Lazer Z HP blade question

[Bkanneg]

I have always taken my Lazer Z HP in for yearly maintenance, but I'm trying to save some money and do it myself this year. I have never changed the blades myself and have a few questions. Do I have to use Exmark blades exclusively, or can I just use any blades of the same size (48" deck).

Also, I don't have a torque wrench. Is this required, or can I just snug it up using my impact driver and socket set?

If I have to use Exmark blades, is there a good place online to buy them? The nearest dealer is 45 minutes away.

Thanks in advance.

 

[BlazNT]

This list is off partstree.com and you can save a tone of money buying from them compaired to dealer. You have to know what you want or at least ask the right questions here so you can get the correct one for what your needs are. I buy normally from ebay but that requires a little time for research so you do not buy cheap china knock offs.
You do not normally need a torque wrench as long as you snug them up good. If it will remove the blades then it will tighten them as well.


eXmark 103-6583-S (replaces 1-323515)Blade, 16.25 notched air foil (48") $18.94
eXmark 103-1577-S (replaces 1-413438)Blade, 16.25 solid air foil (48") $21.22
eXmark 103-6581-S (replaces 1-403148)Blade, 16.25 mulching (48") $20.08
eXmark 103-6738-S (replaces 1-403149)Blade, 16.25 low lift (48") $18.60
eXmark 103-2529-S (replaces 1-653101)Blade, 15.25 notched air foil (44") $21.22
eXmark 103-1579-S (replaces 1-653178)Blade, 15.25 solid air foil (44") $18.10
eXmark 103-2519-S (replaces 1-653102)Blade, 15.25 mulching (44") $22.51
eXmark 103-2509-S (replaces 1-653179)Blade, 15.25 lowlift (44") $20.10

 

[Glyn Robinson]

you can use any brand mower blade that you like as long as it's the same size blade. some hold up better than others. it's like a lot of other things, you get what you pay for. as far as torque, i'm sure the operators manual suggests you use a torque wrench but i use 1/2 inch drive impact.

 

[bertsmobile1]

Very important.
If a blade has no brand name on it do not touch it unless the excess on your insurance policy is less than the difference in the price of the blades.
I am a small engine mechanic and I get a lot of emails from distributors of garbage blades and some list common bar blades as low as $ 5.00
Before I knew any better I had used some , it was an expensive lesson.

Worst part about it was my formal education in Metallurgy should have told me these could not possibly be any good at the price I was paying.
Stens , Oregon & Rotary all have an extensive range of aftermarket blades and I have found all of them to be good value

The exception to this is the Gator copies.
Oregon make the Gators.
Preditors & Silver Streaks are Stens & Rotaries copies and they are poor value as the flutes break off prematurely.
Gators are more expensive but a much better option if you deck can run them, they don't work on all decks.

If you are going to do your own maintanance remember there is more to it than just changing the oil & filters.