How to Sharpen Freedom 42 Blades

[GregJ]

I have a John Deere LX277 with a Freedom 42 mulching deck. I have been taking the blades down to the local JD dealer to have them sharpened. They do it by hand and quite frankly they come back looking like they did it blindfolded. Actually I think I could do better by hand. I also just replaced my first timing belt. Replacing the belt wasn't too bad of a job, but shelling out $57 for the belt was a painful experience. So, I have 3 questions:

1. Does anybody know of a jig or sharpening tool that I can buy that works well sharpening these mulching blades? Something that will do a good job sharpening around the curves on the blade.
2. Are there any after market mulching blades that work well with the Freedom 42 deck?
3. Are there any on-line resources for JD replacement parts, like belts and blades, that are more competetively priced?

I really like the Freedom 42 deck. When the blades are sharp it does a great job of mulching. However, I would like to sharpen my blades more frequently, and the best way to do that would be to do it myself. Thank you for any suggestions.

Greg

 

[Molerj]

Greg, I use a 4 1/2" angle grinder to sharpen blades. Place the blade in a vise & follow the contour of the blade. If you sharpen more often & your blades don't get too nicked up, a file will work. As for the belts, I
have a feeling your stuck with the JD dealer, especially since it is a timing belt.

 

[Schultz]

Are there any on-line resources for JD replacement parts, like belts and blades, that are more competetively priced?

Reguarding timming belts. There are few sources that I've found to be half the cost my Ingersoll dealer on the timing belts. Mine cost about $65 through the dealer, through Grainger or McMaster Carr they were $29, but I had to wait a day to get them.

First you have to get a metric & a standard ruler, calipers would be my first choice. Measure & determine the pitch of the belt. The pitch is the distance from the center of one tooth crest to the next tooth crest. I believe mine was an 8mm pitch. Then measure belt width. Then either match the length of the belt with a new one or count the number of teeth. With these three numbers you will be able to ceate a part number for any brand of synchronous drive belts. That could be purchased numorous places.

Grainger - http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/start.shtml

McMaster Carr - http://www.mcmaster.com/

Both of these companies usually won't sell retail, unless they have a walk in center near you. I use my companies account #, pay for it with my credit card and have it shipped to my address or my work address.