Oregon 96-344 Gator G3 Blades for 52" Exmark 303495 303527 103-6580 Scag 48108 482961 L

What It Is

The Oregon 96-344 Gator G3 Blades are aftermarket mulching and bagging blades designed for 52-inch zero-turn mowers from Exmark and Scag. They replace OEM part numbers 303495, 303527, 103-6580 (Exmark), and 48108, 482961 (Scag), and are ideal for operators who want better cut quality and finer clippings than standard blades.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your deck is exactly 52 inches—these blades are not for smaller or larger decks. Check your current blade part numbers against the OEM list above. The blades have a 5/8-inch center hole and a 3.5-inch blade length (measured from center hole to tip). They fit Exmark Lazer Z, Quest, and X-Series models, and Scag Turf Tiger, Cheetah, and Patriot models from the mid-2000s onward. If your mower uses a different spindle or blade pattern (e.g., 1-inch center hole), these won’t work. Always measure your blade length and hole size before ordering.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Oregon’s Gator G3 blades use heat-treated steel and a patented “wing” design that creates a vacuum lift for superior mulching and bagging. They’re durable but may wear faster in sandy soil.
• Installation: Easy swap with basic tools (socket wrench and torque wrench). Torque blade bolts to 70-90 ft-lbs—over-tightening can strip spindle threads.
• Common gotcha: These blades are not for side-discharge only setups—they’re optimized for mulching and bagging. Using them for side discharge reduces cut quality and may clump clippings.
• Balance: Out of the box, they’re usually balanced, but always check with a blade balancer before installing to avoid vibration.

Should You Buy It

If you own a 52-inch Exmark or Scag zero-turn and want a proven aftermarket upgrade that improves cut quality and reduces bagging frequency, the Oregon 96-344 Gator G3 blades are a solid, cost-effective choice. They’re best for operators who prioritize mulching and bagging over side discharge, and who don’t mind checking balance and torque specs during installation.