Ordered gator blades - spindle hole too small! Can I enlarge it?

tutorbell · May 12, 2009

Okay, here's the deal. I ordered a set of gator blades for my Kubota B2320 with 60" deck. Instead of actually measuring, I assumed that the spindles were the same size as the ones on the BX - 7/8". I ordered the blades that fit the BX with the 29/32" hole size and it turns out that my spindles are 1 1/8".

Looking for your opinions on this...the blades seem to be identical with the exception of the hole size. Do you think it would be a big deal to drill out the 29/32" holes to 1 1/8"? Or should I take them to a machine shop and have them do it? I don't know how hard the steel is that these blades are made from, but I think that I would probably have a difficult time drilling the holes larger.

Opinions?

kthompson · May 12, 2009

How hard or is it possible to exchange for correct blades?
If I did not think I had equipment to drill the hole I needed I would either exchange the blades to take to a shop who can. The spindle hole area probably is not harden. But you really need to be sure you keep the hole centered if you drill it to enlarge it.

tutorbell · May 12, 2009

I ordered them over the web - after return shipping and shipping back to me, I could probably buy new ones. Just looking for an easy solution to make what I have work. Thanks!

devildog1 · May 12, 2009

If you have the right drills do it, Centers are not that hard. After you enlarge holes check for balance of blades and make adjustments with grinder. You'll be fine.
DevilDog

PeterK · May 12, 2009

The blades on my BX are 1-1/8" also. I would exchange them since the Gator blades would be in use for a long time, it would be worth the extra shipping you'd pay over time.

BTW, jackssmallengines.com seems to have the cheapest price on Gators. nfi.

radioman · May 12, 2009

I tried drilling in mower blades off from a cheapo mower once with a large bit with a press and it was a bear. I would never do it again.

sandman2234 · May 12, 2009

Enlarging the hole is a simple exercise, but for someone not set up to do it correctly, it can become a chore. The right drill bit, the right vise, the RIGHT SPEED and the right feed all make a difference. Put the durn thing in the proper setup and it will amaze you at just how easy it is.
Before drilling a new set, I would tend to want to find somebody that needed that set and offer them a good deal. You might loose a couple of dollars, but nothing like the cost of round trip shipping, or in the case you mess something up, a new set of blades. You can chalk a little loss up to your mistake, but I understand trying to minimize that loss.
David from jax

Anybody need a set of Gator blades?

tutorbell · May 12, 2009

Okay, I just ordered the correct blades and will be done with it. If anyone wants to buy three slightly used Gator Mulchers for a 60" BX deck, PM me.

tutorbell · May 12, 2009

Okay, I changed my mind again. Put the old Kubota blade hole over the hole in the Gator blade and centered it up. Scored a line, and used a die grinder with a stone bit to enlarge it. Took some time, but I got-er-done. Apparently I did a good enough job as the deck doesn't vibrate any more than with the original blades.

I would still recommend getting the right blades for your deck. Don't do like I did - check the actual diameter before you order!

My second order of the correct blades went through, so now I will have an extra set of Gator Mulchers. These are the Magnum version, with supposedly greater lift. I'll compare and see which ones work better for my grass.