Rotary Cutter Bushhog Blades, replace or just sharpen?

[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