Blade Q&A

[gfann77]

I have a 48" deck on my Cub Cadet 100. View picture for reference. Im looking at buying some new blades for it, the blades that are currently on it (which are very old and very over sharpened) measure 14.25"x2 & 19.75". I've had issues in the past where the blades would hit where they over lap. The new blades I looked at online, measure 14.5"x2 and 20". Now if the blades are longer they are going to hit, I would think. So wanted a second opinion on this. Maybe I'm looking at the wrong blades. The blade part numbers (cubcadet.com) are:
Outer BLADE 14.5LG. [QTY-2]
Part Number: 759-3845

Center BLADE 19.97LG [QTY-1]
Part Number: 759-3835

I guess the question is are the blades suppose to over lap? Maybe I just need to tighten my deck belt and keep them more stabilized.

I also looked at another site, mytractorparts.com and they more-or-less show the same thing.

[gmbadgley]

With a 3 blade set up the 2 outer blades are set back and should not hit the center blade. With a 2 blade set up often they have to be timed and use a cogged belt to maintain the timing.

[J-Mech]

Your blade part numbers are correct. I know cub cadet blades are expensive, but it is my opinion that they last FAR longer than the aftermarket ones. I don't know that I have ever seen cub brand blades to hit, however, I have seen other brands that will. As long as you get the correct ones for your machine, I don't see that you will have any problems, unless, your deck is bad. In the pics, it looks fine, I might add. If you get off brands and they hit, I'd say just "trim" them a bit. Also, if the dividers around the blades are worn out/ bent, it will leave a strip of grass, might check that out too. The only deck that is "timed" to my knowledge is the one from an Original Cub Cadet.

[rweaver]

the way you measure blades is a cross the corner not end to end

[gfann77]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

Your blade part numbers are correct. I know cub cadet blades are expensive, but it is my opinion that they last FAR longer than the aftermarket ones. I don't know that I have ever seen cub brand blades to hit, however, I have seen other brands that will. As long as you get the correct ones for your machine, I don't see that you will have any problems, unless, your deck is bad. In the pics, it looks fine, I might add. If you get off brands and they hit, I'd say just "trim" them a bit. Also, if the dividers around the blades are worn out/ bent, it will leave a strip of grass, might check that out too. The only deck that is "timed" to my knowledge is the one from an Original Cub Cadet.

I wouldn't disagree with their longevity. These blades were given to me when I bought the deck two years ago. I've sharpened them a few times they are just getting to look more like rounded nubs then blades. When you say "dividers around the blades" are you referring to the strip that contours around the blades under the deck? If so, I'd have to admit, that is missing. They were pretty rusty. I have been thinking a bought replacing them. The grass issue is a recent problem after the last blade sharpening. The blades I have could very well be generic.

[gfann77]

Originally Posted by rweaver

the way you measure blades is a cross the corner not end to end

Informative. That would certainly explain the size difference.

[ajcombs]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

The only deck that is "timed" to my knowledge is the one from an Original Cub Cadet.

I thought the newest ones had timed decks? Not that I call them Cubs LOL The blades on any of my cub decks never hit!!

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by gfann77

I wouldn't disagree with their longevity. These blades were given to me when I bought the deck two years ago. I've sharpened them a few times they are just getting to look more like rounded nubs then blades. When you say "dividers around the blades" are you referring to the strip that contours around the blades under the deck? If so, I'd have to admit, that is missing. They were pretty rusty. I have been thinking a bought replacing them. The grass issue is a recent problem after the last blade sharpening. The blades I have could very well be generic.

Yeah, I think you'll find, even with new blades, it will still leave a little "mo-hawk" strip. It'll do a much better job with them.

[zippy1]

And may I add, deck blades can't overlap or you'll have an uneven cut.
Also you do need the baffles for a decent cut.