What is a Lawn Mower Deck?

A lawn mower deck is the part of a lawn mower that protects the user as well as the engine of the mower from the blades and the debris shot off from the blades. It is generally made of a durable metal that is resistant to corrosion or rust, and it is strong enough to take the impact of stray debris kicked up by the blade. The lawn mower deck size will vary depending on the size and purpose of the mower. Some lawn mower deck versions are even independent units that can be towed behind a tractor or quad.

Depending on the type of mower, the lawn mower deck may be adjustable. The adjustment may move the blade up and down as well, allowing the user to adjust how much grass is cut from the lawn. The deck itself is usually affixed to the frame of the mower, and it must be secured properly to avoid loosening over time. If the deck loosens, it may come in contact with the blades, which can cause damage to both the lawn mower deck and the blades; the engine may also be damaged as a result. The deck must therefore be secured using high quality hardware that will not rust or corrode over time, potentially leading to loosening of the deck.

The width of the deck will vary depending on the size of the mower. Most consumer mowers feature a deck that is fairly narrow, and it covers just one blade. Larger industrial mowers often feature two or three blades, which means the deck must be much wider. Industrial mowers often feature decks that adjust up and down, not only to adjust the length of the cut grass, but also to raise the blades off the ground when transporting the mower over surfaces that are not grass. The blades of such mowers are often longer and more powerful than consumer sized lawnmowers, so they are capable of throwing larger debris. The decks are therefore usually quite strong and thick.

Tow-behind mowers feature wider deck versions that may be as wide as industrial models. Some decks have an engine mounted right to the top of them, while others connect to an engine in other ways. The deck in this case usually features an arm that fits into a trailer hitch mounted on a tractor or quad so it can be towed easily behind the vehicle.