Second lawn mower blade

[greasegunn]

I'm looking to get a second blade for my Toro recycler mower. I don't bag the clippings. The Toro blade seems to do a good job mulching but I'm wondering if there is a better mulching blade availabe. I want 2 blades because I want a sharp blade ready to go so I can swap out and sharpen at my convenience.

 

[AnthemBassMan]

You can either get another Toro blade or check out the Oregon Gator blade.

L8R,
Matt

 

[Rand]

2nd blade is nice but I can sharpen it in 1min with an angle grinder. You still have to take a blade off and put one on.. even when you have a spare.

Now the farm mower that does 5acres a week. its nice to have a spare set.. because of lack of electricity hassle.

Many aftermarket blades have good marketing but are not as good as Oem steel etc.

 

[Jim K]

Best 3 years of my life were spent in 2nd grade . Woops, sorry , You said second blade.

 

[bubbatime]

OEM Toro ONLY!!

Toro puts a lot of effort properly designing their decks, and when you change that with a different blade, the results are less than spectacular. An aftermarket blade will do "ok", but it wont be as good as the factory Toro blade.

 

[THORROMIG]

Ditto on the OEM blade!!! Just keep that baby sharp!!!

 

[BigCahuna]

Go to Harbor freight and buy one of their cheap grinders. Get a few spare wheels and when you need a new edge, just tip the mower up and sharpen the blade without even taking it off. Probably cheaper then buying a new blade.,,,

 

[pcoxe]

Side grinders are great for sharpening. Just don't grind in one spot too long and overheat the edge.

 

[Doc8404]

Originally Posted By: AnthemBassMan
You can either get another Toro blade or check out the Oregon Gator blade.

L8R,
Matt

Agreed. Never look back after installing gators. Bought direct on Amazon.

 

[Kira]

Heavens to Betsy! No one mentioned addressing the balance of the blade.

You HAVE to remove the blade so you can lay it upon a nail (or other rod) and see if it's balanced.

No? Totally agree on a good quality of steel.

 

[spasm3]

Originally Posted By: Kira
Heavens to Betsy! No one mentioned addressing the balance of the blade.

You HAVE to remove the blade so you can lay it upon a nail (or other rod) and see if it's balanced.

No? Totally agree on a good quality of steel.



I agree 100%! You need to remove the blade, i don't know how you can properly sharpen the edge on the mower.
You remove it, check it for cracks FIRST. Sharpen it and check the balance, i use a round shaft phillips screwdriver.


I recently bought a set of oregon gator blades for my toro zero turn. The Fusion gator blades are indeed hard, and hold the edge very well. I have not had to sharpen them yet. I am curious to see how they hold up with sharpening.

 

[Lubener]

Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
Go to Harbor freight and buy one of their cheap grinders. Get a few spare wheels and when you need a new edge, just tip the mower up and sharpen the blade without even taking it off. Probably cheaper then buying a new blade.,,,


Good way for a blade imbalance.What's the big deal pulling one bolt? I would avoid a shop that does as you suggest.

 

[greasegunn]

I must say the Toro blade seems to do a great job. I sharpen with a Dremel
and also balance. Not that quick of a job so that's why I want a spare.

 

[BigCahuna]

Originally Posted By: Lubener
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
Go to Harbor freight and buy one of their cheap grinders. Get a few spare wheels and when you need a new edge, just tip the mower up and sharpen the blade without even taking it off. Probably cheaper then buying a new blade.,,,


Good way for a blade imbalance.What's the big deal pulling one bolt? I would avoid a shop that does as you suggest.
Your not taking 2 ounces of metal off the blade ,just putting an edge on it .Why waste time taking your mowers blade off when you REALLY don't have to?.I'd avoid a shop that tries to convince you that taking the blade off to put an sharp edge is the best way to do it. By me that's called a cash-ect-tomy.,,

 

[andyd]

The blades on my sit down were original. 40 yrs old. I replaced them. The new ones weigh a lot more. I took them off after a season to sharpen them. They did't need it. I peened a couple of rock divots back into place and put them back on. I use a bench grinder. I don't obsess about balance. I try to use 1 or 2 passes per side. What I do to one edge, I do to the other.