Gator Blades?

[Hysyde]

I posted this a few years ago, but started a new thread with a different title hoping to get some input:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...blade-replacement.html?highlight=#post4472869

I finally actually measured the blades last time I had them off for a sharpen. They *appear* to be 24 1/2 long with a 15/16 center hole. While I still can't find a gator blade specified for this deck or tractor, I have found some (G5 and G6) that match those dimensions, and from what I can figure with the OEM specs, they are only 0.01" thicker.

What potential issues could I face if I tried to fit these? I can't see any problems that might arise, but maybe I'm missing something?

Also, what are peoples experience with, or opinions on Gator blades? G5? G6? Are they any good and do they make a difference compared to basic OEM blade? I'm (still) pretty unhappy with the cut I get, and the windrowing that results, especially in longer or slightly wet grass. I end up doing a lot of raking or multiple passes.

Thanks,

 

[Industrial Toys]

I'm having an issue right now with these gator blades colliding. Dealer says spindle location might need to be tweaked but I am skeptical.

The blades are wider than the OEM which means there is less clearance for rotation.

I looked at another deck that has gator blades and was not cutting well. Found the blades f$%$% and one bent. They are certainly not of the quality and strength as some of my other commercial blades. No doubt about that at all! They looked so impressive! If you don't hit stones occassionally, I'm sure it's not an issue.

 

[LD1]

I never bolt on a set of blades without ensuring they arent gonna hit eachother.

Standard mower blades are 2-1/2" wide and 1/4" thick.

Some of the beefier blades are indeed 3" wide (or a tad more) and 5/16" thick. Yep, make for a tougher, stronger, longer lasting blade. BUT.....if your deck has real tight tolerances with 2-1/2" blades, you may just need to take a grinder and trim the ends of the 3" blades down.

I have tried many many combinations of blades on my old scag advantage deck to try to alleviate clogging the deck up if the grass is ever so slightly wet. Than and some of the tough stuff that just dont cut well like buckhorn, dandelion, etc....trying to get it to cut better.

Right now I am running double blades on the left and middle spindle. A standard paired with a gator magnum, then just a single gator on the right spindle.

I have also tried super high lift blades (1-5/8" lift wing). Those blades are awesome but moving that much air sure robs power on hills.

Honestly I dont notice much more "mulching effect" than any other blade. Not really better, not really worse

 

[Industrial Toys]

Terrible how dealers can feed you pure "EXPERT" BS.

I finally spoke with the Real, Expert Mechanic, back from holidays. There is (as I thought) little play in the spindle mounting. But The Gator Blades DID have a manufacturing issue of being either too long or uneven requiring some grinding!

 

[hawkeye08]

I don't recall the brand, but am interested perhaps in the blade system that has a piece that bolts in place of blade and has 4 "fold back" short blades on it. 4 cutting blades per spindle, folds back if it hits something.

 

[LD1]

I don't recall the brand, but am interested perhaps in the blade system that has a piece that bolts in place of blade and has 4 "fold back" short blades on it. 4 cutting blades per spindle, folds back if it hits something.

Meg-mo.

I like the concept every since I have heard about it. And have thought about trying to make my own many times.

4 cutting edges per spindle instead of two does indeed increase cut quality. It's like mowing twice as slow with a single blade.

Just cannot bring myself to pay the price. Thus I just went double blades on each spindle.

Again, I like the concept. But that guy got a lot of blow back on mow sites. Seem they attacked him pretty good.

 

[Industrial Toys]

If you hit something, you are going to damage the blade no matter what. Plus, if you get bogged down a blade is not extended, that mower is going to vibrate violently until that blade sheds its debris and straightens out.

 

[Hysyde]

I'm having an issue right now with these gator blades colliding. Dealer says spindle location might need to be tweaked but I am skeptical.

The blades are wider than the OEM which means there is less clearance for rotation.

I looked at another deck that has gator blades and was not cutting well. Found the blades f$%$% and one bent. They are certainly not of the quality and strength as some of my other commercial blades. No doubt about that at all! They looked so impressive! If you don't hit stones occassionally, I'm sure it's not an issue.

That's a little disappointing to hear. With the OEM blades I have now, I'm sometimes guilty of treating it like a bush hog and will not always avoiding running over large branches, or even wince away immediately from stones, as experience has taught me the deck, and the blades, are pretty solid. I'd hate to have to treat the gator blades with kid gloves...

 

[sugarloafguy]

Hi,

I used Gator blades on my New Holland 310GM rear finish mower and now on my 914A MMM on my Boomer. I would definitely recommend them. Like you, I had to match them up for the 310 which is a Sitrex mower. No issues at all and big difference in cut quality. The Auburn suspended decks from NH , especially the rear discharge baffled ones are a PITA to set up correctly but with Gators have one of the best looking lawns in the neighborhood. The cut quality if you look at the cut ends face-on is significantly smoother across the end of the blades of grass with a significant reduction of residual grass, even in challenging conditions, compared to my Woods PRD 7200 with stock blades. CNH actually offers Oregon Gators for all of the 914 series as a factory upgrade. Good luck with the Kubota. Try them.

Brian

 

[thepumpguysc]

I've used them & love'm.. they lasted longer than any blades I have ever used..
I have "sandy" soil & my oem blades never lasted longer than 1 season.. I'm on season 3 w/ just a few sharpenings.