Rear Finish Mower Replacement Blades

AndyG · May 27, 2010

When I started looking for replacement blades to fit my 72" Befco RFM I thought that it would be very easy. Apparently the Befco blade is a little different because of the larger 3/4" bolt hole. This mower uses (3) 24-1/2" blades with a 3/4" hole and no offset. I am hoping to find a blade with more suction than stock or maybe a Gator blade to fit. Can you help?

clemsonfor · May 27, 2010

worst case you may not get your gator blades, but if others are similar, just with smaller holes, have the blades drilled out with a drill press to 3/4''. This sould only cost you a few dollars for a bunch as they can stack them up and clamp them before drilling (assuming you dont have a drill press)

sweettractors · May 27, 2010

I have blades in stock with gullwing tips, that are 24 1/4 long and 3/4 inch hole in the middle and offset about 1/2 inch. Would that be close enough? Ken Sweet

AndyG · Jun 1, 2010

I'm not sure Ken. I'm concerned that installing blades with an offset will cause scalping. What effect will the offset blades blades have on how the deck handles the clippings?

sweettractors · Jun 1, 2010

AndyG said:
I'm not sure Ken. I'm concerned that installing blades with an offset will cause scalping. What effect will the offset blades blades have on how the deck handles the clippings?

Theoretically, If the blade has a 1/2 inch offset in it, raising the cutting height of the deck 1/2 inch would compensate. Ken Sweet