Choosing blades? Start with our complete rotavator blade guide — L vs C vs J vs straight, steel and hardness compared.
“How many blades does my rotavator take?” is one of the most common questions we get on WhatsApp, usually from a farmer standing next to a rotor with half its blades worn down and a sowing window closing. The answer decides how much you spend, how many left and right pieces you order, and how many bolts you need. Get it wrong and you either run short in the field or pay for blades you do not use.
This guide explains how rotavator blade count is decided, the typical numbers for common 5, 6, 7 and 8 feet rotavators, how flanges and left/right pairs work, and how to order a complete set of BHUMI KING ITALY or OSCAR blades without mistakes.
What decides how many blades a rotavator has
A rotavator rotor is a shaft with round plates, called flanges, welded along its length. The blades bolt onto those flanges. The total blade count is simply:
Number of flanges × blades per flange = total blades
Three things change that number from machine to machine:
- Working width. A wider rotavator has a longer rotor and more flanges.
- Flange spacing. Closer flanges mean more blades for the same width and a finer tilth, but more power demand.
- Blades per flange. Many Indian rotavators use 6 blades per flange (3 left-hand, 3 right-hand). Some use 4, and some heavy-duty or special designs differ.
Typical blade count by rotavator size
The figures below are common on rotavators sold in Punjab, Haryana and nearby states with 6 blades per flange. They are a starting point, not a rule. Manufacturers vary flange count, so always confirm on your own machine.
- 5 feet rotavator: often about 36 blades (6 flanges × 6).
- 6 feet rotavator: often about 42 blades (7 flanges × 6).
- 7 feet rotavator: often about 48 blades (8 flanges × 6).
- 8 feet rotavator: often about 54 blades (9 flanges × 6).
Some “regular” and “heavy” versions of the same width carry different counts, and compact or orchard rotavators may use fewer blades per flange. If your count does not match the list, trust your rotor, not the table.
How to count the blades on your own rotor
- Park safely. Lower the rotavator to the ground, switch off the tractor and disengage the PTO before touching the rotor.
- Count the flanges from one end of the shaft to the other.
- Count the blades on one flange, including empty bolt positions where a blade has broken off.
- Multiply. Flanges × blades per flange gives the full set.
- Split left and right. On most rotors half curve one way and half the other. Note how many of each.
While you are there, measure one good blade — hole centre distance, thickness, width and overall length. Our step-by-step guide on how to measure rotavator blades shows exactly what to check so the new set fits first time.
Left-hand and right-hand blades: why pairs matter
Rotavator blades are not all the same shape. The bent part of each blade points either left or right, and the rotor is built so that the two sides balance. This keeps the machine pulling straight, spreads the soil evenly and avoids leaving ridges.
When you order, ask for the set as matched pairs. A 42-blade rotor normally needs 21 left plus 21 right. Ordering 42 of one hand is a common and expensive mistake. The bend style also matters — L, C and J profiles behave differently in soil; see rotavator blade types explained if you are unsure which profile your machine uses.
Flange layout and blade arrangement
Blades on neighbouring flanges are usually staggered in a spiral pattern so that only a few blades strike the soil at the same moment. This smooths the load on the gearbox and reduces shock. When you fit a new set, copy the original arrangement exactly:
- Take a phone photo of each flange before removing old blades.
- Replace blades one flange at a time so the pattern is not lost.
- Check that each blade faces the correct direction of rotation, with the cutting edge leading.
- Look for cracked or bent flanges and elongated bolt holes. A worn flange will loosen even a new blade.
Full set or part set?
If one or two blades broke on a stone, replacing just those is reasonable. But blades wear together. When most of the set has lost length, rounded tips or thinned edges, adding a few new blades means the new ones dig deeper and take more load than the worn ones. The result is an uneven seedbed and extra vibration. Our article on when to replace rotavator blades lists the signs that a full set is due.
A practical approach many farmers use: replace the whole set when it is worn, and keep the best few old blades as emergency spares for the rest of the season.
Do not forget the bolts
Most rotors use one bolt and nut per blade, though some use two. A 42-blade rotor therefore needs roughly 42 bolt sets. Reusing stretched or rusted bolts with new blades is a false saving; a loose blade can break its holes or damage the flange. See our rotavator blade bolts guide for grade and torque advice.
Ordering a full set: a quick checklist
- Rotavator make, model and working width
- Number of flanges and blades per flange
- Total blades, split into left and right
- Blade profile (L, C or J) and a photo of one blade
- Hole centre distance, thickness and length
- Whether you also need bolts and nuts
Dealers stocking for several models can use the same list per model and order in full-set multiples. Our dealer and OEM bulk buying guide covers MOQ and stocking.
Why steel matters when you buy a whole set
A full set is a real investment, so it should last. BHUMI KING ITALY and OSCAR blades are made in Mandi Gobindgarh from 30MnCrB5 boron steel and heat-treated to 48–52 HRC — hard enough to resist wear, with the toughness to resist bending and cracking. Actual life still depends on your soil, residue, speed and depth. Read more on our steel page and see the full range on the products page.
Frequently asked questions
How many blades are there in a 6 feet rotavator?
Many 6 ft rotavators sold in India carry around 42 blades, often arranged as 6 blades per flange across 7 flanges. Some models use 36 or 48 blades depending on flange count and spacing, so always count the blades on your own rotor or check the model manual before ordering a full set.
Do I need equal left and right rotavator blades?
Yes, in almost every case. Rotavator blades are mounted as left-hand and right-hand pieces, usually in equal numbers, so the rotor pulls evenly and does not drift. Order a full set as matched pairs, for example 21 left plus 21 right for a 42-blade rotor.
Should I replace all rotavator blades at once or only the broken ones?
Replacing one or two broken blades is fine as a temporary fix, but mixing very worn and new blades makes the rotor cut unevenly and can add vibration. When most blades have lost length or the tips are rounded, a full set replacement usually gives a more even seedbed.
How many bolts do I need for a full rotavator blade set?
Usually one bolt and nut per blade, so a 42-blade rotor needs about 42 sets of hardware. Some designs use two bolts per blade. Count the bolt holes on one blade and multiply by your blade count, and see our rotavator blade bolts guide for grade and fit.
Which steel are BHUMI KING ITALY and OSCAR blades made from?
Both are made from 30MnCrB5 boron steel and heat-treated to 48–52 HRC at Shree Thakur Agri Industries in Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab.
Order a complete matched set
Send your rotavator model, width and a photo of one blade and one flange. We will confirm the blade count, left/right split and the matching BHUMI KING ITALY or OSCAR blades, with price and availability.
WhatsApp: +91 92160 58340. Office: +91 98141 82577. Direct: +91 77107 77077. Email info@shreethakuragri.in or bhumikingitaly@gmail.com, or use the contact page. You can also browse everything on shreethakuragri.in.