Hello Friends , would like to add X blades to my ZD1011 zero turn . Would anyone know where I could purchase the similar blade bolt but in a 2 inch length ? It’s M12-1.25 , I’m aware you can purchase at hardware store but would like to have the large head .
Longer blade bolt for KUBOTA ZD1011
- Thread starter Farmall57
- Start date
Not sure what you're trying to accomplish. Consider a 12-1.25 x 50 or 55mm, Grade 10.9or 12.9 flange head bolt with a Bellville washer. You may need to make a blade separator to keep the blades at right angles. Be reminded the spindles will be carrying an extra load.
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,
'xblades' is the adapter ($20 everywhere but Amazon.ca where it's $90...). simple piece of stamped sheet metal that holds your blades at 90*.
You'll need a longer 'case hardened' bolt not a 'hardware store' strength' bolt.
Agree, 2nd blade WILL put a lot of additional load (stress) on the spindle bearings and case. If I 'upgrade' to xblades, I'd also upgrade the spindles with a 2nd bearing on the blade end of the spindle.
Not too sure IF they actually 'work as seen on TV", mower blades already spin mighty dang fast !
You'll need a longer 'case hardened' bolt not a 'hardware store' strength' bolt.
Agree, 2nd blade WILL put a lot of additional load (stress) on the spindle bearings and case. If I 'upgrade' to xblades, I'd also upgrade the spindles with a 2nd bearing on the blade end of the spindle.
Not too sure IF they actually 'work as seen on TV", mower blades already spin mighty dang fast !
I tried these x blades on mine.
first issue is finding a blade bolt that will work. It's a weird bolt, has a 30mm head, but M12-1.25 threads. I tried several different kinds with a standard size head but nothing will really "work" with the way the washers and such are designed, other than a factory-style bolt.
The second issue (and this is also important) is that having twice as many blades means twice as much rotating mass. Now mine is just 27hp gas engine, but makes the same power as the diesels do, just uses more fuel doing it. It struggled to turn all SIX blades when in heavier grass. Turning the blades on, it was immediately apparent that the clutch was not going to last long. In my case, because it's an electric clutch on the crankshaft, it's easily replaced-and somewhat inexpensive (aftermarket), in the case of the ZD's and bigger ZG's, that is not the same truth-those have internal hydraulic clutches which are no fun, nor cheap to have to service.
I used mine two mowings. The cut quality was better. The second mowing I was running along just fine and one of the blade bolts failed to hold the blade in place, so one spun, the bolt broke, and the two blades on that spindle came off, then of course the others crashed into it, beat the daylights out of the mulching baffles, the bottom of the deck, broke a spindle housing, and made a whole lot of racket and vibration. So far that's all I found wrong. OH wait I did find that the engine mount bolts were loosened. 3 of the 4 were missing, one broken completely off and the only one left was loose. Muffler was dangling as well and blew out the gaskets.
So no, based on my experience, those X blades are not worth the money. Maybe you can source some bolts that fit properly, with the correct bolt head size, shoulder length, thread length. Basically, you want a factory bolt that is about 1/4" longer thread and maybe a little more shoulder. I couldn't find any with the correct dimensions. Maybe you can have a machine shop make them for you, shouldn't be too hard. How expensive they'll be, is to be determined. I wouldn't be surprised if they hit you with $400 for 3 blade bolts based on this area's shop costs.
first issue is finding a blade bolt that will work. It's a weird bolt, has a 30mm head, but M12-1.25 threads. I tried several different kinds with a standard size head but nothing will really "work" with the way the washers and such are designed, other than a factory-style bolt.
The second issue (and this is also important) is that having twice as many blades means twice as much rotating mass. Now mine is just 27hp gas engine, but makes the same power as the diesels do, just uses more fuel doing it. It struggled to turn all SIX blades when in heavier grass. Turning the blades on, it was immediately apparent that the clutch was not going to last long. In my case, because it's an electric clutch on the crankshaft, it's easily replaced-and somewhat inexpensive (aftermarket), in the case of the ZD's and bigger ZG's, that is not the same truth-those have internal hydraulic clutches which are no fun, nor cheap to have to service.
I used mine two mowings. The cut quality was better. The second mowing I was running along just fine and one of the blade bolts failed to hold the blade in place, so one spun, the bolt broke, and the two blades on that spindle came off, then of course the others crashed into it, beat the daylights out of the mulching baffles, the bottom of the deck, broke a spindle housing, and made a whole lot of racket and vibration. So far that's all I found wrong. OH wait I did find that the engine mount bolts were loosened. 3 of the 4 were missing, one broken completely off and the only one left was loose. Muffler was dangling as well and blew out the gaskets.
So no, based on my experience, those X blades are not worth the money. Maybe you can source some bolts that fit properly, with the correct bolt head size, shoulder length, thread length. Basically, you want a factory bolt that is about 1/4" longer thread and maybe a little more shoulder. I couldn't find any with the correct dimensions. Maybe you can have a machine shop make them for you, shouldn't be too hard. How expensive they'll be, is to be determined. I wouldn't be surprised if they hit you with $400 for 3 blade bolts based on this area's shop costs.
Appreciate the in depth reply , your post has enlightened me , I thought out everything you just mentioned and didn’t think it could safely be done on the Kubota. Better keep with 3 blades !!!!
I tried X blades on my 52” Craftsman riding mower (they call it a “lawn tractor”)…hoping for a better finish-cut…. but it was no better than the OEM two-blades. Returned it to original status and slowed down the travel while operating at highest RPM ….and live with having to “double-back” to get the finish I want on my “field-grasses” yard.
