How to Change the Blades on a Riding Lawn Mower

PDF download Download Article
Step-by-step instructions to keep your riding mower blades running at their best
PDF download Download Article

Keeping the blades sharp and in good condition on a riding lawn mower will increase fuel efficiency, give better mowing results, and extend the life of this expensive piece of lawn maintenance equipment. Here are steps and tips on how to do this project yourself.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. Check the condition of your mower blades to see if they need changing. If the blades are not significantly worn but are dull, they may only require sharpening. If, on the other hand, the airfoil built into the back of the blade is worn away, or the blade is bent or otherwise damaged, you probably need to replace it. [1]
  2. Turn it off and lock the brakes or chock the wheels. Disconnect spark plug(s). [2]
    Advertisement
  3. [3]
  4. You need to make sure it is supported solidly, as riding lawn mowers are heavy, and you don't want to risk having it fall on you while you work on it. For greater safety, consider using a manufactured mower or tractor lift. [4]
  5. Get the correct size wrench to fit the mandrel nut (or bolt) on your mower. You may also need a cheater pipe or other means of keeping the blade from turning while you remove the nut.
  6. For blades that are tightly seated, you may have to pry the blade off or work it up and down to loosen it after the nut is removed.
  7. Choose new blades to suit your own preferences – there are a number of different blades for each type mower, including enhanced discharging blades, mulching blades, and heavy duty blades. [5]
  8. Since there are many different brands and manufacturers of riding lawn mowers, making sure the blades you purchase fit your mower is critical for a successful project.
  9. Be sure to install the blade right side up , as they may fit upside down. Generally, if the blade has an offset in it, the center will be in a higher position than the ends of the blade. Make sure the blade fits all the way onto the spline to prevent damaging it when the nut that secures it is tightened. [6]
  10. You may have torque specifications for this step for your individual mower.
  11. Check the belts, pulleys , tensioners, and other parts of the mower deck assembly while you have the mower parked for servicing.
    14. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do you know when your lawnmower needs a new blade?
    Grant Wallace
    Landscaper
    Grant Wallace is a Landscaper and Owner of Grantlanta Lawn in Atlanta, Georgia. With over seven years of experience, he specializes in lawn maintenance and landscape installation. In 2012, he earned his BA from the University of West Georgia. Grant has been profiled in Shoutout Atlanta, Canvas Rebel, and Voyage ATL.
    Grant Wallace
    Landscaper
    Expert Answer
    Unplug the spark plug from the lawn mower motor and gently run your finger along the blade. If it feels dull and rounded, it needs to be sharpened.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question
    How often should change blades on a mower?
    Grant Wallace
    Landscaper
    Grant Wallace is a Landscaper and Owner of Grantlanta Lawn in Atlanta, Georgia. With over seven years of experience, he specializes in lawn maintenance and landscape installation. In 2012, he earned his BA from the University of West Georgia. Grant has been profiled in Shoutout Atlanta, Canvas Rebel, and Voyage ATL.
    Grant Wallace
    Landscaper
    Expert Answer
    It depends on how often you use your mower—for instance, residential homeowners who only mow their grass a couple of times a month only need to sharpen their mower blades once or twice a year.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
  • Question
    If I have two blades and need to replace one but the other is fine, is it best practice to replace both?
    Community Answer
    It is. As long as you are changing one, change them both for a smooth cut.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 6
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Mower blades have sharp edges, and with worn out blades, almost any edge can be sharp, not just the cutting edge.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
      • Make sure blades are properly fitted on the mandrel so they do not slip or come loose.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • Block the mower up solidly so it will not fall while working underneath it.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • New blades
      • Wrenches
      • Block to support the mower

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Use a ZTR Lawn Mower
      How to
      Change a Lawn Mower Blade
      How to
      Start a Push Lawn Mower
      Preventing & Cleaning Grass Buildup on a Mower Deck: Best Tips & Tricks
      How to
      Start a John Deere Riding Mower
      How to
      Start a Riding Lawn Mower
      Sharpen Your Lawn Mower Blade for a Clean, Precise Cut
      How to
      Mulch Leaves with a Lawn Mower
      How to
      Repair a Mower Deck Spindle
      How to
      Clean a Lawn Mower Carburetor
      How to
      Dispose of a Lawn Mower
      How to
      Repair a Lawn Mower
      How to
      Remove a Lawn Mower Wheel
      How to
      Use a Riding Lawn Mower
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about changing the blades, check out our in-depth interview with Grant Wallace .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thedailygardener.com/remove-riding-lawn-mower-blade
      2. ↑ https://www.thedailygardener.com/remove-riding-lawn-mower-blade
      3. ↑ https://www.jackssmallengines.com/diy/how-to-replace-the-blades-on-a-husqvarna-riding-mower/
      4. ↑ https://www.partselect.com/Dryer+test-thermostat+repair.htm
      5. ↑ https://www.thedailygardener.com/remove-riding-lawn-mower-blade
      6. ↑ https://www.cubcadet.com/equipment/cubcadet/knowledge-center/repairs/how-to-change-the-blade-on-your-cub-cadet-rider

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 265,095 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement