broken shroud on underside of deck

[Cedare_2]

I have a 242 XD mower. The shroud on the underside of the deck, that goes around the mandrels, broke 3 of it's welds and is bent and hanging. Is this shroud necessary? Would it have much effect on the mower's performance if I removed it? Thanks in advance.

 

[sgkent]

only if you want it to work like the Engineers designed it.

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

I have a 242 XD mower. The shroud on the underside of the deck, that goes around the mandrels, broke 3 of it's welds and is bent and hanging. Is this shroud necessary? Would it have much effect on the mower's performance if I removed it? Thanks in advance.

Broken baffle that helps maintain the proper vacuum to cut the grass correctly. I have fixed 2 or 3 already this year. It catches on something when mowing and rips off the deck.

 

[Auto Doc's]

I have a 242 XD mower. The shroud on the underside of the deck, that goes around the mandrels, broke 3 of it's welds and is bent and hanging. Is this shroud necessary? Would it have much effect on the mower's performance if I removed it? Thanks in advance.

Get it straightened and welded before it gets worse. It is basically helps hold the clippings under the deck longer so it mulches them better.

More importantly, it also adds to strengthen the deck in the spindle areas so cracks from metal fatigue do not start happening. Mower decks endure a lot of vibration.

I do not recommend removing it.

 

[slomo]

it also adds to strengthen the deck in the spindle areas so cracks from metal fatigue do not start happening.

Good point.