44a mower deck blades recommendations?

ChristopherCT · #1 07-24-2023, 10:44 AM

Hi Everyone! I use my '72 model 129 to mow an acre of rough and hilly land. I have sharpened the blades annually for four years now, and they were pretty worn when I started. Due to rounded edges and lost width, I think I should get some new blades. Impact driver and "anti seize" paste has now made my blade removal quite easy.

Can someone recommend an affordable set of three blades? I do not vac or bag, so a mulching blade might be good. But I'm not very fussy. Durability and the ability to take the occasional hit of a hidden branch or rock would be good.

-Christopher

ironman · #2 07-24-2023, 01:57 PM

If "affordable" means cost is a factor, new ones are about 60 bucks/per blade.
Google 759-3402
-or-
here's a used set on Fleabay for 40 bucks....
https://www.ebay.com/itm/38554536861...8AAOSw2xBkOCwe

ChristopherCT · #3 07-24-2023, 02:03 PM

Sixty? That is a lot. I will use this part number, and thank you! I saw that ebay post, and I'm trying to avoid used if I can... for $180 I would almost rather weld some new material onto the originals. Then I could choose my steel type and make sure they are balanced right

darkminion_17 · #4 07-24-2023, 02:36 PM

That number is for the hard surfaced ones, 742-3002 are a lot cheaper. 50, 60 a set

Sam Mac · #5 07-24-2023, 03:51 PM

Amazon $52 for a set of 3

https://www.amazon.com/XHT-742-3002-.../dp/B07N7LQLQ8

ChristopherCT · #6 07-24-2023, 04:09 PM

To Sam and to Dark, these are good ideas! And yes, I will be fine with a low carbon, or untempered blade I think. The XHT ones from Amazon look squared off with a slightly different design. But we are in need of an inexpensive fix right now so they will probably be great. I have ruined this deck twice on stumps and debris, saving it by pounding it back into shape with hammers, clamps etc., so this 44a deck is never going to be a "classic".

I will order the XHT blades and I bet they will be great. I will post again after install.

Graflex45 · #7 07-25-2023, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

Amazon $52 for a set of 3

https://www.amazon.com/XHT-742-3002-.../dp/B07N7LQLQ8

I got a set of these and hand sharpened them and have been using them for a couple weeks. This is after doing a complete rebuild of the 44a deck and the blades had been ground improperly. My question is does anyone have an issue with less well cut grass in 2 stripes where the blades overlap? Its better with the new blades, but still noticeable. Any tips on minimizing this or if its just a thing to live with?

ChristopherCT · #8 07-25-2023, 06:05 PM

Hi Graflex, well I know that my old and rounded blades have also been leaving the uncut parts that you mentioned. Its as if each blade cuts okay, but then the two areas inbetween the three blades (which SHOULD be twice cut in an ideal world) are left a bit high and shaggy. I am hoping that the very square ends and sharpness will improve that. I suppose that the 44a is a very old design, and maybe great improvements have been made. Its cool you did a complete rebuild. My spindles make a lot of spinning noise, so I grease them knowing full well that the bearings are very tired.

The man who sold me the old 44a deck also had some "batwing" versions, but he said that sometimes the cut quality was not good. I wonder. This is my first tractor mower.

Graflex45 · #9 07-26-2023, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristopherCT

Hi Graflex, well I know that my old and rounded blades have also been leaving the uncut parts that you mentioned. Its as if each blade cuts okay, but then the two areas inbetween the three blades (which SHOULD be twice cut in an ideal world) are left a bit high and shaggy. I am hoping that the very square ends and sharpness will improve that. I suppose that the 44a is a very old design, and maybe great improvements have been made. Its cool you did a complete rebuild. My spindles make a lot of spinning noise, so I grease them knowing full well that the bearings are very tired.

The man who sold me the old 44a deck also had some "batwing" versions, but he said that sometimes the cut quality was not good. I wonder. This is my first tractor mower.

I grew up mowing our lawn with my Grandpa's tired 1200 tractor and a 44A deck that as far as i know had never had any major maintenance, just a couple of pumps of grease every couple times it was run. But the decks I found in the last year for the new to me 1450 where neglected and the bearings really worn out so it needed brand new ones and whole new idler assembly. (1 deck had a good shell and rusted spindles, 1 had rusted out body and good spindle parts)
That old mower I always remember it cut well, but maybe young me never noticed the striping. Maybe the grass in the shaded Virginia yard was easier to cut then the grass in my very sunny Upstate New York yard.

darkminion_17 · #10 07-26-2023, 11:33 AM

Are the baffles, hoop shaped thingies in place?