Gator Blades

[acohen100]

Here's how I cut mine. I drilled a hole the same size as the bushing in a piece of scrap wood. I then inserted the bushing so that the desired length was protruding and locked it in a vice. I then cut off the piece with a recipro-saw with a metal blade using the wood edge to guide the blade. Very easy.

 

[orangebluegreen]

KUBOTA K5371-34340
92-115 BLADE, KUBOTA 20-9/16IN
96-612 BLADE, GM 3-IN-1 KUBOTA 20-9/16IN

I can find no online sites that sell the 92-115 or 96-612.

I called a local dealer who had the full Oregon parts book and I asked him to look for the part numbers on page 335. He did confirm 96-612 is a Gator Mulcher and he was able to tell me it is 20 9/16 with a 29/32 center hole which comes out to .90 which sounds like the right size judging from the .88-.89 that shows on the other links I posted. He couldn't give me a price and would check Monday when his supplier is open. I also called Agri Supply and they did show the number as being good but they had no price/availability, so guess I'll find out Monday if this mystery blade exists. It would fit the smaller spindles without making a bushing if so.

I did find a Deere blade (90-734) with very close dimensions (1/16 shorter overall) 20.5 29/32 same thickness etc BUT without actually seeing it would hesitate because the Kubota blade has bends that create clearance between blade and deck which may or may not be on the JD blade and possibly could cause the blade to contact with the upper edge of the deck if not right.

 

[drtydeed]

If the correct center hole can not be found (7/8" I beleive), then you can use a Cat1-Cat0 adapter (1.125 OD. .88 ID) and have a machine shop cut them. You can get three bushings out of one adapter for about $5.

 

[DCWilson]

I just installed my Gators last wekend. Perfect fit.

I used the Cat 1 to Cat 0 adapter bushing idea. A Rigid No.15 pipecutter did the job. Had to replace the cutting wheel though.

I wish I'd have seen acohen100's post first, good idea.

 

[wotalota]

I received the following about 2 weeks ago when asking about blades for the RCK60-23BX 60" (my measurements were probably not that accurate).

We offer a blade that is 20-9/16" (yours may be worn 1/16") and has
a 29/32" center (.906") versus 7/8" (.875"). It is formed, width 2-1/2".
They are $19.95 each plus shipping. However, they are being made and are
not yet available for shipment. Please check back in about 6 to 8 weeks.
Thank you. gatorblade.com

 

[orangebluegreen]

I received the following about 2 weeks ago when asking about blades for the RCK60-23BX 60" (my measurements were probably not that accurate).

We offer a blade that is 20-9/16" (yours may be worn 1/16") and has
a 29/32" center (.906") versus 7/8" (.875"). It is formed, width 2-1/2".
They are $19.95 each plus shipping. However, they are being made and are
not yet available for shipment. Please check back in about 6 to 8 weeks.
Thank you. gatorblade.com

Yes those are the same specs I have also. Would be a direct bolt up without spacers.

I was just told by a local mower shop who called their supplier for me that they have to have a 20,000 demand before Oregon will do the run and apparently they think it's going to be a while before that happens. They told me their supplier has ordered 600 but the expected date has come and gone with no real info or expectations in sight.

If owners would stop buying the one that requires a bushing maybe they would get a big enough order for the smaller one.

That suggested price isn't real thrilling on the Gator though, I was quoted 24.48 on the OEM high lift. Perhaps the end selling price will be lower but I suspect that is a high lift Gator and the ones selling $10-12 are pretty flat version.

 

[orangebluegreen]

Got this a couple days ago.....

"P/N 96-612 is not expected to be available for another 30 days. The
length is 20-9/16" with a center hole 29/32" in diameter."

 

[wotalota]

Got a reply that those blades are now in stock.

 

[orangebluegreen]

Got a reply that those blades are now in stock.

Cool, I just got done hacking the pasture to death with blades that are overdue. I emailed a couple places a few weeks ago that showed the part but it appeared special order and I didn't hear back from them. Guess I'll use the phone and find out. I looked here first to see if anyone else had any luck. I was going for the OEM high lift Kubota blades tomorrow if I can't get the Gators at a reasonable price and timeline.

 

[orangebluegreen]

Got a reply that those blades are now in stock.

I ordered a set of the 96-612's which they claim are shipped so we'll see how it goes. I will probably in the future buy a set of high lift OEM Kubota's also so I can compare and have a sharp set always ready to go on.