Last but no least make sure you deck is still level and the mounts not bent or the deck itself bent. Since the crankshaft spins at a high RPM, hitting an obstacle may cause it to misalign. If any of the mower blades is bent or chipped, the drawcord will pull easily at first then become really hard to pull halfway through. Blades that do not spin means there is nothing you can do with your machine. Roll the mower outside of the garage or shed to avoid fumes. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. If its tough to grip the nut, get more leverage. Otherwise, you can simply use the correct size wrench. Thus, you should tighten them before it is too late to do anything. Although it worked for you, I do not recommend self-repairing a mower if you don't know how to verify it is working properly. This can damage the blade itself in some cases the blade can even break after hitting a hard object if its overly tight. Pro Tip: Sharpen your blade with a hand file. Just make sure you dont go overboard. As I was turning it by hand, I could The edge shouldnt cut your finger. If the blades are not turning freely it is likely that they will need to be replaced. Well, we did some homework on that too, and here is the procedure for a quick fix: Mower blades that Take the spark plug and air filter out. Its possible that the bolt or the washer doesnt fit these holes perfectly, and the blade moves away to one side or another. How can I prevent my riding mower blades from becoming damaged or worn? loose blade in push mowers, you should follow Its a cone-shaped tool that has a spindle for the blade. You are using an out of date browser. #1 re: electric lawnmower blade hard to turn Hello I have recently purchased a b&d electric lawn mower. Youll be going in the opposite direction than how the blades normally turn when you push the mower. For 10 minutes youll turn. Followed 1saxman's advice. Move to the other side of the lawnmower deck and repeat the above process. +1-213-221-0119, By using this website I agree with the Disclaimer, Loose mower blades-What it means 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. The blade should balance on the tip or drop to balance on the handle. Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. Turn the blade over. If you apply too much pressure, you can break the bolts head right off. Next, use a screwdriver to tension the new spring while keeping the pulley from spinning. If your blade is perfectly balanced, it should stop coming loose. It was well inside my property line and I assume it was once used to hold a flag or sign. Its best to keep an extra mower blade on hand. Note that it is the blade clutch that stops the spinning blades even if the engine is running. Sharpen the other edge. Often, you wonder if they are too tight to spin. @MonkeyZeus I made this account just to warn OP, lawnmowers are far more dangerous than people realise. In one spot of that revolution it becomes "harder to turn". It is also likely that your mower blades wont spin because of a safety switch fault. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. If they're shiny and clean looking you're done. EDIT 2: Step 2: Remove the Spark Plug. There are a few ways to tell if your riding mower blades need to be replaced. If this is the case you can simply clean them with a rag or brush.Its also possible that the blades are dull. It connects the flywheel to the crank shaft and it's designed to break with less force than it would take to cause permanent damage to the engine. The engine is still under warranty, but the closest authorized repair place is two hours from where I live. The battery lasted 2 years before we started having issues, I think we've gone through 3 or 4, I've lost count. You should also remove the deck and turn each pulley by hand to listen & feel how they turn. 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. If it is the blade brake, could you possibly post a picture or describe what it looks like so I can check it. However it is typically recommended to have your riding mower blades sharpened at least once a year. It's just not worth having it malfunction and take out a chunk of your body. JavaScript is disabled. Knowing how to sharpen mower blades keeps your grass green and healthy. Yes, we have barking dogs that are obnoxious, but eventually people put them up or do something about them, someone complains about them, whatever. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Hello Everyone,I was mowing my lawn with a gas powered push mower and it hit a small, hidden stump. Now the blades on the mower are very hard/stiff to turn by hand. Throw some gloves on, hold or clamp down the blade activation lever on the handle, and try to unseize the engine. The consequences of not replacing damaged or bent riding mower blades can include poor cutting performance uneven cuts and damage to the lawn mower deck. You can take it to a professional lawn mower repair shop or you can take it to a hardware store or home improvement store that offers blade sharpening services. How can I make this regulator output 2.8 V or 1.5 V? His mower is fecked anyway. Replace the Mower Blade. Remove the spark plug and tilt the mower to drain out the oil. This automatically gives the right sharpening angle. 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. 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. Avoid running your mower without any oil in the crankcase to avoid engine seizure. Before reinstalling the blade, wipe the area under the mower clean. Pro Tip: Sharpen your blade with a hand file. How can I tell if my riding mower blades need to be replaced? Decide if it is better to sharpen it or replace it. It would be move freely for a few inches, then next few inches of movement would require great force. Insert a blade sharpener into a standard drill. Now that youve learned how to sharpen lawn mower blades, its time to get mowing. Pay attention to the position of the blade as you're removing it. How to react to a students panic attack in an oral exam? Also see @LogicalBranch's comment on the question about what can happen after one "hammered it back and it was OK". Is there a proper earth ground point in this switch box? By clicking Accept I agree to this, as further described in the Houzz Cookie Policy. 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. Although the sharpening has to be quite uneven for this to happen, I feel like its worth mentioning. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. @Sentinel there is a 99.99% chance of making it worse with your idea Worth a shot. Remove the clutch and diagnose it to determine whether replacement is necessary or not. Check your blades. The measurement of how loose or tight a securing should be is foot-pounds pressure. The edge shouldnt cut your finger. 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. After four or five strokes, check the mower blade edge. Because if all the interest and concern over the pipe, see photo. WebFixing loose blades in push lawn mowers. Even out any rough spots. 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. Align the blade of the grinder with the cutting edge of the mower blade. How do you tighten loose blades in a lawnmower? To fix a lawn mower pull cord thats hard to pull, you have to find out the cause. Now place a solid wooden block into the mowing deck to keep the blade in place while you work. If you bang it really hard in precisely the opposite direction, you can bend the crankshaft back into shape. 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! Sharpening a blade by machine uses a blade sharpener, bench grinder or angle grinder. It might be hard to turn at first, but once it starts to move a little bit it should get easier. WebI turned the mower on its side and tried to move the blade by hand. In the end, the most important thing is to have lawnmowing blades that work efficiently. Sharpening a blade by machine uses a blade sharpener, bench grinder or angle grinder. Possible to fix a safety cutoff on a Briggs and Stratton mower? When it comes to tightening loose blades in 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. Use a vise to clamp the mower blade still. Note: Dirt and debris, or anything that can obstruct the blade, can also jam the lawn mower blade. This is a common question from people who are new to lawn mowers. 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. A professional mower service provider is able to identify and repair faulty components that may eventually lead to the draw cord becoming hard to pull. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Knowing how to sharpen lawn mower blades means using your blade sharpener at least once or twice during the mowing season. If not, add some more paste and do it again. Then see if you can turn the blade in a complete 360 degree rotation without interference. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? I turned the blade with my hand one full revolution. A screwdriver is an easy tool to use. In most cases riding mower blades cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced if they are not turning freely by hand. You HAVE to listen to that! Let it sit as directed, then scrub the debris away with a stiff brush. It would be move freely for a few inches, then next few inches of movement would require great force. If they're shiny and clean looking you're done. Avoid leaving your mower outside if rain has been forecasted. If the blades cant turn or are bent, it wont be easy to pull the starter rope. After ten minutes, rock the blade until it starts to turn. WebTo fix a lawn mower pull cord thats hard to pull, you have to find out the cause. You would better be safe than sorry. Stone can easily dent or nick the blades. The pipe was covered by the longish grass and I hit it with my mower, it made a loud clang, and stopped dead. Check the deck and deck belt for faults. In most cases it is not recommended to sharpen your own riding mower blades. Some of the reasons why your mower pull cord has lots of resistance include a debris-filled blade, loose/chipped blade, a sheared flywheel, and hydro-locking. Your blade will reach its 20-hour limit in 20 weeks. Hi! 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. The user manual should always have information on this topic. If this is the case, Id suggest buying a new mower blade bolt. WebTo fix a lawn mower pull cord thats hard to pull, you have to find out the cause. and how to fix them, Fixing loose blades in push lawn mowers. depending on the type of mower, lowering it should be the first step toward repair Sharpen a Lawn Mower Blade with a Drill-Powered Blade Sharpener: Sharpen a Lawn Mower Blade with an Angle Grinder: When the blade looks complete, check the sharpness. Then, untie the starter rope and free it from the housing. Some manufacturers may recommend the approach I mentioned above, while others will recommend that you tighten the bolt as much as possible. Many newer motors have an aluminum blade, and if the blade is damaged, you'll need to buy a whole new blade. Fortunately, its fixable. Put on protective eye gear and gloves. The mower immediately went dead. Thank you, and that makes sense that it would be that part. 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 How does a fan in a turbofan engine suck air in? Use your socket wrench to tighten the nut. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! 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. Your lawn mowers starter cord may also be hard to pull due to excess oil inside the piston cylinder. Once you remove the blade, examine it to determine whether to sharpen it, or replace it. Check for a sheared flywheel key. Thanks, Joe. 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 Following the above steps when fixing loose lawnmower blades should help you realize the desired outcome. Can a Self-Propelled Lawnmower Go Backward? How often should I have my riding mower blades sharpened? If the issue is due to piston seizure, you should try setting the piston free. The flywheel key aligns the flywheel to the crankshaft. 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. What are the consequences of not replacing damaged or bent riding mower blades? Apart from that, the bolt thats holding the blade in place can also get damaged (this is often the case). Use the informative steps above to stay safe and keep your lawn mower performing optimally year after year. It should cut easily. A bent shape can also mess with the blades overall balance. (not battery; with a cord). (it could happen though). It may not display this or other websites correctly. The blades should now rotate at the set foot-pound pressure without feeling too loose or too tight. 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. Youll learn how to tell if the blade is dull and how to fix it. The catch here is that loose blades are a disaster in waiting. Occasionally take your mower for servicing. Safety Tip: Always wear gloves, long sleeves and eye protection when working with grinders and blades. Brace the blade with a piece of scrap wood and clamp the blade still. Water can make the engine seize. It lowers your work rate and puts your machine at increased risk of breaking down. Due to the amount of warnings below, I'll take it to a repair place. The blade can be cooled by dunking it in a bucket of water. Your email address will not be published. However it is typically not very expensive to replace riding mower blades. They'll be able to unbend a bent blade for you, or at least sell you a replacement. Steven Danley, Christopher Egan, and Christopher Lyons, Worcester Polytechnic Institute: Engine Hydrostatic Lock Mitigation, Your email address will not be published. A blade sharpener has a round grinding stone with a beveled edge, a guide piece and 1/4-inch shank. That way, you can install the sharpened blade right-side up later. Possible fixes include: We dont recommend attempting to straighten bent mower blades by yourself. If you don't know how to fix it, please don't try to DIY it. If none, then it's almost certain that the engine has been significantly damaged. 3 Alternatively, use a belt sander. If this is the case, buying a new bolt should fix the problem. The customer said the blades shut off and wouldn't turn on again. In the end, the blades should rotate without vibrating. All trademarks appearing on this page are the property of their respective owners. Only when the lawnmower has a clutch, the blades may run freely. You caused the oil leak by tilting it up with the carburetor side down, which you should never do. 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. With a few tools and some practice, youll be sharpening a lawn mower blade with ease. [3] Be careful not to lose any washers or mounting hardware that hold the blade into place, which can be reused. It would cause symptoms similar to what you're describing. Required fields are marked *. Together we put a lot of effort into the maintenance of our gardens over the last few years, we become obsessed with it. I know that it does not look good for this mower at this point. Check to see that your mower starts smoothly. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. But landscaping? After it starts turning, rotate it for a while in its normal direction before replacing the spark plug and testing whether the pull cord issue has been solved. Pay attention to the position of the blade as you're removing it. You may already have some of the blade sharpening tools you need: Only sharpen the blade so its as sharp as a butter knife. (refurbished) I was checking out the functionality before I mowed, and turned the mower on it's side. WebSharpening a lawn mower blade by hand uses metal files or abrasives. Gloves and. When tightening loose blade in push mowers, you should follow the following steps: Step 1: Empty the gas tank: Start by emptying a gas tank using a hand siphon or run it dry if the content is less than a Use a socket wrench of the appropriate size and unbolt the mounting, while using your other hand to keep the blade from turning. 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. Otherwise, you can simply use the correct size wrench. There will be information on what size you need in the user Make sure you routed the belt back on correctly and that the idler pulleys are not bent or the any springs are missing. So, here comes the next question. You will need to have an assistant engage the blades while you watch and see what actually happens. The oil shot out of the spark plug hole and I replaced the oil soaked filter too. You will often find the lawn mower blade is hard to turn by hand because of an obstruction A Bent Blade. Pull the starter cord with the plug out to get a feel for the severity of the problem and to clear the oil from the combustion chamber. If not, add some more paste and do it again. 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. What should I do if my riding mower blades become damaged or worn?