Gator Blades Collide on STEINER 72" Flip Up Deck.

Industrial Toys · Jun 3, 2018

I just bought Oregon Gator Blades for my Steiner 72" Flip up deck from the Steiner Dealer.

The blades hit each other on one side but not the other. I don't think there is any leeway in mounting the spindle housing and the mower appears in good shape. Not bent or damaged. There isn't a shoulder type of mounting and the blade bolts fit the holes in the blades without any play.

Also, I think this mower is just too big for the 430 MAX Diesel. It will power it, but barely lift it. Thoughts?

tomplum · Jun 3, 2018

Usually that would indicate a bend in the deck pan. You could very well check each blade for balance. You may find one that was not and the hole not exactly centered. Seen it before. If not, shave the edge a tad and re balance.

Industrial Toys · Jun 4, 2018

Thanks. Well I spoke with the dealer, and although their Steiner Expert Mechanic" is off today, they said that there IS some play in the spindle mounts. I doubt it, but I shall take a look. The Gator blades are wider making the spacing more critical.

I got into an argument with a friend last night. He claims their shop has to time some blades on certain machines. I think that unless they are cogged belts and pulleys, this is impossible. I stand to be corrected.

I only tried my blades at idle, without the clutch fully engaged and found out that I broke the centre spindle shaft key. I can't even imagine the mayhem that would occur at speed if such a machine my friend spoke of became "untimed"!

tomplum · Jun 5, 2018

Correct on the timing aspect. It's a head scratcher when people think they must stagger the blades as they find there own place anyways. I run into the blade ends tinging against one another every once in a while. NBD to clean and re balance.