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.

joes_427_vette · May 13, 2009

Where did you order them from ? I just checked and a set for the JD was 91 dollars plus shipping ( for 3, 60" deck )

Mustangous · May 14, 2009

PeterK said:
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.

joes_427_vette said:
Where did you order them from ? I just checked and a set for the JD was 91 dollars plus shipping ( for 3, 60" deck )

try http://www.mowpart.com
Cheapest place i found for my scotts s2554. jacks had them for $13.19 and mowpart had them for $9.85...

mjncad · May 14, 2009

How do the gator blades do when they encounter woody weeds? I've got native grasses taking hold from wind blown seed and driving out the weeds; but there are still patches of ripe juicy tumbleweeds and other stuff in the yard.

tutorbell · May 14, 2009

joes_427_vette said:
Where did you order them from ?

I got mine from mowpart.com...blades were $11.71 each and shipping was $11.72 for the 11 pound package.

medicshawn · May 15, 2009

try Jacks Small Engines or Agri Supply - Farm Supplies, Tools, Lawn Mower Blades, Cast Iron Cookware

mjncad · Jun 21, 2009

I put three gator blades on my L130 and I got the best cut yet from the machine. It was a pleasure to see large amounts of clippings going out the discharge chute. I got the blades from Jack's Small Engines listed in a previous posting.

I also added three of Deere's wash ports to the deck. New machines come with a port farthest from the discharge chute. This to me seemed inadequate, and the die-cast aluminum ports are only $2.40 each. I installed a port adjacent to each blade, and the center blade is the trickiest to locate due to the mower belt. I got lucky with my guess. It's tight; but I can use the port per the instructions.

At first I thought these wash ports were a gimmick, and I would say that is the case with only one installed. Lower the deck to the lowest setting, connect the garden hose, turn on the water, engage the mower deck for a minute at full throttle, and quite a bit of gunk comes out the discharge chute. Repeat for each port. The ports don't do squat without the mower running.

The ports use Deere's proprietary connection to their plastic garden hose adapter. Although I don't have a pressure washer, I think it might work better if they could be connected to one; but the connectors are just enough different to prevent using a pressure washer.

My routine will be to run a wash before mowing, at each gas fill-up break, and at the end of the mowing. I noticed the deck still had some crud build-up; but it was far away from the blades.

J_J · Jun 21, 2009

mjncad ,

I have used those gator blades for about 15 years, and they do an excellent job. The tips of the gator teeth will out quick if working in a lot of sand, just like sandblasting.

On the deck clean out using water. The blades are used to sling the water all up under the deck, and since water doesn't compress much, it beats up on all that crud, and the blades slings it out. . It may cause accelerated rusting. Just keep an eye on it. When you put it up for the winter, spray a rust preventive on the underside of the dick.

Flatheadyoungin · Jun 21, 2009

My Ferris came with gator-blades and they do a great job- even though I don't have the originals to compare them to.... When I have the deck up on it's highest setting and get near tall grass, I can see it pick up the grass and pull it towards the deck......

Flailmaster.com has them pretty reasonable......

mjncad · Jun 22, 2009

J_J said:
mjncad ,

I have used those gator blades for about 15 years, and they do an excellent job. The tips of the gator teeth will out quick if working in a lot of sand, just like sandblasting.

On the deck clean out using water. The blades are used to sling the water all up under the deck, and since water doesn't compress much, it beats up on all that crud, and the blades slings it out. . It may cause accelerated rusting. Just keep an eye on it. When you put it up for the winter, spray a rust preventive on the underside of the dick.

I forgot to mention that I run the mower for a couple of minutes after turning off the water to help dry out the deck.

bjr · Jun 22, 2009

I suppose I outta be over at the lawn forum, but the subject is here, now. I've use Oregon blades from Agri-Supply and had to deal with too big a hole for my Dixon 3304 30" blade. I've gave up on trying to pick up clipping with the bagger (it plugs the shoot up constantly, no matter how dry the clipping are). Is there a, say, a 48" Lawn rake rake sweeper tow behind bagger thing a guy can get to pick pick up clippings? Do those work? My clipping never mulch up for whatever reason and I'm gonna need to windrow an' bale if I don't get those cliippings off my lawn pretty soon. bjr