First Changes - Lose the Cowling - 150-180 minutes

OK...so what is the point of all of the metal up front? Maybe it keeps the engine clean (but the sides are open). Taking it off lightened the steering, and gave a much better view of the grass. It also seemed to tighten everything up (less unbolted metal to clank around on bumps). Note: The other big change here was changing from a low blade height to the highest one. Amazingly - several weeks later and it seems to be making the lawn nicer too. Who knew? Keep in mind - this was me trying to mow as fast as possible. Before, I used to hate the job and thus it would take an extra hour or so.