I was wrong on Ballard blades 🙃

I made 3 prior to this.

[@Ccwm7089]

Hello! I just ran across your comparison of the John Deere w/your Hustler. & dug into your other vids. I watched the Walker comparison as well. Naturally this one as well? & you spoke of a test w/some other brands for upcoming comparisons. I subscribed to your channel! I thought you have done a very fair & a true side by side comparison on a terrain that you know the in’s & out’s off. From groomed to tall grasses, then the off camber & steep slick hillsides. I’ve owned the Bad Boy Rogue 72” w/the 37hp EFI. It’s my fav so far! I’ve had the Bad Boy Lightening Z 60” 26hp water cooled Kawi, Bad Boy Outlaw XP 72” 36hp. & now I’ve run a Spartan SRT PRO 54” 27hp & a Ferris IS 3200Z 72” 32hp. The Ferris & Spartan LOVE sharp blades. The Bad Boys, I believe would cut grass w/a 2x4 bolted on. The best upgrades I did to the Ferris, was went to an aggressive tire, & adjusted the control lever stops. This gained the added speed between scattered jobs spots. The Ferris has the best ride of them all! But the Rogue is directly behind it. Once you get used to some type of a damping suspension on these mowers, you will beat yourself to death on anything else? I’ve heard agreements between a good seat vs suspension on mowers. The thing is, the jarring from the rough terrain w/a suspension, keeps the deck from bouncing. Idk if you have any small tractor or even some pickup truck ruts. But another test would b to run across them at a 45* angle @ speed. Compare the ride & deck bounce! I’ll keep an eye on future comparisons!! Keep up the great job!! Thx!

[@americandream_89]

What a comment man! Thanks Love it when people let me know I’m doing good content! I truly strive to give real content without fluff or bias I promise to continue. I’m super interested in running a high end Ferris and bad boy. How do you feel about Ferris on a hill side? From my experience anything with hydrogear won’t hold a hill. Besides that Walker machine which is totally different than normal mowers. My step dad runs a bad boy that’s going on 10 years old still kicking grass. Then my father in law runs Spartan. So I’m familiar with those 2. Hustler and a cheetah 2 is the best riding thing I’ve had on site. Thank you for the idea I had thought of that some what but kinda forgot ha I can tell you nothing comes close to the speed of a hustler. Exmark is the second fastest mower I’ve tested. What made you switch if you loved the bad boy? Just something new or a good deal?

[@Ccwm7089]

Thx! Thought I’d try somethin a little different? & my lady friend/helper really liked the smoothness of the Ferris. Plus, even though they both were 72” mowers, she didn’t feel as overwhelmed by the size of the mower?🤷🏼‍♂️ But, I will probably go back to the Rogue on my next purchase though. But…. That’s the reason I like watching your comparisons vids, I wanna keep my options open? The Ferris w/the factory turf tires tends to spin more. But after putting a lot more aggressive tire on it, it’s a whole different machine! It’ll hold an embankment step enough to slide sideways on. This is where the Rogue really shined on to me. They come w/an aggressive 26” tire, then the width of the 72” mower. On the speed, I’ve not GPS’d the speed? But on the road/street it runs faster than the gas powered golf carts, 15-16mph????? Now Altoz has a 2-speed, & they claim 18mph.

[@Southernreliablelawncare]

Looks great bro! I have ran razors and hi rise. Golds should be in today!

[@americandream_89]

Thanks buddy Let me know how they do

[@coreyknochel7766]

Great video as usual! You have an excellent stand of grass, the stripes look amazing!

[@americandream_89]

Thanks buddy. It’s been a journey. When we moved here it was like field grass. I’ve been treating it like a money crop only it’s money flying away not in my pocket 😂

[@coreyknochel7766]

@@americandream_89 You have done a great job with it! I work for Wright Implement, think we have a mutual friend, Derek Wilkinson.

[@americandream_89]

@@coreyknochel7766 yes sir. I went to school with him. Really a great guy. He helped with all the John Deere stuff. I didn’t realize your a local?

[@coreyknochel7766]

@@americandream_89 I live in Breckinridge County and work at the Hardinsburg store.

[@americandream_89]

@@coreyknochel7766 that seems like a great company to work for. I’m laughing inside thinking about you running a scag and hustler and selling John Deere ha Are they on you every day 😂

[@rustyfan89]

I like the ballard razors that I’ve been using, I won’t say that they cut so much better than my OEMS but they are heavy duty and hold an edge better than other blades I’ve used, they are seriously durable and cost less than most OEMS, you definitely won’t have to sharpen them as often

[@americandream_89]

I agree. I don’t think they are better than Oem hustler blades but they work as good and half price. I’ve sharpened the Ballard 2 times now still look new

[@coreyknochel7766]

@@americandream_89 Im a big fan of the Ballard's. I've run all 4, Razors, Ripper, Hi-Rize and Gold, like all of them!

[@poman8772]

Thanks for the update!

[@americandream_89]

Always want to fix my wrongs.

[@AnticipatedHedgehog]

I'll have to check Bollard Blades out. Slick mower man, do you have any recommendations for a zero turn under $5000 for a residential lot. I'm partial to the Green Brand but spending a bit more can get a more durable machine.

[@kevingebert4316]

I would look at hustler for zt. I have green blood too but when it comes to mowing, hustler is best bang for buck and warranty is great. See if you can swing a fastrak. Tad over budget but it's commercial grade and holds up well. I've had 2 already but jumped to super z for more speed as I mow bigger lots now. Raptor is probably in your price range. For fall, I run my old 455 with mulchers and mince up leaves. Nice change of pace too.

[@americandream_89]

Thanks buddy What kind of property do you mow? Honestly I wouldn’t buy new. I’ve only bought one brand new mower my entire life. That was a lazar z exmark. I’ve always looked on Facebook market place. You can get a high end mower with a few hundred hours on it close to your price range. Honestly these hustler mowers I’d buy with close to 800hrs before I’d buy a cheap residential line. I bought my hustler hyperdrive with 7hrs on it for $10000. I know that’s double what your wanting. I’m just giving you a idea. I personally wouldn’t buy anything with hydrogear setup on it. I prefer Kawasaki motors the most.

[@AnticipatedHedgehog]

@Drake’s American Dream just a homeowner looking for a commercial quality mower. I'll definitely keep my eyes out for a landscaping company looking to offload an older mower. Plenty of older Scag mowers here

[@anthonymarcel5700]

What height are you cutting? Looks amazing btw

[@americandream_89]

4.25 this puts my blades about 4 inches from the ground sometimes I’ll go up to 4 1/2. Thanks

[@mrme9517]

Nice try the ballard blades with their x bracket and try the high lift with mulching blades see how that works for u as well but good looking cut u have there 😎

[@americandream_89]

I’ve got a video in June coming with Dixie chopper on x blades

[@ramirocortez6392]

I have been running Dixie chopper x blades forever and sounds like a helicopter!! Layes AWESOME stripes and cut ! Try Ballard x blade set up i think the loss of power if you are just doing your property would be worth it?

[@americandream_89]

Thanks for the info. What’s the benefit of the x blade for you? I feel like it’s double to keep sharpened and drag on the motor. I want to try them just not sure of the benefit compared to cost. They look sweet

[@ramirocortez6392]

@@americandream_89 for me it's the striping!?😁 I just mow my yard also a cpl of acres but the benefits are vacuum and discharge of clippings wich gives a better cut and only 1 pass not 2 ? It is more drag on motor but I believe it's worth it?

[@kentonmerrill9696]

I just bought a 2023 Hustler X-One 60" side discharge deck. I am interested in the x blade set up. We mow 6 acres, 1/2 bermuda and 1/2 field grass. My wife is wanting to get a sweeper and start picking up the clippings. I think this is a huge waste of time and want to avoid this. What set up do you recommend to avoid this. The OEM blades are moving a tremendous amount of grass but not chopping up the grass will good. Any recommendations are appreciated.

[@americandream_89]

Have you seen this? Ballard X blade hype worth the cash? 6 blades or 3 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6bUi3quq7R5a8U I personally didn’t have great luck with the x blade. Bermuda grass is something I hate. It grows extremely thick and cuts like garbage. If you do not want to bag it. You will probably have to cut more often than normal. As it tends to make a mess when you cut it if you wait over five days. I have a spot in my yard that the Bermuda is trying to take over and it drives me nuts.

[@kevingebert4316]

I have run 4 different sets of ballard blades on my new super-z and occasionally run various Xblade setups. I recently got the gold blades and they're doing great but I'm ready to try out with the ripper blades stacked for xblades next. I've run Oregon blades also but ballards coated blades are nicer for cleanup and no sheets of paint flaking off. The oem fusion blades seem to be very noisy so I've stuck with ballard blades this past month. I cut 4 acres about every 2 to 3 days as my grass grows fast in Central Wisc. There are codes to use on ballard for 10% off. Anyhow, 1st time viewer of your channel. How big is that lot you mow? Looks great.

[@americandream_89]

I’ve never run the x blade setup. Do you feel it’s over kill? I wish they made the 66” version of the Ballard gold. That would be a 22.5” blade which was Ballard’s least sold blade so they don’t plan to produce any currently 🙄 I cut my property which is what’s in the video once a week. What’s your thoughts on the ripper blades alone? I always run single high lift blades year round. I always get a discount on the Ballard blades so they are hard to beat for 59 bucks on my front porch. I wish Oregon still made the g6 blades for my mower I’d like to try them. Thanks for your input and checking out the channel

[@kevingebert4316]

@@americandream_89 For X-blade setups, it can be overkill if you put on too much lift which then produces blowout and pushes the grass away. I never had that problem on a rear discharge since each of the 3 blades had their own exit vs Side discharges all passing the grass left to right out one side. The Ripper blades alone are a medium lift and don't pull the grass up enough alone but stacked with the razor on the bottom, makes a nice combo. Remember with X-blade setups the bottom blade does the mowing and the top is there to cut and mince up the top portions. This helps amazingly to avoid running a bagger or sweeper in most conditions. I got another buddy on them who only cuts once a week and is sold on that setup. Back to the Rippers, I've run similar gator blades in the past and they work fine solo but also notice more clumping under the deck when the grass has higher moisture content. I've also run rippers with the gators in X-blade setup on my fastrak and creates a nice lift and chopping effect. I just got into x-blades last year and have been experimenting ever since. Keeping them all clean regularly goes a long way in avoiding unbalanced situations. Those hi-lifts really help suck the grass into the blades especially when grass is a bit longer and helps eject grass fast to keep the deck from caking up. *I've used ceramic coatings to help caked on grass release better and even that graphite based slip it stuff and other sprays but ceramic seems to be the quicker cleanup method. But with any of those coated ballard blades, it seems to help grass wash right off with garden hose. Now if I could only get that stuff to coat the whole underside of the mower deck :)

[@americandream_89]

@@kevingebert4316 nice reply buddy! Thanks for all that info. I’ve wanted to try the X blade set up. Everyone seems to have mixed reviews but that’s with anything. I may get done just for testing. Keep me updated on the Gold series I jealous I can’t try them 😏

[@kevingebert4316]

@@americandream_89 Will Do, Essentially they are rippers but with higher lift, thinking you'd accomplish same thing with dual Rippers. They seem to hold an edge really well so far but only mowed 2x with them or about 8acres worth. The Coating feels a bit different than the gray ones and I haven't taken them off for evaluation and cleaning yet but probably this weekend stack with the rippers.

[@ethanh9535]

Hey bud. Been awhile and wanted to give a shout out to you and your family. Hope your having fun or had fun on vacation. My buddy just bought a brand new Ford Mustang Mach-E all electric 4-door suv. It’s pretty sweet. I’ve also been looking at the new 2023 polaris Kinetic. What’s your personal thoughts on it. Thanks and GOD BLESS.

[@americandream_89]

Good morning Ethan, Thanks for reaching out. We had a good time traveling with friends. Those Mach-E Mustangs sounds fun to drive. As for the kinetic. I think it’s a sweet idea for someone that don’t need a cab and isn’t looking to source fuel. I would buy one to try if it had a cab unit. I’d say in 5 years that will happen. I also love the idea of 140LB-FT torque to the tires. It’s a really cool SxS. God bless

[@ethanh9535]

@@americandream_89 It’s super fast, so much that when you hit the gas from a stopped position, it’ll literally plant you back in the seat and head rest. My buddy loves it. I’m not as handy as I’d like to be. I know how to do a lot of things, but I wish that I knew how to do more things.

[@americandream_89]

@@ethanh9535 we had a Volvo Xc -90 hybrid that we loved just wasn’t big enough for a family with car seats in my opinion. All electric would be nice for town. Long road trips I’m out. God made you for a reason buddy. Handy or not in your eyes. We all have our place.

[@ethanh9535]

@@americandream_89 that’s very true. Philippians 4:13

[@stephenmyers3440]

I switched to the Ballard Gold Blades. High lift mulching hybrid blade. Best I’ve used.

[@americandream_89]

I wish I could try them on mine. Ballard said they didn’t plan to make the 66” version

[@168meister]

great vid, epic lawn and those are some solid striping. I used the gold Ballard's hybrids 1st time on thick leaves. Omg they pulverized them just 2 passes and left an awesome stripe. Going to double them up with stock blades with x blades adapters on Scag vride 2 61 with the vanguard 40hp.

[@billhull6842]

Koey & Lindsey Ballard are friends of mine. If you can with your mower look into also upgrading to the X Blade set up. You will have twice the blades and you will be amazed at the cut from the X Blades

[@americandream_89]

They seem like good people with a since of humor. I may try the x setup this year. So far I love the blades I’ve tested.

[@Krumholt]

i think they are just okay! been using them for months and not really impressed

[@americandream_89]

What mower do you operate

[@nealfox1976]

Need to try out toro with my ride suspension.

[@americandream_89]

My dealer has them. I really like the idea of them. They said they won’t hold a hill as hood as the regular toro. What’s your thoughts

[@nealfox1976]

@americandream_89 I currently run toro Titan Model 75316 with 60" deck, and I think it does well on side hills. On extreme angles, I think all zero turns will try to slide?

[@FindersKeepers88]

Good, Thx

[@LouisFML1]

I'm not a fan of the hybrid gold Ballard blades! Actually I get better work with the Ripper blades! They seam much much better!!!!

[@americandream_89]

I just tested the x blade. Have you used the high lift vs ripper?

[@mikeholbert1958]

I had a Bad Boy Roque and it was amazing on hills.

[@americandream_89]

That’s what I figured but haven’t tested a new one with the rear suspension setup. Everyone says they are heavy. Thanks for the info