Gator blades... again

Garrabo · Feb 28, 2006

I posted a while back concerning gator blades for a 54 deck on my BX1830. someone replied that they needed bushings to make them fit correctly. has the gator blade been re-designed to fit properly? I like the stock blades they do just fine but I really like gators, they seem to do a little better. I cant find a stock blade model number in my manual just a number for the deck itself.
any thoughts?? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Hootie · Mar 1, 2006

I ended up calling the company and they helped me. I just googled OREGON.

Dozernut · Mar 3, 2006

Measure one of your old blades, you want the overall length and the diameter of the center hole. Then go to this site (Mulching Blades) and look up the same size blade with the same diameter hole.

Hootie · Mar 3, 2006

That is the right approach. If you look in the Oregon blade list under Kubota for a blade, you will not find it (center hole will be the wrong size). You have to do like Dozer says and measure the center hole and blade length and work backwards, not by mower brand but by blade size. I am telling you the difference using these blades is nothing short of amazing. The time spent is worth it.

Schultz · Mar 3, 2006

I can vouch for that, I have them on my BX 60" (w/ bushings) and it's a night and day difference.

Tim

teachdocs · Mar 3, 2006

Tim,
I have a 60" MMM as well. Would you post the Gator blade part number?
Anyone interested in making me a set of bushings?
(My metal fabrication shop has a lot to be desired)

Thanks,
Chad
BX23

Barnboy · Mar 4, 2006

If You want bushing I can make some for you. Just give me some dimensions. No charge just postage.

Hootie · Mar 4, 2006

Mine require no bushing. Sorry, I have lost the part number but if you will do like Dozer says and measure the center hole and blade length and work backwards, not by mower brand but by blade size you can get your blade.

Schultz · Mar 6, 2006

The Gator blades that I bought are Kubota blades for I believe the B series decks but nut really sure.

The model # is: 91-438 they are about .060" longer and have higher lift than std kubota blades. The additional length wasn't a problem. These are the Magnum series which is Oregin's heaviest and hardened blade, but it's the same thickness as stock kubota BX blades at .250". I didn't see any others that had the correct hole size and were the same thickness as the Kubota blade, so I bought theses and made bushings.

They will make a littler more air noise, but will pull up the grass the front tires run over much better, and in the fall it really does mulch the leaves. Also the additional lift blows the finer cut grass or leaves better/farther.

Tim

Schultz · Mar 7, 2006

I forgot to mention. In the beginning when I started my quest to get gator blades I emailed Oregon tech support and none of the blades that had a workable length and correct hole size have the 1" drop blade like the stock blades, meaning the center part of blade sits higher than the cutting edge when mounted.

Schultz · Mar 7, 2006

I mean 1/2" blade drop and not 1"

Garrabo · Mar 7, 2006

I appreciate the leads, I will see if I can track them down by blade measurements. If not I'll take Barnboy up on the bushings offer. thanks all /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

149owner · Mar 8, 2006

Go here and look on page 7 for bushings. http://www.oregonchain.com/OEP/pdfs/BladesSect1.pdf

teachdocs · Mar 9, 2006

I see mention of blade part # 91-438 noted on page 16 here:
Oregon blades

The center hole is 1 1/8, but the bushings mentioned on page 7 are 1 inch:
bushings

Anyone know of other bushing locations, or do we need to start making a bunch of them?

Can anyone verify the blade part# compatability for a 60 MMM on the BX series?

Thanks
Chad

HarleyScooter · Mar 9, 2006

You can go to TSC and get their cat 1 to cat 2 bushing, 1-1/8" od X 7/8" id and cut them to just under a 1/4". I cut them with a 4-1/2" grinder and cut off wheel.

Schultz · Mar 9, 2006

I can verify that part #90-987 that I have on my BX 60" deck works better than stock. It's the same thickness, has the same blade drop as stock, but it's .060" longer (.030" per side), however there's enough clearance that it doesn't touch anything.

I did notice one other advantage. It keeps the deck clean, there is virtually no grass build up.

teachdocs · Mar 10, 2006

Listed are two blades for a J. D. (91-394 and 90-734)
The measurements appear correct, including the center hole. What about the blade drop?
I am interested in the Mulcher Magnum.

Page 146 here:
Blades

Schultz · Mar 10, 2006

In the picture it looks like a flat blade compared to the Kubota blade with the drop pictured on pg 16. Best way is to call or email Oregon.

kkesler · Mar 17, 2006

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I can verify that part #90-987 that I have on my BX 60" deck works better than stock. It's the same thickness, has the same blade drop as stock, but it's .060" longer (.030" per side), however there's enough clearance that it doesn't touch anything. )</font>

Can you post the model number of your deck?