Stamped vs. Fabricated Decking: Pros and Cons

When it comes to lawnmowers, one of the most significant components is the deck. It houses the mower’s blades and controls how efficiently and effectively it can cut through the grass. 

Mower decks are classified into two types: stamped and manufactured. Stamped decks are created by stamping a piece of steel into the desired shape, whereas fabricated decks are created by welding many pieces of metal together. Both types of decks have advantages and disadvantages, and which one is best for your lawn mower is determined by a number of factors. 

In this blog, we’ll look at stamped deck vs fabricated deck and help you decide which is right for you.

What is the Major Difference Between Stamped And Fabricated Deck?

A lawn mower is one of the most crucial tools any homeowner should have, particularly regarding grass care. That’s because your lawn is one of the most noticeable features of your house. The better your grass, the higher the resale value of your home.

Of course, your lawn mower is the primary equipment for efficiently trimming the grass on your lawn. So, if you’re looking for a good lawnmower for your home, you might come across two different types of lawnmowers. The first is a lawn mower with a stamped deck. Meanwhile, the second is a lawn mower with a fabricated deck.

Stamped Deck vs Fabricated Deck Comparison

Factor	Stamped Deck	Fabricated Deck
Construction	A Single piece of steel stamped into shape	Multiple pieces of metal welded together
Strength	Less durable and prone to warping	More durable and resistant to warping
Weight	Lighter in weight, making it easier to maneuver	Heavier in weight, making it more stable and long-lasting
Maintenance	Requires less maintenance, as there are no welded seams to rust	Welded seams can rust and require regular maintenance
Cost	Less expensive to manufacture, making it a more affordable option	More expensive to manufacture, resulting in a higher cost
Cut Quality	Good for standard mowing, but may struggle with taller grass	Better for mulching and can handle taller grass more easily
Customizability	Limited options for customization	More options for customization, including mulching attachments

What is a Stamped Deck?

Let us first define stamped deck mowers. The decks of these mowers were stamped from a single piece of steel. That is, a massive piece of steel was simply cut and molded into the shape of the lawn mower’s deck in order to make it relatively smooth and with fewer parts.

In most situations, the steel used to manufacture a stamped deck mower is a thinner form of metal than the steel used to make a fabricated deck mower. This is because it is easier to stamp out a single piece of thin metal.

Stamped deck mowers are often lighter than their constructed counterparts due to their thinner decks. This also provides for improved airflow and less stress to turf plants. Furthermore, stamped deck mowers are usually quite versatile in terms of what they can do.

Stamped deck mowers are usually more than enough for average households who only mow their lawns once a week. This is because these mowers are often inexpensive to the majority of homeowners. However, because many households only use stamped deck mowers once a week at most, these mowers can last quite a long time despite being not so durable.

Pros and Cons of Stamped Deck

Pros of Stamped Deck

1. They are More Affordable

A significant advantage of stamped decks is their economic value. Because thinner material is used and little welding is required, the cost of production for these types of decks is quite low. Of course, a corporation needs some significant molding equipment, but the regular property owner doesn’t bear that cost. Riding mowers with stamped decks is typically less expensive.

2. Great For Creating Suction

Stamped decks feature rounded edges that are perfect for creating suction because they are molded from a single piece of material. Suction is a critical component of a mower deck because it is utilized to lift grass blades for a clean, level cut. Without an adequate lift, you may end up with difficult sections of grass that require a second pass to cut.

Cons of Stamped Deck

1. They are Less Durable

The use of lighter-duty materials results in a shorter lifespan. Although some manufacturers use thinner metal than others, stamped decks are not as durable as fabricated decks. This means stamped decks can crumple or bend much more easily when running over difficult terrain. 

While that may not be a risk for everyone, it is something to think about. Furthermore, rust can wreak havoc on stamped decks. Because they are thinner, rust can eat through them quickly if not properly cared for.

2. Prone to Mud and Gunk Buildup

The accumulation of dirt, trimmings, and other muck on stamped decks can significantly accelerate wear and tear. Rust is a major concern to mowers that have a lot of moisture buildup. Buildup might also result in poor cutting quality. You don’t want to make your deck muddy because it will reduce suction and the efficacy of the mower’s blades. Though regular cleaning can address this issue, it isn’t enjoyable.

What is a Fabricated Deck?

Then consider manufactured deck mowers. The phrase “fabricated” tells you a lot about what these mowers are constructed of. Your hunch is correct, as manufactured mowers typically have heavier, high-quality steel plates that are welded or fabricated together rather than being cut and molded from a single piece of steel.

The prevailing assumption is that constructed deck mowers are stronger and more durable than stamped deck mowers because they use stronger steel plates forged together.

Naturally, fabricated deck mowers are much heavier than stamped deck mowers. However, they can handle more demanding commercial applications because they are heavier and more durable. These are tough machines that can withstand harsher conditions for longer periods of time.

As a result of how frequently the mowers will be used, constructed deck mowers are preferable for individuals who intend to utilise their mowers for business purposes. They are typically more resilient and long-lasting than stamped deck alternatives. However, this also means that they are significantly more expensive.

Pros and Cons of Fabricated Deck

Pros of Fabricated Deck

1. They are long, lasting

The deck’s strength is also vital in keeping a mower alive for a longer period of time. Fabricated decks will outlast almost any stamped deck. The building style of constructed decks aids in this, as does the material used. Rust is less of a threat on these decks because they are composed of thicker steel. 

Furthermore, if some particularly stubborn rust did make its way all the way through the wall of a fabricated deck, it would be much easier to repair. Because these decks are made of multiple pieces of metal rather than a single piece, simple welding may be the solution to any problems that arise.

2. They are Stronger

The use of thicker steel and welds significantly improves the strength of constructed decks. This is one of the main reasons why lawn care providers and businesses prefer these reinforced decks. If you’re out there every day, you need a mower deck that can withstand regular wear without being damaged.

Cons of Fabricated Deck

1. They are More Expensive

Fabricated decks are usually always more expensive since they require more material and labor to put them. You can justify this cost if you use the mower frequently and can make it last longer than one with a stamped deck. However, this is entirely dependent on your personal usage.

2. They have Weaker Suction

Some suction is lost when sharper angles connect the corners/edges of fabricated decks. When welding and fabrication are being done, human error becomes a bigger factor. While this does not preclude fabricated decks from providing a clean cut, it is a minor disadvantage worth considering.

3. They have Fewer Height Options

Fabricated decks are often taller; thus they cannot be elevated as high as stamped decks. They can get just as low. However, there may be a difference in maximum height between a constructed deck and a stamped deck of 314 inches against 4 inches. This isn’t always the case, but it’s a common occurrence that I’ve noticed.

How to Identify if My Mower Got a Stamped or Fabricated Deck

There are various ways to tell if your mower’s deck is stamped or fabricated. Using any of these methods, determining the answer is not difficult. Let’s see whether your mower deck has a stamp.

There are three primary methods for determining if your mower deck is stamped or manufactured.

• The majority of mower deck types are stated in the owner’s handbook or advertising material.
• Fabricated decks will have prominent weld or bolt connections.
• The metal on stamped decks is substantially thinner.

Conclusion

Choosing the right deck for your lawn mower is an important decision that can impact the quality of your lawn maintenance. Stamped and fabricated decks have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on various factors, such as the terrain, grass height, and frequency of use. 

Ultimately, it’s important to do your research, consider your specific needs, and make an informed decision based on the information provided. By doing so, you can ensure that your lawn mower is equipped with the right deck to provide you with the best possible results.