Mowing BX1860 54" MMM RCK54-23BX -- What hole size /or/ PN Gator Mulcher blade?

[wrooster]

Hi,

Hopefully a simple question.

What is the hole diameter of the blade used on the BX1860 54" MMM RCK54-23BX?

Or asked another way...

What is the correct Gator Mulcher blade for use on a RCK54-23BX?

The Messick's site says the OEM for the BX1860 54" MMM RCK54-23BX is Kubota P/N K5351-99040. I gather via Google that the K5351-99040 is an 18 5/8" blade with either a 7/8" [0.875"] or a 29/32" [0.906"] center hole diameter. Not sure if the the links via Google are correct though. On the Oregon website I see no direct Gator blade cross reference to this size/hole diameter blade, but I do notice in reading the excellent forum here that several BX1860 54" MMM owners are using Gator blades. I have also read that some folks have had to drill out the blade hole (real fun time drilling into a hardened blade!) or alternatively have used a spacer/collar to get a 1 1/8" [1.125"] diameter hole down to the correct size.

Confusing things even further is Baileys site, which indicates that the proper hole is 23/32" [0.719"] and their FAQ says "Yes, this is the correct blade for the [ RCK54-23BX]...
Bailey's - 18-5/8" Gator Mulcher 3-in-1 Mower Blade for Kubota 54" Mowers

Summary:
Any idea what the correct Gator Mulcher blade is for my BX1860 w/RCK54-23BX?

Thanks!
Jim aka the wrooster

ps:
Since this is my first post I believe I am required by local custom to add a picture of my pumpkin:

 

[mow4fun]

96-748 is what I used for my 54" Fine Cust which I believe is the same as yours:

18-5/8" Gator Mulcher For Kubota Replaces K5617-34330

 

[638]

On 10/11/2006, 'kubotabilly' posted "The gator # is 90996". He replied to my request as to what part # fits the 54" decks. I have not yet purchased any, so don't know how they fit

 

[wrooster]

96-748 is what I used for my 54" Fine Cust which I believe is the same as yours:

18-5/8" Gator Mulcher For Kubota Replaces K5617-34330

Ok, this appears to align with the Bailey's site (i.e., 23/32" center hole) but seems to disagree with some other sites that insist the center hole on the 54" RCK54-23BX is 7/8".

I'm not sure the fine cut (RCK54P-23BX) and regular (RCK54-23BX) decks use the same spindles, although that would make sense.

I don't want to have to drill out the center holes in the blades, or have to ship them back at my cost.

Hmmmm.

I guess the only way to be absolutely sure is for me to pull the deck out from under my 1860, flip it up, and measure the shaft diameter.

Jim aka the wrooster

 

[mow4fun]

All I can tell you is that I got them, I put them on, and they work great.

And I think the blades numbers are the same if you compare the OEM ones.

 

[USMC2823]

Ok, this appears to align with the Bailey's site (i.e., 23/32" center hole) but seems to disagree with some other sites that insist the center hole on the 54" RCK54-23BX is 7/8".

I'm not sure the fine cut (RCK54P-23BX) and regular (RCK54-23BX) decks use the same spindles, although that would make sense.

I don't want to have to drill out the center holes in the blades, or have to ship them back at my cost.

Hmmmm.

I guess the only way to be absolutely sure is for me to pull the deck out from under my 1860, flip it up, and measure the shaft diameter.

Jim aka the wrooster

wrooster - I just bought the 96-748 blades through Bailey's for my RCK54-23BX and they don't fit (too small center hole). I measured the spindle and it comes up to 7/8", so now I'm having a local machine shop bore the hole. I do believe I've seen posts on here where people have bought the 18 5/8 blades with a 1 1/8" center hole and just added a bushing to make them fit; lots easier than having to get the hole bored out...

I hope this helps anyone with an RCK54-23bx (regular cut) mower thinking of buying Gator Blades.

 

[vrman]

I have the 60" deck for my BX23. I get the 91-438 or 90-987 and have to use the bushings. (see sig)

 

[Ord]

I just ordered some gator blades for my RCK54-23BX, the 18 5/8" blades with 1 1/8" hole. Now I need to make my bushings.

I have seen people saying to make the bushing they cut up a cat1-cat0 adapter, but isn't it a cat2-cat1 lift arm bushing that goes from 1 1/8" to 3/4"?

 

[OrangeRidge]

Cat 1 is 19mm or 3/4"
So many cross reference charts are wrong ,that I don't
buy anything without seeing it first !

 

[Ord]

Thanks OrangeRidge.

I went to the dealer and measured them, the CAT1-CAT2 was 3/4" ID and 1 1/8" OD. I should have the blades later today or tomorrow morning.

 

[wrooster]

FYI


-------- Original Message --------
Subject: FW: Oregon Gator Mulcher blade for Kubota RCK54-23BX mowing deck?
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:42:20 -0500
To: TBN user wrooster
From: Dennis Wainwright // Dennis.Wainwright at oregonoep.com


We do not currently build a Gator Mulcher blade for this deck.

Dennis Wainwright
Manager, OEP Technical Service
Oregon Outdoor Equipment Parts
Kansas City MO
Phone 800-743-3150 Ext 307



-----Original Message-----

From: TBN user wrooster
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 10:38 AM
To: KAN Techservices
Subject: Oregon Gator Mulcher blade for Kubota RCK54-23BX mowing deck?

Hi,

I have a 2010 Kubota BX1860 with a RCK54-23BX mid-mount mowing deck. This is the same deck used with other Kubota BX series tractors as well, including the BX2360, BX2660, and BX25.

I am looking for a Gator Mulcher blade for this deck. I have not been able to find one that matches on your site, and a search via Google shows others having the same problem.

The blade on this deck is an 18 5/8" long with either a 7/8" [0.875"] or a 29/32" [0.906"] center hole diameter.

In order to use Gator Mulcher blades on this deck, many folks have had to either drill out the center hole in a non-compatible, smaller diameter center hole blade, or make bushings from a Cat1/Cat2 adapter to fit a larger diameter hole blade.


See also:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/173853-bx1860-54-mmm-rck54-23bx.html

and

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/171351-bx1860-54-deck-gator-blades.html

What Gator Mulcher blade fits on the RCK54-23BX deck?
Thanks for any help.

Regards,
TBN user wrooster

 

[snpower]

Has anyone found a different or newer Gator P/N that works stock without having to modify the deck?

 

[sw03]

This help:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/136258-bx-60-mmm-gator-blade.html

 

[Old Coot]

I just wrote to Oregon Tech and got this back.

Could you please give me the Oregon blade number for a
Kubota RCK54-23BX mower deck? Thank you.

The part number would be 396-812. This is a new addition to our offering and will not be available until later this month.

Thanks,
Dennis Wainwright

Manager, OEP Technical Service

Oregon Outdoor Equipment Parts

Kansas City MO

Phone 800-743-3150 Ext 307

Cell 816-591-3304

 

[keyman1808]

Wonder if they will follow that with one for the 60" deck

 

[CHDinCT]

I just wrote to Oregon Tech and got this back.

Could you please give me the Oregon blade number for a
Kubota RCK54-23BX mower deck? Thank you.

The part number would be 396-812. This is a new addition to our offering and will not be available until later this month.

Thanks,
Dennis Wainwright

Manager, OEP Technical Service

Oregon Outdoor Equipment Parts

Kansas City MO

Phone 800-743-3150 Ext 307

Cell 816-591-3304

Wow! Wonders never cease. Better late than never. Thanks for the good news.

 

[sw03]

why does anyone want these non-oem blades?

 

[AxleHub]

why does anyone want these non-oem blades?

I'd like to hear the answer to that question also. What is special about Gator blades, and how much do they cost?

 

[Old Coot]

why does anyone want these non-oem blades?

They are a mulcher blade. I tried them for the first time last week and find that, you don't have heavy rows of cut grass after mowing. It must cut them up smaller and they fall into the grass. They are a much heavier blade then orginal blades.

 

[sw03]

They are a mulcher blade. I tried them for the first time last week and find that, you don't have heavy rows of cut grass after mowing. It must cut them up smaller and they fall into the grass. They are a much heavier blade then orginal blades.

I know they are a muclhing blade but I read many comments about them being poor. Many brands same blade.

I would love to see a cut pix using them since I still would use OEM over them anyday.