Buying Supplies - Advice Needed

[jellyghost 378]

I have a C-101 with a 12 HP Kohler, and I need to buy a grease gun, oil, and maybe blades.

What is the best oil for an older wheel horse/

Do you have a suggested grease gun and grease?  Grease guns seem to run $12 to $45, and this is the only thing I will be greasing.

Is there a prefered brand of blades for mulching?

[russellmc301 600]

i have heard gator is a good brand for blades.

[JAinVA 4,629]

Gator blades are great for mulching but will still throw the  grass or leaves out the discharge chute.To completely mulch  you need to block the discharge on a SD deck.Tractor Supply has a good grease gun.I own 2 and like them both.The ones I have are about $22.00 each.  JAinVA

Edited November 5, 2016 by JAinVA

[Aldon 4,828]

I change engine oil often. At least 3-4 times a year for the worker.

 

As such, I have nothing against higher end oils or synthetics but tend to use straight 30 weight oil. I think I have used travelers front tractor Supply.

 

I go higher end ATF for Hydros. I usually change that 1 time a year.

 

Ditto to JAinVA as far as grease gun.

 

 

 

 

[Hacksawhero123 351]

I've run Shell Rotella 15-40 in every engine here except for the Hemis. It's diesel truck oil. It will take a lot of abuse it doesn't gum up or leave sticky film behind. As for grease guns, a friend bought a cordless electric gun. It's pretty cool. I think Ryobi makes a cheap one. 

Mark. 

Edited November 6, 2016 by Hacksawhero123

[jellyghost 378]

4 hours ago, JAinVA said:

Gator blades are great for mulching but will still throw the  grass or leaves out the discharge chute.To completely mulch  you need to block the discharge on a SD deck.Tractor Supply has a good grease gun.I own 2 and like them both.The ones I have are about $22.00 each.  JAinVA

Does someone make an attachment that blocks the discharge chute?

 

 

[bmsgaffer 2,046]

To make a truly mulching mower you cant just block the chute. There is a baffle that goes in that completes a circle around each blade and i believe some wings that change the airflow. Wheel house had some mulching capable 42" rear discharge decks, but i think its pretty hard to find the kit anymore.

 

Personally my experience  with gator blades is that they work well for mulching decks, but I like the higher flow (standard) ones for non mulching decs as it leaves a cleaner cut and spreads out the clippings further. So if you cut in time the short clippings just get spread out. If you wait too long you do have to sweep them up though.

Edited November 11, 2016 by bmsgaffer

[Pollack Pete 2,273]

I'm with Aldon on this one.I use the Traveler brand 30 wt oil from Tractor Supply.Less than 3 bucks per qt and if it gets changed a couple times a year,it doesn't look any different than  6 or 7 dollar a qt oil when it drains out.Pick up a grease gun while you're at TSC.I used to buy the tubes of Lucas grease at TSC.Haven't seen it there lately so I bought a case of it on line.