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

 

[MrWiggles2]

Hey GC- how's it going? Glad to see the 2180 is still doing its thing. So is mine, I just put on 140 hours. Not too many more upgrades, outside of the taillights I added and soon a plow.

GC can you give the part number for the flat blade. Is it the 759-3824 number? And will it still work on the twin bagger? I've been using the 3-n-1 blades. They're ok, but would like to try something new to see if I get a better cut.

 

[YanmarFever]

My cub ztr doesnt pick up grass worth beans !! the 450.00 bagger is just a joke because it glogs so fast .Needless to say im not happy with the bagger, however I love the mower, it starts everytimeWhy cant cub build a decent bag system, I even put the pickup blades on.What am I missing here, how do your baggers work ??Ernie

 

[micman32]

My cub ztr doesnt pick up grass worth beans !! the 450.00 bagger is just a joke because it glogs so fast .Needless to say im not happy with the bagger, however I love the mower, it starts everytimeWhy cant cub build a decent bag system, I even put the pickup blades on.What am I missing here, how do your baggers work ??Ernie

I have the triple bagger. It does a good job over all but is very frustrating at times. I don't use it in the spring as the grass is more sticky and plugs the chute. I have had better results when the grass is drier from July on.
John Deere has a better system because they add a fan the the discharge which gives extra lift.
CC could do better with their bagging system.

 

[TractorLarry]

Ok, I've found this all confusing. That said, what do you guys feel are the best blades for a GT48" Deck and a typical lawn?

I have no bagger. It blows what it mows.

Are the Gator Blades a good choice, or should I just use standard P/N blades?

-Larry

 

[Fordlords]

I am using the Gator mulchers on my 44" deck, but it is an old IH design 3 blade deck, so I can't quote how they will work with the decks on the newer CC models. My deck does not have a mulch plug, so I still discharge and pick up the clippings with a Agri-Fab tow behind sweeper, however clippings are less and smaller with the Gators than the stock straight blades, so I do get some mulching action- exactly as WillyS described. I think the Gators are pretty decent and they are inexpensive too.

-Fordlords-

 

[GreenQuality]

Hey! Mr wiggles Tractor Looks great!I like the tail lights,your going to have tell me how did you wire it. The only up grades 4ply on all the rims and a new paint job! and over 1500 hr on that vanguard,and still runs like it was new! could not find the gt rims that you have on your 2180.the PartNo#742-3018 for low lift blades. which have low drag and saves your spindles and bearings a great deal of hard ship!Good to see you making that 2180 sharp!

 

[iquester]

OK, now I am sold on the Gator Mulching blades. Just put a freshly sharpened set on my 48" deck with the mulching kit on my 3185 and wow! Can't see the leavings and a nice smooth cut. As I reverse directions across the yard with each pass, it striped out my yard like a pro.

I am sold.

M Gardner

 

[iquester]

Here's the scoop on my blades for the 48" Deck:

Gator Part# 98401. Dimensions: Length 16 7/16"; Center Hole 3/4"; Outer Holes 5/16"; Outer holes center to center: 2-1/2"; Width .250"; Thickness .203".

Replaces Cub Cadet #759-3826 and #742-3025

I got mine here:
http://www.jackssmallengines.com/gatcub.cfm

Your number for replacing the 742-3018 or 759-3824 is Part #91940


Mike Gardner

 

[MrWiggles2]

Thanks GC! Its been fun upgrading, the lights were easy, just spliced off the wires leading to the headlights... had to remove some electrical tape but its right there on the right side panel.

1500 hours is just awesome... glad to see you're still using it. I think that the 2180 was one of their best models, that Vanguard is just incredible.

I'll PM you on the tires.

 

[LBrown59]

Thanks GC! Its been fun upgrading, the lights were easy, just spliced off the wires leading to the headlights... had to remove some electrical tape but its right there on the right side panel.

1500 hours is just awesome... glad to see you're still using it. I think that the 2180 was one of their best models, that Vanguard is just incredible.

I'll PM you on the tires.

I would replace the red lenses with clear ones and have a nice set of rear work lites.