Aligning Riding LawnMower Blades
 

Is there a special way that multiple mower blades should be re-
installed after changing? I was talking to a neighbor the other day
about my grass cutting woes and he said that there were instructions
on the 'net but I cant find them. I get a hump in the middle of my cut
unless I cut my grass really short. He was thinking it might be a mis-
alignment issue.

thanks

Aligning Riding LawnMower Blades
 

depictureboy wrote:
Is there a special way that multiple mower blades should be re-
installed after changing? ...
I get a hump in the middle of my cut
unless I cut my grass really short. He was thinking it might be a mis-
alignment issue.

Well, they're obviously not level or it wouldn't do that... :)

Start by parking it on a level spot like the driveway slab and measure
the bottom of the deck to ground on each side -- it should be the same,
obviously. If it's not, figure out the mechanism for adjusting or look
for what is broken/bent and fix that. The ordinary design adjustments
should be in the owner's manual. Oh, don't for get to make sure tire
inflation is correct and the same for all four tires first and that the
sizes match and there's not a bearing or axle problem...

Once the deck is level, measure each blade tip to the ground at the four
compass points (can start w/ 2 and refine). They should also be level.

Possibilities are the mounting flange has dirt/obstruction so blade
doesn't meet the flange flat, one or both blades are bent, the shaft is
bent or misaligned, bearings, etc., ...

Again, owner's manual should explain how to adjust normal adjustments --
after that it's look for stuff that isn't correct--broken, worn, bent,
etc., ...

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Aligning Riding LawnMower Blades
 

On Thu, 27 Mar 2008 06:27:43 -0700 (PDT), depictureboy
wrote:

Is there a special way that multiple mower blades should be re-
installed after changing? I was talking to a neighbor the other day
about my grass cutting woes and he said that there were instructions
on the 'net but I cant find them. I get a hump in the middle of my cut
unless I cut my grass really short. He was thinking it might be a mis-
alignment issue.



I don't think so. The blades are likely dull, especially the tips.

Aligning Riding LawnMower Blades
 

S. Barker wrote:
Only one problem with this whole line of technique. The bottom edge of the
deck shell itself has NOTHING to do with it. ...

If the deck is way out of whack, that indicates the whole carriage isn't
level -- the rim is folded evenly so that makes an easy place to
measure--if you're anal, measure from the top of the deck.

--

Aligning Riding LawnMower Blades
 

dpb wrote:
S. Barker wrote:
Only one problem with this whole line of technique. The bottom edge
of the deck shell itself has NOTHING to do with it. ...

If the deck is way out of whack, that indicates the whole carriage isn't
level -- the rim is folded evenly so that makes an easy place to
measure--if you're anal, measure from the top of the deck.

And, of course, the simplest way to quickly check that a blade tip or
shaft isn't bent or similar is to rotate the blade tips past a given
point and check the clearance to the deck lip at that point--if each end
isn't the same height, there's something wrong to fix.

--

Aligning Riding LawnMower Blades
 

dpb wrote:
S. Barker wrote:
Only one problem with this whole line of technique. The bottom edge
of the deck shell itself has NOTHING to do with it. ...

If the deck is way out of whack, that indicates the whole carriage isn't
level -- the rim is folded evenly so that makes an easy place to
measure--if you're anal, measure from the top of the deck.

--
Not so at all. Many manufacturers make the bottom of the deck different
height above the ground at the sides than at the front for quality of
cut issues, while the back is usually lower to prevent dangerous
"discharges". Also, the top of the deck is always higher on the
discharge side than on the opposite side. On some manufacturers, the
left discharge requires more clearance for the clippings, while most
manufacturers require more clearance on their right side discharge. A
very few manufacturers offer a rear discharge, which MIGHT be
equidistant across the sides to the ground.

The only way to adjust a mower for level properly is to consult the
owner's manual or manufacturer's service manual for the correct place to
measure and to adjust. Most will say measure the tips of the blades in
multiple positions.

Aligning Riding LawnMower Blades
 

Husky wrote:
dpb wrote:
S. Barker wrote:
Only one problem with this whole line of technique. The bottom edge
of the deck shell itself has NOTHING to do with it. ...

If the deck is way out of whack, that indicates the whole carriage
isn't level -- the rim is folded evenly so that makes an easy place to
measure--if you're anal, measure from the top of the deck.

--
Not so at all. ...

If you say so. Never seen it on one I've had. Go for what works for you.

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