Gator Blades......opinions please

[revitupfaster]

This has probably been discussed before, but I couldn't find a thread, so here goes again.

I have an X495 with the 62C deck, and soon to have a 2520 with the 62D. First question, do both decks take the same blade, whether OEM or aftermarket?

Secondly, for those that have used the "Gator Blade", what is your opinion as to their performance vs the OEM blades?

Also I understand JD has a regular and "High Lift" blade. Any thoughts on these would also be appreciated.

REV

 

[beenthere]

I've had the gator blades, and there are positives and negatives that for me, make it a toss up as to which I will use. Depends on what you want. I'd suggest buying a set and giving them a try. Your Deere dealer will give you info on what they will fit (both tractor decks or not).

And do a search, there are tons of comments over the years for some interesting reading.

 

[1965tontruck]

I have used both OEM blades and Gator Blades. For my application I prefer the Gator blades as I think the give a better cut with less debris.

Ultimately I acquired an 84 inch Land Pride and looked for the Gator blades. No luck, they are not a stock item. Because I like the blades so much I actually contacted the company and asked for a one-off production run. They wanted to help but said the setup charge was too expensive.

 

[glc24]

I have an X495 with the 62C deck, and soon to have a 2520 with the 62D. First question, do both decks take the same blade, whether OEM or aftermarket?

Yes, they take the same blade.
IMO,the Gators are far superior to the OEM blades.:thumbsup:
I wish they had a just a little more lift. I wouldn't change them though,unless Gator came out with something new. Come to think of it,I think I did read somewhere they have a new and improved Gator blade.
I'll have to find where I saw that.

Greg

 

[RedHawkRidge]

I haven't had a positive experience with mulching blades. I've tried the gator type, which have cuts in the blade inboard from the primary cutting edge. Those cuts are then curled up and turned to create sort of multiple cutting edges.
I also tried the JD mulching PN, which is different. The part of the blade inboard from the primary cutting edge is shaped so as to be another cutting edge which is higher than the primary.
My experience with both is that they don't create sufficient air lift to pull the grass up for the first cut. This is particularly the case when the grass isn't real thick. The turbulence of both types just interferes with the effectiveness.

So I've switched back to the standard blades on both the 54C deck on my X595 and the LP-FDR2584 finish mower, and then make 2 passes.
jim

 

[jimgerken]

Gators are made and sold by Oregon, the chain saw chain and bar company. Their claim to fame is their ability to toss the clippings inward continuously so they are re-cut until they come out finer. I have found that this is a true claim. A slight downside to the design is that they are not as high a lift. If you have long grass that is bet over, it will not be pulled up to be cut cleanly. The "Gator" blade and Oregon's other blade, "Fusion", are both hardened to about R50. This makes them hold an edge for a long time. When sharp, they stay that way, even if abused. That alone makes them worth buying. BTW, Gators are not expensive, I think I paid only about 11 bucks each when putting them on my JD X540 a couple years ago.

 

[Hammsman]

We have had mixed results with gators, on our 455 with 48 inch deck I feel they do a great job, on our 2320 with a 62d deck I don't see the same results and like JD mulching blades a little bit better. Don't know the reason for the difference, just judging from visual results.

 

[Larry 111]

I've replaced my OEM blades with the Gator mulcher blades and IMO they do a better job of cutting and leaving less clippings on the ground. I purchased mine at Baileys, a company in Laytonville CA.,they have all kind of cool stuff for loggers and outdoorsmen, and have a great free catalog they will mail to you.Their online website is baileysonline.com

You can go right to the blade link for the 62" JD mower blades with this link, looks like they also offer this blade with the new fusion technology, maybe my next set I'll try those.................Larry


http://www.baileysonline.com/search.asp?SKW=Deere 62DK&catID=9314

 

[om21braz]

Per use on a Kubota ZD21, I'd recommend them for dry cutting. They practically turn the clippings into powder. For cutting when wet, picture cole slaw being put in a blender on puree - IMHO they work much better than OEM as long as it's not damp/wet.

 

[sal64]

i bought gator blades for my rear 72 inch mower made no differance.