A little clarification on something I mentioned in a previous post, and a little humor.

I mentioned that the part numbering on these JS46 mowers was a little bizzare.   Turns out there are two things happening with this model.

First, it is sold as a John Deere, but it appears to be manufactured by Murray.  Probably them's fighting words to people that bleed green, but it doesn't make any sense it would be the other way around.  I'll show why later.

Second, pay attention to the mower serial number.  There is a breakpoint before or after 150K ( 150,000 ).

Early models use the GX22837 blade adapter with a GX23522 blade (one holer).
Later models use the GX24214 blade adapter with a GX24213 blade (three holer).

early:

 

Late:

 

Note that I could not find a picture of the GX24214 anywhere, these are pics I took.  I think this part is top secret or something, very odd it is that hard to find.

Both adapters are about $10 each, and the blades are about $30 online.  Interesting, though, the early blade 23522 is available at Lowes for $19.  No where on the package is indicated it is only for early mowers.  Curious.  Par for the course there.

Back to my second point.  Murray.

The numbers on the blade adapters, early 7101414, late 7104332, and on the blades early 7104179, late 7103288 are Murray numbers.  Strictly they may be AYP or even Briggs, as these parts all came in Briggs boxes.  However, they are made in the USA.  

At any rate, why go to all this trouble?  Like I said before, it is easier to find parts for a model of a mower if you know what you have.  JD has a reputation for maintaining supply and their dealers are quality.  Many home store blades are crappy thin and often bent.  these blades are SERIOUS, almost 1/4 inch thick.  They will be much easier to sharpen.

The lesson for today is - if you are looking to buy a mower or any piece of equipment, get the model and search for the parts you might need in the future.  You may learn something about the unit you intend to buy, or maybe that it isn't exactly what you think it is after all.