Are mulching blades about the same?

[SJMaye]

I have had my Ariens Max Zoom 60 for about 6 years. I installed the OEM mulching kit on it about 5 years ago and have loved it. It is time to buy new blades. The OEM mulching blades have done a pretty good job, but thought I would ask the experts if there is something better. My father in law swears by the Gator Blades, but I have read that high lift blades are not good to use if you have a mulching kit.

Can someone comment on their experiences?

 

[Rivets]

This is when I normally say if you like the cut from the blades you have been using, DOT CHANGE. Mulching has more to do with mulching kit, blade speed, unit speed and deck design, than which blade to use. If you switch blades and you don’t like the cut, what are you going to do?

 

[MParr]

Use the OEM Gravely mulching blades. Gator or Gator style blades are designed for side discharge. Now, Stens, Rotary, or Oregon might have direct aftermarket replacements.

 

[bullet bob]

Mulching blades that can still actually lift grass?

Gravely 60" ZT HD, 2017. Every fall I install https://www.gravely.com/en-us/part/zero-turn-mulching-kit---60-in-decks-79105900 the mulching kit, mainly because without it, the leaves blow out the side chute w/o ever being cut up. So again this year I tackle the project. Sharpen & balance the...

www.lawnmowerforum.com

 

[SJMaye]

Use the OEM Gravely mulching blades. Gator or Gator style blades are designed for side discharge. Now, Stens, Rotary, or Oregon might have direct aftermarket replacements.

I think I will. There was so much good press around the Gator blades I wondered if they may hold an edge longer.

Bullet Bob - Thank you for the link. When I searched previously, not being a pro I did not search that forum. I want to read through the comments there. Good stuff. Thanks.

 

[MParr]

I think I will. There was so much good press around the Gator blades I wondered if they may hold an edge longer.

Bullet Bob - Thank you for the link. When I searched previously, not being a pro I did not search that forum. I want to read through the comments there. Good stuff. Thanks.

Read Oregon’s product information on the Gator blades. Oregon clearly states that they are for bagging or side discharge.

Gator Mulching Blades | Oregon Products

Increase your efficiency and productivity with Oregon Gator mulching mower blades. All Gator mulching mower blades feature the patented Gator mulching teeth which circulate cut grass back into the deck multiple times, creating a finer cut and better looking lawn.

www.oregonproducts.com

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

Read Oregon’s product information on the Gator blades. Oregon clearly states that they are for bagging or side discharge.

Gator Mulching Blades | Oregon Products

Increase your efficiency and productivity with Oregon Gator mulching mower blades. All Gator mulching mower blades feature the patented Gator mulching teeth which circulate cut grass back into the deck multiple times, creating a finer cut and better looking lawn.

www.oregonproducts.com

I am a Gator blade fan bigtime. I am also NOT a mulching fan at all. If you are happy with cut quality from mulching then stay with it. I cannot for the life of me, see how the cut quality with mulching would exceed side discharge and Gator blades.

 

[SJMaye]

I am a Gator blade fan bigtime. I am also NOT a mulching fan at all. If you are happy with cut quality from mulching then stay with it. I cannot for the life of me, see how the cut quality with mulching would exceed side discharge and Gator blades.

I have never had a complaint in the cut quality. In fact, I have been amazed how well the mulching kit works. Prior to buying this kit, I only knew of the one my Dad had on his John Deere riding mower. It just blocked the side discharge and clumped all the time. The Ariens OEM kit includes baffles to isolate each blade. I am not clear why it works so well, but I am happy with it.

One question - While researching this I began seeing posts about doubling up blades on each spindle for even better mulching. Does this actually work well?

 

[Rivets]

In my opinion doubling up blades is a DYI guys stupid idea. What can go wrong? Can’t properly tighten blades, may come loose. Destroying the spindles. Not made for two blades. Safety, may destroy the deck or blades go flying. Don’t even give that idea another thought, you’re asking for trouble. Who ever posted that or is thinking about do it, should have a frontal lobotomy ASAP, and should loose his manhood.

 

[bullet bob]

In my opinion doubling up blades is a DYI guys stupid idea. What can go wrong? Can’t properly tighten blades, may come loose. Destroying the spindles. Not made for two blades. Safety, may destroy the deck or blades go flying. Don’t even give that idea another thought, you’re asking for trouble. Who ever posted that or is thinking about do it, should have a frontal lobotomy ASAP, and should loose his manhood.

Ahhh c'mon, how do you really feel?