Rotary Cutter Bushhog Blades, replace or just sharpen?

[CHF4]

Just curious your opinion..to replace the blades or just sharpen? I’ll try posting the picture next. It’s on a bushhog 296.

There is a small thin sliver area not being cut even if I overlap the area just mowed when the grass is a little thicker. Each side of the bushhog is about 6 or so inches from being wider than the back tires.

 

[CHF4]

The blades

 

[CHF4]

The blades

 

[shovelmike]

Sharpen the blades, they are surface hardened. You should be able to sharpen them as needed. Eventually you will get past the depth of the hardening and will find that they won't hold an edge as long, at that point....years from now, it might be new blade time.

 

[ericm979]

Those look worn way past any surface hardening. If it was me, since they're already off I'd probably replace them because the job's already half done. Unless they're expensive.

 

[CHF4]

Thank you both for the follow up. The blades from the dealer are only about $42 each..plus a set of new bolts/nuts it’s around $130 total. I figure it’s worth the $ for sure if I don’t have the issue cutting anymore..I would rather buy a chipper & grapple vs larger cutter!

I’m guessing the blades are original from around 2012.

Next question is how tight is tight enough when putting the nut back on..

 

[Oldoak]

Those look worn way past any surface hardening. If it was me, since they're already off I'd probably replace them because the job's already half done.

I agree 100%

 

[4570Man]

Those are worn pretty bad. I’d replace them.

 

[shovelmike]

Aha....My internet is very slow, I couldn't see the pictures. I agree that you should replace them in that case.Regarding how tight to tighten the bolts....do the have castle nuts? If so I don't know a ft. lb torque value for you. Snug them down, install the cotter key, and they will be fine.

 

[countrybumpkin]

Manual calls for 600 ft lbs

 

[CHF4]

Ok sounds good, thank you all. I’ll go buy the set tomorrow. I did find where 600ft-lbs is the magic number for the bolt/nut. I’ll see if an auto store has a large torque wrench to borrow.

 

[John_Mc]

Do most people replace their bolts each time? I remember having a bear of a time getting the nuts off the first time I replaced the blades. I eventually trashed the bolts getting things apart, so I replaced them.

Also, not having a torque wrench capable of getting anywhere near 600 ft-lbs, I settled for tightening with an impact wrench which happened to be rated for 600 ft-lbs and stopping when it appeared to have maxed out. How many people actually use a torque wrench on these bolts?

 

[CHF4]

Do most people replace their bolts each time? I remember having a bear of a time getting the nuts off the first time I replaced the blades. I eventually trashed the bolts getting things apart, so I replaced them.

Also, not having a torque wrench capable of getting anywhere near 600 ft-lbs, I settled for tightening with an impact wrench which happened to be rated for 600 ft-lbs and stopping when it appeared to have maxed out. How many people actually use a torque wrench on these bolts?

I decided to replace since mine looked pretty rough and considering the bolt kit was only $25(?) for both I figured worth the money to not have them rust together.

I asked the dealer about that and they said just put them back on snug with the pipe & breaker bar that I used to take them off. I figured I’ll check them after the first few times I use it. I still need to get the new blades on!

 

[RalphVa]

These don't need sharpening at all. By comparison, mine are beat all to ****. You don't "sharpen" bush hog blades. Just grind down the places where they whacked a rock or two and even them out as much as reasonable. The edges won't be edges, just rounded off. Still cut grass fine. Main problem with using them on lawns and such is that they become like bull dozers if those sides rake the ground at all.

Ralph

 

[RalphVa]

My nuts are speced for 450 ft #. Can get that with a 6' piece of pipe over my 3/4" drive handle and push about 80 #. I actually push until the pipe won't move any more. Leave tail wheel off while using it for a while then come back and "retorque" it, same method. I've an air wrench rated for 450 ft # but would not trust it at all.

Wonder why they don't diamond coat the surface of the bush hog blades like the ones on little circular saws.

Ralph

 

[Liquidsilver]

I've been told that I don't want them to be sharp, because they'll create a sharp edge on cut off stalks that can punch through a tire more easily.

Mine aren't very old but I wouldn't call them sharp at all... and they still cut high lawn grass pretty well.

Sometimes I'll get a line of grass standing back up, but it seems to have more to do with a certain height and types of the grass I'm cutting.

 

[Brown Dog]

I agree 100%

+1