Gator vs regular replacement blades

pgilhool · May 27, 2008

I have a Woods 72" RFM. 5 acres to mow. I try to cut regularly but w/ 3 kids and one on the way nothing is regular. I could go 2 to 3 weeks w/o a mow. My question is I am interested in gator blades or other replacements for the mower. I am not going to rake.
1) Is this a good idea?
2) what would you guys do?
3) What is the size and lift etc.?
4) Where is the best site for pricing?

art · May 27, 2008

Gator blades are great blades for mowing a little more then the original mower might be able to. When comparing then to the originals they will often mow cleaner then the factory blades so they should help your situation although depending on your grass you could be hurting it to do what you are talking about. You should not mow more then 1/3rd the height of your grass at anytime. It should be kept at about 3" tall in order to help keep it strong.

They will often allow a faster mow with better quality then original blades. On some machines they actually use better steel then the original manufacturer and you will find extended life.

have_blue · May 27, 2008

pgilhool said:
I have a Woods 72" RFM. 5 acres to mow. I try to cut regularly but w/ 3 kids and one on the way nothing is regular. I could go 2 to 3 weeks w/o a mow. My question is I am interested in gator blades or other replacements for the mower. I am not going to rake.
1) Is this a good idea?
2) what would you guys do?
3) What is the size and lift etc.?
4) Where is the best site for pricing?

I have almost the same situation as you (7a to mow with RFM)

In my opinion, mulching blades are for small mowers and small yards. They are a huge power drain on the tractor because they move lots of air and re-cut the grass many times.

Low lift blades, kept sharp, will allow the fastest mowing. If the grass is mown regularly and not too low, the Woods can be pulled along quickly and will produce a good result. As Art hinted at, mowing grass real low or cutting more than 1/3 of the length stimulates fast growth. So if your objective is low maintenance, mow the grass to a length of 4-6", and only remove 1.5-2" from it when you mow.

Keeping the blades sharp is a great investment in time. Learn to pull them and sharpen them quickly before each cutting, and the time you spend will be paid back 2-3X. Sharp blades certainly are easier on the mower belts and the tractor, and I suspect they stimulate a bit less growth in the grass.

bigdad · May 27, 2008

My Grandpa always sharpened his blades every third mowing and with a file because he didn't have a grinder. He said that the grass looked better cut rather than the tops shredded off with a dull blades. I have grinders thank God, but I have to agree with him.

zzvyb6 · May 27, 2008

Gator blades ARE low lift blades. They do NOT mulch. The wings are for retaining grass inside the deck for blade center cutting. You won't pick up as many sticks and stones. I have found them ideal for use with my 72" decks and a Woods leaf/grass vacuum. Smaller particles exit the deck. The Leaf vac provides the suction. Not more hose plugging.