GC hi lift mower blade recomendations

[jeepcj7]

Has any one found an aftermarket hi lift blade they would recommend for the GC mower decks? In the summer the grass gets really dry around here and doesn't spring back up as nicely after the front tires go over it.

 

[Fiziksgeek]

Has any one found an aftermarket hi lift blade they would recommend for the GC mower decks? In the summer the grass gets really dry around here and doesn't spring back up as nicely after the front tires go over it.

I have yet to find any...I've been thinking about contacting Meg-Mo Systems because they will make custom blades.

 

[blackd]

I agree about none really being available. Although last year I put MTD blades on. They were wider than the original, and lasted all Summer. Today, however, I have MF blades installed. I've found that all blades wear the lift portions due to the heavy amount of sand in my soil. I believe Oregon model # for the MTD blades were 98-002 and 98-007. The center holes are just a little small.

Replacement options can be found on the Oregon blade site by searching by length then hole size. The model # search is very slow. http://www.oregonproducts.com/pdfs/OregonBladesByLength.pdf BTW the MF measurements are NEAR 20 15/16" length and center hole is near 13/16".

IIRC I reamed the center holes to make them work, and they were a little tight. Should have worked a bit longer on them. Good luck, on this. I've spent hours doing this research and these are the best I have found.

 

[bartjoebob]

I agree about none really being available. Although last year I put MTD blades on. They were wider than the original, and lasted all Summer. Today, however, I have MF blades installed. I've found that all blades wear the lift portions due to the heavy amount of sand in my soil. I believe Oregon model # for the MTD blades were 98-002 and 98-007. The center holes are just a little small.

Replacement options can be found on the Oregon blade site by searching by length then hole size. The model # search is very slow. Product Manuals & Technical Information | Oregon brand products, chain saw chain and guide bars, accessories, and mower blades for homeowners and professionals BTW the MF measurements are NEAR 20 15/16" length and center hole is near 13/16".

IIRC I reamed the center holes to make them work, and they were a little tight. Should have worked a bit longer on them. Good luck, on this. I've spent hours doing this research and these are the best I have found.

The MTD blades you cross referenced are both .13 inches thick. Aren't the Massey Blades somewhere around .20-.25 inches thick? I am wondering if a thinner blade like this is a good idea or if you found others as a replacement. Lots of potential options, but many involve enlarging that center hole. The MF blades are 21mm center hole correct? I have one on order and really want to get some high lift blades for fall cleeanup

 

[ray66v]

I don't know if you can get them for the MF deck. But, the new G5 Gatormulch blades, are the best I've used.

My Land Pride zero turn deck has no lift at all, with any other blades. With them, it's just right.

The G5 blades are extra heavy, and thick.

 

[Usmc68]

The MTD blades you cross referenced are both .13 inches thick. Aren't the Massey Blades somewhere around .20-.25 inches thick? I am wondering if a thinner blade like this is a good idea or if you found others as a replacement. Lots of potential options, but many involve enlarging that center hole. The MF blades are 21mm center hole correct? I have one on order and really want to get some high lift blades for fall cleeanup

I just bought a used GC1715 with the 60" mower last fall. I took the blades off the other day for Spring sharpening and noticed some huge chips and dents on the leading edges of them. I do not know if the PO mowed a gravel pit or what but they could not be sharpened. So my quest began to find blades that would fit and work well without breaking the bank. I landed here. I ordered and received 3 Oregon 98-007. They are the same length but cosiderably thinner and lighter than the orignal MF ones that were on the deck. All I cut is grass so I do not see them getting damaged but concerned about how light they are mounted on a heavy duty deck. I have also been looking at the Gator G5 596-347 not sure how long it would take to expand the hole with a step drill bit though.

Semper Fi

 

[irvingj]

M-F blades are expensive, yes, but as you've noticed they're quite heavy, heavier than many "replacements."

Jack's Small Engines carries the M-F blades, and their prices are reasonable... for M-F parts, that is. I used to have a gravel driveway and also mow up on the edges of our dirt road, so rocks are definitely part of the picture, unfortunately. My original blades lasted a good 6-7 years, however, so I replaced them with M-F blades.

 

[Usmc68]

Thanks. Yeah that is what is so weird, this tractor only had 76hrs when i bought it so he must have beat the ..... out of the blades. The tractor and deck look brand new, just bad blades. I might return the ones I just bought and just suck it up and go MF. Having something so light and thin under that deck makes me a little nervous like the Oregon 98-007's I just got. Although maybe lighter will mean less stress on the gears

Semper Fi

 

[blackd]

Usmc68, blades can wear heavily if cutting in high sand areas. If you blades were worn on the lift/back sides, that is from the sand. If they were worn on the leading edge that is from cutting heavy weeds/brush or hitting rocks and stones.

There really isn't any alternatives to the MF blades. I've tried almost all of them, including doing the changes needed on the center hole to make a fit. Went back to MF from Jacks. I've even had double blades on mine (90 degrees apart) to cut down on wear, and they still wore. I used to mow ~6 acres 1/2 of which was older pasture and all in fairly sandy soil. I would go through 1 -2 sets of blades a year.

Other than that, the deck is strong and will support the blades. Grease it and clean it to keep down the rust, because it collects under the spindle shrouds. Take it off in the Winter if you live in snow country and take it off while tilling a garden.

 

[dieselscout80]

I've even had double blades on mine (90 degrees apart) to cut down on wear, and they still wore. I used to mow ~6 acres 1/2 of which was older pasture and all in fairly sandy soil. I would go through 1 -2 sets of blades a year.

What size deck do you have?

I was wondering if the second blade (short one) from MF's double blade setup on the 54" mulching deck (2315) will work on the 60" drive over deck (2326)?