Guide · Walk-behind mower blades
Oregon Gator G3, G5 and G6 blades
How Oregon describes its Gator G3, G5 and G6 mulching blades, example part numbers with Oregon's specs, and why the family name never decides fit.
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Short answer
Gator is Oregon's mulching-blade family. Oregon describes the G5 as a heavier-duty G3 with Fusion, a tungsten carbide layer, on the cutting edge, and lists the G6 at 1/4 inch thick and 3 inches wide for commercial use. The family name never decides fit: the part number, the length and the center hole do.
Gator G3
Oregon describes the Gator G3 as having progressive geometry on the cutting edge and an aggressive blade angle intended to increase airflow for bagging or side discharge.[1] That is Oregon's design description, not a measured result.
G3 parts differ a lot from one another:
- 96-347 is a 21-inch G3 blade, 2.50 inches wide and 0.203 inch thick, with a 5/8-inch center hole, zero offset and 3/4-inch air lift.[2] Oregon markets it as an upgrade rather than a replacement blade.[2]
- 91-635 is a 21-1/8-inch G3 blade with a 3/4-inch center hole, 1/4-inch offset and 0.187-inch thickness, listed as a replacement for Cub Cadet.[3]
- 95-601 is a G3 blade with a 5-point star center hole.[4] Oregon's product page and its catalog give different lengths for it, so we publish none.
Both 96-347 and 91-635 sit near the 21-inch deck size, and they still have different holes and offsets. See round holes and 5-point star holes.
Gator G5
Oregon describes the G5 as a heavier-duty version of the G3.[1] It says the G5 has Fusion, which Oregon describes as an ultra-hard tungsten carbide layer, on the cutting edge.[1] Oregon publishes no test data for how long that edge lasts, and we found no independent measurement.
Gator G6
Oregon lists the G6 as 1/4 inch thick and 3 inches wide and positions it for commercial use.[1] Oregon also says the G6 uses its Fusion technology.[1] Individual G6 parts differ in length and hole, so check the exact part number.
Teeth and the lifting arch
Oregon says the teeth on its Gator blades circulate cut grass back into the deck multiple times.[1] It also says a wider, thicker Gator blade allows a longer lifting arch, which it says is meant to improve bagging and mulching.[1] Both are Oregon's maker claims. They do not transfer to other brands' blades.
The range at a glance
| Family | Oregon's description | Example parts |
|---|---|---|
| G3 | Progressive edge geometry, aggressive blade angle | 96-347, 91-635, 95-601 |
| G5 | Heavier-duty G3 with a Fusion carbide layer on the edge | check the part record |
| G6 | 1/4 in thick, 3 in wide, commercial; uses Fusion | check the part record |
"Gator-style" is not Oregon
A listing that says "Gator-style" is a seller's description of a toothed blade. Only Oregon's own part numbers are Oregon Gator blades, and the specs Oregon publishes belong to those numbers.
What we do not know
The sources we read hold no independent comparison of the G3, G5 and G6. A Project Farm video compares blades from Oregon, MaxPower, Craftsman, 8TEN and Arnold, but only its title was readable, so we report no results from it.[5] We could not confirm any MaxPower claim either. Our blade claims guide covers what the evidence can and cannot show.
Will a Gator blade fit my mower?
Only by Oregon's cross-reference for your OEM number, or by a full match of length, hole, width, thickness and offset against Oregon's record. Oregon's part finder searches by brand and model or by the OEM part number you are replacing.[6]
Picks that fit1 product
Choose the Oregon D-42-2G set of 2 only if Oregon's replacement list on its own product page, or its part finder, names your mower or your original blade number.
More on choosing
On Amazon, check that Ships from / Sold by is Amazon.com or Oregon.
Gator mulching blades for 42-inch Husqvarna and Craftsman decks
Oregon D‑42‑2G Gator G3 blade set for 42 in Husqvarna and Craftsman decks, set of 2
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Questions
What is the difference between Gator G3, G5 and G6?
Oregon describes the G5 as a heavier-duty G3 with a Fusion tungsten carbide layer on the edge, and lists the G6 at 1/4 in thick and 3 in wide for commercial use. These are Oregon's descriptions.[1]
Are Gator blades good for bagging?
Oregon says the G3's blade angle is meant to increase airflow for bagging or side discharge. That is a maker claim; we found no independent measurement.[1]
Is a "Gator-style" blade an Oregon Gator?
No. Only Oregon's own part numbers are Gator blades. "Gator-style" is a seller's description of a toothed blade.
Will a Gator blade fit my mower?
Only if Oregon cross-references your OEM number or the full length and hole record matches. Oregon's part finder searches by brand and model or by OEM part number.[6]