1450 w/ 50" deck question
 

I started to install the 50 inch deck on the 1450 today. I installed new blades. I noticed the following: I have a 1/4 inch gap between the center and right blade and a 5/8" gap between the center and left blade. Is this normal? Both the old and new blades are 17 inches long.
Thanks

cdlong,

I just went out and measured one of my 50" decks and I get 1/4" gap on both sides and the blades are all 17" long.
I never paid attention to it before. I will dig out my other 50's and measure them also.

Thank you Cubcrazy. I figure Matt will chime in and set us straight. That youngin' is smart as a whip!

Welcome
Yes he is!

I've never seen that. Is the gap the same no matter how you spin them? Is each blade exactly 8 1/2" center of hole to tip?

I misread the tape, one gap is 1/4", the other gap is 5/16". I'll have to measure center of hole to tip of blade tonight.

No need, sounds like you're ok. A 1/16 difference wouldn't bother me. It might be worth checking the balance on the blades though, make sure one wing isn't on the heavy side.

What bothers me is that there even is a gap. Seems like the gap would leave strips in the yard. Blades are brand new.

I did find this:
Replaces Oem: Cub Cadet 7593813, Cub Cadet 59705c1, Cub Cadet 7423003, Aladdin Ucc10

Fits Models: Cub Cadet Requires 3 for 50 Cut

Specifications: Length: 17 1/4, Width: 2 1/2, Center Hole: 3/4, Thickness: 0.203 , S/f: Formed, Requires 3 for 50 Cut.

Looks like mine are too short @ 17 inches.

I found several on EvilBay from 17 3/16" to 17 1/4". Biggest majority are 17 1/4".

I don't know the specific size for that deck, but it should be easy to look up. If you have your model and serial number you can just look on the Cub page or Messick's or similar for the correct oem blade, or if you post them here I'll look for you.

They shouldn't ever hit as they go by each other, so there is always a gap. I know what you mean, seems like it should leave a stripe, but it doesn't if you keep them sharp and the edges square. I think if you look at how the deck travels, the middle blade is just enough forward of the 2 side blades that the gap isn't really there when traveling forward, if you can picture what I mean.