TWO Blades on each Spindle

[Jim Snyder]

Eric I wrote atout this 2 days ago. I went out last evening and did 6 yards while doubling up 2 high lift blades on each spindle... I was in bliss!!! it worked very well. When I was done I took a peek under the deck and the blades were still in the + formation. There was a bit of drag or lag due to a total of 6 high lift blades on my 48' snapper hydro. I think I will try a high lift and a standard.

I have 1 yard on a hill in a nice $300k neighborhood that they planted some sort of annual Rye grass in the back yard that is ALWAYS 5-6" tall. THe owner dosen't care what the back looks like. I usually have chuncks/ clumps that just roll out of the side chute like a hay bailer... NOT THIS TIME!!! I was thinking of the photo on your web site showing your lawn next to the competitions. There was a 3' clowd outside the chute!!! The double blading cut it down to 1/4" clippings that layed down nice. No more hay bailing!!! The stripes were also a higher contrast (lighter and darker)

I'v been doing this for about 9 years now... I was very excited to learn something new!!

Thanks

Jim

 

[Eric ELM]

If you have a set of Gators, try putting one of them on with a high lift. It will have less air drag because of the slots in the Gators. Two regualar lift blades will be a lot less too, so you won't loose so much RPM's.

I've been in this business for 15 years and I'm still learning things from this forum. I'll have to see if I can find some other hot topics for you newer members. I'm glad to hear that you have already benefited from Lawnsite.

 

[Eric ELM]

I noticed someone mentioned using 2 blades on each spindle and it was questioned how do you do that by a new member. I have written an article on my website on page 7 called Double Blades that you are welcome to go read with a comparison picture taken in the spring when grass grows fast and thick. I've been using this method for 12 of the past 15 seasons, so it is field tested. I looked for the old post on this, but I couldn't even find it. If anyone is interested, go read it. My website has other information and is mainly for the guys here at Lawnsite, I don't use it for gaining business. We have all the work we can do. If interested, click on my signiture below.


[Edited by Eric ELM on 08-05-2000 at 03:00 AM]

 

[tony58]

Eric<br>Thanks for the post.One of the new members.<br> Tony

 

[Eric ELM]

Welcome aboard Tony. The last discussion on this subject that I couldn't find had about 60 posts. Maybe all the other new guys have heard of this or found the discussion I can't find.

[Edited by Eric ELM on 08-05-2000 at 03:27 AM]

 

[CandJ]

Eric, looks like great info, this spring I had a request to bag up a 2 acre lawn so his lawn wouldn't look like a &quot;damn hayfield&quot;. I will have to give this a try.<p>----------<br>Jim<br>

 

[Jim White]

It looks as though your post has disappeared, more than likely because you used the two finger typing method. (Ha Ha) anyways, for anyone still looking into this subject, I have tried using two blades on each spindle, and I swear it gives the best cut i've seen. My system is mounted on a 2000 Bobcat ZTR2200 61&quot; with a 25Hp. Kolher. If anyone is familar with this machine the Factory blades are set up with an offset of about 3/4&quot; with a slight bend in the blade to the tip's(also a highlift type blade). Because of this I used a Gator blade on the bottom and the offset blade on top. The offset high lift blades still make the lower cut eventhough it's on top the position.<p>Great Idea ERIC. !!!!<p>I've told my freinds in the industry about this and they just shake their heads. I think everyone is afraid that the blades are going to come flying off (ya right)or that spindle life will be compromised. I actually think your spindle life will improve, because the radial loads are more balenced with the blade tips at 90 degrees rather than at 180 to each other. <p>anyone else????<p><br> <p>----------<br>Jim White<br>

 

[TGCummings]

I plan to implement the two blade system by Spring growth, possibly sooner. I think it's brilliant in it's simplicity, and kudos to Eric for the discovery. Right now, it's not a pressing concern since we're heavy into our dry season out here, but I'm looking forward to giving it a try...<p>-TGC

 

[Jim Snyder]

Eric, What a great Idea! It reminds me of 2 other blades on the market, the Piranah by John Deere, and the Ninja by Snapper. I have been having trouble with clumps in the discharge of my new 48' Snapper hydro w 17 hp Kaw. My dealer sold me two sets of Steins High lift blades which have titanium edges (awesome edges!!!) I will try the double blades per your article on your web site (nice site!!!) Do you recommend using the standard blade, the high lift or a combination? What are your thoughts? Anyone else out there?<p>Thanks, Jim

 

[Eric ELM]

I have tried 2 sets of regular blades, high lift and Gators, 2 sets of high lifts, 2 sets of Gators, Gators on top, Gators on the bottom. Just try different combos. Just use what you have before going out and buying special blades. I run a high lift on top and a Gator on the bottom. The reason I do this is, I think Gators are easier to sharpen and the top blades don't need to be sharpened each time. They just chop clippings and the bottom one does the cutting. The Gators don't slow down the RPM's as much. 2 highlifts will slow them down more. See what works for you

[Edited by Eric ELM on 08-05-2000 at 03:28 AM]