Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
How to Install Gator Blades
How to Install Gator Blades. Gator Blades are mulching blades for lawnmowers, manufactured by Oregon Cutting Systems Group of Blount, Inc. Mulching blades differ from standard lawnmower blades and are designed to pulverize grass clippings to the smallest size. Mulching provides natural fertilizer for the lawn and removes the necessity to rake and...
Gator Blades are mulching blades for lawnmowers, manufactured by Oregon Cutting Systems Group of Blount, Inc. Mulching blades differ from standard lawnmower blades and are designed to pulverize grass clippings to the smallest size. Mulching provides natural fertilizer for the lawn and removes the necessity to rake and bag cut grass after mowing. Although innovative in design, Gator blades install like any other lawnmower blade. However, due to their non-standard appearance, careful attention must be paid to install the blade in the correct orientation. Gator Blades are compatible with most, though not all, walk-behind lawnmowers and riding lawn tractors.
Things You'll Need
Gloves
Clean gasoline container
10-inch scrap of 2x4 wood
Socket wrench and sockets
Removal of original blade
Disconnect the lawnmower's spark plug. Remove the fuel tank cap, tip the mower and pour the fuel out of the tank into a clean container. Lay the mower on it's side, supported by the push handles.
Place the block of 2 x 4 scrap between the blade's edge and the mower to jam the blade and prevent it from turning.
Use the appropriate size socket and drive to loosen and remove the nut and washers securing the blade to the engine's spindle shaft. Remove the old blade.
Installing the Gator Blade
Install the Gator blade on the spindle, taking care to be sure the beveled edge and upturned, serrated "ears" of the blade are pointing up, towards the deck of the mower. The flat, smooth side of the blade should be facing down toward the grass. (Gator blades have the words "Grass Side" imprinted on that side.)
Install washers and start the nut on the threads of the spindle. Tighten the nut clockwise by hand.
Place the 2x4 into position again to jam the blade so it will not turn. Finish tightening the blade with the socket wrench.
Turn the mower upright. Reconnect the spark plug wire and refill the fuel tank. Allow the mower to sit for a few moments before operation to allow oil to drain back down into the crankcase.
Tips & Warnings
Remember that lawn mower blades are designed to cut. They are sharp. Be sure to wear gloves and handle old and new blades carefully.
