Oregon G5 Gator blades receive praise around the mower community. In detail, the majority of owners have had excellent results. But others swear by their Gator G6 as the ultimate mulching mower blades.
Which one wins the battle “Gator blades G5 VS G6”? While the manufacturer, Oregon Tool, is the same for both products, the G6 model is geared towards commercial lawn movers. If you operate a lawn mower service, the G6 is probably the best one for your needs.
On the other hand, the G5 consumes less engine power. So, it is a better choice for homeowners and small engine mowers.
Comparing Gator Blades G5 VS G6
People running commercial blades in their lawnmowers will be shocked to find out about the quality of both Oregon Tool products. So the comparison of Gator blades G5 VS G6 has only the purpose of helping you choose which one suits your needs better.
Why? Because the mower blade will wear down after months of intense use. And if you mow a lot, you should be looking for the most durable and cost-effective model.
The quality of the G6 steel is the more impressive of the two—the thickness alone is enough to make its owners feel contented. For the sake of completeness, the G6 model has an abrasive patch on the back that holds the edge when you sharpen them.
And although you will lose some metal over time, it ensures good performance.
The G5 high-lift design has the same three ridge marks on the side of the blade—when the blade cuts the grass, the clippings have a chance to go towards these ridges and get cut into smaller pieces.
And because of its lighter weight, the G5 model creates a slightly higher suction, which is ideal for regular homeowners. Lightweight blades mean a higher speed of rotation, after all.
When To Choose A G6 Gator Blade Over A G5
Here is exciting news for lawn mowing business owners! G6 blades feature Fusion technology, which means the metal is harder to sharpen, but the blades also stay sharp longer. Of course, if you do not have to whet the edge often, you waste less time. So, you have more time to do everything else.
Even though the G6 weighs more than the G5, the blade balance itself nicely. So it will not hurt the pulleys on your commercial lawn tractor. But buy the G6 blade only if you have a commercial machine like Ferris, Scag, or Toro because this model is not universal—check the OEM number on the product you want to retire.
Why Opt For The G5 Oregon Blade Besides Your Lawn Mower Model
The overall winner when comparing Gator blades G5 VS G6 could be the G5 if you consider how versatile the product is. In this regard, you can use the G5 as either a mulching blade or for side discharging.
Plus, the G5 is already wider and thicker than most universal blades on the market. So, there is no need to look any further if you do not have a commercial lawnmower.
Another reason why you might want to opt for a G5 is the safety hazards that come with heavier products like the G6. In detail, incorrectly handling them can lead to cutting yourself. And since homeowners would benefit from removing the blades from their lawnmowers once the mowing season passes, the G5 would reduce the risk of injury.
You do not need to remove the G5 for storage, but it would be better to prep your mower for winter and clean the blades with vegetable oil.
Which Blade Is The Better Product?
From a purely technical perspective, the G6 is better than the G5—No doubt about that!
The Oregon G6’s extra thickness and width ensure superior longevity. And durability is the only thing that separates the G6 model from the G5. Would it be enough to sell your inherited, trusted lawnmower to get a commercial machine with professional-grade features?
Probably not. But if we are being honest, the G6 is the better product of the two.
If you are not a pro, here is a downside to using the G6: you will bust the spindle. And since spindles are expensive, it is always better to get the right product for your level of expertise and equipment.
Related Article: How Many Hours Does a Lawnmower Engine Last?