Gator blades are definitely worth the money. They provide superior mulching when compared to a standard mulching blade and their proprietary design acts like a high lift blade, maximizing air circulation so that it won’t interfered with bagging or side-discharge operations the way that a standard mulching blade sometimes can.
If you are considering Gator blades then you have come to the right place. Here we will answer the most common questions asked about Gator blades such as cutting ability, proper installation, sharpening schedules, and more. Read on to find out everything you’ll need to know about Gator blades!
What is a Gator blade for a lawn mower?
A Gator blade is a mulching mower blade that incorporates a progressive geometry along the working-edge of the blade that is designed both to maximize air flow for bagging or discharge and to lift the grass for a cleaner, targeted cut. They are considered ‘3 in 1’ blades because they are good for bagging, discharge, and mulching.
What are Gator blades used for?
Gator blades are designed to give a targeting, fine cut which cuts grass and reduces it to minute clippings which you can leave in the lawn. These fine clippings will not harm the grass, but rather will decay quickly, acting as a natural fertilizer to encourage healthy growth in your yard.
Do Gator blades cut better?
The Gator Blade design is more efficient than standard mulching blades, in that they use high lift to draw grass up, rather than pushing it down. This allows for more precision cutting but more importantly, it will not interfere with bagging. Standard mulching blades don’t circulate the air as efficiently and this can lead to inefficient bag loading during normal use.
Are Gator blades better than regular blades?
Gator blades produce much finer clippings than regular blades. If you are not looking for mulching functionality, then standard blades will be fine and may be a better fit for you. With the finer cutting capability, Gator blades will need to be sharpened more frequently, so this may be a caveat for those that just want to mow the lawn and intend to bag clippings.
What’s the difference between Gator blades and regular blades?
Regular blades are designed for 2 in 1 functionality, specifically they are meant for bagging or side-discharge mowing and while they cut grass, they are designed to simply cut it into more manageable pieces. Gator blades, by contrast, cut the grass more finely, so that you can leave the small pieces in the lawn as you mow to fertilize it.
Are Gator blades good for side discharge?
Yes! The design of the blades provides good air circulation for proper side-discharge or for bagging, so you don’t have to use the mulching capability of the blades if you’ve installed them on your mower. They simply give you the option of the mulching functionality for when you wish to use it.
Are Gator blades worth the money?
If you want to do some mulching, Gator blades do perform better than your standard mulching blades. The high-lift factor that comes from their design helps to cut the grass more efficiently but it also draws in enough air to make bagging or side-discharge function normally – whereas a standard mulching blade will only partially fill the bag and the side-discharge is not very powerful.
What’s the difference between G3 and G5 Gator blades?
G3 and G5 are essentially the same design, but where they differ is in the materials. G5 blades are designed to be a stronger version of the G3 design, incorporating a tungsten carbide layer on the cutting edge of the blade. This ultimately means less sharpening and a longer period between blade replacements.
What is the difference between G5 and G6 Gator blades?
G5 blades are slightly smaller, measuring about 2.5 inches in width to the 3 inches width of the G6. G6 blades are also the heavier of the two and require a bit more horsepower, as they are designed for tougher mowing jobs than the G5.
Are Gator blades good for mulching leaves?
Yes, Gator blades are not only great for mulching leaves, but the ‘tooth’ design of the blades makes them outperform standard mulching blades at a level you will definitely notice. These are blades that will definitely save you time when the Fall season arrives.
Can Gator blades be sharpened?
Yes, Gator blades can be sharpened, but you’ll want to leave the teeth alone and simply sharpen it the way that you would with a standard mulching blade. Just focus your efforts on the cutting edge only and be careful not to oversharpen – your blade should be about as sharp as a butter knife. Any thinner than that and your blade might break during use.
How often should you sharpen Gator blades?
If you are just using your mower for personal use, then every 25 hours of use should be an adequate interval between sharpenings. If you are using the blades professionally, then with moderate use you might want to sharpen once a week and with heavy use, twice a week will get you the best performance.
What angle are Gator blades?
Gator blades incorporate a minor tilt in their cutting edge, so if you want to maximize performance then it is recommended that you use them at a 35-degree setting. This will help to ensure that your blades stay sharp for a longer time and will give you the best performance with your Gators.
How do you install Gator blades?
When you are installing Gator blades, look for the words ‘Grass side’ engraved or imprinted on your blades. This is the side that needs to face down towards the grass and you’ll also notice that the ‘ears’ of the blade will be facing up, towards your mower’s deck.
What is the advantage of Gator blades?
The aerodynamic design allows you mulching capabilities, while maximizing air flow for bagging or side-discharge operation. It also serves to pull the grass upwards, for fine and even cutting, while the ‘teeth’ incorporated in the blade provide superior mulching for leaves as well. Models like the G5 also provide more durable materials than most standard blades, increasing the life of the blade and reducing sharpening requirements.
