Mowing Decks

The right deck size balances productivity, maneuverability and cut quality. If your property has gates, slopes or heavy landscaping, slightly smaller decks can be faster overall. If it’s wide open, a larger deck lets you mow more acres in less time.


• 1-2 acres
  • A 36-52” deck will work sufficiently.
• 2-4 acres
  • A 48-61” deck will significantly reduce mowing time.
• 4-6 acres
  • Consider a 61-72” deck that will provide the productivity needed to cover ground efficiently.
• 6+ acres
  • This demands a larger deck size. A 61-72” inch deck is best for maximizing productivity. These decks are built for large, open areas where speed, durability and uptime matter most.

To learn about what deck sizes are available on which models, explore the Bobcat zero-turn mower comparison chart.

The industry-leading Bobcat AirFX™ deck stands apart with its deep-deck design that generates higher vacuum, lifting grass upright before it reaches the blades for a cleaner, more consistent cut at faster ground speeds. Patented bolt-on Air Gap™ baffles control airflow inside the deck, improving clipping dispersal while allowing damaged components to be replaced quickly without welding or downtime. Built from 10-gauge, dual layer, heavy-duty steel with reinforced spindles, the AirFX deck combines exceptional cut quality with true commercial durability, making it one of the most advanced cutting systems in the industry.

The best quality of cut comes from a well-designed deck with strong vacuum and airflow, sized appropriately for the terrain. There isn’t a single deck width that automatically gives the best quality of cut, but width may impact consistency under certain conditions.

Cut quality is driven by:

Deck design
Baffle design and discharge flow prevent clumping and recirculation inside the deck, resulting in better clipping dispersal and a cleaner finish. 



Airflow
Airflow impacts the ability to create a strong vacuum lift under the deck. That lift pulls grass upright into the blade path, ensuring a clean, even cut instead of bending or missing blades.



Horsepower
Horsepower directly impacts cut quality because it determines how well the engine can maintain blade speed, especially in thick, tall or wet grass.

When it comes to finding the machine with the proper horsepower to suit your job, explore Bobcat zero-turn mowers buyers guide for learning more about zero-turn mower sizes and specifications, or the factors to consider when choosing a zero-turn mower, or on selecting the right zero-turn mower by acreage size.

Across the Bobcat zero-turn mower lineup, the cutting decks range from 36” to 72” based on models and type of zero-turn mower.

The smallest cutting deck is 36” and is only available on the ZS4000 zero-turn mower and the WB700 walk-behind mower. The largest deck Bobcat offers is the 72” AirFX™ deck, exclusive to the ZT7000 zero-turn mower.

For a full lineup of deck sizes and platforms explore the Bobcat zero-turn mower comparison chart, or explore the Bobcat cutting decks to learn about the advantages of Bobcat mowing decks.

A properly leveled deck cuts cleaner, reduces scalping, protects components and lets your mower perform the way it was engineered to perform. Adjusting and leveling your mower deck is critical for cut quality, even wear and long-term durability. While exact steps vary slightly by model, the general process is the same for most zero-turn mowers.

Step One
Start by parking your mower on a level, hard surface. Assure the break is set, turn off the engine and remove the key. It is critical at this time you check tire pressure as uneven pressure will throw off your leveling.

Step Two
Set the deck height and check the blade position.

Step Three
Set the deck to a mid-range cutting height. Rotate the blades so they are pointing side-to-side, then front-to-back. Measure from the blade tips to the ground at each position, then adjust the deck lift or hanger points so that all blade tips measure the same distance from the ground on the left and right sides. The front of the deck should typically sit slightly lower than the rear.

Step Four
Adjust the front hanger rods or deck links so the front blade tips are about ⅛- to ¼-inch lower than the rear. This helps the deck lift grass cleanly and improves cut quality.

Step Five
Recheck all of the measurements, tighten the hardware and then test mow a small area.

And remember, always refer to the owner’s manual before undertaking any maintenance, or contact your local Bobcat dealer for assistance in service and support.

Better airflow means better lift, cleaner cuts and fewer passes. Deck airflow directly determines how clean, even and consistent the cut will be. Strong airflow creates vacuum inside the deck, lifting grass blades upright so they’re cut evenly instead of being pushed over or missed. Proper airflow also moves clippings efficiently through the deck and out the discharge, preventing clumping and allowing the mower to maintain cut quality at higher ground speeds.

A clean deck maintains proper airflow and vacuum, improves cut quality, prevents corrosion and extends component life. It’s a small habit that keeps a zero-turn mower performing the way it was engineered to perform. Cleaning a zero-turn mower deck is simple, and doing it regularly is one of the best ways to protect cut quality and long-term durability.

Step One
To clean your deck, start by parking on a hard flat surface and assure the engine is off and key removed. Never clean a deck while the engine is still running and it’s a best practice to let the engine cool before cleaning.

Step Two
Raise the deck to its highest cutting height (or use the deck’s access features such as a flip-up footplate or deck access panel, if equipped). This makes it easier to reach the top and underside.

Step Three
Remove build up using a non-metal brush or compressed air from the underside of the deck, around the spindles and near the discharge area.

Step Four
If your mower is equipped with deck blow-out ports or wash ports, use them according to the operator’s manual. If not, light rinsing is acceptable, but avoid direct high-pressure water on bearings, spindles or seals.

Step Five
Then simply let the deck dry and take pride in that good-as-new looking deck.

For more on keeping your zero-turn mower clean, watch the Bobcat Turf Talks video on proper cleaning techniques. It’s also recommended that you consult the owner’s manual before undertaking any routine maintenance or contact your local Bobcat dealer.