X-Blades: The Shocking Truth You Need to Know

🔧 Did the X-Blade system leave you wondering? Watch this video to uncover a major issue you need to know before taking the plunge! Happy belated Father's Day to all the dads tuning in!
In this video, I share my experience with the X-Blade system, and you won't believe what I discovered when I spun the blades! 🤯 Unfortunately, I've encountered a significant issue that currently prevents me from recommending or using the X-Blades.
The problem, which I'll reveal in the video, pertains to the mulching blades I purchased from Ballard. They seem to be about 1/8" too long, causing them to collide while in action. It's interesting to note that Kory Ballard himself emailed me directly, confirming that I ordered the correct blades. But remember, I don't place blame on Ballard, Inc. for this issue. It could be a manufacturing hiccup, or there might be a mix-up with the blades, though I've double-checked my order and the product specifications.
Let's hope we can find a resolution to this issue and, in the future, get back to enjoying the X-Blades. Stay tuned, and don't forget to hit that subscribe button for updates! 🛠️🔍 #XBladeIssue #ProductReview #DIY
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[@rayeglinton1614]

This whole video is a waste of time. Why would you post this at all?

[@LawnCareNinja]

So I could get wonderful comments liked yours! Have a great day and thanks for watching and commenting and helping the algorithm!

[@Detroitdiesel285]

Down vote this trash

[@chief4343]

it might save someone from making a mistake.

[@Rocky-xx2zg]

No , Not a waste. He was honest and spot on.

[@brianjrjr6275]

I got my set of x blades about 35 days ago. I put them on with a mulching blade on top and razor on bottom. Fired it up and it has never cut so good. It’s never ejected grass so far and sucked up everything under the deck. It lays stripes so much better than the standard single blade. It’s on a liberty z with Kawasaki 23 . It’s for home use only. In North Carolina.. hopefully they get you situated sooner than later.

[@LawnCareNinja]

What you just said was what I was hoping for me! Turns out I think my eXmark is a bit too old to fit the blades from Ballard and have the X-Blade system installed. It's not their fault, but it sucks cos there are quite a few yards that I want all that grass ejected far and cut up into small pieces. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@topfuelr473]

Same here. Scag Turf Tiger II 72" and I put the X-Blades on. Cuts awesome. Looks like a putting green when I'm done, even at 2-3/4" cut.

[@benjaminroberts7124]

Ordered mine ! haven't had a problem at all, there blades have stood the test on time in my book. I currently run 4 mowers and i have at least 3 sets each.

[@LawnCareNinja]

That's great to hear! Maybe my mower is a little too old for the specifications for the blades they make, but I have gotten OEM blades and have not had this issue. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@tomtexas6554]

I have a 2022 Bad Boy Rambler. It's getting close to blade changing time. I've looked at a few of these custom blades like the X. But when blade changing time gets here I'm going to use what came on it. They work great. My 3/4 acre lot is all I mow and if I ever mow anything other than my property it would be one of my neighbors yard who may need help while his mower is being repaired.

[@LawnCareNinja]

I would keep your setup also unless you maybe mulch your leaves. The X-Blade is a game changer for leaves. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@mikehale9744]

I would of thrown that blade under the chop saw and took off a little bit from each side then rebalanced.

[@LawnCareNinja]

That's exactly what I did but I shouldn't have too. They are great blades so far, but they do not fit my Turf Tracer without taking it in on both sides. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@chuckster243]

Exactly

[@steakems995]

Kinda weird that it spun fine than boom started to hit...might wanna check your spindles as they may be bad lol

[@LawnCareNinja]

I think the engine is underpowered to use the system. I also had the spindles replaced a couple of years ago because they were worn. I am retiring that mower and just bought a 48" Stander X that I plan to use them on and update the review. I know they are good and will work. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@chrisdorio6750]

Have to install them so they alternate top/Bottom, so they will not touch at any time,,not both top blades to meet then of course they can touch.

[@LawnCareNinja]

That's actually the wrong way to do it according to Kory Ballard. The mulching blades SHOULD be on top, always, for the best cut and mulching of the grass. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ThePowersinYourHands]

good video thanks for letting us know i wouldn't have checked to spin them if i bought them this could have been a disaster

[@LawnCareNinja]

Thanks! I hope if you get them installed, they work better than mine did. I am planning on grinding off some of the ends so they will fit and not hit the deck or each other. I'll do a video once I get that all done and put some time into using them. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@LawnCareNinja]

Have any of you tried the X-Blade system? Did you have any issues, small or major, like mine? I really hope I can figure this out with Ballard and use them!

[@dawsonmobley]

The little adapter is a waste of money, just buy a quarter inch longer blade bolt (if your current blade bolts would be too short when adding a second blade, some brands of mower even come with a 1/4-in washer installed stock that you can remove if you want to run doubles) and put two blades together on there you don't need anything to hold them 90% to each other. They might move into more of an x shape than a plus shape if you hit a tree root or something but generally they'll stay 90° to each other under normal cutting conditions. I run doubles during oakleaf season down here in Florida, a regular high lift blade on the bottom and a gator style blade on top, helps quite a bit with mulching up the leaves faster, never really saw any need for doubles when just cutting grass, single blades work fine ime.

[@LawnCareNinja]

You keep doing you, my man! I would prefer a product specifically designed for a certain task to ensure I do not mess up my expensive equipment. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@mrme9517]

U can't thumbs down the system on ur measurement if anything u could've put ur old blade on with the ballard blade still run the x u would probably get a better cut instead of the mulching blade I've seen and heard nothing but great reviews on the setup but hopefully u got it fixed now it's been over 1 year

[@davehaggerty3405]

Some mowers benefit from C blades. Some don’t. When you’re picking up gravel out of the driveway and firing it across the lawn you’ve gone too far.

[@Jacoby4465]

really interested in that level blade thing what is it called?

[@LawnCareNinja]

Oregon Precision Blade Balancer. There are cheaper ones out there, but you get what you pay for and I love this one. Thanks for watching and commenting! Here's a link to it on Amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018U47KU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@nolifemowlifelawnmaintenan4347]

Those mowers are not designed for x blades. There is no stagger on the deck.

[@LawnCareNinja]

According to Kory (he emailed me personally), he said they should work. I gave him the model number of the mower and he double checked. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@chief4343]

Why don't you just grind a little off each end for clearance, it seems that would be a quick fix.

[@LawnCareNinja]

I did and then had to ensure the blade was balanced as that can dramatically alter its balance. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@chief4343]

Oh I forgot to say thanks for making the video, I am not sure I would have checked the clearance prior to engaging them you taught me a valuable lesson. @@LawnCareNinja

[@LawnCareNinja]

@@chief4343 You're welcome!

[@scotthoare6568]

Hi. Did you get this sorted?

[@LawnCareNinja]

They refunded my money and let me keep the blades. I ended up taking about 1/4" off the ends of the problem blades and they work in my mower now. But I should not have to do that so it was annoying. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@davidsmith4186]

Did BALLARD ever get back with you? Are you running the X-Blade configuration now? Did they just send you the wrong kit? Thanks

[@LawnCareNinja]

I just recorded a video update on them and I'll post that later. But they did reach out to me. Kory personally reached out and emailed me about it. He said I ordered the right kit, and he's not sure why the Ripper blades are causing issues. They said they sell thousands to local dealers, use them on their own machines and the hundreds of thousands other purchase and never had an issue like mine. I don't doubt him one bit nor his integrity. Full disclosure, he refunded my purchase and let me keep the blades. So top notch customer service. I've ordered quite a few things from them and love their products. The only thing I can think of being the issue, my machine may be a bit older and certain tolerances may have been adjusted under the deck that makes them about 1/8" too big on each side. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@davidsmith4186]

@@LawnCareNinja good thing you checked clearance though. That could've been a bad outcome. I'm looking at getting my first zero turn and I'm watching as many videos as I can to try and grasp some knowledge on these machines.

[@LawnCareNinja]

Nice! Which one are you eyeing? What size?

[@ddennis002]

Blades are not meant to be razor sharp, butter knife sharp is best, when you over sharpen blades they dull faster and round off, also the tips wear alot more if your using a .25" positive rake or more.

[@LawnCareNinja]

If you have a video or article to read on it, I would love to see it. I understand the reasoning behind not having razor sharp blades but it really does make a huge difference in the evenness of the cut. It also ensures the grass tip isn't torn which can invite disease and give the lawn a brownish look to the top of it. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@brayloncarpenter751]

Have you ever used them yet how do they work?

[@LawnCareNinja]

I have not used them. The blades I got sent I had to trim a little off the sides so they do not hit when the machine is spinning them. I will this fall with mulching blades to grind up the leaves. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@brayloncarpenter751]

Welcome land thanks

[@JF-mq8tp]

Try this. On the spindle with the Ballard blade, untiten the screw and rotate the blades 45 degrees, then retiten the screws.

[@LawnCareNinja]

The only issue I have with that is that my mower does not keep the blades where you set them. The belts make it so they eventually intersect underneath. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@wizdom705]

Shocking, thanks for the heads up, so happy you didn’t firerrrr up

[@LawnCareNinja]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@NewHopeCutzandLawnCare]

What did you figure out.

[@LawnCareNinja]

Nothing yet. Reached out to Ballard and I am talking with them now via email. Keep an eye out for my updated video. Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing!

[@DugEphresh]

LMAO!

[@LawnCareNinja]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@hplawns5190]

Mine worked great

[@LawnCareNinja]

That's great to hear! They just didn't for my mower unless I grinded off like a 1/4" on each side, which I should not have to do. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@rontopping2048]

You dont look like a ninja

[@LawnCareNinja]

Thanks for watching and commenting and helping the algorithm!

[@LouisFML1]

You're not supposed to have razor sharp Play It's on your mower dude they get dull way quicker

[@LawnCareNinja]

Who the hell told you that?! Not having razor sharp blades? POPPYCOCK! My blades are razor sharp and when I sharpen them 3-5 days later, they are still sharp as can be. Anyway, thanks for watching and commenting!

[@guttermastersplus5613]

Something's definitely wrong one side of your mower is touching and the other side is not a spindle door or something's loose

[@NewJerusalemTimes]

Gee, I'd grind off about an 1/8" or 1/4" with an angle grinder, as needed, at both ends of the new blades (then double-check them for clearance again) and give them a whirl. Easy!

[@LawnCareNinja]

Yeah, thought about that but I shouldn't have to do things like that.

[@Miniscapes515]

Don't do that... just call Ballard. Good people will get you squared away.

[@MushInSkull]

I'm assuming that with just the one blade configuration the blades were offset 90 degrees with no danger of hitting at all. But now with the X blade configuration there is no 90 degree offset and thus possibly hitting. Can you rotate one set of blades 45 degrees?

[@LawnCareNinja]

The blades are offset every time I swap them out. The issue is that with the belt driven aspect of it, the position of the blades always changes while the machine is running. So, when I set it that way, it will always change to where is intersects, and that is where the issue is. There is zero tolerance for a blade being any longer than what is called for, and the blades Gator blades I got are just about 1/8" too long when looking at regular, medium lift blades. I have tried putting the Gator blades on the mower, and they end up hitting each other. Same with the Gator blades for my eXmark Commercial 30. The Gator blades from Ballard do not work for me. I don't doubt they work for thousands of others, but I cannot use them. The regular Ripper blades are top notch and are fantastic, those I do recommend. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

If the blades on a machine aren't timed, there shouldn't be a concern with contact no matter how many blades of the correct size you stack on a spindle. I suspect one of those blades is a little too long, or too wide, or the wrong shape, even. Maybe slipped past quality control.

[@fomas8190]

Stagger the blades so they dont meet at the same time its not hard just move one over a notch on the the star.

[@LawnCareNinja]

Yeah, about that... Even if they are staggered, turning them a few times, they end up meeting and causing problems (as you can see in parts of the video). It's strictly the mulching blades and the belts will slip so, moving the 'star' won't make a bit of difference when that happens. It only happens with the mulching blades. The regular blades fit great, and I have been using them all summer. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@fomas8190]

@@LawnCareNinja ok it was just a thought. Hope you figure it out.

[@rontopping2048]

Its belt drive not geared, it will hit eventually

[@lanceromance6793]

Why don't you just cut/grind a bit off the ends of the blades that are too long?

[@LawnCareNinja]

I ended up doing just that and use the blades. I had to ensure the blades were well balanced after that. I just don't think I should have had to since the blades were meant for my mower. It is my fault for not measuring the OEM blades at the beginning. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@lanceromance6793]

@@LawnCareNinja Thats What I would have done. It maybe that the maker of your machine had different placement for spindles. Balancing is the key but sharpening also saves quite a bit of energy from the machine.

[@wishflow3396]

Wrong size....

[@LawnCareNinja]

Nope... Incorrect comment and wrong assessment. I spoke with Kory and he verified they were correct. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@rontopping2048]

Ballard doesn't build anything, they sub out everything and just handle shipping

[@LawnCareNinja]

This is a great comment! So insightful! I appreciate you watching, commenting and helping the algorithm!

[@jfarill834]

You are obviously not that bright.

[@LawnCareNinja]

Not that it's my fault but... I'm sorry your mother wasn't nice to you when you were younger. Either way, I appreciate you commenting and watching to help the algorithm, every view and interaction helps me make money! Have a blessed day.

[@mikezupancic2182]

Why are you blaming them for all your problems? Youre too lazy to buy 3 washers from Lowes, and then you buy the wrong size.

[@LawnCareNinja]

🤣🤣🤣 All my problems? They ARE the correct size as confirmed by Kory Ballard via email and the pictures I sent of my mower. Thanks for watching and commenting! P.S. *you're