Changing the blades out on Kubotas terrible ACS deck! Will it cut better?

I change the blades on my ZD1211 in hopes of a better cut. Will it work?

[@crslyrn]

I hope those new blades worked out better for you with that deck setup. I'll be watching for the next video to see the results. Stay safe.

[@stephensfarms7165]

I have a ZD326. I think I’ll keep it. Takes me 4 hours to mow my yard, in Louisiana. Thanks for the video. I won’t buy this mower. I’ll keep my ZD326.

[@DLHFarms]

+Ronald Stephens. Good decision!

[@frazierfarms392]

I have had both mowers and nothing at all wrong with either one.

[@rebels302]

So I tried to go this route because I own the exact same mower and deck annoyed by the poor cut, only problem finding somebody to machine the center hole was nearly impossible for me where I live. Just mounted the Oregon 396-816 blades yes they are a gator blade but on first impressions increased blowout from the front of the deck similar to your reaction with the 91-144s and cut on wet grass 97% hit even stringers may be easier if you’re ok with the gator so far I’ve been very impressed

[@jrbpa5775]

I looked at Kubota mowers but I’m glad I didn’t buy one. I have a Grasshopper 725 D front mount mower. It will mow tall grass, wet grass, dead grass, it really doesn’t care what your mowing. The deck has electric lift on the deck so I can sit on a 5 gallon bucket and change blades in a few minutes. Really glad I didn’t buy a Kubota.

[@DLHFarms]

+Jrbpa 57. I wish there was a grasshopper dealer near hear.

[@johnmyers8488]

When I mow with my Skag the grass is always wet. I run Oregon blades on mine and are very happy with them

[@DLHFarms]

+John Myers. Yeah the Oregons are way better than the stock onea

[@4gauge10]

Its the"WING HEIGHT"that makes a much better for side discharge or bagging blade.Its the same principal in aircraft,the more"pitch"in the prop,the faster the plane flies,well your lawn mower has this same issue,regardless of brand.These blades should work alot better then the P.O.S.Kabota blades that you took off.

[@warrenpatton3426]

Hello from Bristol. It seems to me that the Oregon blades have less mass to turn making it less drag and in turn make it more efficient and easier on the machine. Looking toward next video. As usual a very enjoyable one

[@DLHFarms]

+warren patton. I agree!

[@rayeddy528]

You would love the Scag Turf Tiger in the wet grass ! With the Velocity Deck it will clean itself and most of the time blow out the grass without clumping! We in southwestern Virginia get a lot of rain too. I wish you could demonstrate one sometime .. Be safe and God bless you and your family !!!! Eddy

[@DLHFarms]

+Ray Eddy. That's where I live is southwestern Virginia.

[@rayeddy528]

I am in the far southwestern part , about 15 miles from Kentucky and about 50 miles from Tennessee . In a small town called Wise , Va.

[@DLHFarms]

+Ray Eddy Yeah I know where wise is. I'm in Meadows of Dan, Va

[@davidroberts8410]

I love my tigercat 2 and sabre tooth

[@hollidayhomestead1013]

I have the same problem on my Z411 I just ordered some gator g6 blades hope it fixes the problem

[@DLHFarms]

Good luck

[@tinker5412]

I put Gator Blades on my John Deere Z655 and it too does an awesome job mowing grass and as an added bonus it picks up leaves very well. I do lawn mowing for a living so I have a lot of leaves to pick up in the fall and the Gator Blades dont scatter the leaves as bad as the regular blades.Think about trying Gator Blades and i think you will be pleased with them as well.

[@DLHFarms]

+Francis Vincent. Ok I will give them a try I know Oregon make some for the 1211

[@JCLawn51]

gator blades are a horrible combo with this deck. They do not have enough lift. I have a zd326 and a 93 grasshopper 721d My grasshopper loves the gator blades.

[@DLHFarms]

+JCLawn51. I thought someone had said they wouldn't work good on this deck that's why I have the one I've got and cut the holes bigger, pretty happy with them

[@JCLawn51]

DLH Farms they might work better than what you had but imo they worked like crap for mowing commercially.

[@crazyjdkid]

The ACS deck was created to reduce emissions to be able to meet an emissions mandate by the EPA. If Kubota didn't reduce the depth of the deck it would have required a larger engine pushing them over the hp threshold. Once you get over that 25hp the cost climbs extremely high for after treatment systems and reduces reliability. Hence the reason the why the ZD1511 is a much higher price jump. Previous models were fine to have deep decks since they were not emissions regulated. Same with the current gas engine ZG and Z700 models, they are not regulated as tight being, and use much deeper older designed decks(The "Commercial 60 Pro"). Often times the rear discharge decks cut better too.

[@DLHFarms]

They could still do things to make it cut better. Just changing the blades to a high lift type made it cut way better.

[@bjenkins803]

I put blades on my mower that are sharpened up to the center. The blades are shaped like the original and a little thinner than the original. I've noticed they are a little quieter and they cut vines better if one gets pulled in. No change in leaf mulching.

[@DLHFarms]

+B Jenkins. The offset on the Kubota blades won't allow a blade sharped all the way to the center

[@bjenkins803]

DLH Farms Ok that makes sense. I can't tell much of a difference other than vines not getting tangled as much. Forgot to mention they are on a 3 point kubota mower.

[@PhatboyHD88]

Buddy for my JD i use their “Predator” mulching blades ,, now i don’t have,, a mulching deck and i don’t have the shoot closed off either,,, but i have to tell you it makes my grass look like a carpet,,, awesome,, so my neighbor who owns a kubota 2350 tractor which also cut like crap went looking and found a set of blades very similar in design and put them on And it made a world of difference ,,, the back side of the blade has these 4 cerated edges that stick up which gives the blade lift to pull the grass up plus chop up the clippings so there is no build up under the deck,, i live In the Mountains of PA, so similar conditions as you,, so of these blades dont work oit maybe try the Predator blades ,, just google jd predator blades so you can see the design then get that design for kubota i think you will be pleased,, hope this helps..

[@DLHFarms]

+PhatboyHD88. Ok thanks for that!

[@jeffreysavchuk7294]

I have a zd321 and the manual has a picture on how to position the blades it says it will give a better cut when they are put on this way I have noticed a difference I think it has something to do with how the grass moves across the deck and out the discharge

[@DLHFarms]

+Jeffrey Savchuk. Yes I have seen that, but can't tell the difference either way.

[@mikewawrzkiewicz3741]

Just watched your last 2 videos on the kubota mower sad service right there I have a walker mower about the same price most of the commercial guys in my area use walker couldn't believe how your deck is designed changing my blades requires no laying on the ground and I have about 12 inches of travel in the deck no scalping here looking forward to more videos on that thing so I can see just how good I really got it thanks Napa Mike 👍

[@DLHFarms]

+Mike Wawrzkiewicz. Lol. Thanks for letting me know how much my mower sucks!

[@sailme2day]

Have you ever considerd using modeck non stick spray ( made in amercia) under your mower deck ? Also works great on snow plow blades.

[@DLHFarms]

No but I do have slip plate on it it's a graffite lube

[@billpoel3118]

Hey man why do the seal cups come off with the blades? My older zd28 the cups stay in place just the bolt and spacer come off. I don't get it? I just did my blades tonight is a hassle the cup comes out. There should be a set screw or something

[@DLHFarms]

I agree it’s a super pain in the ass!

[@kkandretti]

Will those Oregon 91-144 Blades fit on the Kubota z-411

[@DLHFarms]

I doubt it. They didn’t fit my mower without making the hole in them bigger

[@jcmcadams08able]

I just bought a 2017 ZD 221with the pro deck from a old man. Has 44 hours. Are these 21hp diesels any good?

[@DLHFarms]

Diesel was great the hydraulics on mine were not great.

[@thebeckinator4242]

Where are you at? I’m in Texas and the grass is dryer here. The mower performs pretty good in Bermuda so far.

[@DLHFarms]

I'm in VA does nothing but rain here anymore.

[@chuckstevenson2929]

Good video Dennis. How about a video, if you have time, on you motorcycles?

[@DLHFarms]

+Chuck Stevenson. Ok I'll see what I can do.

[@dustinpitts2741]

those angle wings seem like there not made to get grass out agree with you on that

[@DLHFarms]

+dustin pitts. Exactly!

[@carterslawncare2258]

Great Video what size socket is that

[@DLHFarms]

Can't remember exactly but I think it's either a 1 1/16 or 1 1/8

[@JCLawn51]

I mentioned this to you before that the oregon blade is the same style of the pro deck blade. It has been proven now that the the pro deck blades will work on the ACS deck, just need larger holes. The Kubota pro deck blade is thicker and a marbain steel blade. The oregon is not. You will find that the oregon blade edge will be gone in 10-20 hrs where the kubota blade will have an edge for about 40-60 hrs. The oregon blade will also bend way easier, but you are on the right track. I would also just level the deck. You have a pitch too far forward, I can see it from here. Most guys say not to have a level deck because it consumes extra power, well our diesel engines don't have that issue and it helps with deck vacuum. Hit a couple of rocks and those dust covers will stay in place lol

[@DLHFarms]

+JCLawn51. Yeah I have about 1/8 pitch forward. I'm happy with the Oregon blades so far.

[@JCLawn51]

DLH Farms they should be fine for what you are doing, but if they seem wimpy, they kinda are and won't take the abuse of a 1/4inch thick marbain steel blade.

[@DLHFarms]

+JCLawn51. Ok I may try the pro deck blades when I wear these out

[@MjrNiGhTmArE]

It’s all about air flow. The King Kutter that I pull behind my Kubota cut like shit, so I redesigned the deck and the blades.

[@DLHFarms]

Yep

[@geraldhawkins7144]

If you want a lawnmower that will cut (in) the rain look at the scag cheetah ive been in the cutting business for 16 years and there's not another lawnmower out that will cut wet grass like the cheetah trust me i know we have done it multiple times

[@DLHFarms]

Thanks I like the looks of the Scag mowers!

[@panic914]

Hey brother, dealing with the same issues. What kind of business drilled the Oregon blades out for you? Did they drill or punch them? Trying to figure out who to contact. My local welding guy said no way, spring shop didn't have a big enough bit.

[@DLHFarms]

Best thing to do is have the spindle pieces that fit inside the blade turned down to fit the hole in the new blade then that opens you up to all kinds of different blades. I’m running the kubota pro deck blades now.

[@joeblow4888]

Great videos, looking forward to your next one. I just hate when manufacturers have a good design that works (like the pro decks) and they have to go screwing it up. How are you liking the rest of this mower other than the deck?

[@DLHFarms]

+Joe Blow. The rest of the mower is good it's got 70 ish hours on it now

[@davidroberts8410]

​@@DLHFarms we have a lil over 500 hrs on ours. I'm waiting for the predator blades to arrive. The jd 777 cuts better than the 1511 but the 777 is uncomfortable and wears your body out especially on steep slopes

[@Atoyota]

That new blade looks like the blade we use on our ZD prodeck. Not sure why that smaller Kubota has those odd style blades. But at this time of the mowing season our blades are dull and chipped so there is some streaking (when the grass is thick) and stringers (Johnson grass) left over which I run over a 2nd time to clean up. Our cups don't fall off with the blade. We did have to replace them (the cups) as they did get beat up over time on rough terrain. But I feel your pain having to hold the blades seated in position while grabbing the nut to hand tighten. Anyways I'm thinking about trying to braze harden the top side of the blades with tungsten or some other material to keep them sharper/more durable as we only change blades in June (unless we bend one). Just not realistic to change blades if they chip because I mow such a large area and row upon row of vineyard...

[@DLHFarms]

+Atoyota. All new Kubotas have the blades mine have on it, it's there new ACS design even the 72 inch deck has the same blades just longer the pro deck is no more.

[@Atoyota]

DLH Farms shame

[@terryw7921]

These new style blades are also over twice the price of the old ones,here in Australia old blades where $90 for 3, and the new ones are now $240 for 3, I don't get it,

[@Atoyota]

Terry W usually $50 per set on a 72" deck from our supplier

[@DLHFarms]

+Terry W

[@nippinkoi8924]

Only run oregon blades on all my mowers stander to push mower that’s 7 mowers 👍👍🇬🇧

[@DLHFarms]

👍

[@kochlawnservicesgmailcom]

That is like TN. mow dry, RIGHT!!!!.

[@DLHFarms]

Yeah there is no such thing as dry mowing around here.

[@oledogsjourney3961]

You should look into a Ferris mower they are a cadilac of ztr independant suspension at all corners.Built tough I use one everday on everything from ball fields to roadways. you wont be dissappointed!

[@DLHFarms]

+Brady Gray. I almost bought a Simplicity same a Ferris. That would have been my choice if they had a diesel.

[@oledogsjourney3961]

DLH Farms they have the 3 cyl in my area with a 72 in deck. its a beast

[@luckylawnboy]

Ferris clogs deck very bad..

[@DLHFarms]

Thanks for the info

[@luckylawnboy]

DLH Farms I just ordered ZD1511-72 Turbo diesel I can’t wait!!

[@89vette1]

I just bought a new ZD1211 and am having a mulch kit installed. I hope I didn’t make a big mistake. Hopefully the mulching blades are different. I have an Exmark radius X now with a 60” deck with a mulch kit and the kit came with different blades. Does anyone have a suggestion on which blade I can try if I have issues? The main reason in switching blades is because of the 72” deck and it’s a diesel. I have bulk diesel and am tired of filling gas cans.

[@DLHFarms]

I’m using the kubota pro deck blades on mine and they work pretty good. Problem is you have to modify the spindles to fit basically any other blade on it besides the stock blades. Had to have a machinist turn the spindle down to fit the new blades

[@89vette1]

DLH Farms Thanks. I can punch the holes out to 1 5/16”. Do the pro deck blades work better than the Oregon blades?

[@DLHFarms]

I think they are more durable than the Oregon blades they cut just as good

[@tinsoldier314]

Man, between this and the last video, I can't see myself ever buying a Kubota mower. Really sucks you were forced into doubling down on that brand. Tractor Mike's channel just put out a vid about how a good dealer is more important than the brand of your equipment and damn, seems to be true.

[@marhuf]

It's only common sense that the way these dealers and the main company are shafting their customers, their business will be going the way of the Dodo very soon. They have no one to blame but themselves if that happens. They also need to do a major rethink on who they hire as product designers, product testers, QA personnel and product dealers.

[@DLHFarms]

+Tinsoldier. Yes it's very true I thought they were a good a dealer until I had trouble.

[@DLHFarms]

+marhuf. Your right and it needs to happen to a few of these big companies maybe they would get the picture.

[@frazierfarms392]

I have the same deck on my 72 inch Kubota 1211. I do not have the same issues this guy is having. I don't know why @DLHFarms is having so much trouble.

[@rontopping2048]

Toro grandstand or z master with turboforce deck

[@DLHFarms]

It’s on my list ZMaster 4000

[@trenzmeister]

we have an unstoppable ferris ..bought it used ..it mows a race track with all different operators ...no problems what so ever

[@forestlawrencegrading9154]

Maybe you'll get more lift from those

[@DLHFarms]

+Rusty Stuff. Oh yeah!

[@jerrydevine8057]

Get a nice 5ft finish mower for a tractor.

[@DLHFarms]

+Jerry Devine. I used to mow like that still have the finish mower, I'll never go back since owning a zero turn

[@ardenrouth3555]

Watching these videos conveniences me to never buy a Kubota mower.

[@DLHFarms]

+arden routh. Good decision!

[@daleolson3506]

My dad bought a kubota mower on my recommendation .it will be our last,what a piece of shit

[@DLHFarms]

+Dale olson. Which mower did he buy?

[@daleolson3506]

DLH Farms I don't remember the model it was smaller 4 wheel drive gas spent lots of time trying to make it mow junk

[@DLHFarms]

+Dale olson. 👍

[@miked123ization]

You need an exmark

[@jasonhumphrey8891]

Mike Denver not for wet grass..... the scag with the velocity deck excels in these conditions

[@regsparkes6507]

Why on earth did you stay with a Company that obviously makes inferior mowers? Surely there are better zero turn mowers in the market place that cut grass much better than this, AND will handle your service problems in a better way too.

[@DLHFarms]

+Reg Sparkes. Your right but there was no other way out if I traded to another brand I was going to loose several thousand dollars because no one would give me anything for the 1021. I'm not ever buying anything else from Kubota.

[@regsparkes6507]

Yes, of course DLH, I guess I was just as annoyed with Kubota and the Dealer as you were, but I've been 'trapped' in a very similar situation as your's and it was with Kubota equipment too, a few years ago. But like you too, never again! I think the mower will cut now with those better designed Oregon blades, and I'd suggest you'll see a much better cut grass discharge out of the deck too. Good luck!

[@DLHFarms]

+Reg Sparkes. Yep that was pretty much the results I got!

[@bobmedic3214]

the ACS deck mows fine with the stock blades. Wet or dry grass. You just don’t wait until the grass is a foot deep to cut it. If you’re stalling out a 25 hp diesel cutting grass you need a brush hog and not a mower.