Can I use my 5ft finish mower minus one blade

[Pooh_Bear]

For various reasons, my grass hasn't been mowed in a long time.
I mow using a rear discharge 5 foot finish mower behind an 8N tractor.
The mower has 3 blades. Can I remove the left or right side blade to mow.
The grass isn't very high but it is incredibly thick. I can't brush hog it.
If I remove one blade the tractor won't have as much load on it.
I also can't raise the mower any higher and the hydraulics are too unpredictable.

I realize I could just take half cuts each time but would forget to do this on every pass.
And when I have to go around trees and stuff I would be taking a full cut.
I figure taking one blade off the mower would be the best way to go.
Do I put the blade bolt back in the hole to keep debris out, or leave the bolt out.

Thanks.

Pooh Bear

 

[MikeInEburg]

I wouldn't remove a blade, but rather just don't take a full swipe as you mow. The first round will be difficult, but after that, straddle the already cut area so only half of the mower is cutting tall grass.

Mike

 

[602466]

If you take off the left or right blade it might be unbalanced and vibrate all over the place.

Wally

 

[greg_g]

If you've got room enough to operate a 5' finish mower, you've got room for a 5' rotary cutter. Borrow one from a neighbor, then clean up with the finish mower.

//greg//

 

[IslandTractor]

If you don't want to take half cuts , then I'd suggest you just put the tractor into a very low gear and make full cuts at slow speed.

 

[Pooh_Bear]

I've got a 5 foot rotary mower. Some places I mite have to use it.
Most of the ground though, the grass isn't tall, it's just real thick.
I bought a new set of blades for the finish mower yesterday. That should help a lot.
I was hoping to finish the season out with the old blades
but I just don't think they can be sharpened any more.
I don't see how removing a blade would unbalance anything. It's just three
separate shafts. The shaft without a blade would just become an idler pulley.

I'll give it a try with 3 new blades. I'll cut all the easy stuff first.
Instead of starting on the outside perimeter of the yard where it's thick,
I'll start in the middle where it stays thin and mow outward.
Taking a partial pass thru the thick stuff.

Thanks.

Pooh Bear

 

[rambler]

II realize I could just take half cuts each time but would forget to do this on every pass.

Pooh Bear

This would be the obvious solution. Your engine will remind you to go halfsies so should not be an issue?

--->Paul

 

[Pooh_Bear]

I have a lot of obstacles to go around where the grass is real thick.
At least the first pass is gonna be a full width cut. No way to avoid it.

I'm gonna do what I can to start in a thin area of grass and work my
way over into the thicker areas. Still not sure that would be enough.
I"m gonna give it a try tho.

Pooh Bear

 

[RobJ]

Sure you can take one off and it wouldn't hurt a thing. Each spindle is on its on only connected by a belt, no out of balance problems whatsoever. Actually by removing the blade you'll remove the single thing that can cause vibration.

Actually a good idea. But look for a fix. I went through this a couple weeks ago. Hadn't been up to the weekend place in 3 weeks. It got plenty of rain and the yard was high. Had a belt slipping real bad. After I mowed the main part I looked at the mower. The sheaves/pulleys were worn and the belt had been on there for 4 years. I replaced the belt with a spare I had, replaced 2 sheaves(1 was already new), then went for some nasty bahai grass, no slipping, problem solved.

Good Luck,
Rob

 

[greg_g]

Sure you can take one off and it wouldn't hurt a thing.

Not sure I agree Rob. Blade or no blade, the belt is still exerting angular tension on the spindle. The spinning blade creates kinetic forces (like a top) that counteract the pull of the belt against the spindle bearings. Remove the blade, now the belt is going to exert uncompensated force on those bearings.

//greg//