C-Series (Standard Finish Mowers)

• Befco C05-060 (5 ft), C05-072 (6 ft), C05-084 (7 ft)
• Standard 3-blade configuration
• 21″ blade length – most common size
• Requires 25-50 HP tractor

B-Series (Heavy-Duty Finish Mowers)

• Befco B05-060 (5 ft), B05-072 (6 ft), B05-084 (7 ft)
• Heavier deck construction for commercial use
• Same 21″ blade as C-Series in most configurations
• Requires 35-65 HP tractor

T-Series (Turbo Finish Mowers)

• Befco T05-060, T05-072 (turbo discharge models)
• Enhanced airflow design for better discharge
• Verify blade length before ordering – may differ from C/B Series
• Requires 40-70 HP tractor

💰 Savings Tip: Oregon and Stens blades are manufactured to equal or better specifications than OEM at 30-50% lower cost. For a 6-foot mower needing 3 blades annually, that’s $30-60 savings every replacement cycle.

📏 Blade Length

Measure tip to tip on a straight blade. Most Befco finish mowers use 21″ blades. Measure old blade before ordering – a bent or worn blade may appear shorter. Record exact measurement to 1/4 inch accuracy.

⭕ Center Hole Size

Measure center hole diameter precisely – typically 5/8″ or 1″ on Befco models. Wrong center hole size = blade won’t fit spindle. Use calipers for accurate measurement. Note any keyway slots.

📐 Blade Width & Thickness

Standard finish mower blades: 2.5″ wide, 1/4″ thick. Verify these match your application. Thicker blades last longer but require more HP. Record all three measurements before ordering any replacement.

🔴 Problem: Uneven Cut / Leaving Strips

Causes: Dull blades, bent blade from impact, mismatched blade heights, worn spindle bearings

Solutions: Sharpen or replace all blades as a complete set. Check each blade for bending – even slight bend causes strip. Verify all blades are same length. Inspect spindle bearings for wobble – replace if rough or loose.

🟡 Problem: Excessive Vibration

Causes: Bent blade, missing blade, unbalanced blade set, loose blade bolt, damaged spindle

Solutions: Stop immediately – vibration causes rapid spindle damage. Inspect all blades for bending. Verify all blade bolts torqued to spec. Check spindle for play. Balance blades before reinstalling.

🔵 Problem: Blades Dulling Quickly

Causes: Cutting height too low (scalping), sandy/abrasive soil, hidden rocks or debris in field

Solutions: Raise cutting height minimum 3″. Walk field for large rocks before mowing. In sandy conditions expect shorter blade life – switch to heavier gauge blades. Sharpen with angle grinder maintaining original 30-degree bevel.

🟣 Problem: Poor Grass Discharge

Causes: Dull blades not lifting grass properly, cutting height too low, mowing wet grass, ground speed too fast

Solutions: Sharpen or replace blades – sharp blades create proper airflow for good discharge. Avoid mowing wet grass when possible. Reduce ground speed by 20-30% in heavy growth. Clean underside of deck – buildup restricts airflow significantly.

How often should I replace Befco finish mower blades?

Replace Befco blades when: cutting edge is rounded and won’t sharpen further (after 3-4 sharpenings typically), blade shows visible bending from impact, cracks appear anywhere on blade, or cut quality deteriorates despite sharp edge. Under normal conditions expect 1-2 seasons per blade set with proper sharpening. In rocky or sandy conditions replace more frequently. Always replace all blades as a complete set – mixing worn and new blades causes vibration and uneven cutting. A complete set replacement runs $45-85 in aftermarket blades versus $120+ OEM.

Are Oregon and Stens blades as good as Befco OEM?

Yes for most applications. Oregon and Stens are premier aftermarket manufacturers supplying blades to dealers and commercial operators nationwide. Their finish mower blades use equivalent or higher-grade steel than OEM, manufactured to same dimensional specifications. Key advantage: 30-50% lower cost means you can replace more frequently, keeping cut quality consistently high. Verify dimensional match (length, center hole, width) before ordering. The only case where OEM may be preferred: unusual blade configurations on older or specialty models where aftermarket options are limited.

What causes Befco finish mower blades to bend?

Blade bending causes: (1) Hidden rocks or debris in field – always walk field before first mow of season. (2) Cutting height too low – raises risk of ground contact on uneven terrain, set minimum 3″ height. (3) Mowing over irrigation heads, tree roots, or buried obstacles. (4) Hitting fence posts or field borders at speed. (5) Rock ejection from previous pass landing in cutting path. A bent finish mower blade cannot be safely straightened – the metal’s crystalline structure is compromised at the bend point and will fail under stress. Replace immediately. Never operate with a bent blade – vibration destroys spindle bearings within hours.

What blade bolt torque spec for Befco finish mowers?

Standard Befco finish mower blade bolt torque: 55-70 ft-lbs for most C-Series and B-Series models. Always verify your specific model’s operator manual for exact specification. Use Grade 8 bolts only (6 radial lines on bolt head) – never substitute hardware store Grade 5 bolts. Apply anti-seize compound to threads for easier future removal. Re-torque after first 2 hours of operation with new blades – new hardware settles slightly. Check torque every 25 hours – vibration loosens blade bolts over time and loose blades damage spindles rapidly.

How do I know which Befco blade fits my model?

Three ways to verify correct blade: (1) Check operator manual – blade part number listed in parts section. (2) Measure existing blade: length tip-to-tip, center hole diameter, width, and thickness. (3) Check model number plate on mower deck and cross-reference with manufacturer parts diagram online. Most Befco C and B Series mowers use standard 21″ x 2.5″ blades with 5/8″ center hole – this is the most common configuration. When in doubt, measure before ordering. Ordering wrong blade wastes time and return shipping costs. Keep old blade as reference when ordering replacements.