How Do I Change the Blades on My Riding Mower. Replace riding mower blades
Lawn Mower Blades: The Ultimate Guide (Types, Measuring, and )
Purchasing replacement blades for your lawn mower is a relatively easy task if you know your lawn mower blade’s part number. If you have your lawn mower’s model and serial number, referencing that mower’s model and serial number parts diagram is another fool-proof way to purchase the correct blade.
But, what if you don’t have any of these part numbers to reference? How do you determine which blades will fit your mower?
By the time you are finished reading our Ultimate Guide to Lawn Mower Blades article, you should have all the info you need to purchase a blade that will work perfectly with your lawn mower.
How to measure lawn mower blades
We’ll get into the various types of lawn mower blades further into the article (skip to view types of lawn mower blades). First, we will walk you through measuring the blade on your lawn mower to determine which size blade you need.
Measure mower blades diagonally
The most common mistake we see when people are attempting to measure their lawn mower blade is measuring straight across the blade. This is going to give you an inaccurate measurement!
To properly measure a lawn mower blade, measure the blade diagonally.
Center hole diameter
The next measurement you will need is the diameter of the center hole of your lawn mower blade.
If your mower blade has 3 holes, make sure you are measuring the center hole!
To measure the diameter, measure straight across.
If your mower blade does not have a circle for the center hole, you will need to determine what the shape in referred to. on mower blades without circle-shaped holes in just a second.
If your mower blade has “outside holes”
If you notice 2 holes on either side of the center hole in your lawn mower blade, you will also need to take some measurements here.
Many push lawn mowers and some other types of mowers utilize these outer holes to ensure the blades do not hit each other while in use. Many commercial lawn mowers use 2 or 3 blades, not just 1 blade.
A perfect example of this is the Exmark Commercial 30. This is an oversized 30″ wide commercial push mower that utilizes the center holes to ensure each blade is mounted in the correct position.
Once again, you will want to measure the diameter of these holes.
You will also need to measure the distance between the center of these 2 outside holes. This measurement is referred to as center to center.
Lawn mower blade center hole types
Most lawn mower blades have circles as the center hole shape. If your blade does not, here is a quick reference of other possible mower blade center hole types.
Less common but not pictured center hole types include a square and a 7-point star center hole.
Measuring your mower blades width
The width of a lawn mower blade is usually not relevant to the fitment of the blade but we wanted to make sure you knew where to measure if this is applicable to your mower.
To accurately measure the width, make sure you are measuring straight across and measuring at the widest section of your blade.
Right-hand cut vs left-hand cut blades
Believe it or not, the cutting edge is not on the same side for all lawn mower blades.
Right-hand cut lawn mower blades are overwhelmingly the most common type.
Left-hand cut blades can be found on some mower’s manufactured by Kubota, Woods, Walker, and others.
Lawn Mower Blade Thickness
It is recommended to stick with the specs of the blade that came stock on your lawn mower. If for whatever reason you cannot determine the OEM blade part number, don’t stress about the thickness of the blade. It is not a huge deal, although using a blade that is too thick could lower the RPMs to a point where cut quality is lost.
As you might expect, blade thickness is measured by measuring the top of the blade to the bottom.
If you are bending a lot of blades, you may want to purchase a thicker lawn mower blade or just stop hitting rocks! Believe me, I’ve had 100 employees in my lawn care business over the years and completely understand if you are not sure if your employees are looking at what they are cutting as they are working!
Types of lawn mower blades
Now that you understand how to measure lawn mower blades properly and the various types of center holes you may find, let’s take a look at the different types of lawn mower blades and when you may want to consider each type.
We should mention you may see “standard blade” in the description of some lawn mower blades. This is basically the middle ground between high lift and low lift lawn mower blades. It is pretty suitable for any type of cutting.
High lift lawn mower blades
High lift lawn mower blades create a lot of lift due to the exaggerated fin on the non-cutting edge side of the blade.
When to use high lift lawn mower blades:
- When you are cutting tall grass ( Grass over 3″ tall )
- When you are cutting flimsy grass such as turf-type tall fescue
When not to use high lift lawn mower blades:
Low lift lawn mower blades
Low lift lawn mower blades c reate little lift due to the exaggerated fin on the non-cutting edge side of the blade.
When to use low lift lawn mower blades:
- When you are cutting short grass (Grass under 3″ tall)
- When you are cutting rigid grass such as Bermudagrass
- In sandy soil conditions (see flat blades too)
When not to use low lift lawn mower blades:
Gator blades
Gator blades are also referred to as 3-in-1. Gator blades are often used by professional mowing companies in the fall to shred leaves as they mow. S ome companies run gator blades all year long.
Gator blades also shred longer grass blades before being discharged from the mower’s deck. Gator blades do create some lift.
When to use gator blades:
When not to use gator blades:
Mulching blades
Mulching blades mulch the grass clippings to allow for returning the grass clippings to the soil as natural nutrients.
It is important to note, you can certainly discharge the clippings from the mower’s deck back into the lawn without mulching blades as long as you are cutting your grass on a frequent enough basis.
When to use mulching blades:
- When you are not discharging the clippings or bagging
- When you are following the 1/3 rule (only remove 1/3 or less of the grass blade each time you mow)
When not to use mulching blades:
Flat lawn mower blades
Flat lawn mower blades create zero lift due to the blade being completely flat.
When to use flat lawn mower blades:
When not to use flat lawn mower blades:
- Most of the time! Only use flat lawn mower blades when in extremely sandy soil conditions and cutting a rigid grass type
Self-sharpening lawn mower blades
To ensure this article covers all the bases, we wanted to include a new option when it comes to lawn mower blades.
Self-sharpening blades use patented technology to literally sharpen themselves as you mow. The early adopters seem to agree that these blades do in fact sharpen themselves.
Of course, these blades come with a hefty price tag as far as lawn mower blades are concerned. It will be for you to determine if they are worth the investment.
When to sharpen lawn mower blades
Factors such as how much use, what type of grass you are cutting, the length of grass you are cutting, soil conditions, and other factors will determine how often you will need to sharpen your lawn mower blades.
After finishing this article, check out our guide on sharpening lawn mower blades.
The best way to determine when you need to sharpen your lawn mower blades is by simply looking at the cut quality. This refers to the sharpness of the cut you are getting out of your blades. In the picture above you can clearly see the blades on the lawn mower that cut this grass need to be sharpened as they are tearing the grass instead of cutting it.
How to tell if a mower blade has been sharpened too many times
If you read the manuals, most lawn mower blade manufacturers recommend replacing the blades when there is 1/2″ left between the cutting edge and the fin, sail, or lift. The fin, sail, or lift is referring to the part of the blade that is angled up.
If you continue to mow with less than 1/2″ of material left, you are putting yourself and others in danger as there is a great possibility this blade could fail and send a piece of the blade flying from your mower. Please take this recommendation seriously!
Even if no one is hurt if this occurs, you very well could be on the hook for property damage costs.
When to replace lawn mower blades
At some point, lawn mower blades can no longer be sharpened and will need to be replaced.
You may need to replace your lawn mower blades because you have sharpened them too many times and have removed too much material from the blade.
Other reasons you may need to replace your lawn mower blades are much more obvious.
For example, if you bend your lawn mower blade, it should be replaced. Please do not attempt to bend it back to being straight once again. The integrity of the blade was lost as soon as it was bent.
Other reasons to replace your lawn mower blades include large chunks missing due to hitting an obstacle or hairline fractures. You should always inspect your lawn mower blades when sharpening or if you know you just hit an object you shouldn’t have!
OEM vs Universal Lawn Mower Blades
Something worth noting about lawn mower blades is that you do not have to stick with the OEM blades that came with your lawn mower!
Some stock blades simply do not provide a great cut quality. The 2 most important factors when purchasing aftermarket blades is that you purchase blades with the same length and center hole diameter. If your blade has the additional outer holes, you need to account for these specs as well.
Above is an example of a universal replacement blade that has an elongated hole instead of a circle. You will often see this on universal blades that account for outer holes because they want the blade to fit as many makes and models of mowers as possible.
Where to purchase lawn mower blades?
Great question. You are in the right place!
iGoPro Lawn Supply has over 900 lawn mower blades in stock.
We more than likely have the blade you need and have the best price you will find online.
Go ahead and shop lawn mower blades now. We recommend searching for the blade you need by part number, but by now you are fully prepared to measure your blades and purchase the perfect replacement blade.
Lawn Mower Blade Conclusion
To wrap this up, let’s just summarize the most important information we covered.
The 2 most important things to note when purchasing lawn mower blades is the length of the blade and the center hole diameter.
Make sure you purchase a blade with the appropriate outer holes as well if your mower requires them.
Use high lift blades if you are mowing cool-season grasses.
Use low lift blades if you are mowing warm-season grasses.
Try gator blades if you are mowing long grass or would like to shred leaves as you mow.
Mulching blades should only be used with a mulching lawn mower or a lawn mower with a mulching kit installed.
Ryan Sciamanna
Ryan is the owner and founder of Lawn Crack, LLC the parent company of iGoPro Lawn Supply. He has worked in almost every capacity within the lawn and landscape industry for small local companies, nationwide companies, and of course, owning his own lawn landscape business which he sold in 2018 before starting selling lawn and garden products online. Learn more about Ryan by subscribing to the LawnCrack YouTube Channel.
How Do I Change the Blades on My Riding Mower?
This video will show you how to replace the blades on this Troy-Bilt riding mower. Depending on your model, the instructions in this video may vary slightly. Always be sure to check your operator’s manual for detailed instructions.
Instructions
Step 1 Turn the mower off and make sure the engine is cool. Remove the ignition key and disconnect the spark plug ignition wire. Engage the parking break. Be sure the PTO lever is disengaged.
Step 2 Put the deck height lever in its highest position.
Step 3 Place a block of wood under the deck’s edge for support, then lower the deck to the wooden block.
Step 4 Remove the belt keeper from around the engine pulley by removing the self-tapping screw.
Step 5 Remove the belt from the engine pulley.
Step 6 Remove the bow-tie clip from the left rear side of the mower deck and carefully remove the hanger rod.
Step 7 Repeat steps on right side of mower deck.
Step 8 Remove the bow-tie clip to release the PTO cable from the bracket and release the tension spring from the idler arm.
Step 9 Remove the wooden block.
Step 10 Remove the bow-tie clip to release the PTO cable from the bracket, and release the tension spring from the idler arm.
Step 11 Slide the deck out from under the mower.
Step 12 Turn the deck over to expose the blades.
Step 13 Wearing gloves for protection, use the Arnold Blade Removal Tool to secure the blade.
Step 14 Remove the bolt that secures the blade to the spindle and remove the blade.
Step 15 Assemble the new blades on the engine spindle, then tighten the bolts to the proper torque as indicated in your operator’s manual.
Step 16 Remove the Arnold Blade Removal Tool.
Step 17 Reassemble by following the previous directions in reverse order.
Step 18 Slide the deck back under the mower.
Step 19 Attach the tension spring to the idler arm, and insert PTO cable into the bracket. Insert bow-tie clip.
Step 20 Slide the deck lift rod into the mounting bracket, and insert the bow tie clip into the stabilizer rod.
Step 21 Attach the hanger rod, then insert bow-tie clips on the left and right side of the mower.
Step 22 Route the belt onto the engine pulley.
Step 23 Attach the belt keeper around the engine pulley by inserting the self-tapping screws.
Step 24 Reconnect the spark plug ignition wire.
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How To Change Blades On Riding Mower? Tips Tricks
The blades to your lawnmower are components so that it will need to get replaced most usually, especially if you use it lots. There are handiest, so commonly you can sharpen mower blades until they’re no longer powerful at helping you keep a properly groomed garden. The good information is this unique element is quite reasonably priced to update. So, how do you need alternative lawn mower blades, and where do you discover them? It is a valid question that deserves a legitimate solution. Right here are a few examples of manufacturers, sizes, and mowing blades to help manual you while you need to find these alternative parts.
Replacement Lawn Mower Blades
Because there are such many makes and models in lawn mowing equipment, we can cover some brands and blades as examples for informational purposes.
Cub Cadet
The models made by using cub cadet encompass walk-at-the-back, self-propelled, zero-turn, using and mowers of all kinds for residential, industrial, and commercial use. The self-propelled mulching model cc 550 sp needs alternative blade component#942-0739, a mulching blade.
Toro
Toro produces garden and garden systems for business, residential and industrial use as well. The toro property owner’s models 20092 and 20066 are recycling mowers. Component#59535- 21″ is a recycler blade that could make paintings for those models.
Kubota
Kubota makes tractors, mowers, production devices, and application cars, which could deal with many specific varieties of jobs. The Kubota gr2010g and gr2110 residential mower models require blades substitute element# k5575-97530. This is a kit of 3 blades. As a side note: maximum Kubota garden tractors can do extra than mowing lawns. They have got many available attachments for year-round yard paintings.
Depending on the type of mowing system you own, substitute lawn mower blades can also or won’t should be genuine elements from the producer. You may review your owner’s guide or have a look at one online to decide if there’s a common replacement blade choice on your device if you want to keep a few more dollars.
The exceptional manner to locate the sort of alternative blade you need is to study online critiques and test the rankings on them to peer if this part will work with your garden mower. It’s pretty simple to locate alternative lawn mower blades by using studying them online. Don’t forget to have your mower model and/or blade component range equipped when researching replacement garden mower blades.
Riding mowers are a bit different than your regular lawnmower. With care and caution, you can change the blades on your riding mower without having to go to a professional. Doing so will increase your lawn mower’s efficiency and speed, as well as extend the overall life of your grass-cutting machine.
Steps to Change Riding Lawn Mower Blades
Before changing your lawnmower blades, are you sure that’s the issue? You may want to troubleshoot your lawnmower for other problems if you’re not sure.
Also, you may not need to replace the blades but sharpen them instead. If you check the blades and find they are simply a bit dull or worn, sharpening them can dramatically increase your lawn mower’s efficiency.
However, if your riding lawn mower’s blades are bent, cracked, or otherwise damaged beyond repair, it’s time to replace them. Here are some simple steps to get this done fast:
Please note: You may need to remove your mower deck before replacing the blades. This step is particular to your mower model, so check your owner’s manual before continuing.
What You Need to Change Blades on Riding Mowers
Check your owner’s manual first for instructions on changing blades and the tools needed. Your riding mower may have different parts.
- Correct size wrench (check owner’s manual)
- Cheater pipe wrench (optional)
- Lift or cement blocks to raise the riding mower
- Compatible, replacement riding mower blades
Step 1: Get Started on the Right Work Surface
You don’t want to do this in the middle of the yard. Instead, you should pick a garage or flat surface to work on your riding mower.
Next, turn off your mower, lock the brakes, and put stoppers on the wheels. It would help if you also disconnected the spark plugs. After the riding mower is completely cool, you can work on the blades.
Step 2: Access the Blades
The easiest way to access the blades is to raise the mower deck to the top setting. You can quickly get under the mower now and see the blades. You should have enough room to work with your tools.
You may want to use a tractor lift or cement blocks to ensure that the mower is safely secured above you. Otherwise, this massive piece of equipment could fall on you while you work. Check that it’s wholly immobile and stuck in place before working underneath.
Step 3: Remove the Mandrel Nut or Bolt
On the underside of your lawnmower, you should find the mandrel nut or bolt. You’ll need the right-sized wrench to remove this nut. It’s also recommended that you use a cheater pipe to prevent the blades from turning as you remove the nut.
You’ll turn the nut counterclockwise and gently remove it from the shaft. The blades can then be easily removed. Some blades may be sealed and need a little more elbow grease to remove.
Step 4: Replace the Blade
There are a variety of blades out there that could match your riding mower. You should check your owner’s manual to find your model and compatible blades or bring the blade with you to a hardware store to match the same type and size.
To install the new blade, position the blade right side up, and push onto the spline or blade shaft all the way. Tighten the mandrel nuts to secure the new blade.
Some mowers have different specifications for blades and torque, so pay special attention to your owner’s manual if it’s a unique fit. Before you can use the riding mower, make sure that you reconnect the spark plugs.
Tips for Riding Lawn Mower Blade Repairs
While replacing your blades is a good idea if they are cracked or bent, it may not be the issue preventing your mower from working correctly. Several other parts may appear to be lousy blades when it’s a problem with a drive belt.
- Depending on your mower model, you may need to remove the mower deck before replacing the blades.
- Check the deck belt for breaks, cracks, and other damage if blades still won’t work.
- The deck belt is typically located under the seat, but check your owner’s manual for the exact location.
- Ensure that the deck belt engine to see if any other belts have been damaged, if blades still will not turn
- Inspect the blade clutch, which stops the mower blades from spinning; it’s located under the engine and connected to the crankshaft.
- If blades still not running correctly, check that the safety switch is working correctly.
- A bad safety switch can stop the blades from turning; these are attached to the clutch or brake, or you may find it on the operator’s seat.
Conclusion
Still not sure if it was your mower’s blades or something else? We offer a few different guides, including a troubleshooting mower guide, to help with these issues. You can also send us your questions about riding mowers for specific help with your riding mower model.
Riding Mower Blades Won’t Engage! How to Fix?
A riding mower is a useful tool for keeping your lawn tidy with minimum effort. But, if the mower blade fails to engage, it may be quite frustrating and leave your lawn looking unkempt.
Safety switches, a worn or broken drive belt, a defective PTO switch, a damaged or loose blade, electrical difficulties, or an imperfectly balanced deck can all cause a riding mower blade not to engage.
In this article, some of the most common causes of Riding Mower Blades Won’t Engage will be touched on. There will also be some troubleshooting and repair advice.
Why Won’t the Riding Mower Blade Engage?
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When a riding mower blade fails to engage, it may be annoying and inconvenient to your lawn care routine.
One typical reason is malfunctioning safety switches, which prohibit the blade from activating if specific criteria are not satisfied.
Check the parking brake, rider position, and other safety controls to ensure they are operating properly.
Another potential problem is a broken or worn drive belt. This belt connects the engine to the blade, and if it gets loose or broken, it can prevent the blade from rotating.
Similarly, a malfunctioning PTO switch that activates the blade might be to blame.
Reasons Riding Mower Blades Won’t Engage (Easy Fixes Included)
Here are some of the symptoms of a riding mower blade won’t engage problem along with the solutions.
Safety Switch Stopping Blades
Many riding mowers are equipped with safety switches that prohibit the engine from starting or the blade from engaging.
This happens if specific criteria are not satisfied, such as the rider not being securely seated or the parking brake not being engaged.
If the seat safety switch is not working properly, the mower will not start, which means the belt will not engage. When you try to engage the blade, the parking brake safety switch may not activate.
The Fix
It is essential to inspect the belt tension on a regular basis to resolve the issue of a riding mower belt not engaging. Remember to examine the belt for damage and to confirm that it is properly channeled and placed.
Inspect the pulleys for damage and ensure that all safety switches are operational. Often lubricate any moving parts that might be producing friction on the belt.
Damaged or Bent Blades
Damaged or bent blades can cause an uneven load on the belt, causing it to slip or come off the pulleys. If the belt is not correctly engaged, this can activate the safety switch, which is meant to prevent the engine from starting or the blades from rotating.
Similarly, a loose blade might cause the belt to slip or fall off the pulleys, resulting in safety switch concerns.
The Fix
Examine the blades for evidence of damage or wear and the spindle assembly to confirm that it is not damaged and that it is correctly aligned. Check that the belt is correctly tensioned and not overly loose.
Ascertain that the belt is properly routed and fitted. If not, reroute the belt according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Examine the pulleys to ensure that they are not broken or worn.
Electrical Issue
The engagement of the belt in modern riding mowers is regulated by an electronic clutch that engages the belt when the mower deck is switched on. If there is an electrical issue with the clutch or the wiring that regulates it, the belt may not engage.
Some riding mowers also feature safety switches that are linked to the electrical system. If the safety switches have an electrical fault, it might prevent the belt from engaging and create safety switch troubles.
The Fix
Check that all electrical connections, including those controlling the electric clutch, are clean, tight, and corrosion-free.
Look for evidence of damage or wear in the wiring that controls the electronic clutch and safety switches. When needed, replace any broken or worn wire.
Inspect that the battery is completely charged and in excellent working order. Electrical difficulties caused by a weak or dead battery might prevent the belt from engaging.
Faulty PTO Switch
Some riding mowers feature safety switches linked to the PTO switch that prohibit the engine from starting or the blades from rotating if the PTO switch is not correctly engaged.
When there is a problem with the PTO switch or its related safety switches, the belt may not engage properly, resulting in safety switch problems.
The Fix
Examine the PTO switch for evidence of damage or wear. Check that everything is working properly and that the mower deck blades are engaging and disengaging accurately.
Verify that all safety switches related to the PTO switch are operational. Look for evidence of damage or wear in the cabling that links the PTO switch and safety switches to the mower’s electrical system.
Deck Leveling
Deck leveling is one of the signs of a riding mower belt that is not engaging correctly. If the deck is not level, the belt may slip or come off the pulleys, preventing appropriate engagement.
A skewed deck can be caused by several issues, such as worn or broken deck pieces, misaligned pulleys, or worn-out spindles. Also, if the mower collides with an item or is operated on uneven ground, the deck may become misaligned.
The Fix
Assess the deck for signs of damage or wear. Check the condition of all deck parts and repair any worn or broken pieces as needed.
Make sure that the pulleys and spindles are correctly aligned and in good working order. Inspect the deck height and make any required adjustments.
Check the deck’s level using a level. To verify that the deck is level, use shims or adjustment screws as needed.
How to Choose and Replace a Riding Mower Belt for Maximum Performance
There are various factors to consider while replacing your riding mower belt to guarantee peak performance. Here are some recommendations for selecting and changing a riding mower belt:
- Ascertain that you have the proper belt size and type for your particular make and model of riding mower.
- Damaged or broken pulleys might cause the belt to slide or prematurely wear out. Examine the pulleys for signs of wear or damage and replace them as needed.
- Clean the deck before installing the replacement belt to eliminate any debris that might cause harm to the belt. To ensure that the replacement belt is properly attached, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check that the belt is properly routed around all pulleys and that the tension is appropriately set. Check the tension after installing the replacement belt to ensure that it is properly set.
- Insufficient tension might cause the belt to slip, while excessive tension can cause excessive wear.
Maintaining a beautiful lawn can be a daunting task, especially if you lack the appropriate know-how and tools to handle the challenges that may crop up. Fortunately, LawnAsk is here to offer you an all-encompassing resource that covers everything you need to know about lawn care.
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