Recent content by Ken22

I would put it on. Manufacturers try to keep machines as inexpensive as possible and would not have put it on if the engineers didn't think it was necessary. It may have something to do with safety.

IMHO it won't make any difference. Most cutting is done by about the first 1". I'm sure Ryobi, a respectable company, has tested blades to see which blades work best.

Hang in there. Gravely makes a great mower. Since it's raining this is a good time to get to know your mower. Check the deck level, tire pressure and put a wrench on all the nuts and bolts. Wax it and give it a hug.