Outdoor Power Equipement

Over the lifetime of your mower, you will find it necessary to check over the blades for damage and bluntness and will occasionally need to remove them for sharpening or even replacement. It can be difficult, however, to put the blades back onto the machine correctly – many people are known at attach them upside down, causing the mower to cut improperly. So, how can you tell whether the blades have been put on correctly or not?

If replacing the blades entirely, thoroughly scrutinize the new ones before attaching them to the underneath of the mower. Look for stamped or etched words on the face of the blade saying something like “Towards grass” or “This side down”. Most newer blades are made like this to avoid any confusion.

If you cannot find a stamping or etching, or you are putting the old blades back onto the mower after sharpening them, you will need another way to tell which is the right way. Scrutinize the blade until you locate the cutting edge and follow it until you come across the dull trailing edge – a bend in the blade that points toward the underneath of the mower.

Making sure that you are holding the blade in the way that it needs to be installed, slide it onto the shaft on the underneath of the mower. If it rocks, check that it is settled on the shaft properly, then secure it into place with a socket wrench. Put the mower back onto all four wheels and take a look at the angle of blade. You could even give it a trial run to see how it goes.