Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): SIMPLICITY MOWER, short grass, secret answer

Question
I HAVE A 17HP SIMPLICITY MOWER THAT USED TO CUT THE GRASS WITH NO EFFORT AT ALL. NOW EVEN AFTER HAVING THE BELT REPLACED THE CENTER BLADE BOGGS DOWN EVEN IN SHORT GRASS AND I CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHY. IT DOES NOT CUT WELL AT ALL AND I END UP CUTTING HALF THE LAWN TWICE. COULD SURE USE SOME SUGGESTIONS.

THANKS IN ADVANCE

JT

Answer
Not much to go on here JT.  1 deck belt or 2?  38", 42", etc?  Recent weather conditions, height of grass, ground speed,mulch kit or not, these are critical For diagnosing cut quallity issues.

Are you sure it's only the center blade.  It would be almost impossible for just 1 blade to bog down.  If the belt and tensioning spring are good The deck is only going to go as fast as the slowest component.

It is common for an under powered mower deck to dump most of it's load in the middle.  If this is the case you have to look at the engine.  Does it sound like it always has or does it sound weak, or slower.  How are you at keeping up on service.  Only you no the answer to that.

Take off the belts and spin everything.  Anything binding or noisy? If so replace it.

No secret answer. Sorry that's all I got without a follow up.