First off, wipe grass debris from the deck belt before The other problem usually resulting from an accident like this is the flywheel probably sheared off the key and tuned on the shaft. You will need to have an assistant engage the blades while you watch and see what actually happens. +1-213-221-0119, By using this website I agree with the Disclaimer, Loose mower blades-What it means Remove the nut securing the blade in position and pull the damaged blade out. You are using an out of date browser. Only sharpen the blade so its as sharp as a butter knife. Dig out any mud and grass clippings that have caked under there too. Dont saw back and forth. Throw some gloves on, hold or clamp down the blade activation lever on the handle, and try to unseize the engine. Sharpening a blade by machine uses a blade sharpener, bench grinder or angle grinder. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Check your blades. Changed deck belt and problem still persists. More maintenance and cost of gas will add up but if you compare the price of a replacement battery (if available), gas makes a lot more sense. Turn the blade over. Then, using a flywheel puller, pull out the flywheel. EDIT 3.5: A razor-sharp blade dulls more quickly. Move the stone back and forth along the blade edge with medium pressure. Pay attention to the position of the blade as you're removing it. 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. Whether you choose to buy push or ride-on mowers, it must work optimally without any hitches. Sharpen the other edge. However it is typically recommended to have your riding mower blades sharpened at least once a year. Success! Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Turn it over to the other edge and repeat. Step 2: Remove the Spark Plug. Your email address will not be published. Take a few strokes off that end to remove some metal, then retest. Thanks, Joe. After the engine starts running, lower the mower to the desired height. You can also use a 4 inch (11.4 cm) hand grinder with a metal wheel. What to do if lawnmower blades wont rotate? Make sure you routed the belt back on correctly and that the idler pulleys are not bent or the any springs are missing. You should also avoid hitting rocks or other objects while mowing. JavaScript is disabled. The manufacturer should provide a proper tightening level expressed in foot-pounds, commonly found in the mowers manual. Cost less than $10. If your blade is perfectly balanced, it should stop coming loose. [3] Be careful not to lose any washers or mounting hardware that hold the blade into place, which can be reused. But what if blades in your John Deere mower wont spin? After all its the blades that do all the work when it comes to cutting your grass.So how do you know if your blades are in good condition? As when filing by hand, you'll want to maintain the original angle of the blade's bevel as you sharpen it. WebFixing loose blades in push lawn mowers. Decide if it is better to sharpen it or replace it. You must log in or register to reply here. Acceleration without force in rotational motion? Find the nut that holds the mower blade to the drive shaft. Repairing an aluminum blade usually doesn't work very well. Step 2: Remove the Spark Plug. There will be information on what size you need in the user 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. This is a common question from people who are new to lawn mowers. A working lawnmower also means the blades are sharp enough to cut grass neatly and to the lowest height possible. Sharpen from the top side of the cutting edge. If its not recovering well after mowing, thats a clue. 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. Working around the house has always been a big part of my life. 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 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. WebFixing loose blades in push lawn mowers. Roll the mower outside of the garage or shed to avoid fumes. If the spring is damaged, install a replacement part. Sharpening a blade by machine uses a blade sharpener, bench grinder or angle grinder. 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. The blade was difficult to move. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Thus, you should tighten them before it is too late to do anything. Better get it looked at. Another way is to check to see if the blades are turning freely by hand. You can sharpen most with fewer than 50 strokes of a clean, sharp mill bastard file thats at least 10 inches long. Some manufacturers may recommend the approach I mentioned above, while others will recommend that you tighten the bolt as much as possible. This sounds like the key. WebHope this helps guys! Has Microsoft lowered its Windows 11 eligibility criteria? Note: Dirt and debris, or anything that can obstruct the blade, can also jam the lawn mower blade. Mowers run smoothest when the blade is balanced. This is because some blades are more resistant to the force of a potential impact than others. Once you remove the blade, examine it to determine whether to sharpen it, or replace it. You can also use a 4 inch (11.4 cm) hand grinder with a metal wheel. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. When thats the case, spray it with some penetrating oil. ), Disadvantages of Mulching Grass (Best Way to Mulch). #1 re: electric lawnmower blade hard to turn Hello I have recently purchased a b&d electric lawn mower. It would cause symptoms similar to what you're describing. Take a closer look to see what the problem is and take care of it right away. Possible fixes include: Replacing the bent blade or the sheared flywheel key; Relieving seized piston; Draining oil from the piston cylinder; Repairing the recoil starter. Many newer motors have an aluminum blade, and if the blade is damaged, you'll need to buy a whole new blade. Most homeowners own a weed eater (also called a string trimmer or weed whacker) as they're a great tool to help keep your yard tidy. This blog is written by a group of Garden Tool enthusiasts. Thank you for stopping by! This depends on how often and how long you mow. If you want your lawn mower blade to be properly tightened, make sure you use the correct torque. The blade was difficult to move. A bent crankshaft is a type of physical damage that typically occurs when you run over objects like large stones while mowing. Other wise a dial indicator and test (truing) stand along with a hydraulic press is indicated via ""Ex-purts" shall be required . If you keep doing that, eventually you wont be able to tighten it at all. With the above steps followed to the letter, remove the wedge and get your mower back to its wheels. How much does it typically cost to replace riding mower blades? Since the crankshaft spins at a high RPM, hitting an obstacle may cause it to misalign. The wrench should click the set time. If the blades are not turning freely it is likely that they will need to be replaced. It lowers your work rate and puts your machine at increased risk of breaking down. Make sure the key does not remain in the ignition. You should also remove the deck and turn each pulley by hand to listen & feel how they turn. Haha, thanks, it does, but I am not sure where the blade-brake is. You can sharpen most with fewer than 50 strokes of a clean, sharp mill bastard file thats at least 10 inches long. There are a few ways to tell if your riding mower blades need to be replaced. ii. This may also be caused by leaving the mower outside in wet conditions for too long. Without Stand Cantilever Umbrellas, *natural wood honey tone Exterior Wood Coatings, Shop Spraying 120 psi Portable Air Compressors, Power Tool Rotary Tool Power Tool Combo Kits, Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. It depends on the type of lawnmower. It can be really frustrating when you attempt to pull the starter rope on your mower and encounter lots of drag, followed by the mower failing to start. Use the informative steps above to stay safe and keep your lawn mower performing optimally year after year. Clash between mismath's \C and babel with russian. Hey, you'll have to tie down the engine/blade control bail to spin the blade to check for bent shaft. Although you may indeed have bent the crank . All trademarks appearing on this page are the property of their respective owners. BackyardGadget.com also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, Commission Junction, and other sites. A screwdriver is an easy tool to use. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. After sharpening the lawn mower blade, reattach it. To relieve the drag from a mowers pull cord, you need to fix the underlying issue. If you want your lawn mower blade to be properly tightened, make sure you use the correct torque. In the end, the blades should rotate without vibrating. If this is the case, buying a new bolt should fix the problem. You are using an out of date browser. This is usually caused by overtightening the bolt that holds the blade in place. I've created this site to share my experience, and to help people choose the right tools for the job. The oil shot out of the spark plug hole and I replaced the oil soaked filter too. Is there a proper earth ground point in this switch box? Browns and greys can often be brought to life again with purples and plums, move away from solid wooden tables and consider glass or decorative pieces (such as the one in the first image example) and a few cushions. Spin the blade to see if the blade bolt head seems to describe a small circle rather than just turning in place. Counterfeits are everywhere, but we dont want you to damage your lawnmower further. If you dont, apply a little more pressure on the file. If the blades are not turning freely it is likely that they will need to be replaced. Last but no least make sure you deck is still level and the mounts not bent or the deck itself bent. Attach the hand crank and turn, turn, turn in a counter clockwise motion. But I don't think that's likely to have happened in this case. Sharp lawn mower blades are necessary for a good-looking lawn. (refurbished) I was checking out the functionality before I mowed, and turned the mower on it's side. Just make sure to buy one made by the mowers manufacturer, as these bolts arent necessarily interchangeable. Mower blades are made from fairly soft steel. While its location varies How can I make this regulator output 2.8 V or 1.5 V? Keeping a rotation going will make sure each blade lasts a little longer. WebFixing loose blades in push lawn mowers. In one spot of that revolution it becomes "harder to turn". Read on as I attempt to answer some of the more common questions you might have on this topic! Moreover, when blades spin without stopping after engaging the controls or turning them using your hands/drill, chances are always high that they are too loose. (it could happen though). Every now and then youll run into a lawn mower blade that just keeps coming loose no matter how many times you tighten it. For 10 minutes youll turn. Place the grinder over the edge of the mower blade. An unbalanced mower blade can produce vibrations that will loosen the bolt over time. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Youll be going in the opposite direction than how the blades normally turn when you push the mower. What if the blades are too tight to spin? WebI turned the mower on its side and tried to move the blade by hand. It could be dangerous mowing with a bent or otherwise damaged blade. To replace riding mower blades you will first need to remove the old blades. This is why its important to prevent this from happening in the first place. Grab a blade of grass or a piece of paper and pull it over the blade. Unfortunately, you cant really fix a damaged bolt. 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. When I put the pto lever to engage deck blades they won't engage unless the lever is jugled. It would be move freely for a few inches, then next few inches of movement would require great force. Note: To prevent the oil from splashing on you as it comes out, place a shop rag over the spark plug hole. Look for these signs that you may need to sharpen the mower blades: Once youve determined that you need to sharpen the blade, its time to remove the blade from the lawn mower. How to react to a students panic attack in an oral exam? Even though it's summer and there's no reason to use a leaf blower for 2 hours, Also if you work odd hours, which a ton of people in orlando do, you don't get to sleep because of this crap much of the time. (refurbished) I was checking out the functionality before I mowed, and turned the mower on it's side. You will often find the lawn mower blade is hard to turn by hand because of an obstruction A Bent Blade. 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. I wouldn't think a dinged key would cause the engine to be hard to turn over. Anybody else come here just to see whether it was the pipe or the mower that wouldn't turn? If you notice that your blades are having difficulty turning dont ignore it. The blade was difficult to move. Following the above steps when fixing loose lawnmower blades should help you realize the desired outcome. Another way is to check to see if the blades are turning freely by hand. Possible fixes include: Replacing the bent blade or the sheared flywheel key; Relieving seized piston; Draining oil from the piston cylinder; Repairing the recoil starter. These are hard-gripping questions that bother many homesteaders. One way is to check the blades to see if they are damaged or bent. If its too hot to touch, its too hot. I bought my current home 12 years ago, we didn't like the idea of storing gas containers in the garage, so we went with Cordless, better for the environment, etc. This is not normal at all, and can be caused by a number of things. 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Check the deck and deck belt for faults. Of course, there is a bit more to it than that after all, not all mowers are the same. This site 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. This guide will teach you how to sharpen lawn mower blades. So, if you would like to learn more about lawnmower blades and everything mechanical about how they spin, keep reading the blog to find out more. What should I do if my riding mower blades become damaged or worn? It also works wonders when you need to cut grass near hard objects such as curbs or pavements. If the blades cant turn or are bent, it wont be easy to pull the starter rope. Just make sure you dont go overboard. Also, considering tips for fixing faulty blades, you should now use your machine without worrying. Regularly inspect the mower blades after mowing. Remove the spark plug and tilt the mower to drain out the oil. Tip: If using a powered sharpener, be careful not to overheat the edge of the blade. Tighten it until you hear a click. Replace the Mower Blade. 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. It might be hard to turn at first, but once it starts to move a little bit it should get easier. Just make sure to get a socket that is the right size for your bolt if you decide to buy one! I'm Peter, the owner of BackyardGadget. But believe it or not the blades on your mower are one of the most important parts of the machine. as in example? Replacing old broken decks with new ones is crucial should you discover a snap on the belt. I turned the blade with my hand one full revolution. For 10 minutes youll turn. 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. (Here is some art I also thought would work: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/173586403/ ) Looking forward to seeing where you go from here :) Good Luck. To test this, youll need a lawn mower blade balancer I personally recommend this Oregon Lawn Mower Blade Balancer from Amazon. Possible to fix a safety cutoff on a Briggs and Stratton mower? Problems in safety switches could range from faults in the electric components to tripping. If it's a pleated-paper filter, you'll need to get a new one if the mower can be used again. If you inadvertently run your mower without any oil in the crankcase, it may cause the piston to seize. The mower immediately went dead. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. You can locate them on the clutch, operators seat, and clutch or the transmission. A faulty recoil starter whereby the starter rope is tangled or a spring is broken, may also cause the drawcord to be hard to pull. 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. If your blade has cracks, is missing large pieces, or is severely bent, replace it. Blades that produce a crackling sound when spinning sound alarming. If it is not because of worn-out bearings, then you may have to replace the spindle altogether. (Best Time to Aerate ), Spike VS Plug Aerator (Which is Best for You? Before you start fixing loose mowing blades, take note of the type of mower you have. Check your blades. It only takes a minute to sign up. I'm thinking the drive shaft may have disconnected with the engine, but I don't really know a lot about small engines. [How to Use It], How to Revive St. Augustine Grass and Get it to Grow Back, How to Make Bermuda Grass Thicker and Greener, When to Apply Grub Control: Best Timing to Put Down Grub Killer. Put on work gloves and protective eyewear for safety. Thats' true. Move on to the next component, which is the drive belt of the engine. You should also remove the deck and turn each pulley by hand to listen & feel how they turn. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. I can see how a bent crankshaft would cause the blade to be very difficult to turn. If this is the case you can simply clean them with a rag or brush.Its also possible that the blades are dull.