How to Change Blades on a Finish Mower
If you use tractors, you already know that any repair or maintenance can be frustrating and dangerous. Changing the blades on a finish mower is no exception. You can do several things to ensure your safety and prevent aggravating delays in your mowing schedule.
Park tractor on level ground with the three-point hitch in its highest position. Disengage power takeoff, (PTO) and put tractor in neutral. Set the brake. Chock tractor wheels with large, flat-sided wood or stone wedges so that it cannot roll.
Place four jack stands under the edges of the mower deck while the three-point hitch is still in its highest position. Lower mower onto your jack stands. Leave as much room under the mower as possible so that you can crawl underneath it. Turn off the tractor ignition, and remove the key. This ensures that the tractor cannot be started accidentally while you work on the mower blades. According to finish mower retailer King Kutter, "Safety is a primary concern in the manufacture and design of our product. Unfortunately, our efforts to provide safe equipment can be wiped out by a single careless act of an operator or bystander."
- Park tractor on level ground with the three-point hitch in its highest position.
- Place four jack stands under the edges of the mower deck while the three-point hitch is still in its highest position.
Use a 2x4x12-inch block to jam the first blade against the left side of the mower frame when removing blades.
Use a 3/4-inch drive breaker bar with the correct size socket to remove the bolts, blade and washers. Place the bolts and washers back on the axle so they do not get lost while you remove the other blades.
Block the opposite end of the blade when you replace it. Remember the phrase, "Righty, tighty; lefty, loosey," when removing and replacing mower blades. Block the blade against the right side of the frame when replacing blades. Turn your sockets from left to right to remove bolts and from right to left to tighten them.
- Use a 2x4x12-inch block to jam the first blade against the left side of the mower frame when removing blades.
- Use a 3/4-inch drive breaker bar with the correct size socket to remove the bolts, blade and washers.
Replace blades using the block and the breaker bar in reverse. Tighten all nuts to the same torque as you would a lug nut on a car or truck.
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Tips
- Have a helper handy to call for help if you become trapped under the mower while replacing the blades.
Warnings
- Do not operate or repair machinery while under the influence of alcohol, prescription or over-the-counter medication. Do not work on any mower while it is running, the power takeoff is engaged or while the tractor is not on level ground with wheels blocked.
Writer Bio
Jane Smith has provided educational support, served people with multiple challenges, managed up to nine employees and 86 independent contractors at a time, rescued animals, designed and repaired household items and completed a three-year metalworking apprenticeship. Smith's book, "Giving Him the Blues," was published in 2008. Smith received a Bachelor of Science in education from Kent State University in 1995.
