XBLADE & gator blades install - NO BS review!

XBlade & gator blades install - NO BS review! Autumn is upon us and the leaves are beginning to fall. This can only mean one thing, IT'S TIME TO START MULCHING LEAVES! I started using the XBlade setup last year on my Hustler X-One with success. I figured I would give then another shot, but this time on my ZK61. Check out the video and offer up any comments, feedback or questions down below.
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#MitchellsLawnCareLLC #xblade #mulching

[@daleholmes4355]

Thanks for the video. I talked to Ballard industries on the phone and they recommended not using a high lift blade with the mulching blade. Causes way too much blowout. They said use your regular cutting blade with the mulching blade on top

[@mithgo_outdoor]

You’ll get blowout regardless. I stopped using the X-blades. They’re made by D’ttach Mfg, Ballard is just a dealer. I’ve tried every configuration of blades and there’s always blowout. Good luck!

[@dalehammond1704]

Blowout is an issue even with small single blade mulching mowers. I use the Oregon G5 Gator blade and am very happy with it. It works best when the leaves are slightly wet. When they're bone dry, the dust is awful and I have to chase the leaves a little (not that big of deal). But as for pine needles, the Gator blade is perfect under any condition. We have mostly giant pines here in northern Michigan and the G5 was made for us. Pine needles require multiple passes but that's a lot better than raking them. Good video, thanks.

[@mithgo_outdoor]

Thanks for the feedback

[@Bladesofgrasslawncare]

Thanks for your honest review 👍

[@mithgo_outdoor]

Means a lot coming from you, thanks for tuning in bud.

[@tommymann69]

He is all over youtube & Instagram next blades of grass will be on Tik Tok

[@danlinek6302]

Mitchell everything you do is no BS which is why I watch.

[@mithgo_outdoor]

Thanks man! 👊🏼💥

[@kelkev85]

Appreciate you giving your experience with the setup. I have been landscaping for a few years but im new to lawn maintenance and struggled last fall on cleanups. Have to figure out a better system this year, this is an interesting option.

[@mithgo_outdoor]

You’re welcome, thanks for tuning in. Good luck to ya this season

[@BigRedServicesLLC]

Good vid. Appreciate the feedback, I haven’t ever used x blade setup but I’ve thought about it before just for leaf season. I don’t know that the pros would outweigh the cons for every day mowing use during the spring / summer.

[@mithgo_outdoor]

I only used it for leaves

[@davehaggerty3405]

No more X blades for me! I tried them on an Exmark and it blew the clippings onto next week! I couldn’t cross a gravel driveway with the blades on. It would throw gravel!

[@glenntucker69]

"MULCHING AND BLOWING" is definitely the way to go here in the South. I went by TSC and bought me a very nice Troy-Built mulching push mower for my relatively small front fescue lawn. It is exactly what I need for my situation. I have found that when you pull the mower backwards, it doesn't blow the leaves forwards. Bagging leaves is for the birds, bro. And fescue looks great in the winter as it doesn't go dormant and looks GREEN. PEACE!!!!

[@mithgo_outdoor]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@LUKE--zy8un]

I was reading on there web site , that they recommend not using high lift blades but just a standard blade. Which makes sense.

[@mithgo_outdoor]

Yes high lifts can create too much blow out

[@frankie-stein7649]

I'm a huge 8TEN LawnRazor blade Fan incredible blades

[@mithgo_outdoor]

link to purchase?

[@meegstomtom]

They cut well for me but dulled faster then my OEM exmark blades. But they do good on my residential gravely. But the prices sure are nice

[@billzaferatos2256]

Mulching kit makes a world of difference. Even if you side shoot but have the baffles. I'm just using Gator blades and there's a huge difference from original. I mulch in the spring with the full kit. Use my bagger until fall then use my leaf vac. I've got a great place to dump and not in lawn care. 48 in cut lawn tractor. The Gator blades are a pain with healthy grass. They make a mess under my deck. The water port only does some much when cleaning out the deck. That's about the only con with them.

[@mithgo_outdoor]

Thanks for your feedback

[@goaheadmakeourdayscooterpe9644]

Running a Scag Cheetah 61' deck with the mulching baffle kit and Gator blades but still have the side discharge open literally turns the leaves to dust as long as they are dry but is no good even if a little wet, I think the baffles keep them in deck just long enough to dice them and but still get rid of them. And this is with heavy leaf cover in PA.

[@mithgo_outdoor]

thanks for the feedback!

[@starpartyguy5605]

I'm using an old Cub Cadet LTX 1046 that I put Gator Blades on. The problem I find is with the mulch plug I get too much cut to the point of the grass clumping. Even going over the grass a few times doesn't get rid of all of it and I end up with almost pasty patches that have to be picked up. Otherwise it kills grass by smothering it. I have to use a mulch plug because if I throw grass, it goes on the red mulch on my flower beds, which I discovered today. Going to use a pair of Maxpower mulching blades as soon as they come in. Going to see if it does any better.

[@mithgo_outdoor]

hopefully the new mulching blades do the trick !

[@elonmuskrat4199]

Hi Starpartyguy guy just passing through and saw a couple of comments. That Louis Garden guy is right about the Kavli Blades absolutely no other blade on the market compares. I just couldn't believe that these blades not only cut 6 foot grass but are the best mulching blades they are worth every bit they're asking because they are not cheap. Maybe Mitchell can review them no harm in asking he is pretty good with his reviews. I can't see them saying no that would be ridiculous.

[@dbachman1981]

Tried to run a set of x blades on my Ferris stander with a factory blade on bottom and a mulching blade on top. It created so much turbulence that it was like I had a blower attached to the front of my deck. It was blowing all the leaves everywhere. Not sure how everyone else is running their's but my experience was terrible with them. Definitely a deal breaker for me it took me too long chasing leaves around the yard.

[@mithgo_outdoor]

I too experience the blowout from the deck running the same configuration as you stated. After multiple passes the leaves are dust. I believe they work, there’s just a learning curve

[@louisberndt5489]

Use a g3 on top and a standard blade on the bottom, never a high lift, and you must have a chute blocker...

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

😂 the glasses, but do what you feel, brother.

[@mithgo_outdoor]

hater blockers 😏

[@JonsDailyHustle]

I've been looking at getting these but just not sure yet. Would you say it really makes that much of a difference as oppose to just running normal gator blades non x blade style

[@mithgo_outdoor]

they work better than just gator blades on their own. Scottie Mack with @transylvaniaturf made a good point that you should use a standard lift blade on the bottom as opposed to a high lift blade. Something to consider if you purchase them.

[@williamshadoan6321]

Why will the X blades not work on a craftsman lawnmower ?

[@tommymann69]

I use gatorblades 365 days a years here in summerdale alabama

[@mithgo_outdoor]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@Dstromb232]

Nice.

[@mithgo_outdoor]

😊

[@mattstone7754]

I can’t imagine that the added weight is good for the clutch. I’m sure the spin up is harder on it.

[@mithgo_outdoor]

it was harder on my Hustler XOne 54", but the ZK61 w/ the 37hp Vanguard I couldn't tell any difference when engaging the blades honestly.

[@backspace12399]

I’m just gonna idle engine down before spin up see how that goes.

[@brandonturner7148]

Do you work solo everyday? I have two guys that work about 30 hours each now, can’t decide if I should get bigger or go back to solo for more profit, I hope to throw some x blades on a 61 vride this spring

[@mithgo_outdoor]

Yep, when I roll out it’s just me these days! No customer complaints, no torn up equipment, and far less stress!

[@Jimw82]

It's easier to depend on yourself for sure. Worst problem I had was keeping decent help

[@curtischamblee7542]

used flat blades and three on each one? It will cut them all up?

[@mithgo_outdoor]

2 blades each

[@garynickel648]

What is the part number of the x-blade for your ZXT from Power Equipment. THANK YOU

[@mithgo_outdoor]

Hello Gary, I don't run the X-Blades on my ZXT. I had them on my ZK61. The only info you need to select the proper XBlade kit is the width of your mower blades and the diameter of the spindle bolt. I recommend measuring the width and hole on the current blades you have installed. That should be all you need. Remember you can use code MLC10 with powerequipmentdealer.com

[@mikegreen761]

Thanks for the video. But, you should use a safety stand.

[@mithgo_outdoor]

What do you mean “safety stand”? The Fischer mower/atv lift has safety latches on it in the event the hydraulic Jack should fail. And I always have them on when using 👍🏼

[@southernyards2152]

That was a Redtail Hawk🦅 I have them here in Central Alabama.

[@mithgo_outdoor]

you'll have to refresh my memory bud ... been a while since i recorded this video.

[@southernyards2152]

@@mithgo_outdoor You had a Hawk Flying over while you were recording🦅 I recognized the call. Same one I have in my backyard.

[@jaburnwo6184]

14:04 best decision you could've made lol

[@rodolfoguardado4383]

The bracket to put 2 blades where do I buy it

[@mithgo_outdoor]

You can purchase the X-blade kits from powerequipmentdealer.com. Their link is always in my video descriptions. MLC10 will save you 10% on your order.

[@tommymann69]

I've seen people use two gatorblades to cut grass and mulch leafes up. Xblades

[@mithgo_outdoor]

that would work

[@rodolfoguardado4383]

Where can I buy the lift to lift up the machine?

[@mithgo_outdoor]

Harbor Freight

[@davidoverall6355]

Dumb question, should the teeth faces up to the mower or down to the grass?

[@mithgo_outdoor]

the mulch teeth always face up towards the mower deck.

[@harryerhart5978]

Maybe take one shim away 4 to3? Take care my friend 😁

[@mithgo_outdoor]

thanks for the tip, sorry for the delayed response...thank you for tuning in to the channel

[@cfitzgduke]

Called John Wright before I bought my Wright mower and he said absolutely not and issue with X blades and warranty.

[@408cisleepr8]

They say not to run a hi lift was one of your blades still hi lift ?

[@mithgo_outdoor]

Yes it was. Every single guy I know that runs them does the same thing

[@louisberndt5489]

@@mithgo_outdoor then it will cause blowout.....standard or low lift on the bottom...

[@mithgo_outdoor]

@@louisberndt5489 whatever works best for you 😊

[@rickjacobs7937]

Are gator blades good for sandy land or what do u recommend thanks

[@mithgo_outdoor]

Gator blades are for mulching. They’ll still work in Sandy soil conditions, but like all other blades the sand will wear on them

[@rickjacobs7937]

@mithgo_outdoor what blade do u recommend for sandy land I'm new thanks

[@mithgo_outdoor]

@@rickjacobs7937 if you’re wanting a mulching blade I use the Oregon Gator G6. Regular blades I use Copperhead HD by Rotary. I don’t have a lot of sand soil so I’m probably not the best source of info for it. The G6 and Copperhead HD are heavy duty thick blades. They wouldn’t wear as quickly in my opinion

[@bobbycin]

What do the lines look like with them all then big ass tires on ??

[@mithgo_outdoor]

The ZK72 dually I had made for a pretty lawn. Check out my IG profile and scroll back to the photos I posted with it.

[@bobbycin]

@@mithgo_outdoor I have a good question, do you prefer mulch blades over grass blades?? Mulch blades cut it up good but always leave clumps, and the grass together and keeps it from being throw as far, grass blades are my pick for most of the year until the 🍃 drop

[@mithgo_outdoor]

@@bobbycin Good question...during mowing season I prefer high lift blades. I switch over to gator style mulching blades in the fall when the leaves begin to fall.

[@bobbycin]

@@mithgo_outdoor man we definitely think and do things alike!!! You can really tell who has experience when you hear things like this, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK AND VIDEOS!

[@brazosgears7871]

A wise man said "The fishing was good; it was the catching that was bad."

[@mithgo_outdoor]

haha...that's one way to put it!

[@DanMcD80]

Med lift and mulching

[@mithgo_outdoor]

👊🏼💥

[@moneymakingmikeg.9555]

Great disclaimer Bud. But, why didn't you tell them to reach under the deck while blades are on to make sure that they are on tight?? JK,JK,JK!! I swear that was a joke!! Common sense ain't common. Shades are looking Stupid Dope Fresh Son!! Hoping all is well, Dirty Jersey out!! #broinlawns!!

[@mithgo_outdoor]

you're crazy! haha

[@dannysorden8310]

So why fun all gator blades no hi lift

[@mithgo_outdoor]

You can try whatever combo of blades you wish 😊

[@donaldcaviness9629]

You don't have a flashlite so we can see them on mower damn

[@mithgo_outdoor]

This video has been viewed over 29k times, you’re the only one that seems to have an issue seeing it. I’ll gladly accept a new flashlight though for future films! Have a great day

[@tomgreen1721]

Aww I wanted just a little B.S

[@mithgo_outdoor]

haha

[@alowatsakima8950]

You can't mulch well, going fast, it doesn't give enough time for the blades to mulch thoroughly. If you went slow you would not have to make so many multiple passes.

[@mithgo_outdoor]

Thanks for tuning in

[@hairstonpropertymanagement2937]

Bonush footish? 🤣🤣🤣

[@mithgo_outdoor]

naaaahh cuz!

[@hairstonpropertymanagement2937]

@@mithgo_outdoor that's what you said bro

[@johnkennedy9189]

Who actually made the "gator" blades that you used? They don't seem to match the real deal gators. The wings look to be opposite direction so calling them "gator or gator style is an injustice.

[@mithgo_outdoor]

Any mower blade with the lift portion of the blade split in a tooth like fashion is a gator style mulching blade. There are many different companies that make a Gator style mulching blade. These were not Oregon Gator blades. These are the gator mulching blades that my local dealer sells. Does it really matter?

[@joeykunz]

@@mithgo_outdoor dude… yes

[@janstolk486]

you might want to put some jack stands under that mower before you crawl under it !

[@mithgo_outdoor]

It’s a mower lift meant to do what I’m doing, it’s safe. There is no risk of it coming down, there are safety locks.

[@janstolk486]

@@mithgo_outdoor ok stay safe !

[@freeagent6203]

Don't understand why everyone uses a high lift with gator. that's a lot of lift/blowout. Why not just 2 gators? Not being a smartass, truly curious.

[@mithgo_outdoor]

Two Gator mulching blades creates even more blowout honestly. I stopped using the X-blades altogether...haven't had them on my mower in the last two seasons.

[@petepete3389]

You use a lot of words to say absolutely nothing of value. If the leaves are blowing out it's because you are mowing too fast.

[@mithgo_outdoor]

Thanks double Pete

[@hairstonpropertymanagement2937]

Fox News worthy

[@mithgo_outdoor]

you ain't right!