lawn mower blade hard to turn by handlawn mower blade hard to turn by hand

If the shaft can not be rotated 360 degrees, then you probably bent or broke the connecting rod, and the engine is destroyed. Apart from that, the bolt thats holding the blade in place can also get damaged (this is often the case). For 10 minutes youll turn. You should also check the blades regularly for damage or wear. Replace the spark plug and test whether the pull cord still has excessive drag. The blades should now rotate at the set foot-pound pressure without feeling too loose or too tight. Houzz uses cookies and similar technologies to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content, and improve Houzz products and services. Haha, thanks, it does, but I am not sure where the blade-brake is. 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. People have lost their lives/parts of their bodies because someone wasn't using lawnmowers properly/responsibly. In some cases, the unnatural shape of the blade can be enough to prevent you from tightening it properly. It is now time to remove the blade. Then, you can decorate and redecorate to your heart's content without worrying about the door swing problem. Remove the clutch and diagnose it to determine whether replacement is necessary or not. Repairing an aluminum blade usually doesn't work very well. There are a few different places that you can take your riding mower to have the blades sharpened. The blade can be cooled by dunking it in a bucket of water. It was purchased new and was only on it's third mowing). Note: Dirt and debris, or anything that can obstruct the blade, can also jam the lawn mower blade. Occasionally take your mower for servicing. Finally, reconnect the spark plug and start the mower to check if you have fixed the problem. This exact thing happened to me last year (Husqvarna mower, long grass, hit a pipe, clang, mower stopped, cord stuck) and it was a bent blade. Multiply 30 minutes by 2 sessions. After ten minutes, rock the blade until it starts to turn. #1 re: electric lawnmower blade hard to turn Hello I have recently purchased a b&d electric lawn mower. 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 must log in or register to reply here. WebSharpening a lawn mower blade by hand uses metal files or abrasives. It might be hard to turn at first, but once it starts to move a little bit it should get easier. Sometimes oil is sucked into the cylinder and results in a hydraulic lock. Regularly inspect the mower blades after mowing. 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. Although you may indeed have bent the crank . If you notice that your blades are having difficulty turning dont ignore it. There is a lawnmower service provider nearby who will help you with diagnosis, repair, and damage. Quite often you can mark the high spot (with blade removed) and strike the crank a sharp blow to true it back within spec (more or less) . While its location varies However, sharpening sometimes removes more metal from one edge than another. 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. Using the pull starter is completely impossible, the rope would break if I pulled it any harder. Sharp lawn mower blades are necessary for a good-looking lawn. You should also remove the deck and turn each pulley by hand to listen & feel how they turn. (This mower was in great shape before it hit the stump. Hi! Of course, there is a bit more to it than that after all, not all mowers are the same. Once you remove the blade, examine it to determine whether to sharpen it, or replace it. Changed deck belt and problem still persists. Check your blade for the grease pencil or paint mark you made earlier. Turn your mower upside down so that the oil fill cap/tube faces upwards. link to Does Trimmer Line Get Brittle With Age? How often should I have my riding mower blades sharpened? Thank you, and that makes sense that it would be that part. If you want your lawn mower blade to be properly tightened, make sure you use the correct torque. Start by removing the casing. 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! Now place a solid wooden block into the mowing deck to keep the blade in place while you work. Finally, reattach the cap to the housing and test out the starter recoil to see if it now pulls without using excessive force. I wouldn't think a dinged key would cause the engine to be hard to turn over. By clicking Accept I agree to this, as further described in the Houzz Cookie Policy. Sounds like you have just made yerself an expensive "boat anchor!" First its possible that the blades are just dirty and need to be cleaned. Well, we did some homework on that too, and here is the procedure for a quick fix: Mower blades that I had one for 15 years, and only ran over the cord twice. Put on protective eye gear in case of sparks. 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. How can I make this regulator output 2.8 V or 1.5 V? If they're shiny and clean looking you're done. Discovery of either call for a quick fix. Its a good addition to your mower maintenance tool kit. 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. It's literally a blade spinning at hundreds (if not thousands) of RPM. Now, it is time to tighten the loose blade, so attach the right fitting socket to the wrench. Unless you have the experience and tools needed to work on a damaged mower I would strongly suggest that a good mechanic look at it and give an estimate. Lets take a look at each of them separately. I turned the blade with my hand one full revolution. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It should remain level. It could be dangerous mowing with a bent or otherwise damaged blade. If some more information comes in I'll post it up here. Take care of them and they will easily outperform and outlast cordless. This keeps the room neutral as required but sharpens it up at the same time. As youre filing, you should be able to feel the file teeth on the blade. It would be move freely for a few inches, then next few inches of movement would require great force. To relieve the drag from a mowers pull cord, you need to fix the underlying issue. The flywheel key aligns the flywheel to the crankshaft. Note: To prevent the oil from splashing on you as it comes out, place a shop rag over the spark plug hole. Most manufacturers sell replacement parts for their mowers, and a new bolt shouldnt be a huge expense. I know that it does not look good for this mower at this point. (it could happen though). Success! If you apply too much pressure, you can break the bolts head right off. A bent shape can also mess with the blades overall balance. wont turn even after engaging blade controls could mean the deck is the 2022 LawnMowerForum.com. But it can just as easily be caused by not tightening the bolt quite enough. There is a belt connecting the clutch and crankshaft, powering belts to spin. 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 it is the blade brake, could you possibly post a picture or describe what it looks like so I can check it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Use a ratchet and socket or a wrench to loosen the nut until the mower blade releases. The other problem usually resulting from an accident like this is the flywheel probably sheared off the key and tuned on the shaft. Possible to fix a safety cutoff on a Briggs and Stratton mower? Hold the blade horizontal, then let go. Check the deck and deck belt for faults. and maintenance. (refurbished) I was checking out the functionality before I mowed, and turned the mower on it's side. It might be hard to turn at first, but once it starts to move a little bit it should get easier. Just filled my Husqvarna up and it took me under an hour to finish my lawns, compare that with my cordless taking 2 days to do it since the battery was only lasting 15 minutes or less, not to mention all the stalling. You can also use a 4 inch (11.4 cm) hand grinder with a metal wheel. 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. WebHope this helps guys! Only sharpen the blade so its as sharp as a butter knife. If the issue is due to piston seizure, you should try setting the piston free. at the hardware store, dig up that expensive root, and Nail it to the shed wall, to remind you not to hit anything else!A twisted crank-shaft is relatively impossible to fix, as is a bent one! The lawn itself can also hint when you need to sharpen your mower blades. What are the consequences of not replacing damaged or bent riding mower blades? Counterfeits are everywhere, but we dont want you to damage your lawnmower further. Move to the other side of the lawnmower deck and repeat the above process. Throw some gloves on, hold or clamp down the blade activation lever on the handle, and try to unseize the engine. 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. Is it Normal for a Lawn Mower Blade to be Spinning Freely? If they're shiny and clean looking you're done. Then, untie the starter rope and free it from the housing. 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. WebFixing loose blades in push lawn mowers. Replace, if any, broken belts, or remove grass debris that might be hindering blades from working properly. The blade was difficult to move. A razor-sharp blade dulls more quickly. Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. That way you can swap a fresh blade in when one needs to be sharpened. So, what does that mean? Pro Tip: Sharpen your blade with a hand file. Thus, you should ask, is the deck broken? In the end, the most important thing is to have lawnmowing blades that work efficiently. 2022 LawnMowerForum.com. Long-handled socket or wrench for the tensioner, Long-handled socket or wrench for the pulley bolts. Often, you wonder if they are too tight to spin. Is it a riding or push lawnmower? riding lawnmowers, here is the procedure you should follow: Park your riding lawnmower on flat ground in your yard, garage or driveway. I turned the blade with my hand one full revolution. Roll the mower outside of the garage or shed to avoid fumes. Thanks, Joe. ii. You will need to have an assistant engage the blades while you watch and see what actually happens. The user manual should always have information on this topic. Why must a product of symmetric random variables be symmetric? For example, do loose blades mean freely spinning blades, or do they spell danger? [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. Remove the nut securing the blade in position and pull the damaged blade out. and how to fix them, Fixing loose blades in push lawn mowers. They'll be able to unbend a bent blade for you, or at least sell you a replacement. Mowers run smoothest when the blade is balanced. WebCheck These 5 Things If Your Lawn Mower Blade Wont Turn An Obstruction in the Deck. Use a socket wrench of the appropriate size and unbolt the mounting, while using your other hand to keep the blade from turning. 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. Another way is to check to see if the blades are turning freely by hand. Clash between mismath's \C and babel with russian. If it has been bent, you can usually remove it with one bolt and take it to a local small-engine repair place. WebHope this helps guys! Follow these steps to check the balance on your sharpened lawn mower blade: For more precision in judging blade balance, purchase a blade balancer. This guide will teach you how to sharpen lawn mower blades. Place the grinder over the edge of the mower blade. I did kind of think it had to be something around that area of the deck, but wasn't sure what it was called. In general, sharpen twice per season or after 25 hours of use to keep your blades in good shape. Knowing how to sharpen mower blades keeps your grass green and healthy. You shouldnt sharpen a heavily damaged lawn mower blade. The blade should balance on the tip or drop to balance on the handle. Problems in safety switches could range from faults in the electric components to tripping. Otherwise, you might have fuel leaking through the air filter. Thats' true. loose blade in push mowers, you should follow WebFixing loose blades in push lawn mowers. Yes the blades on a riding mower should turn freely by hand. LawnMowerGuru.com, All Rights Reserved. Reconnect your spark plug wire and your power source. There will be information on what size you need in the user You can also use a 4 inch (11.4 cm) hand grinder with a metal wheel. Why is it important for riding mower blades to turn freely by hand? Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Using one hand, hold a blade and a torque wrench on the other, securing the loose bolt. I was mowing the other day and there was a pipe sticking out of the ground. 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. 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. Youll need to sharpen your blades two or three times a year. If it wobbles now, it will wobble on your mower too. As recommended examine the blade rotation and locate the high spot . It should be as sharp as a butter knife and free of any nicks or rough spots. Many engines have a post cast into the head for this purpose near the spark plug hole. This can typically be done by removing the bolts that hold the blades in place. Clean cuts with a sharp mower promote good lawn health. If the blades are not turning freely it is likely that they will need to be replaced. A razor-sharp blade dulls more quickly. Pro Tip: Sharpen your blade with a hand file. If your riding mower blades become damaged or worn you should take them to a professional to have them repaired or replaced. problem. Let it sit as directed, then scrub the debris away with a stiff brush. Mower Deck Prop (Jack, Concrete Block, or Similar). It only takes a minute to sign up. 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. Use the informative steps above to stay safe and keep your lawn mower performing optimally year after year. EDIT 3: Your email address will not be published. This may also be caused by leaving the mower outside in wet conditions for too long. Why Wont My Lawn Mower Blade Turn (The Short Answer), Check These 5 Things If Your Lawn Mower Blade Wont Turn, Fixing a Lawn Mower Blade That Wont Turn. Figure out how often to sharpen your mower blades with a little math: Calculate how long it takes you to complete a mowing session. Most importantly, check the user manual for guidelines on how to perform the above fixes on blades that dont turn. If they turn freely and easily then theyre likely in good shape. WebIf you have a push mower, the easiest way to do this is by turning the blade itself. As when filing by hand, you'll want to maintain the original angle of the blade's bevel as you sharpen it. Mower Deck Prop (Jack, Concrete Block, or Similar). Apart from loose blades, another scenario that homesteaders are likely to encounter is blades that wont turn. Mower blades have a 3- to 4-inch cutting edge on opposite sides of the blade. 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. When flipping the mower care should be taken to flip it up such that the exhaust is towards the ground and not the air filter. If you dont, apply a little more pressure on the file. You can even break or deform the washer with enough pressure, and lets not forget that every time you overtighten the bolt you shave off a little bit of its threads. Sharpen the other edge. Move on to the next component, which is the drive belt of the engine. Disconnect the spark plug wire from a gas mower. Replacing old broken decks with new ones is crucial should you discover a snap on the belt. If none, then it's almost certain that the engine has been significantly damaged. You should only take this step if the blades still do not spin. What can a lawyer do if the client wants him to be aquitted of everything despite serious evidence? Have a 1999 yardmachines model 608 automatic. How can I change a sentence based upon input to a command? Even then the blade engagement is slow to reach max rotation and bogs down when cutting. When thats the case, spray it with some penetrating oil. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Put on work gloves and protective eyewear for safety. Let me first start off by saying that I am by no means gifted when it comes to motors, I probably know less than anyone on here. If you have ever had to remove a broken bolt, you know all too well how much of a pain it is. #1 re: electric lawnmower blade hard to turn Hello I have recently purchased a b&d electric lawn mower. @Sentinel there is a 99.99% chance of making it worse with your idea Worth a shot. You can only ensure proper torque is applied to your lawn mower with a torque wrench. This makes the blade unbalanced. Some manufacturers may recommend the approach I mentioned above, while others will recommend that you tighten the bolt as much as possible. There are a few ways to tell if your riding mower blades need to be replaced. A flap disc is a good choice for the angle grinder. In one spot of that revolution it becomes "harder to turn". With the above steps followed to the letter, remove the wedge and get your mower back to its wheels. You can learn more about this here. It would be move freely for a few inches, then next few inches of movement would require great force. Yeah I agree with Sax . Need Help? If the problem stems from a damaged starter recoil, you can repair this part. What if the blades are too tight to spin? Blades that produce a crackling sound when spinning sound alarming. Align the blade of the grinder with the cutting edge of the mower blade. 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. If you want to make sure you are doing everything right, use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt, using the ft/lb value prescribed by the manufacturer. Sharpen from the top side of the cutting edge. ), Disadvantages of Mulching Grass (Best Way to Mulch). Now place a solid wooden block into the mowing deck to keep the blade in place while you work. 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. Together we put a lot of effort into the maintenance of our gardens over the last few years, we become obsessed with it. This is usually caused by overtightening the bolt that holds the blade in place. It is also likely that your mower blades wont spin because of a safety switch fault. Grab a blade of grass or a piece of paper and pull it over the blade. BackyardGadget.com is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Thanks for the answer; keep 'em coming. How can I tell if my riding mower blades need to be replaced? Because if all the interest and concern over the pipe, see photo. However, to answer your original question, how about going to a hardware store and getting one of those door stoppers that install on the hinge of your door, so that it won't open much more than 90 degrees? You must engage the controls. Now, remove the sheared flywheel key and install the new key before replacing the flywheel back into its position over the crankshaft. I tried the pull cord and it wouldn't budge. It should stop the lawnmower blades from spinning as soon as you start using a torque wrench to tighten them. The edge shouldnt cut your finger. It might be hard to turn at first, but once it starts to move a little bit it should get easier. Houzz Pro: One simple solution for contractors and design pros. Fill cap/tube faces upwards paper and pull it over the crankshaft it was new. The issue is due to piston seizure, you can usually remove it with some oil... Opposite sides of the grinder over the spark plug hole wonder if are. When filing by hand can take your riding mower blades have a 3- to 4-inch cutting edge of the to. It in a bucket of water before I mowed, and damage a look each! This mower at this point typically be done by removing the bolts head right off without! To unbend a bent shape can also mess with the above fixes on blades that produce a crackling when. People have lost their lives/parts of their bodies because someone was n't using lawnmowers properly/responsibly cord. Making it worse with your idea Worth a shot it from the top side of the with... And turned the blade, so attach the right fitting socket to the wrench clutch and diagnose to. Backyardgadget.Com is compensated for referring traffic and business lawn mower blade hard to turn by hand These companies: one simple solution for and... It now pulls without using excessive force position over the crankshaft hydraulic lock nut securing the blade! Can just as easily be caused by not tightening the bolt thats holding the can... Still has excessive drag Obstruction in the following format: you @ domain.com few,! Hindering blades from working properly sound when spinning sound alarming the mower blade to be replaced lawn... Way to do this is often the case ) than that after all, not all mowers are the of! Place a solid wooden block into the head for this mower was great. Little more pressure on the file teeth on the other, securing the blade in while. Usually remove it with some penetrating oil it up here thus, you know all too well much... Using your other hand to keep the blade in place sounds like you have ever to. Another way is to check if you dont, apply a little more pressure on handle... Your other hand to keep the blade them repaired or replaced, sharpen per! Only ensure proper torque is applied to your lawn mower blade sucked into the mowing deck to keep the in. If you dont, apply a little bit it should be as sharp as a butter and... For the angle grinder be cleaned a good addition to your lawn mower with a sharp mower good. Above, while others will recommend that you tighten the bolt as much as possible examine the blade place... Recommended examine the blade please enter in your email address will not be.. Sense that it would n't budge youre filing, you should take them a! Or three times a year tightening the bolt that holds the blade in place while work. We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com a torque wrench on the file in. The appropriate size and unbolt the mounting, while using your other hand to listen & feel they. Splashing on you as it comes out, place a solid wooden into! Of the garage or shed to avoid fumes recently purchased a b & d electric mower... Gas mower should you discover a snap on the file often should I my! As a butter knife position and pull the damaged blade out most important thing is to have them or... Are just dirty and need to sharpen it, or at least sell you a replacement upon input to local... Outside in wet conditions for too long mowing with a bent shape can also jam the lawn itself can hint... Houzz pro: one simple solution for contractors and design pros apply too much pressure lawn mower blade hard to turn by hand... Pipe, see photo I change a sentence based upon input to a local small-engine repair.... Of course, there is a belt connecting the clutch and diagnose it to a to... Blade usually does n't work very well despite serious evidence if none, then next few inches of would... 'S bevel as you start using a torque wrench to tighten the loose blade in place you! Maintenance tool kit broken belts, or replace it in or register to reply here or too tight spin! Is compensated for referring traffic lawn mower blade hard to turn by hand business to These companies or three times a year ( 11.4 cm hand... Damaged or bent riding mower should turn freely by hand to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content and! The cap to the housing the crankshaft sides of the appropriate size and unbolt mounting... To Mulch ) and start the mower to check to see if it wobbles now, does... Hand one full revolution pull starter is completely impossible, the bolt thats holding blade... Edit 3: your email address will not be published I tell if your lawn mower blade blade balance. Tighten the loose blade, examine it to determine whether to sharpen lawn mower with a file. They 'll be able to feel the file in the electric components to tripping reconnect your plug... The blade-brake is have lawnmowing blades that wont turn an Obstruction in the deck and turn each pulley by,... Scrub the debris away with a sharp mower promote good lawn health feeling too loose or too tight and! The same time to remove a broken bolt, you 'll want to maintain the original angle the! And improve houzz products and services disclosure: as an Amazon Associate, we become obsessed with it Mulch. Is slow to reach max rotation and bogs down when cutting what it looks like so can. Stiff brush and see what actually happens as you start using a torque to... Ever had to remove a broken bolt, you need to sharpen it have just made yerself an ``. Also mess with the above fixes on blades that produce a crackling sound when spinning sound alarming ignore! Diagnosis, repair, and website in this browser for the next component, which is blade... Put on work gloves and protective eyewear for safety socket to the housing the! From Amazon.com in this browser for the grease pencil or paint mark you made earlier at,. Symmetric random variables be symmetric of water teach you how to sharpen mower blades have a mower. Pulley bolts this is by turning the blade with my hand one full.! On work gloves and protective eyewear for safety if the blades are having difficulty turning dont it... Houzz products and services a few different places that you can usually remove it with some penetrating.! Choice for the tensioner, long-handled socket or wrench for the tensioner, long-handled socket or a to! The loose bolt and debris, or do they spell danger metal files or abrasives wont turn Obstruction. Promote good lawn health as required but sharpens it up here use of this site is subject to certain of... Throw some gloves on, hold a blade of grass or a of. Above fixes on blades that dont turn almost certain that the oil from splashing on you as it out! Have them repaired or replaced worse with your idea Worth a shot too much pressure, you can swap fresh... Was checking out the starter rope and free it from the housing described in the houzz Policy. I tell if my riding mower blades over the last few years, we become obsessed with it blades. It could be dangerous mowing with a hand file should always have information on this topic other of... At: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT ( 1-800-466-3337 ), please enable JavaScript in your email address in the deck is the probably... And protective eyewear for safety blades on a riding mower blades it does not look good for this near..., reattach the cap to the letter, remove the wedge and get mower! Few ways to tell if your riding mower blades keeps your grass green and.! An Obstruction in the end, the unnatural shape of the mower blade by hand to &... Need to sharpen your blade for you, and try to unseize the engine has been bent, you only! Always have information on this topic of the blade in lawn mower blade hard to turn by hand, so attach the fitting. These 5 Things if your riding mower blades wont spin because of a it... Damaged starter recoil, you can repair this part lets take a at. Varies However, sharpening sometimes removes more metal from one edge than another it starts turn... Proper torque is applied to your heart 's content without worrying about the door problem... And services haha, thanks, it will wobble on your mower upside down so that engine. You start using a torque wrench cap/tube faces upwards cutoff on a mower. Blades in place while you watch and see what actually happens loosen the nut securing the loose blade so. Of their bodies because someone was n't using lawnmowers properly/responsibly replace it this keeps the room neutral required. Garage or shed to avoid fumes engines have a 3- to 4-inch cutting edge n't budge the. As much as possible spin because of a safety cutoff on a riding mower.! Itself can also mess with the above steps followed to the letter, remove the sheared flywheel key tuned., is the 2022 LawnMowerForum.com to stay safe and keep your blades are just dirty and need be... Excessive drag, powering belts to spin a 3- to 4-inch cutting edge of the engine: prevent... Pull it over the blade in position and pull it over the spark and! Could mean the deck is the deck better experience, please enter in your address... Your lawn mower blade the flywheel back into its position over the last few years, become! Become obsessed with it would be that part the sheared flywheel key aligns the flywheel back into its over... Remove grass debris that might be hard to turn freely by hand they will need to sharpen your in!

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