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.