Scored a 48" deck, what engines can handle it?

[Fordiesel69 214]

Looking at my sig, I know the 10 HP is out of the question.  It labors hard to use the 42".

 

It works great on my 16HP and 18HP, but I knew it would.

 

Will a 12HP work well?  I cut in 3rd gear.

[MalMac 1,328]

You are border line with a 12. If you now in 3rd than I would defiantly not. Especially if the grass is tall or thick.

[dsholler 54]

I do fine with a 14, although if you let it get long and the grass is wet you can hear it labor going up hills. However, I rarely go faster than 2nd, and often cut in 1st.

[Don1977 604]

With a 48" deck more is better. 12 HP won't get it done in third gear. In third gear 16 HP or more.

[can whlvr 991]

it depends on grass conditions as well(i agree more is better)if you have real thick healthy grass that grows fast you need more power