Replacement blades for 7-Iron deck

[JDgreen227]

My 2002 vintage 60-inch 7-iron deck still has the OEM blades, I put about 80 hours a year on the deck mowing and sharpen them when I pull the deck in late fall, and again about 40 hours into the mowing season. Yet I am not happy with the performance of my deck, because my tractor is a 4210 instead of a 4310, the absolute maximum height of the deck cut is only 3 1/2 inches...and the blades do not chop the grass up very well, no matter how many times I run over the clippings, I still spend a lot of time raking so the clippings don't mat the lawn.

Can anybody advise me what replacment blades to buy that will chop the grass up better than the OEM set will? About the deck height, when I was ordering my tractor, I asked the salesguy how high the 7-Iron MMM would cut, he said up to 6 inches, but I didn't inquire how high it would cut on the 4210 I purchased...the 4310 will cut the 6 inch height the salesguy informed me of. GRRRR.

For what it's worth, when my JD was delivered, the MMM was installed wrong and would only cut 2 1/2 inches maximum in the front...whover designed the installation of the MMM along with the FEL and hood guard screwed up...it is almost impossible to get the front lift lever into place because of the interference. Thanks for listening to my rant.

Would appreciate any advice about replacement blades....

 

[sunnyside360]

Did you check with JD dealer about blades? They may have a more aggressive mulching type blade.

I have a JD 3720 with the 72" 7 Iron MMM deck and it will only raise to max height of about 3-3/4 inches but I got the smaller R4 tires so it would fit into my garage door. I believe the optional larger tires would raise the deck height several inches depending on which tire, ie turf, larger R4, R1, etc.

I use a lawn sweeper to gather up clippings for heavy grass. It works great behind either the ATV or Deere 3720. I purchased it at either Lowe's or Sears. Very good investment if you have a large lawn.

 

[om21braz]

If you have the OEM Deere part # for blades, here is a link to a cross-reference for Gator/Oregon blades if you're interested.

Passport®: OEP Power Search by OREGON®

 

[JDgreen227]

If you have the OEM Deere part # for blades, here is a link to a cross-reference for Gator/Oregon blades if you're interested.

Passportｮ: OEP Power Search by OREGONｮ

Thanks, guys, for the tips and the link to Oregon...my OEM part number is M128485 and the link search function gives me two blades that look more aggressive than the OEM blades...will order a set. I'd upsize the front tires on my tractor to raise the front end a little, problem is the OEM tires are already so close to the MMM front gauge wheels I cannot make them any larger...and it would probably screw up the 4wd syatem. As for a lawn sweeper, I mow about 4 1/2 acres...would require me to empty the sweeper a LOT.

Appreciate the prompt and helpful advice, thanks again.

 

[sunnyside360]

As for a lawn sweeper, I mow about 4 1/2 acres...would require me to empty the sweeper a LOT.

I'm mowing 5 acres of lawn and so purchased the largest sweeper but still have to empty more than I'd like. It's a whole lot easier than raking. Sometimes I mow over the area 2 or 3 times (to mulch) and don't bother sweeping or only sweep where most of the material is. Of late I just mow before the grass gets very long and then don't need to sweep or to run over it multiple times.

 

[om21braz]

I will note that the Gator blades turn clippings practically into a powder. Basically airborne whens it's real dry, or a glob you can't do much with if wet. This may or may not be problematic for you.

 

[JDgreen227]

I will note that the Gator blades turn clippings practically into a powder. Basically airborne whens it's real dry, or a glob you can't do much with if wet. This may or may not be problematic for you.

Thanks, I rarely have to mow when wet except in early spring...don't mind doing a little raking but thankfully most of my grass isn't very thick.

 

[MaJYk]

If you go through the Deere dealer for your gator blades, I recommend you do not let them talk you into the "predator" blades.

 

[sandman2234]

Giant Vac used to make a pull behind vac that would hold my 2.3 acres easily and was extremely easy to dump. Two wing nuts and drive away. Less than 30 seconds to complete a dump cycle. I had one I finally traded off for a gun because I use a blower that mounts (and powered by) my lawnmower.
David from jax

 

[JDgreen227]

If you go through the Deere dealer for your gator blades, I recommend you do not let them talk you into the "predator" blades.

Thanks for the tip !!!!