Have a 46 inch deck. Have read about some of the other blades are better than factory blades. Are the costs higher too? Have had no issue with my factory blades but figured I would check before I mount my deck for mowing season. Appreciate any recommendations.
Replacing mower blades - 1880
- Thread starter Bearcatrp
- Start date
My BX1870 has the RCK48-18BX mid mount mower deck with these Kubota blades: K5181-71940. I was never able to find aftermarket high lift blades so I just bought an extra pair of Kubota blades from my dealer and never looked back.
xrocketengineer
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
BX1880, FEL, Grapple, 36 in. Forks, 48in. MMM, Quick Spade, Ripper
I bought these for my 48 inch MMM. They are very thick and heavy. Cheaper too. They seem to cut marginally better with less vibration and the edge seems to last longer.
RCW
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
BX2360, FEL, MMM, BX2750D snowblower. 1953 Minneapolis Moline ZAU
Not same mower, but I’ve used something similar to these for a while.
As @xrocketengineer says, I recall them to be a little cheaper but also pretty stout and hold an edge well.
Didn’t dislike the OEM blades. Not a huge fan of these either they do seem to hold up well.
Old Machinist
Active member
Equipment
Kubota LX3310 cab, JD 4310, NH 575E cab backhoe, JD F725, Swisher 60", etc.
Do your blades have the dual bellville washers on the bolts? My 72 inch MMM does and the aftermarket gator blades were too thin to tighten with them. I had to add a third washer to get the blades to tighten and not spin on the bolts. Factory blades were 1/4" thick and the gator blades were 3/16". I've seen some 1/4" thick gator style blades at the dealer but I don't remember the brand name. The Oregon blades are working fine with the extra washer on them though.
GreensvilleJay
Well-known member
Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
FWIW check to see IF the new blades ARE balanced ! Grinds a wee bit off the heavy side if needed.
xrocketengineer
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
BX1880, FEL, Grapple, 36 in. Forks, 48in. MMM, Quick Spade, Ripper
I believe that they were thicker and heavier than the OEM blades and they installed with the standard hardware with no problems. I got them from yardparts.com but they don't seem to carry that model any longer.
RCW
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
BX2360, FEL, MMM, BX2750D snowblower. 1953 Minneapolis Moline ZAU
I don't recall vendor, but mine were Oregon G6 Gator blades. Different mower, but look like those @xrocketengineer pictured.
On my second set, and both sets were also a little heavier and wider than the OEM blades. No issues with mounting with stock washers.
Like I said, not enamored with them, but they do hold up well.
Not needed with multiple 14-16” short blades. A single 30”+ blade like a snapper comet, yes.
I can’t believe how well the original Kubota blades have lasted. Mine look almost new after 2 seasons and we have sandy soil and really don’t need a sharpening yet, though they will get a touch up. Other blades would be dull half way through one season.
Been Dow that road with my cub cadet. Bought the after market blades and dull half way through the summer. Haven’t looked at my blades yet. Deck is in the garage so will look at them before deciding. Have 2 seasons cutting grass with the current ones. Thanks for all the replies folks.
I mow 3-1/2 acres and the blades last several years. I've run both Gator blades and regular ones from AS. They get sharpened a few times each season.