What Is a Fixed Mower Deck?

Advantages

• Fixed mower deck systems are usually less expensive because the mechanics of the system are simpler than floating deck mowers. This also means there is less to maintain and fewer chances for failure.

Disadvantages

• While the entire body of the lawn mower reacts to changes in the contour of the ground, it is less reactive than the floating deck. This increases the chance of the mower scalping, cutting too close to, the ground. It can also lead to areas where the grass is too tall if the deck doesn’t shift to accommodate a lower level of ground.

Examples

• Most residential walk-behind mowers are fixed deck mowers. This works well for small mowers where the wheels are set close to the blade housing, causing the mower to act much like a floating mower deck. The option of a floating deck doesn’t enter into the mix until you are looking at large, professional-grade walk-behind mowers and riding lawn mowers.

Fixed Mower Deck Safety

• Always keep your hands and feet away from any mower deck. The shields around the mower deck are designed to prevent accidental contact with the moving blades. The housing of a fixed mower deck can stand farther away from the ground if there is a low spot in the ground at the deck while the wheels of the mower are on higher portions of the lawn. All operators of any kind of lawn mowing equipment should follow all applicable safety precautions.