Backlapping paste on cylinder mower question
 

The 3 gang ride on is starting to chop and hack at the grass instead of cut. It was sharpened in the Spring but I was advised then that I should be using the backlapping paste every few cuts of the airstrip.anybody used this stuff and got some tips on the application ?

You really need to get your mower man involved in this one but FWIW my limited experience says that you have a gap beween the revolving and static blades. They should _just_ make contact like a pair of scissors across the whole width of the blade and there is usually an adjustment for this.
Examine the blades closely for any damage or notches, in reality(tm) stones etc can both damage the blades and force the adjustment out.

I'd try to adjust the cylinder and blade gap first, as Ancient Geek said.
Backlapping - you will need to turn the cylinder backwards at a "slow" speed, 60 - 120 rpm. I used to apply the backlapping paste to the rotating cylinder with a cheap paint brush.
Remember to clean the stuff off when done, and adjust the cylinder gap. It shall be able to almost cut a piece of paper.
We normally used 120 grit paste, but 80 grit should be fine for your job.
I don't know where you are located, but PCPitchcaredotcom has the stuff.