BX1860 54" deck and Gator blades

[mow4fun]

Well, I got a set of Gator blades today and mounted on my 54" Fine Cut deck, the number is 96-748. I have the mulch kit installed as well and while at greased the deck and topped the gear oil.

What a great cut, the original Kubota mulch blades did a good job but the Gator blades are exceptional. Some pics below.

 

[biffnh]

I agree! I have a 60" MMM and bought a set of Gator blades to try. They are so good I sharpen them and put them right back on and have the Kubota blades as just as back-up.

 

[PeterK]

Well, I got a set of Gator blades today and mounted on my 54" Fine Cut deck, the number is 96-748. I have the mulch kit installed as well and while at greased the deck and topped the gear oil.

What a great cut, the original Kubota mulch blades did a good job but the Gator blades are exceptional. Some pics below.

Interesting. I also just purchased a set of Gator blades for my regular cut 54" deck. They were listed as a direct replacement for K5617-34330 Oregon #96-748. But the holes were too small (23/32 = 0.72) for my RCK54-23BX deck which has 7/8" shafts. It cost me $25 to have a machine shop enlarge the holes as my 7/8" HSS drill wouldn't touch the hardened steel.

But ... the results in cutting are beautiful I agree.

So it seems the fine cut has a smaller diameter quill shaft.

 

[mow4fun]

Yes, that was one thing I was worried about and was very happy when it was perfect fit.

I also noticed a different humm from the deck with these blades, did any of you notice that too?

 

[PeterK]

hmmm. maybe but I wasn't listening for it. Just watching the gorgeous results. One thing though - I normally mow @ 3-1/4 and I set it down to 3" with the Gators.

 

[BrianR]

Looks good! I put Gator's on my BX2200 54" deck 3 years ago. I side discharge currently, but I do have the mulching baffles in the garage. The original Kubota mulching blades didn't near as good a job as these Gators though. The Gators have a ton more lift to them.

Maybe I will put my baffles on and see how it compares to the old original mulching blades then. The reason I took the baffles out, was that my deck always left a little narrow line of clippings along the left side of the deck. It annoyed me, so I just took the baffles off.

 

[sw03]

but what do the gator blades do that Kubota blades do not? Just asking since I get a better cut from a std deck with std blades...Help me out here...

 

[D902 BX PILOT]

hate to be the stick in the mud responder, but i ran gators and toro atomics on my toro z master 100, zero turn mower. . . was told specifically, that the mulch blades within a closed off mulch chamber were supposed to be lower lift, and within the chamber they would cut and recut the grass clippings and put the back into the turf.
i read on the gator website, that they are to be run, open chamber/side discharge- no restrictions for best cut . . . whose to say? i guess your experience will be your guide.
i queried my first kubota salesman about blade tip speed and kubota decks, and he basically said the cut wouldn't be as good . . . regardless i wanted to move to a year-round machine (bx2360) and did . . . live and learn . . . am glad your experience has been a good one . . . if i go to gators . . . it will be without the baffles and chambers . . .

regards, D902 BX PILOT

 

[mow4fun]

This is directly from Gator's website:

Is the Gator Mulcher right for my mower?

On standard mowers, the Gator Mulcher works best on multi-blade decks, particularly when mowing into the discharge. Mulching adapter kits are not required. For single blade applications we recommend installing a mulching kit for best results, but you will see significant mulching action even without an adapter. Gator Mulcher blades will enhance the performance of any mulching mower, single or multi-blade.

 

[BrianR]

Hmm....Who knew!!?? Since I tend to be lazy about these things.....I guess I'll not bother to dig the baffles out then!!