Exmark showcases new Adapt cutting deck adjustment system at Equip Expo  

A new system from Exmark that that enables quick deck rake adjustments to maximize cut quality generated a buzz during Equip Expo in Louisville last week.

Experienced landscape maintenance professionals know that achieving an optimal cut quality in different cutting conditions comes down to deck adjustment. Small adjustments to deck pitch, or rake, can make a big difference in finished cut quality and mower efficiency, which is why Exmark has introduced Adapt.

Available on select 2023 Lazer Z X-Series zero-turn mowers, Adapt enables the operator to make quick deck rake adjustments from the operator seat, without tools.

According to Jamie Briggs, Exmark director of Marketing, Adapt simplifies deck rake adjustment, so it’s easy to understand, whether you’re a landscape contractor or not.

“Adapt is perfect for contractors who maintain a lot of different turf types, because it lets them quickly optimize deck performance for the conditions,” Briggs said. “It’s also ideal for homeowners who want professional looking results, but perhaps don’t have the desire or aptitude to make manual deck adjustments. Adapt takes away the fear of misadjustment because it’s just as easy to go back to the stock ‘home’ setting as it is to adjust away from it.”

By enabling both positive and negative deck rake adjustment, Adapt enables Exmark’s UltraCut Series 6 cutting deck to operate optimally in a wider range of conditions. It works equally well for side-discharge, mulching and bagging.

Selecting a positive rake setting raises the rear of the deck, increasing airflow to increase discharge velocity to reduce deck clumping and plugging, particularly in moist cutting conditions. In addition, going from flat rake to ¼-inch positive rake also reduces power consumption by up to 25%. This results in increased fuel economy and decreased stress on the engine.

A flat or negative deck rake, with the rear of the deck lower than the front, results in increased blade contact with the grass, which can help provide a clean cut with fewer stragglers in stemmy, seedy turf conditions.

For 2023, Exmark will offer Adapt on select Lazer Z X-Series zero-turn mower models equipped with the UltraCut Series 6 side discharge cutting deck, including 52-, 60-, and 72-inch models.