I assume you do not have a "mulching kit" installed on your L.M....if you did the blades may hit the kit ....so what I believe they are saying,is if your just replacing the standard blade to a new mulching blade you should be all right ...Jim

I am using the block off plate an ramp on my 38" JD Deck with Gator Magnums with no issues.

I have used Gator blades on my 38" Sears tractor for 10 years with the mulch plate and absolutely no issues.

Alright, thanks guys. I have a 42" LT2000 with 21" standard blades now with a mulch cover/plate over the side discharge and I was told that wouldn't do...I had to get the mulch blades instead.

I don't think they are saying it as a "you must not." They are using it as a positive marketing comment "you don't even need a block off plate." As long as everything clears, you should have no issues. The only reason I left mine on is because I don't want grass all over my driveway, flower beds, etc.

Yeah, good point metal. Me either. I'll get them tomorrow and see how they perform. The last time I hooked them up to my old Murray I heard a hell of a racket. Apparently the side discharge cover (which had metal framing on it) was too close to the blade ends...so that didn't work well. I think this time will be better.

Well, I put the gators on and tested them by cutting a lane down and back (I had already cut it the day before). Seemed to do alright, but I thought I picked up a high pitched noise when the blades were turning. Anyone else notice a different blade noise than before, or should I look out for something?

Well, I took her out for a good mowing yesterday with the new gators. Seems like it has a slight vibration to it, but I'm not sure it wasn't there before, either from the engine or standard blades. I double-checked the blades: they were tight and mounted correctly (I'm pretty sure the blades spin clockwise). I might take them off to re-check balance this w/e. As much as I hate to crawl under that dam deck again I guess I'll have to. It is so blazin' hot every time I go to work on that tractor I almost pass out.

I had another thought that another poster brought up. I have the Oregon 3 in 1 gator blades (AYP 96-900) that apparently weigh more than the Oregon OEM mulching blades. If I check the balance and it's fine, would the extra weight cause the shimmy, and if so, could that be a bad thing for the mandrels? This rider is still in warranty and I sure don't want to screw that up.

I don't think it matters about the gator blades weighing more. I've run 3 gator pros that are even heavier than the standard gators with out any problems. My spindles are over 10 years old now on their second deck. They just might be out of balance? When I first got the gators I loved them. But as the bahia grass started getting taller with the tall, unsightly seedheads start growing 12 inches or more, high lift blades do a better job for me. With the gators I can tell were ever I turn because the deck leaves strips of un-cut grass. My deck just don't like em! I find it easier to pull my deck to work on the blades. Yea! It's a pain! But what can you do.

Well good luck! Don't worry about the weight. Do look into the balance of the blades.

ms

Okay, thanks mssurveyor. I was worried that the added weight might be a big issue. Guess not. They do leave a really nice cut on my TTTF so far. I'll have to check that balance, though. Should have before I put them on, but never thought of it.

No problem! A few years ago some Dixie Chopper guys were putting double blades on their decks. They claimed their spindle problems went away. I tried that on my Saber. It did a good to go mow! But my grass was tougher than Yankee grass! Slowed my little ole 16hp briggs down. Balancing isn't all that hard. Just a nail on a stud will get it close enough.

I've got a blade sharpening jig I found I need to show Ya'll soon! Cheap and easy! I need to know how to post pictures!

Chow!

ms

Here's a short tutorial link on posting pics.

I've got the free online Photobucket. Been there about 4-5 yearts now, and it's really easy to use. Just load your pics to Photobucket (or whatever free one you use), then you can post those pics to any forum you're posting to, unless they don;t allow it.

Here is a link that might be useful: posting pics

i got a 32 in xmark i can not find mulching blades for it metro