it(if you download it's spec sheet pdf). My dealer doesn't carry the Compact Diesel models, so there's no information on their website for them, but once you click on one of the models they sell and it takes you to the Bad Boy website, you can find all Bad Boy models from there(at the bottom of the page). In fact, I clicked on the Compact Diesel and indeed it states that it(the 2012 model) has the Armortek5 deck!!!
Bad Boy Mowers
djdicetn
You are right, they are not true mulching blades after all but, are actually the notched high lift fusion blades. They are cutting so beautifully on my unit. My manual doesn't mention armor tech 5 either. Curious to what year your CD is? Mine is a 2010. I also increased belt tension for deck and hydraulic.
Gregster/Jamminloud,
Below is a link to my local Bad Boy dealer's BB webpage that describes the Armortek5 deck. There are also some pricing for the 2012 models and the ability to click on one of the models(click on it's picture) which will take you to the Bad Boy website for that model. The link for the Outlaw-Commercial has even more information about the Armortek5 deck design on it(if you download it's spec sheet pdf). My dealer doesn't carry the Compact Diesel models, so there's no information on their website for them, but once you click on one of the models they sell and it takes you to the Bad Boy website, you can find all Bad Boy models from there(at the bottom of the page). In fact, I clicked on the Compact Diesel and indeed it states that it(the 2012 model) has the Armortek5 deck!!!
Bad Boy Mowers
#29
djdicetn
I did notice that the current 2012 Compact Diesel models(and for that matter all models that reference the Armortek5 deck) specifically mention that it is a "New re-designed deck". If indeed the deck has been re-designed since you purchased your's and user Gregster's 2009/2010 models(and corrected the cut quality problems you are experiencing), if I were you I would contact Bad Boy(and your dealer) and "insist" that they need to replace your "faulty designed" original deck with one of the Armortek5 decks that they purport to have the best professional cut available. That, to me would be REALLY standing behind their product!!!
djdicetn
Jamminloud,Mine is either an '09 or a 10. I can't remember off the top of my head...
But the decks have not changed any. I ask the dealer often if BB has modified the CD deck. So far, nope. I switched to Exmark blades. Same 20.5 length, but if you stand the Exmark Oregon made blade next to the BB recommended blade, they are just a tad longer. It made a big difference in the cut on my machine. Still not perfection, but much better.
Are you cutting any bahia grass, rye, or nutgrass? Like I said, Augustine will cut clean and quick with my machine. But anything tough gets two passes, at opposing angles. :smile:
I did notice that the current 2012 Compact Diesel models(and for that matter all models that reference the Armortek5 deck) specifically mention that it is a "New re-designed deck". If indeed the deck has been re-designed since you purchased your's and user Gregster's 2009/2010 models(and corrected the cut quality problems you are experiencing), if I were you I would contact Bad Boy(and your dealer) and "insist" that they need to replace your "faulty designed" original deck with one of the Armortek5 decks that they purport to have the best professional cut available. That, to me would be REALLY standing behind their product!!!
#30
J
jamminloud
Thanks. I will sure look into it.
They should replace it simply to keep me from blasting them on the internet. When you Google Bad Boy mowers, these critical threads pop up.
Another bummer is, the dealer I bought mine from no longer will sell them tax exempt to farmers. That is a real hit in the pocketbook. If it were not for that, I might consider trading mine in for a new one if they won't make the deck good.
J
jamminloud
Jamminloud,
I did notice that the current 2012 Compact Diesel models(and for that matter all models that reference the Armortek5 deck) specifically mention that it is a "New re-designed deck". If indeed the deck has been re-designed since you purchased your's and user Gregster's 2009/2010 models(and corrected the cut quality problems you are experiencing), if I were you I would contact Bad Boy(and your dealer) and "insist" that they need to replace your "faulty designed" original deck with one of the Armortek5 decks that they purport to have the best professional cut available. That, to me would be REALLY standing behind their product!!!
Thanks. I will sure look into it.
They should replace it simply to keep me from blasting them on the internet. When you Google Bad Boy mowers, these critical threads pop up.
Another bummer is, the dealer I bought mine from no longer will sell them tax exempt to farmers. That is a real hit in the pocketbook. If it were not for that, I might consider trading mine in for a new one if they won't make the deck good.
#31
OC3
OC3
I realize this is an older thread but I thought an update from someone with a newer Bad Boy AOS 35hp cat diesel 60 inch mower. My unit is a 2016 model and it is very well made and rides very smooth. The cut is great when cutting my lawn or if I take it out and mow in my field around our apple trees ( 3 inch height). On the lawn I can cut at 1 inch height no problem.
I am familiar with the cut quality of Scag and Exmark,my next door neighbor has a Exmark Lazer Z, the Bad Boy cuts everybit as well as either of these mowers. I replaced a Gravely mower when I bought the Bad Boy and the Gravely mower had gauge wheels like on a rear finish mower which I have on a Kubota tractor. The gauge wheels help when the ground is not perfectly smooth. On most ztm the deck hangs from the frame, the plastic wheels prevent scalping, my lawn is not perfectly smooth however the Bad Boy does a beautiful job very comparable to the old Gravely, we've had many comments from vistors that our lawn looks like a golf course. I went with the 61 inch deck because the ground is not smooth, the 72 inch deck would not give the same results because of the ground not the mower. I currently have about 100 hrs on the mower diesel is quiet and smooth and very powerful I live on top of a mountain and cut some areas on a good slope no problems. Cut slopes on dry grass and use common sense no problems. The deck is set up about 1/4 inch low in front and I am using the factory supplied blades. I think my mower may have a newer improved deck as opposed to the original poster of the thread. Prospective buyers of commercial quality ztr mowers will see that most use same engines,hydraulic pumps, and wheel motors, when looking at mowers look at frame construction and ease of working on unit and I believe you will agree Bad Boy gives you alot for the money. If anyone wants photos of cut lawn let me know.
I am familiar with the cut quality of Scag and Exmark,my next door neighbor has a Exmark Lazer Z, the Bad Boy cuts everybit as well as either of these mowers. I replaced a Gravely mower when I bought the Bad Boy and the Gravely mower had gauge wheels like on a rear finish mower which I have on a Kubota tractor. The gauge wheels help when the ground is not perfectly smooth. On most ztm the deck hangs from the frame, the plastic wheels prevent scalping, my lawn is not perfectly smooth however the Bad Boy does a beautiful job very comparable to the old Gravely, we've had many comments from vistors that our lawn looks like a golf course. I went with the 61 inch deck because the ground is not smooth, the 72 inch deck would not give the same results because of the ground not the mower. I currently have about 100 hrs on the mower diesel is quiet and smooth and very powerful I live on top of a mountain and cut some areas on a good slope no problems. Cut slopes on dry grass and use common sense no problems. The deck is set up about 1/4 inch low in front and I am using the factory supplied blades. I think my mower may have a newer improved deck as opposed to the original poster of the thread. Prospective buyers of commercial quality ztr mowers will see that most use same engines,hydraulic pumps, and wheel motors, when looking at mowers look at frame construction and ease of working on unit and I believe you will agree Bad Boy gives you alot for the money. If anyone wants photos of cut lawn let me know.