Blade height issue
 

I have a 2016 RZT L-42 mower with the mulching kit. I got it out of storage to get it ready for this season yesterday. When I checked the left to right blade height, I noticed that, on the same blade, I got two different measurements for each tip. When I checked the other side, it did too. The spindles seem Level and don't wobble. Are mulching blades just made that way?

Thanks in advance for any help or info.

How far off are they? Anything under an 1/8" will go unnoticed. Did you spin the blade 180 degrees and remeasure? You could have a bent blade...or two.

Bill

The seem to be about 1/2inch. Yes, I spun the blade 180 and re measured in the same spot. I just think it's odd that both blades seem to be off the same amount.

Sounds like you have 2 bent blades.

I guess so. I just have no idea where, when or how they got bent. I've ordered new blades. I got the Gator xtreme blades (I believe they're called).
I've not heard anything from anybody who've actually used them. Any comments?

Did you have the blades off? If so make sure mounting hole is seated correctly.

The mounts are flush. I even cleaned all debris off the underside of the deck and spindles, as well as the blades. But I will recheck them t make sure.
Thanks!

So the low side of the blades follows you as you spin and recheck? How do the pulleys on top of the spindle look, are they level or do they look tilted? Wondering if the deck shell got tweaked. Is there a "Not a Step" sticker on the deck with a muddy boot print on it? LOL

How do the blades sit on a flat surface? If you take a blade off and set the cutting edges on a flat surface it should sit almost flat, there may be a slight downword angle, but a bent blade should be pretty evident.

FWIW, I've straightened tweaked blades with a 2x4 and digging bar on a concrete surface.

Bill

I've seen this issue more often than you'd think. I've bought brand new blades from CCC that didn't spin out level. Never took the time to figure out why. I just used washers under the blades and got them to about the same level best I could. In other words, you bolt them on and line two adjacent blades up. Let's say there is 1/4" difference between the tips. Rotate them both to the opposite edget and line them up again and now the difference is 3/8". Add a washer to one or the other so that about the same offset is between the two edges. No, they don't cut perfectly level, but it's close enough for me. I'm sure you could tweak the blade so that it's right.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Both blades were indeed bent. No clue how or when it happened though. Fortunately, new blades arrive tomorrow. With all of the rain, it's not like I'll be mowing very soon anyway. LOL

Cheers,
Paul