Blades

[BWH]

I like to sharpen/touchup the blades every 25 hours, it works best to have a couple sets of blades to change out. I immediately soak the take off blades in a container filled with vinegar getting the gunk off helps keep them in balance better, then after 24 hours wipe them off and complete the sharpening maintaining the factory angle. Greasing is very important the best practice is to following your owner's manual using a premium grade of grease, over greasing can be as bad as under greasing. I have found the Oregon blades to be of good quality.

 

[jekjr]

It of course depends on what you are cutting but last Summer I ran OEM blades on my Kubota and I changed them every day. I had two sets and I would sharpen the set I took off and put the other set on. We have a very wet Summer here last year and we cut a whole lot of bahiagrass and it will dull blades like nothing else I know of.

When cutting bahiagrass weekly in a wet season it will be several inches deep. It is in a very large percentage of the yards here. Also grease the shafts on the deck and the joints on the drive shaft to the deck daily as well.

 

[Bomba]

I have a problem with hickory nut shells dulling my blades. I have 5 hickory trees on my property. My arms and back are killing me from raking! Shor of cutting the trees down, what would you recommend I do about this? Answers please!!

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

I have a problem with hickory nut shells dulling my blades. I have 5 hickory trees on my property. My arms and back are killing me from raking! Shor of cutting the trees down, what would you recommend I do about this? Answers please!!

There are many different things that can pick up the shells. Read through this thread and check them out: http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/lawn-care-landscaping/12065-i-like-most-trees.html :smile:

One of the things is this: Pickup Wizard For Small Fruits and Nuts (3/4-inch diameter minimum) | A.M. Leonard, Inc.