Deere Piranha 44M deck

16 years ago

I just bought a 44M Piranha deck for my GT225 and am amazed. I can't believe this deck has never been mentioned in this forum. I decided to post a review / buying experience of sorts so others can reference it in the future.

My GT came with the 42C deck, which I used either for side-discharge or non-powerflo collection. Either method spewed massive amounts of pollen into the air which left me looking like I'd been pepper-sprayed after cutting the grass in dry conditions (serious allergies). That was the main reason for looking at a dedicated mulching deck--it was either that or wear my gas mask while mowing. I hadn't been impressed with the "mulch plug" conversions I'd used in the past, so I wanted to go with a deck which was specifically made for mulching. I'm keeping the 42C/bagger combination for cleaning up leaves and post-hurricane debris (and spring de-thatching). I'm a huge buy-used garden equipment guy. I'd seen a few 42M decks go for $400+ used on eBay, and $600 new old stock. I wasn't really excited about getting another 42" deck and I also didn't think I'd like the lack of rear anti-scalp (gage) wheels. As luck would have it, I came across a 44M deck, NOS, for sale at a Deere dealer in Northern California. 44M? What the heck is that? Nothing on Deere's website. It wasn't even listed as an optional deck for my GT225. I did find an IPB which at least showed me the nuts and bolts of it--literally. The best source of information ended up being the US patent website:

http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/7146791-description.html

It actually is a convertible mower of sorts, converting from a hard-core mulching mower (this thing has six blades, stacked in pairs) with a slight rear discharge, to a standard rear-discharge deck (with a different chute). Either way, it shoots the clippings out between the tires, so the chances of turning through a dust cloud is pretty slim. Plus you can trim on both sides.

The deck in California looked great (it was unused, bought two years ago for a customer who cancelled it and then bought a new tractor instead). But I knew the shipping (LTL) would be substantial, so I inquired with my local dealer to see what this great invention retails for: $850. I asked about the 42M, just to see; it's no longer in production, but they could build one for around the same price. If the eBay deal fell through, I'd probably have purchased a new 44M, but with the chance to save money, I called up the guys at Valley Truck and Tractor, Yuba City, CA, and got some info on the deck. What a great sales staff. Everyone I talked to was very helpful. Mike assured me it would fit on my tractor. I also found the following JD service flyer which confirmed it:

https://jdparts.deere.com/partsmkt/document/english/featbene/fb_MaintSheet_gt225_44MdeckLawnTractor.pdf

I won the auction, as the sole bidder, for $200. UPS Freight LTL shipping was $160 to the terminal 30 minutes from my home. I spent $15 on gas. So for less than half price, I attained a brand new 44M mower which perfectly suits my needs.

One thing I always hated about the 42C (and the 38" deck) was the three-wheel setup. I never could fine tune the 42C deck to my satisfaction. I usually cut with the deck floating on the gage wheels. Since I cut my grass at 0.5" early in the season, and 1 to 1.5" late summer, if the deck dips 3/8" it will scalp. Having four wheels is way better than three for this kind of mowing. I cut it so low yesterday, the bolts which hold on the rear mulch discharge chute and stick out about 1/4" below the sheetmetal, actually scratched my turf in a few places. I need to swap them out with some carriage bolts or round-head screws to rectify the problem.

I can see why customers would be hesitant to order a new tractor with this deck, since it limits your options. But for what it's designed, it does very well. If you did happen to come across a late model GT (or GX, LX, 245, 265, 325) for sale with a Pirahna deck, you can pick up a 42C deck for heavy-mowing backup (after returning from vacations, etc) for under $200 on eBay.

Here is a link that might be useful: piranha deck

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Comments (19)

cjsm5nys
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Marineguy,

I too have been looking to mulch. Over the winter I came across the 44M on Machine Finder but never gave it any thought. I figured I would simply get the mulch kit for the 48C deck. So you really like your 44M!

I must look into this deck further! I recently picked up a '04 GT235. I had plans to get the GT a new 48C deck and purchase the mulch kit. But now I will look into this 44M. Wish it was a 48" though. I have just over an acre to mow and wanted to go with the larger 48" deck, but If the 44M is a superior mulcher, this may be the way to go.

Were you able to get a price on a new 44M and if so, how much? This way I can compare with the JD dealers.

Thanks for info. Timing is everything!
marineguy
Original Author
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
My local dealer told me $850 for a new 44M. I just can't imagine how a mulch kit could compare to the performance of this deck. Where a mulch kit has to keep re-circulating the grass until it's eventually small enough to get out of the vortex, this deck just does its job with 12 cutting edges, then spits the clippings out the rear. I think convertible decks sacrifice some of the evenness of cut by having all those yet-to-be mulched clippings blowing around in the closed off deck. Rather than "grass clippings," the residue on the lawn this weekend was more aptly described as "grass dust."
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engine_tech
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
The Piranha was an awesome deck. It's only downside is that you need to follow the "1/3 rule" when mulching or it will clump. Grass needs to be dry as well. Some folks couldn't get that, and didn't like them. Thus the low sales. The later Freedom 42 (with the timed blades) would actually out mulch it, and it would handle wet grass. But, it was more complicated with the timing belt and all and could not rear discharge.

One major benefit of the Piranha is that you can trim with both sides, and there is also less of a risk of thrown objects. I wouldn't mind having one, either set up to mulch or rear discharge. The rounded deck shell is also very strong. Nice find you got there.
marineguy
Original Author
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thanks. I really think this deck will work out perfect for me, since I only cut dry grass. Cutting more than 1/3 would be pretty much unheard of, since I usually cut the grass when others (my wife) say it doesn't even need it, just because I like mowing the lawn.
daytona500pacecar
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I became aware of the Pirahna 44M deck about 5 years ago when I was searching through options for my Dad as he was ready to trade in his JD 332 with 50 inch deck and hydraulic rear tine tiller for a new JD after 14 years. As I recall there were 3 diesel JD Lawn Tractor options - a mid-size that I can't recall right now and then the X495 (2wd) and X595 (4wd). The Pirahna 44M was an option for the mid-size model, but he went with the X495 and the 54C deck with the Mulching Kit pre-installed and it has worked out quite well. However, I have a JD LT155 with the Freedom42 Deck and I couldn't imagine having to mow with anything else ever again. It does such a beautiful job! And it can handle pretty tall grass with no issues and a lot of leaves as well as we have 21 Oak trees on our property. I always say that it works like "magic" as there are no clippings whatsoever left. That is why I considered the Pirahna 44M if my Dad chose that mid-sized JD - as I was hoping it would come close to the performance of my Freedom42. But when I inquired with my local dealer, I was told that I probably wouldn't be happy with it since I was used to the results of the Freedom42 and that we would be better off choosing a 48C or 54C with the Mulch Kit depending on which model my Dad chose. So from my personal experience, the Freedom42 does a spectacular job, the 54C with Mulch Kit does a very good job, and I have no other reference regarding the Pirahna except for the comments made by my dealer. But I have to say, it is a shame that John Deere did not do more to promote the Freedom42 Deck as it has now been discontinued and was by far the best deck they had to offer. Their literature did mention it and describe it but the dealer did not know much about it and it wasn't promoted in John Deere's marketing campaigns. It not only provides awesome results, but as noted with the Pirahna, you have no discharge so there is very little dust and virtually no debris, it is much safer as well (which should be a big cosideration when most people are mowing close to neighbors, kids, cars and even nearby traffic), and you can mow right up to things on either side. And it was mentioned that the blades were on a timing setup, and I wanted to note that the blades are set up in a timing pattern because they are counter-rotating. But with the Pirahna 44M, it was never even mentioned in there literature. I don't know why John Deere goes to such lengths to design good and unique products and then fails to promote them. It is not unlike the SST (Spin Steer) lawn tractors for which they won many design awards, but they did little to promote them and ended production - now Cub Cadet offers almost the identical lawn tractor. Go figure! So anyway, I am happy to hear first hand that the Pirahna 44M does a good job...
lkbum_gw
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
awww marineguy, tell the truth, you just have a thing for machines with blades on them :)
marineguy
Original Author
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Daytona,
Amen to that. These decks are so out of the ordinary, the 42M with counter-rotating blades, and the 44M with double-stacked blades. The only reference to this extraordinary engineering is the little option listed after a few tractors: Decks available: 42C, 42M, 48C. I guess John Deere thinks they're above marketing. But it can't be very profitable when you introduce products and discontinue them so quickly, guys like us (the minority who actually cares) find out about products when they're no longer in production.

Lkbum,
Yes, if only Deere could design a deck that tilts forward and uses hi-lift blades to propel you to 300mph! A carbon fiber body, multifunction engine/mower status displays, and mow-by-wire controls would be nice too.
Actually my GT225 with the deck engaged sounds a lot like a V-22 in a hover (without the turbine whine). I wonder if anyone makes a turbo for the Kohler CV460...
larso1
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
"if only Deere could design a deck that tilts forward and uses hi-lift blades to propel you to 300mph! A carbon fiber body, multifunction engine/mower status displays, and mow-by-wire controls would be nice too."

Well, they're getting closer, with hoods that look lilkke they;re wind tunnel tested for high speed, lightweight and strong "aerospace polymers" for the body parts, and wasn't the spin steer SST somewhat of a drive-by-wire steering control? I say it's now time for a plug-in hybrid power unit including regen braking when going down slopes. Gasoline, diesel, and coal (plug-in electric) fuel operation. The mower could double as a remote portable electric power supply. We're almost there!
lkbum_gw
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
This is a little off topic, but since we've ebbed into high tech, check out the link below with a video fom a DARPA project. It is amazing. If you have not seen it you will be stunned. It is for a robotic "quadraped" named big dog from Boston Dynamics. Prepare yourself.

Here is a link that might be useful: High tech DARPA video
jdgt235_2007
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I have found one on craiglist for $525. I like the deal you got. I will keep searching...Thanks for the research on this deck. Are they rare? or no one parts with them?
cjsm5nys
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Re: Pirranah 44" deck--

my local JD dealer said you can still order this mulcher as new. He will be getting back to me on a price...not list either!

Let you all know how much later.
jdgt235_2007
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Just picked up my 44" Piranha deck. Looks great cannot wait to cut. Thanks to Marineguy for the review. Here is the add on craigslist. Original URL: http://easternshore.craigslist.org/grd/685193830.html
marineguy
Original Author
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Couldn't open the ad; what did you get it for? I paid nearly as much for shipping as I paid for the deck, but it was worth every penny. I've used it four times so far this year. Spectacular cut. One incredibly nit-picky criticism is that while mowing my hybrid Bermuda at my standard early-season height of 1/2", the bolts which hold the discharge shoot to the sheet metal stick down 1/4" or so, so when I hit some slight bumps, they tend to scratch the turf. It's not an issue while mowing at 3/4", so I guess I'll just have to mow a little higher. Still looks like a putting green out front. Tomorrow I'll put it to the test. I've been a little busy lately, and the common Bermuda out back is about 1.5-2". I cut the common variety at 1".
I haven't seen any clippings after mowing. The only difference between mulching and bagging is that my dog tends to track fine particles of wet clippings in the house after doing his business on the wet morning grass. But I can live with that for the benefits: recycling my clippings into the grass, no more dust cloud discharging behind my head, and a darn nice cut.
jdgt235_2007
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Paid $250 and he added 2 sets of blades, the drive belt and a new pulley belt. Looking forward to cutting after the grass drys out. Now I need to get my yard looking like yours (golf course grade!) Thanks again for the review. I have a few spots that kick up alot to make the dust cloud. I also have a sun room and was afraid the 42" deck would throw a rock or stick through a window. I am attempting to post pictures of the deck but cannot get them into the message. Whats the trick?
rcbe
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
posting pix:

Here is a link that might be useful: help
jdgt235_2007
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thank you rcbe. I am working on posting some pictures

Marineguy, Happy Memorial Day, I have a question regarding the belt tension lever. I cannot get it to lock in all the way. While cutting yesterday (Fantastic job) the tension lever kept unlocking. I was able to finish cutting without it locked. Am I missing some adjustment?? Thanks
Thomas Lynch
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
damn system erased the whole message when I logged in.

got a 1994 LX178 v-twin watercooled kawi WITH the Piranha deck on the rig. Wife bought a 38 inch front snow thrower for the tractor in 1996.

You message indicates you have a new tractor with this deck? This is great as i thought it was only on eBay as a replacement for about 750 buckos?

I bought from Star Lawnmower in PA (est. 1897) and cut hybrid perennial ryegrass at 3" fall and spring and 3.5 in jul/aug depending on rainfall. Now on Long Island in more shade cut at 3".

Full mulch (rear discharge is closed) and lover the zero clearence on both sides!

Good luck and happy mowing! Keep the blades level/flat and well sharpened and the lawn keepers at Pine Valley/Augusta/Torrey/Pebble will want to know your secret. "Nothing runs......." yeah yeah you guys get it.

Here is a link that might be useful: son on 1994 LX178 w/44
marineguy
Original Author
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Sorry I didn't get back sooner. I haven't had to make any adjustments to my belt tensioner. I'll take a look at it tomorrow to see what you can do.
Just cut with it tonight. Amazing. Only complaint is that you can't back up or it leaves clumps of micro-clippings at your point of reversal (unless you lift the deck first). Not really sure why that is; I guess clippings are somehow collecting in the rear of the deck since I've been letting it get longer than I should. I can live with it. I think it might be time for the mid-season sharpening. That should take awhile with six blades.
getmcghee
14 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Can someone tell me how and where to install the deflector that came attached to the deck by a wire?

Deere Piranha 44M deck

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