If you've already been noticing a ragged, uneven cut recently, it's probably time to take the close look at your scag 52 mower blades and see in the event that they're still up to the task. Scag mowers are absolute monsters on the grass, but even the toughest machine within the world can't do much if the steel beneath the deck is usually rounded off, chipped, or bent. Many people wait way as well long to exchange their blades, thinking they could just touch up them one more time, but right now there comes a stage where a fresh set could be the only method to get that will professional finish back.
Buying replacement blades isn't specifically rocket science, but it's easy to get overwhelmed by just about all the different styles and brands out there. Whether you're running a Patriot, a Tiger Cat II, or an older V-Ride, that 52-inch deck relies upon a specific place of three blades to create the vacuum and discharge needed for a clean cut. Let's obtain into what you ought to look for and just how to make certain you're getting the most out of your own mower.
Why Blade Choice In fact Matters
It's tempting to consider that will a piece of spinning metal is definitely just a part of rotating metal, but that's not really how it works. The particular design of the scag 52 mower blades dictates how the air goes under the floor. Scag is famous for its Velocity Plus decks, and people decks are manufactured to move a massive amount of air. If you place the wrong style associated with blade on presently there, you're basically battling against the mower's own engineering.
When you have got the right blades, they create the powerful suction that pulls the grass upright before the particular cutting edge passes through. This network marketing leads to that crisp, "golf course" look. If the blades are worn lower or the "sail" (the turned-up part from the back) is thinned out, the particular grass just gets knocked over rather of cut cleanly. You'll end up with those annoying strips of uncut grass or "mohawks" that force you to double-cut the lawn, which is just a waste associated with your time and gas.
High-Lift vs. Mulching Blades
This will be usually where individuals get stuck. Do you go with the standard high-lift blades or switch to a mulching set up?
High-lift blades would be the go-to for most industrial guys and homeowners who want the particular cleanest possible look. They have got a huge "sail" for the back that creates a great deal of lift. This is great if you're side-discharging or even bagging because this shoots the clippings out with some serious force. In case you're mowing thick, wet grass, high-lift is usually the way to go because it helps prevent the floor from clogging up.
On the other hand, mulching blades (often called Eliminator blades in the Scag world) are designed with an special shape that will keep the clippings below the deck longer. They chop the particular grass into small bits that fall back in the yard as fertilizer. In case you're using the mulch kit, these are mandatory. Just keep in mind that they don't perform quite too in overgrown or soaking wet lawn because they be lacking that massive air-moving power of the particular high-lift versions.
Knowing When to Call It Stops
I've noticed guys try to sharpen blades that seem like they've already been through a rock crusher. Honestly, in the event that you've lost even more than a quarter-inch from the blade's authentic width due to sharpening or wear, it's time for you to toss them.
Keep an attention out for "thinning" near the travel. Because of the way sand plus grit get sucked up into the deck, the back section of the blade often would wear out before the innovative does. In case that metal will get paper-thin, it may actually snap off while you're mowing at 3, 600 RPM. That's a massive safety danger. If you notice any daylight by means of the metal or notice the sail is starting in order to resemble a serrated blade, don't risk this. Grab a brand-new set of scag 52 mower blades and save the headache.
Another sign is vibration. If the mower starts shaking your hands more than usual, one of your blades might be bent or severely away from balance. Even the tiny bend may wreck your spindle bearings over period, and those are usually way more costly to change than the set of blades.
OEM compared to. Aftermarket Blades
This is the age-old debate. Ought to you stick with genuine Scag components or go with a cheaper automotive aftermarket brand like Oregon or Stens?
Genuine Scag blades are generally made from Marbain steel. It's a heat treated alloy that stays sharp longer plus resists bending much better than standard carbon steel. They're specifically weighted for your spindles on your 52-inch deck. A lot of guys claim by them because they know exactly what they're getting.
That said, some aftermarket replacement options are actually solid. Brands such as Oregon make "Gator" blades that are famous for their mulching capabilities. They're often a bit thicker and may handle a beating. The main thing is to guarantee the center hole size and the knife length are identical for your original specifications. For the 52-inch Scag deck, you're generally searching for three blades which are roughly eighteen inches long. Always double-check your design number, though, mainly because Scag has tweaked their deck designs through the years.
Installation Methods for the 52-Inch Deck
Once you've got your own new scag 52 mower blades , putting them on will be pretty straightforward, yet there are a few things that can trip you up. First and foremost, make certain the mower will be off and the interest plug wires are pulled. It sounds paranoid, but you really don't want that will engine turning over while your fingers are anywhere near the deck.
The most common mistake? Putting the blades on upside down. This might sound amusing, but it happens all the time—even to pros. Many blades will have got "Bottom" or "Grass Side" stamped upon them. If yours don't, just remember that the "sail" or the turned-up part should become pointing up towards the top of the mower deck, not really down toward the particular ground.
Also, don't simply "ugga-dugga" the mounting bolts on with a good impact wrench and call it a day. Use a torque wrench. Scag generally recommends around seventy five to 80 ft-lbs for those cutter bolts. If they're too loose, they'll vibrate and wreck the spindle; in the event that they're too limited, you may snap the particular bolt or create it impossible in order to get off the next time. A little bit of anti-seize for the threads can furthermore save you a great deal of swearing six months from now.
Keeping Your Lower Clean
Despite the best scag 52 mower blades , you've got to do a small maintenance. Try in order to avoid mowing more than gravel driveways or sandy patches if you possibly could help it. Fine sand is actually like sandpaper for the blades—it'll boring the advantage and wear down the raise in no time.
In the event that you're a property owner, you can probably get away with maintenance your blades as soon as or twice the season. If you're a commercial mower, you could be doing it every few days. The particular key is in order to keep your edge sharp but not "razor" sharpened. A razor advantage is actually too thin and will chip the first period it hits the tough weed. You want a clean, beveled advantage that feels consistent.
At the end of the day, your Scag is an expense. You paid intended for a high-end device, therefore it doesn't make much sense in order to skimp on the 1 part that actually details the grass. Keeping a fresh set of blades on that 52-inch deck ensures you're getting the efficiency and the particular look that Scag is known for. Plus, it simply makes the work much more satisfying whenever you look back again and see the perfectly manicured lawn instead of a shredded clutter.