On Wed, 23 Mar 2016 16:54:33 -0700 (PDT), Chiefjim
wrote:

I bought the machine new two years ago. Overall I'd say it performs fair with the exception of bagging. Here in South Texas the Live Oaks produce prodigious amounts of tiny leaves. Leaves that for some reason this mower has a difficult time lifting away from the lawn.

Searching online for replacement blades suggests they may be proprietary. That guess based on not finding cross reference lists.

A former Craftsman riding mower did exceptionally well with Gator blades. Would like to find something like that again.

If worse comes to worse any recommendations on a gas powered self propelled mower that does really well sucking up clippings and leaves?

See if you can get a mulching blade. Also make sure you didn't
install the blade upside down after you sharpened it.