Scrap the 3 in 1 blade GT2542

[vtcress]

Finally got a good clean grass cut with my new GT2542. The problem stems from the blade. The standard blade is a “3 in 1”, ha….its really just a good mulching blade. Think of it this way, put some green growing stuff in a blender and turn it to high speed. What do you get but a container of wet soupy liquid? That’s exactly what happens under the deck. Set the blade aside and order the old CC non-mulching blade (742-3018 or 759-3824..both are the same). They are the same mounting, thickness, and only 0.05 inches longer than the 3 in 1 blade. Clearance between the 2 blades is still adequate. I order mine from jackssmallengins.com. They go for just under $13 each for a total of 31.87 with shipping. Two other changes I made were to raise the discharge shoot about an inch and duct tape over the spindle mounting cutouts. I tried to improve the discharge air flow while using the mulching blade. The cut is now so clean that I am reluctant to remove the duct tape, although it may not have any ill effects with the non-mulching blade. Hope this helps those with cut complaints. I would think the same techniques would work with the larger decks as well.
Charlie in vt
Finally a happy CC owner.

 

[micman32]

Glad to hear you solved your problem! I never quite understood the mulching thing. I have tried it on other machines and was never truly impressed with it. I have never used the mulch plug included with my 2518. My motto is "Blow it or Bag it". I use the standard blades with the exception of the High Lift blade that is mounted next to the discharge chute for my bagger. The cut is clean.
All you get with mulching is a mess to clean up! ( just my personal opinion)

 

[vtcress]

Glad to hear you solved your problem! I never quite understood the mulching thing. I have tried it on other machines and was never truly impressed with it. I have never used the mulch plug included with my 2518. My motto is "Blow it or Bag it". I use the standard blades with the exception of the High Lift blade that is mounted next to the discharge chute for my bagger. The cut is clean.
All you get with mulching is a mess to clean up! ( just my personal opinion)

What do you consider a high lift blade, the one I listed or a different one?
The one I listed only has a turned up edge at the end of the blade.
charlie

 

[JTKub]

I agree, my little honda pushmower mulches like a champ, but trying to mulch with 42", 44" or beyone is a different ball-o-wax. IMO, the deck mulch plug comes in handy in the fall to mulch up leaves. It's dual purpose, reduces your leaves to nothing and power blasts the underside of your deck like you've never seen it!

Joel

 

[WillyS]

I have had the same experience with my 2042. The 3 in 1 blades were worthless for mulching. I replaced with the high lift blades last year and just blow or bag. I purchased a pair of the Gator Blades and tried mulching again this year. These were allot better for mulching! But still not as good as I wanted. I removed the mulch plug and put the discharge chute back on and it works almost as good as mulching!! Chews up the grass into even smaller pieces and blows it out in a fine mist. I will try lifting the chute and covering up the spindles also. There is always so much loose grass on top of the deck after mowing, hope this helps with the lift also! Thanks for the info.

 

[micman32]

What do you consider a high lift blade, the one I listed or a different one?
The one I listed only has a turned up edge at the end of the blade.
charlie

The High Lift Blade came with my Bagger. It is installed next to the discharge opening. Replacing the standard blade. The wing tips on this are higher than on the standard blade. The Part number is: 759-3949. This is for a 44 inch deck. You would have to check with CC for the 42 deck.

 

[micman32]

I will have to try the mulch plug with the leaves this year. I usually mow over them and the run with the bagger.
Thanks for the tip Joel!

 

[micman32]

Charlie the part number for the 42 inch high lift blade is:759-3823

 

[GreenQuality]

I cut grass for a living,and have 2180,The 3 in 1 blade is good for some grass, highlift blade is great for bagging,the best blade over all is the low lift blade,A staright blade with little sail. hardly no drag, when blades are running you barely hear them! less stress on your spindles and belts.to me this is a great blade that knowbody talks about! if you want I give no# of the blade!

 

[vtcress]

I cut grass for a living,and have 2180,The 3 in 1 blade is good for some grass, highlift blade is great for bagging,the best blade over all is the low lift blade,A staright blade with little sail. hardly no drag, when blades are running you barely hear them! less stress on your spindles and belts.to me this is a great blade that knowbody talks about! if you want I give no# of the blade!

Sounds like the blade I picked out, the old CC blade (759-3824). It is simply a flat blade with the end turned up. Yes, I did notice the sound reduction...nice.
Thanks for the confirmation feedback. Also its a serious blade, whatever you hit is going to feel it.
charlie