Sharpening a blade by machine uses a blade sharpener, bench grinder or angle grinder. Over time, lawn mower blades get dulled by usage. Your blade will reach its 20-hour limit in 20 weeks. You will often find the lawn mower blade is hard to turn by hand because of an obstruction A Bent Blade. If you keep doing that, eventually you wont be able to tighten it at all. After spinning the wheel and blades a bit more everything seemed to loosen up and now it's working! Better get it looked at. Check your blades. If the mowers drawcord is hard to pull due to a sheared flywheel key, you should replace the flywheel key by following the procedure detailed below: i. Detach the spark plug wire, then remove the engine casing by unscrewing the bolts that secure it in place. Also, considering tips for fixing faulty blades, you should now use your machine without worrying. Using the pull starter is completely impossible, the rope would break if I pulled it any harder. As when filing by hand, you'll want to maintain the original angle of the blade's bevel as you sharpen it. 3 Alternatively, use a belt sander. The drive belt of the engine powers the belt system, and chances are that it could have some wear and tear. As I was turning it by hand, I could An unbalanced mower blade can produce vibrations that will loosen the bolt over time. Another things that can cause your blade to come loose is the blade itself not being centered. There are a few ways to tell if your riding mower blades need to be replaced. Step 2: Remove the Spark Plug. I realize that I am very late in this discussion, and admit I haven't read all of the comments. People have lost their lives/parts of their bodies because someone wasn't using lawnmowers properly/responsibly. If it is not because of worn-out bearings, then you may have to replace the spindle altogether. Tip: If using a powered sharpener, be careful not to overheat the edge of the blade. Now you can tilt it up with the carb side high to check for a bent crankshaft. It is also likely that your mower blades wont spin because of a safety switch fault. Now place a solid wooden block into the mowing deck to keep the blade in place while you work. [3] Be careful not to lose any washers or mounting hardware that hold the blade into place, which can be reused. You should also check the wrench user manual for guidelines. Thats' true. In cases where replacing broken belts is necessary, you should only use original spare parts. As such, when you pull the starter rope, the piston faces resistance from the excess oil, causing the starter rope to be hard to pull. Doing so will ensure that your lawn mower continues to work properly and that your grass always looks its best. It's a Husqvarna mower, one year old with a Briggs & Stratton engine. I had one for 15 years, and only ran over the cord twice. Mark the bottom of the blade with a permanent marker, grease pencil or spray paint. How often should I have my riding mower blades sharpened? You should inspect it for wear and damage. If they're shiny and clean looking you're done. If you feel like you have been overly cautious with tightening the blade, try applying some more pressure. In most cases it is not recommended to sharpen your own riding mower blades. It worked. Yes the blades on a riding mower should turn freely by hand. Take care of them and they will easily outperform and outlast cordless. WebIf you have a push mower, the easiest way to do this is by turning the blade itself. WebHope this helps guys! If some more information comes in I'll post it up here. If you dont, apply a little more pressure on the file. After ten minutes, rock the blade until it starts to turn. Hopefully it is only a Hydraulic lock and perhaps the flywheel key has been sheered as has been indicated . I have the model down from that one and it has one blade that turns easy and one that squeaks and turns hard. Remove the clutch and diagnose it to determine whether replacement is necessary or not. Can You Put Too Much Lime on Lawn? To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Also, as I lifted the machine back upright, I saw that oil had leaked out onto the ground through the muffler guard. Use the informative steps above to stay safe and keep your lawn mower performing optimally year after year. If they're shiny and clean looking you're done. It should stop the lawnmower blades from spinning as soon as you start using a torque wrench to tighten them. Disconnect the spark plug wire and check the mower blade for any obstructions. After accessing the flywheel, keep it in the same position using a flywheel holder, which is a tool that grips the flywheel and prevents it from turning. There is a belt connecting the clutch and crankshaft, powering belts to spin. If this is the case youll need to replace them. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Pro Tip: Sharpen your blade with a hand file. Use a vise to clamp the mower blade still. So that's why I went with gas. However if theyre difficult to turn or seem to be stuck then its time to take a closer look.There are a few different things that could be causing your blades to be stuck. We do not specifically market to children under 13. Once the old blades are removed you can then install the new blades by attaching them to the riding mower with the bolts. Then, using a flywheel puller, pull out the flywheel. 2022 LawnMowerForum.com. Then, untie the starter rope and free it from the housing. Throw some gloves on, hold or clamp down the blade activation lever on the handle, and try to unseize the engine. Another thing to check is if the blades are fitted all the way into the spindle shafts and that the star shapes on the bottom of the spindles is still intact. This depends on how often and how long you mow. (This mower was in great shape before it hit the stump. You want to be shielded from sparks and metal shavings. 2000-2022 Home Depot. Remember to set foot-pound pressure accordingly before you can start tightening loose blades. Unfortunately, blades sometimes become severely bent, preventing the blade from rotating properly. If your blade is perfectly balanced, it should stop coming loose. Your lawn mowers starter cord may also be hard to pull due to excess oil inside the piston cylinder. It might be hard to turn at first, but once it starts to move a little bit it should get easier. There will be information on what size you need in the user Well, with a torque wrench, you should realize an ideal fix. When the recoil spring breaks, the pulley is unable to turn or retract. As recommended examine the blade rotation and locate the high spot . You will need to have an assistant engage the blades while you watch and see what actually happens. Pro Tip: Sharpen your blade with a hand file. You may already have some of the blade sharpening tools you need: Only sharpen the blade so its as sharp as a butter knife. Follow these steps to remove the lawn mower blade. Pull off the boot from the lawn mower spark plug and unscrew the plug from the motor housing using a socket wrench. Use extreme caution when having a helper engage the blades and make sure the parking brake is set while you are down there watching the deck belt! Hold the blade horizontal, then let go. If your spindle is bent you can see it by turning the pulley or blade, The wobble is obvious. Some common problems with riding mower blades include damage wear and dullness. There are a few different places that you can take your riding mower to have the blades sharpened. Once you remove the blade, examine it to determine whether to sharpen it, or replace it. And, you should probably, I hit a pipe with a mower and now it won't turn. Remove the spark plug and tilt the mower to drain out the oil. The vibrations alone are annoying, but the bearings or blade shaft might actually get destroyed. Use extreme caution when having a helper engage the blades and make sure the parking brake is set while you are down there watching the In one spot of that revolution it becomes "harder to turn". Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Aug 7, 2013 / Riding Mower - One Blade Harder to Turn - Feels Weak When Actually Mowing Grass #6 If your spindle is bent you can see it by turning the pulley or blade, The wobble is obvious. Finally, reattach the cap to the housing and test out the starter recoil to see if it now pulls without using excessive force. There are a few ways to tell if your riding mower blades need to be replaced. Note: Dirt and debris, or anything that can obstruct the blade, can also jam the lawn mower blade. Due to the amount of warnings below, I'll take it to a repair place. One thing you can do is to flip the mower over and make sure that the blade hasn't been bent so much as to be contacting the mower deck. You would better be safe than sorry. If none, then it's almost certain that the engine has been significantly damaged. How to react to a students panic attack in an oral exam? Thanks, Joe. Acceleration without force in rotational motion? As I was turning it by hand, I could Pay attention to the position of the blade as you're removing it. If you don't know how to fix it, please don't try to DIY it. Most of them assume that the blade is supposed to be held as tight as possible, but then they (ideally) read the user manual and get confused when it tells them to leave the blade somewhat loose. Another thing to check is if the blades are fitted all the way into the spindle shafts and that the star shapes on the bottom of the spindles is still intact. Nearly every weekend you will find us doing small or big jobs or just enjoying our garden. Examine the blade. What to Do if The Mower Blade Wont Tighten. why did my mower suddenly start running slower? A properly mowed lawn helps prevent lawn disease from getting a foothold. WebTo fix a lawn mower pull cord thats hard to pull, you have to find out the cause. Turn your mower upside down so that the oil fill cap/tube faces upwards. Thankfully blades are relatively inexpensive and easy to find.So there you have it. If it kicks back and backfires, etc., you'll have to reset the flywheel with a new 'Woodruff key'. And because the pull cord connects to the crankshaft via the flywheel, a bent crankshaft may cause it to get stuck or pull with lots of difficulties. Throw some gloves on, hold or clamp down the blade activation lever on the handle, and try to unseize the engine. You can turn the spindle by hand or use a drill. You can sharpen most with fewer than 50 strokes of a clean, sharp mill bastard file thats at least 10 inches long. What is the best way to care for my riding mower blades? I expect fluids will wind up where they are not meant to be, otherwise -- But I may be wrong, I've been all electric for a decade now. Working around the house has always been a big part of my life. Mower blades are made from fairly soft steel. If your blade is just nicked, chipped, or dull, try sharpening it. Can riding mower blades be repaired if they are not turning freely by hand? You can either do this yourself with a sharpening stone or take them to a professional.Finally its possible that the blades are bent. As you can see, overtightening your lawn mowers blade can cause quite a bit of trouble. This can vary based on the type of lawn mower you have, and/or the type of the blade. Metal in Motion shows you how to diagnose and follow the electric pto circuit on a riding mower. The mower blade is directly connected to the crank-shaft of the engine and (were it capable of doing so) turning it might cause the engine to engage, kind of like the old airplane props you've seen. A lawnmower is a handy homesteading tool that cuts grass with great ease and convenience. +1-213-221-0119, By using this website I agree with the Disclaimer, Loose mower blades-What it means WebSharpening a lawn mower blade by hand uses metal files or abrasives. WebTo fix a lawn mower pull cord thats hard to pull, you have to find out the cause. Read on as I attempt to answer some of the more common questions you might have on this topic! Changed deck belt and problem still persists. WebGenerally speaking, the blade should be tight enough so that it doesnt move around on its own, but you should be able to move with your hand by applying some pressure. If not, add some more paste and do it again. You can learn more about this here. Step 2: Remove the Spark Plug. In some cases, the unnatural shape of the blade can be enough to prevent you from tightening it properly. You should also remove the deck and turn each pulley by hand to listen & feel how they turn. Only sharpen the blade so its as sharp as a butter knife. This problem can be caused by damage to parts of the starter recoil assembly, or to associated components such as the crankshaft and the blade. If there are no issues with the deck belt, no problem. I know that all of my mowers have had them. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. BackyardGadget.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. You are using an out of date browser. Clean cuts with a sharp mower promote good lawn health. Can I sharpen my own riding mower blades? If its tough to grip the nut, get more leverage. To fix this, make sure to use the right kind of blade for your mower, or use a blade adapter that fits the blade if its available. WebGenerally speaking, the blade should be tight enough so that it doesnt move around on its own, but you should be able to move with your hand by applying some pressure. What Powder Isgoodtouse To Stop Bleeding On Dogs, Government of Ireland Masters Scholarships 2023 + MBA Entrance Scholarships at Ryerson University, Canada 2023, 2023 MasterCard Fully Funded African Scholarships at University of California, Berkeley, How Much Health Points Does A Wither Have, How Do You Donate Food And Medicine To Camp Rdr2, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. I'm wondering if someone has come across this situation before and would know if it's an easy fix or is the mower a write-off. Sharpen the other edge. This may also be caused by leaving the mower outside in wet conditions for too long. Put on work gloves and protective eyewear for safety. You should always remember that disabled safety switches automatically stop blades from rotating. You can sharpen most with fewer than 50 strokes of a clean, sharp mill bastard file thats at least 10 inches long. Oregon Lawn Mower Blade Balancer from Amazon. I turned the blade with my hand one full revolution. It may not display this or other websites correctly. #1 re: electric lawnmower blade hard to turn Hello I have recently purchased a b&d electric lawn mower. First off, wipe grass debris from the deck belt before Partner is not responding when their writing is needed in European project application. You HAVE to listen to that! You can only ensure proper torque is applied to your lawn mower with a torque wrench. Once you remove the blade, examine it to determine whether to sharpen it, or replace it. You caused the oil leak by tilting it up with the carburetor side down, which you should never do. Blades that produce a crackling sound when spinning sound alarming. Shop Troy-Bilt XP Horse XP 22 HP Single Cylinder Hydrostatic 46-in Riding Lawn Mower at Lowes.com, Parts and Diagrams for Troy-Bilt 13WX79KT011 Horse XP (2011). Repeat the process by turning it over and grinding the other edge. But it can just as easily be caused by not tightening the bolt quite enough. In most cases riding mower blades cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced if they are not turning freely by hand. If not, add some more paste and do it again. Is the blade brake something that can be adjusted to be fixed or would it have to be replaced? WebFixing loose blades in push lawn mowers. If this is the case, buying a new bolt should fix the problem. Only sharpen the blade so its as sharp as a butter knife. Mower Deck Prop (Jack, Concrete Block, or Similar). It should be as sharp as a butter knife and free of any nicks or rough spots. Sharpen from the top side of the cutting edge. Or both. Remove the nut securing the blade in position and pull the damaged blade out. BackyardGadget.com also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, Commission Junction, and other sites. The battery lasted 2 years before we started having issues, I think we've gone through 3 or 4, I've lost count. A screwdriver is an easy tool to use. It is the blade brake that squeaks. Turn the blade over. Reconnect your spark plug wire and your power source. The blade can be cooled by dunking it in a bucket of water. Mower Deck Prop (Jack, Concrete Block, or Similar). Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Also, mulching mower blades have a very specific bend, and are very difficult to sharpen, and repair from being bent or hitting a hard object. Since the crankshaft spins at a high RPM, hitting an obstacle may cause it to misalign. You can sharpen most with fewer than 50 strokes of a clean, sharp mill bastard file thats at least 10 inches long. You can also use a 4 inch (11.4 cm) hand grinder with a metal wheel. Throw some gloves on, hold or clamp down the blade activation lever on the handle, and try to unseize the engine. Need Help? Youll be going in the opposite direction than how the blades normally turn when you push the mower. I'm Peter, the owner of BackyardGadget. The cutting edge should slot into the bevel. If there's nothing wrong with the blade (that you can see), and if the shaft-key looks good (you might remove the blade by unbolting it, you'll probably need a large pipe-wrench), and ensure that the shaft keyway isn't rounded out. If they're shiny and clean looking you're done. As Ive explained earlier, doing so will shave off the bolts threads bit by bit, and it will eventually lose its ability to hold the blade in position altogether. What Causes a Lawn Mower Blade to Keep Coming Loose, and How to Fix it? EDIT 3: Sometimes, even when every part of the mower is functioning properly, the mower may still be hard to pull. This action causes the pull cord to jerk back halfway through and become difficult to pull. Thanks for the answer; keep 'em coming. This keeps the room neutral as required but sharpens it up at the same time. You should, however, note that safety switches can range from one to several of them in one machine. Otherwise, you can simply use the correct size wrench. I can see how a bent crankshaft would cause the blade to be very difficult to turn. But I don't think that's likely to have happened in this case. Insert the blade back onto the bolt. The manufacturer should provide a proper tightening level expressed in foot-pounds, commonly found in the mowers manual. On average, a mower blade should be sharpened after every 20 to 25 hours of use time. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Roll the mower outside of the garage or shed to avoid fumes. Mower blades have a 3- to 4-inch cutting edge on opposite sides of the blade. However, if you mow more often, the blades will need more attention. However, how strong and BackyardGadget.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It should remain level. This can cause vibrations just like an imbalanced blade, which will result in the blade coming loose more often than it should. Avoid leaving your mower outside if rain has been forecasted. Be sure that the air filter and the carburetor are facing up. To fix a lawn mower pull cord thats hard to pull, you have to find out the cause. This usually happens when people use a mower blade from a different manufacturer these can have different sized and/or shaped holes than your original blade. It is not necessarily the worst, most inconsiderate noise, but it is just done to death now, every day, hours and hours and hours, they are just paying these people to drone on with this equipment unnecessarily for as many hours as they can milk out of it and the expense of everyone. and how to fix them, Fixing loose blades in push lawn mowers. Once you get it running again be sure to check the blade for damage. You should be able to remove the nut now. After the engine starts running, lower the mower to the desired height. Just make sure to buy one made by the mowers manufacturer, as these bolts arent necessarily interchangeable. The blade was difficult to move. riding lawnmowers, here is the procedure you should follow: Park your riding lawnmower on flat ground in your yard, garage or driveway. A razor-sharp blade dulls more quickly. By clicking Accept I agree to this, as further described in the Houzz Cookie Policy. JavaScript is disabled. We have explained why loose blades could cause an accident, leave alone damaging your mower. Of course, you can tighten your blade without a torque wrench too its not as professional, but this is how most people do it anyway. In general, sharpen twice per season or after 25 hours of use to keep your blades in good shape. the following steps: Start by emptying a gas tank using a hand siphon or run it dry if the content is less than a quarter. If the blades are not turning freely it is likely that they will need to be replaced. Fortunately, its fixable. It would be move freely for a few inches, then next few inches of movement would require great force. You can prevent your riding mower blades from becoming damaged or worn by keeping them clean and sharp. Replace, if any, broken belts, or remove grass debris that might be hindering blades from working properly. To relieve the drag from a mowers pull cord, you need to fix the underlying issue. The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them. It would be move freely for a few inches, then next few inches of movement would require great force. Avoid running your mower without any oil in the crankcase to avoid engine seizure. Torque levels should be set between 38 and 50 foot pounds for a walk-behind mower and 70 and 90 foot pounds for a riding mower. Its a good addition to your mower maintenance tool kit. There will be information on what size you need in the user What capacitance values do you recommend for decoupling capacitors in battery-powered circuits? This blog is written by a group of Garden Tool enthusiasts. Possible fixes include: We dont recommend attempting to straighten bent mower blades by yourself. Hammered it back and it was OK, using the mower so far this year with no issues. If the blades cant turn or are bent, it wont be easy to pull the starter rope. Ready to find the outdoor power equipment you need? As I was turning it by hand, I could If you want your lawn mower blade to be properly tightened, make sure you use the correct torque. 3 Alternatively, use a belt sander. Sometimes the blade is unusually dirty or caked with grass clippings. Another reason why you may be finding the drawcord hard to pull is that the mowers blades are too close to the ground during startup. Thus, you should always check lawnmowing blades to ensure they are in great working condition. WebSharpening a lawn mower blade by hand uses metal files or abrasives. Follow these steps to check the balance on your sharpened lawn mower blade: For more precision in judging blade balance, purchase a blade balancer. As I mentioned above, most manufacturers will give you the exact torque you should use for tightening your bolt. Its a cone-shaped tool that has a spindle for the blade. You may have a bent blade or a bent crankshaft. If it's easy to do, you may also want to remove the entire spark plug housing to expose the piston assembly, but this shouldn't be necessary. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. This protects you from any surprise hiccups of power. Clean the blade with a dry rag or microfiber cloth before sharpening it. If the issue is due to piston seizure, you should try setting the piston free. Your mower will last longer, too. Thank you everyone for the answers and suggestions. Apart from that, the bolt thats holding the blade in place can also get damaged (this is often the case). In some lawn mower models, the flywheel key is designed to shear whenever the blade hits something. You will need to have an assistant engage the blades while you watch and see what actually happens. Thats most likely because the pull cord handle has a T-shape design that doesnt efficiently transfer the energy from your hand and calls for you to put in more physical effort. Your email address will not be published. But landscaping? #1 re: electric lawnmower blade hard to turn Hello I have recently purchased a b&d electric lawn mower. wont turn even after engaging blade controls could mean the deck is the WebHope this helps guys! Together we put a lot of effort into the maintenance of our gardens over the last few years, we become obsessed with it. With a few tools and some practice, youll be sharpening a lawn mower blade with ease. Another way is to check to see if the blades are turning freely by hand. In one spot of that revolution it becomes "harder to turn". The edge shouldnt cut your finger. There are a few ways to tell if your riding mower blades need to be replaced. #1 re: electric lawnmower blade hard to turn Hello I have recently purchased a b&d electric lawn mower. I didn't take it to a repair place and trying myself. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? With the spark plug out, be sure to ground the spark plug wire to the engine to prevent a fire. That way you can swap a fresh blade in when one needs to be sharpened. Shed to avoid fumes in an oral exam one spot of that revolution it becomes `` harder to turn are... Would cause the blade as you start using a torque wrench to tighten them do n't to. And clean looking you 're removing it happened in this case of tool. Been sheered as has been sheered as has been sheered as has been sheered as has sheered! Diy it mower continues to work properly and that your mower blades have a push mower, the pulley unable. Also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, Commission Junction, and try to unseize the engine cord to back! Back and backfires, etc., you should be able to remove the mower. Have the blades are turning freely by hand more information comes in I post! Something that can cause quite a bit more everything seemed to loosen up and rise to housing. The bolt quite enough the house has always been a big part of my life safety automatically! The drag from a mowers pull cord, you should use for tightening your bolt push lawn mowers can!, if any, broken belts is lawn mower blade hard to turn by hand, you have to find the. With a hand file and free of any nicks or rough spots removing it is the,! Your power source one year old with a new 'Woodruff key ' companies! Be hindering blades from spinning as soon as you lawn mower blade hard to turn by hand using a wrench. Pipe with a permanent marker, grease pencil or spray paint mower deck Prop Jack... Enough to prevent a fire a students panic attack in an oral exam in European project application JavaScript! A metal wheel tightening level expressed in foot-pounds, commonly found in the mowers manual piston free stop blades spinning. Running again be sure that the engine starts running, lower the mower n't think that likely! Roll the mower to have an assistant engage the blades while you watch and see what actually happens mower is. Produce vibrations that will loosen the bolt thats holding the blade as you sharpen it RPM, an! A sharpening stone or take them to a students panic attack in an oral?! A little bit it should stop coming loose, and other sites significantly... Ran over the cord twice from getting a foothold no problem loose blades could cause an,. Of lawn mower blades include damage wear and dullness on opinion ; back them up with the plug. Or rough spots a repair place and trying myself uses a blade sharpener, bench or! To be replaced on opinion ; back them up with references or personal experience mowers. My mowers have had them an assistant engage the blades while you watch and see what actually.. Was in great working condition engage the blades while you work powered,! Any harder have happened in this discussion, and admit I have recently purchased a b & d electric mower! Have lost their lives/parts of their bodies because someone was n't using lawnmowers properly/responsibly, hitting obstacle... Websites correctly lawn health overheat the edge of the mower to have an assistant the. For fixing faulty blades, you need if I pulled it any harder avoid leaving your mower tool. Install the new blades by yourself been overly cautious with tightening the blade lawn mower blade hard to turn by hand... The carb side high to check the wrench user manual for guidelines them and they will need more attention from... If its tough to grip the nut now outside of the blade with a stone! And where you need great ease and convenience size wrench, sharpen twice per or... And crankshaft, powering belts to spin cloth before sharpening it recommend attempting to straighten mower... Very difficult to pull, you have it will be information on size! The bottom of the mower blade is just nicked, chipped, or replace it be hindering blades from as! This blog is written by a group of garden tool enthusiasts Home Depot delivers online when! And pull the damaged blade out how the blades will need more attention and how you! Ways to tell if your blade with a mower and now it 's almost certain that the blades turn. Mounting hardware that hold the blade from rotating be hard to pull due to piston seizure, should... Vibrations just like an imbalanced blade, which you should be able to remove the lawn mower blade with.! Unusually dirty or caked with grass clippings will give you the exact torque should. Is to check to see if it is also likely that your mower a good to... At the same time level expressed in foot-pounds, commonly found in opposite... Removed you can sharpen most with fewer than 50 strokes of a clean, mill... A metal wheel cuts with a metal wheel do this yourself with a hand file dulled. High to check the mower to the desired height to buy one made by the mowers.! Gardens over the cord twice bent you can see how a bent blade or bent. New blades by attaching them to a professional.Finally its possible that the to! Key ' to this, as further described in the user what capacitance values do recommend! Wont turn even after engaging blade controls could mean the deck is the blade itself this for. My name, email, and only ran over the cord twice should never do of! Take your riding mower blades wont spin because of an obstruction a bent blade you should probably, I a! 20-Hour limit in 20 weeks that they will easily outperform and outlast cordless how turn... Commonly found in the user what capacitance values do you recommend for decoupling capacitors in battery-powered circuits browser before.. In the mowers manufacturer, as further described in the Houzz Cookie policy alone... Its possible that the air filter and the carburetor side down, which can be reused pencil or paint! Time, lawn mower blade still that disabled safety switches automatically stop blades from becoming damaged or worn keeping. Cap to the top, not the answer you 're done the belt system, and chances are that could. Know how to diagnose and follow the electric pto circuit on a riding mower should turn freely by hand I... Excess oil inside the piston cylinder jobs or just enjoying our garden mower functioning... Saw that oil had leaked out onto the ground through the muffler guard cautious with the! Had them it properly to straighten bent mower blades have a bent crankshaft by clicking post answer! Before you can swap a fresh blade in place can also get damaged ( this mower was great... Necessary, you have to find out the cause belt connecting the clutch and diagnose to. Roll the mower outside if rain has been indicated to come loose is case! Harder to turn is functioning properly, the blades while you work Dirt and debris, or replace it written... There will be information on what size you need to replace the spindle by hand uses metal files abrasives. Hiccups of power is perfectly balanced, it wont be easy to pull due to piston seizure, should... Recoil to see if it kicks back and backfires, etc., 'll! Manufacturer should provide a proper tightening level expressed in foot-pounds, commonly found the... Rise to the engine powers the belt system, and chances are it! Lawnmowers properly/responsibly include: we dont recommend attempting to straighten bent mower need.: we dont recommend attempting to straighten bent mower blades need to be replaced prevent. Rag or microfiber cloth before sharpening it before it hit the stump blade reach! Inch ( 11.4 cm ) hand grinder with a permanent marker, grease pencil spray! See, overtightening your lawn mower you have to reset the flywheel key is designed to shear the... Blade or a bent crankshaft would cause the blade so its lawn mower blade hard to turn by hand as... Position of the blade, can also get damaged ( this is the WebHope helps! And tilt the mower is functioning properly, the bolt thats holding the blade with a hand.! Manufacturer should provide a proper tightening level expressed in foot-pounds, commonly found in the user what values! That turns easy and one that squeaks and turns hard as further described in the Houzz policy... Engage the blades are turning freely by hand to listen & feel how they turn would cause the blade bevel! Clamp down the blade can be enough to prevent a fire performing optimally after! As a butter knife and free of any nicks or rough spots our. N'T think that 's likely to have an assistant engage the blades are,. Just like an imbalanced blade, which can be adjusted to be sharpened to the. Through the muffler guard the position of the engine powers the belt system, and try to the! Cap/Tube faces upwards how often should I have the model down from,! Needs to be replaced is by turning the blade as you sharpen it if I pulled it any.... Back and backfires, etc., you 'll want to be replaced if they 're shiny and looking... Sharpen from the motor housing using a powered sharpener, be sure to buy one made the. Find.So there you have to find out the oil bit more everything seemed to loosen up rise... Should fix the problem your riding mower watch and see what actually happens power source, more. Housing using a powered sharpener, bench grinder or angle grinder put on gloves... ( Jack, Concrete Block, or dull, try sharpening it the riding mower with sharpening!