Switching to longer blades?

[Honest Abe]

This thread isn't about leveling the deck. Not sure how that has become a focus. The only reference to 'level' previously was about front-to-back tilt where someone suggested there shouldn't be any.

if the blades are not level that can cause air flow disruption and weird cutting issues - Google can be your friend too.....

A "lawn mohawk" is typically caused by improper mowing, such as dull blades, uneven mower decks, mowing too fast, or excessive grass length. The blades are either torn, bent over by the mower's wheels, or laid down by the previous cut and not lifted into the cutting path, resulting in a strip of uncut or partially cut grass. Maintenance issues like a dirty mower deck or uneven tire pressure can also contribute to an uneven cut.

Mower-Related Causes

• Dull or Damaged Blades:
  .
  Dull blades tear grass instead of cleanly cutting it, and damaged blades can lead to an inconsistent cut.
  
  
• Uneven Mower Deck:
  .
  A mower deck that isn't level or has a caked-on underside can result in grass of varying heights.
  
  
• Mowing Too Fast:
  .
  Speed can prevent the blades from having enough time to cut the grass properly, causing it to bend over instead of being cut.
  
  
• Uneven Tire Pressure:
  .
  Underinflated tires on the mower can lead to an uneven cut.
  

Lawn & Mowing Practices

• Overgrown Grass:
  .
  If the grass is allowed to grow too tall between mowings, the mower can struggle to cut it evenly.
  
  
• Mowing Too Low:
  .
  Cutting too much grass off at once can lead to scalping and unevenness.
  
  
• Improper Mower Turns:
  .
  How you turn the mower can create an uneven cut or a line where the wheels haven't properly cut the grass.
  
  
• Uneven Ground:
  .
  High and low patches in your lawn can make it difficult for the mower to cut at a consistent height.

 

[StarTech]

Some just don't get it that there is only a 1/16 overlap if 72" true cutting width which means the OP has to have prefect blades. Either the deck cutting is not a true 72" cutting width or there needs to be more overlap. Which is what the OP is trying to get at.

OP see if you can find a Hustler dealer that will let you test fit a set of 24-1/2 5/8 center hole blades. This would give you a 1/4 overlap if they clear the deck sides and don't ping each other.

I wish I had one these decks in the shop to check this but I don't.

 

[Honest Abe]

go mow your yard/lawn and take a good photo showing the mohawking so we can see for ourselves

 

[MParr]

One more thing, Gator blades make for a horrible cut. If your grass is just a little damp, they will pack the deck with clippings. This reduces the vacuum needed for a quality cut.

 

[MParr]

@StarTech
Rotary lists the #6026 as a fit. Maybe a local dealer would let @BigBlueEdge try a set for fit. If they fit without striking the deck or other blade tips, they would be a good performer.

038-7220-00

038-7220-00

www.rotarycorp.com

 

[Honest Abe]

I've used Oregon G6's on a Gravely XL2148ZT, JD 345, JD 585, and now my Ferris IS2600 and never had a bad cutting or build up under the deck. That includes cutting 12"+ deep wet stuff . . . . .

 

[MParr]

I've used Oregon G6's on a Gravely XL2148ZT, JD 345, JD 585, and now my Ferris IS2600 and never had a bad cutting or build up under the deck. That includes cutting 12"+ deep wet stuff . . . . .

I had a set of G6 on my Gravely Pro Turn 260 this morning. I took them off shortly after I started mowing. Grass soup was falling out all over the place. The entire deck was packed. I cleaned the deck out good and put on OEM Gravely blades to finish my 3 acres. I should have known better.
I side discharge.

 

[Honest Abe]

I had a set of G6 on my Gravely Pro Turn 260 this morning. I took them off shortly after I started mowing. Grass soup was falling out all over the place. The entire deck was packed. I cleaned the deck out good and put on OEM Gravely blades to finish my 3 acres. I should have known better.
I side discharge.

I'd blame the Gravely not the blades.... the blades worked great on my Gravely, it was the Gravely which was a POS, hence the JD's.....

 

[BigBlueEdge]

One more thing, Gator blades make for a horrible cut. If your grass is just a little damp, they will pack the deck with clippings. This reduces the vacuum needed for a quality cut.

That hasn't been my experience that Gator blades lead to grass build-up under the deck. I've had Gator blades on my x758 since about 2017 and on the Rogue since the beginning in 2021. My Rogue hardly ever has build up. Of course I never mow when the grass is wet.

 

[MParr]

That hasn't been my experience that Gator blades lead to grass build-up under the deck. I've had Gator blades on my x758 since about 2017 and on the Rogue since the beginning in 2021. My Rogue hardly ever has build up. Of course I never mow when the grass is wet.

They do a FAIR job on dry grass and leaves. However, high lift or OEM blades do a much better job. Remember, mower companies designed their blades to work best with their decks.