How to Change a Riding Lawn Mower Blade
A riding lawnmower's blades are located underneath the mower deck. The deck is a big metal shell that stops debris such as rocks and twigs from being thrown by the spinning blades. It also directs the grass out of the discharge opening. However, there are times when you have to change the blade in order for the lawnmower to work effectively.
Supplies:
- Tape measure or ruler
- Thick gloves
- Torque wrench (if available)
- Eye protection
- Wrenches (or socket wrenches)
- Sturdy piece of wood (2-by-4 or larger)
- Put on some eye protection and take off the lawnmower's negative battery terminal to prevent accidental starting from occurring while working with the deck components. Look at the owner's manual to see how to remove the drive belt and mower deck. Turn the deck over on a non-marring surface.
- Put on some gloves and wedge a piece of wood between the blade and the deck shell. The wood prohibits the blade from turning during bolt removal.
- Grab the blade where it meets the wood with one hand and hold it firmly. Use your other hand, take off the bolt and use the manufacturer's-recommended wrench or socket. Take off the blade.
- Get rid of any rust with a wire brush.
- Be sure the cutting edge of the blade is face down. Install the bolts securely with the washers in place. Wedge the wood between the deck shell and the blade on the opposite side of the one used during removal. Torque the bolts with a torque wrench.
- Put the deck and drive belt back in.