Woods PRD7200 Finish Mower Blades

[NYBOB]

I have the subject mower and hit something and bent a blade. I asked my John Deere dealer that I bought it from, if Woods make a heavier blade. He said they do not. When I got my new Woods blades, they felt lighter then the orignals.

If Woods doesn't carry a heavier blade, would any after market guys make one?

Thanks
Bob

 

[WH401]

Were you doing your regular mowing (like 8" or below), or cutting tall grass (1' or more), when you hit this object that bent the blade? How bad did it bend the blade? Only reason I ask is because last time I was doing my regular mowing, where the grass has only gotten about 6 - 7 inches tall, I hit a small stump, about 3 inches across, that had uprooted itself. It made a horrible racket under the deck, but surprisingly didn't bend a blade.

As far as getting an aftermarket blade that's better, I highly doubt it. Woods blades tend to be made out of the best material you can get as opposed to aftermarket blades which usually aren't as high of a quality. I've tried looking for Gator blades that might fit, but no luck there either.

 

[NYBOB]

It was lower then 8" grass....bent one enough that when you mowed you could see it cutting higher on that side.

Were you doing your regular mowing (like 8" or below), or cutting tall grass (1' or more), when you hit this object that bent the blade? How bad did it bend the blade? Only reason I ask is because last time I was doing my regular mowing, where the grass has only gotten about 6 - 7 inches tall, I hit a small stump, about 3 inches across, that had uprooted itself. It made a horrible racket under the deck, but surprisingly didn't bend a blade.

As far as getting an aftermarket blade that's better, I highly doubt it. Woods blades tend to be made out of the best material you can get as opposed to aftermarket blades which usually aren't as high of a quality. I've tried looking for Gator blades that might fit, but no luck there either.

 

[WH401]

It was lower then 8" grass....bent one enough that when you mowed you could see it cutting higher on that side.

Hmm, that must have been a good sized object than.

 

[kennyd]

I wouldn't want a heavier blade...you want something to break that's cheap-and blades are cheaper than spindles and gearbox's.

 

[savageactor7]

bob is using a finishing mower and it's very rare to run into any blade benders on most lawns....so you probably could run with a lighter inexpensive replacement blade. I've bent a few blades with the Woods RM 600 over the years. Usually I do that when I decide its time to sharpen them but 1st I'll clean of some trails....stuff happens

I've always replaced with the Woods OEM blades...I like the cut. Yeah there not cheap but they hold up for years.

I'd like to hear from someone that's switched to the lighter replacement blades and are pleased with them.

 

[RippySkippy]

A Woods 84" RD finish mower accidentally go into a hidden chunk of concrete from the neighbors yard... and bent one blade end up a bit.

I found that with a good hydraulic press and creative blocking, I was able to get it back to shape of the other 2 blades. It mows true enough now that unless you know which set of blades are installed you can't tell the difference. Of course you'll want to check to make sure there isn't any metal cracking of course. If there is toss it.