Kent Posted August 24, 2003 Posted August 24, 2003 ... on my 48" deck for the first time. I needed a new set of blades, and wanted to have them for leaf collection this fall. I'm quite pleased with them, and thought I'd "report in" in case you haven't tried them. They're not a "magical cure" but they do cut the clippings to about 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the normal high lift blades. It's been so wet here for the past month that grass is still growing unusually fast -- so fast I'd actually considered "bagging it" with my vacuum cart since I was getting tired of seeing the dried grass clippings lying on the lawn from my weekly mowing.... In comparison, the clippings from the Gator Blades are so small that they aren't even noticeable.... It'll be interesting to see what they do to leaves. Hopefully they provide enough lift that there won't be a problem with the vac.... They also seem to be a much harder metal than the factory blades, so I'm guessing they'll hold an edge longer....
Agricola Posted August 24, 2003 Posted August 24, 2003 Kent, Where is a good place to get those blades?
Kent Posted August 24, 2003 Author Posted August 24, 2003 No, I didn't even have the deflector shield on it, much less a mulching kit... just let 'em blow. They're also noticeably quieter too, another side benefit. This place has the best prices that I was able to find, but they don't list any for the 48" deck, only the 42"... didn't try to see if they could get them. I just went with Jacks, which had them listed and cross-referenced against the OEM part number. http://mowproducts.com/
MoAC610 Posted August 24, 2003 Posted August 24, 2003 Hey We have been selling GAtor Blades to the commercial guys since they first became available to us at the shop. We have sold I know over 3oo blades since the begining of the season. When we do get a commercial guy in that has Gators we installed we have been checking the blades so far we have not had to sharpen any. They are a heavier steel then the normal blades, We have two guys with accounts that they need to bag and they say that they work just as good as Vac Blades. We buy them direct from manufacturer, but Home Depot and sears also have Gator or if you will a knock off brand called Viper not as heavy and i dont know anyone using them so i cant comment. I have them on the 610 since i put it back in service no problems here
mowerman1193 Posted August 25, 2003 Posted August 25, 2003 I am glad to hear that they work good as I just ordered a set last friday.I also ordered the standard blades just in case I didn't like the gators...I always like to have 2 sets so I can always keep a sharp set ready to mount on.
thedaddycat Posted August 25, 2003 Posted August 25, 2003 I have OEM and Gator blades. I like the Gators for really heavy stuff, it just shreads it and blows it out... The OEM blades will work OK, but not as well for the heavy stuff. for lighter cutting(regular mowing) both seem to give the same cut if they're sharp. Alas, even mighty Gator blades don't stand up to Connecticut State Flowers(granite rocks)........ I end up sharpening and balancing every week or two at most. I want to keep that nice clean cut for all the lawns I do, and it reduces wear on the machine to boot.
Robert_Rainwater Posted August 25, 2003 Posted August 25, 2003 Can you get Gator blades for any brand of mower? My commercial mower is a 60" Kubota ZD28. Bob R.
Kent Posted August 25, 2003 Author Posted August 25, 2003 Bob, I'm not sure if they're available for the Kubota or not. Here's the entire Gator Blade application guide: http://www.oregonchain.com/OEP/oep_blades.htm
JohnInMI Posted August 27, 2003 Posted August 27, 2003 I also tried the gator blades on my 42" deck on the 2110. I agree with kent that they cut the grass to 1/2 the size it used to. We've had enough rain that after I mow the clippings fall into the grass much easier and they don't lay on top of the grass. Also either the blades I purchased must have been slightly longer (about 1/2") or the old blades on my deck were worn (?) because I now have about 1/2 per side more cut. It's just outside the front wheels instead of directly lined up.
Roy Posted August 27, 2003 Posted August 27, 2003 Anyone know if the Gator blades for a 42" deck are straight or gull wing? Are they available is either style? Thanks,
Kent Posted August 27, 2003 Author Posted August 27, 2003 Roy, they're straight if the pictures are correct. The 48" are available in both styles...
thedaddycat Posted August 28, 2003 Posted August 28, 2003 My Gators for the 42" deck are straight, not gull-wing blades.
lsenus Posted August 28, 2003 Posted August 28, 2003 I just put two sets of blades on each spindle of my 48" desk. I set them perpendicular to each other, and tack welded a pair of washers to the top most blade to keep then from rotating. Definetly much more lift, smaller clippings, & further discharge distance. Oh yeah, a really neat new sound too!
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