Lawnmower Blades

[Big_Holla]

Looking at some of the JD pages I'm thinking I'm due for a new hydraulic drain, new filter and even a seal on the mid PTO shaft where the mower shaft attaches. I'm trying to figure out how long it's been which means it's been too long. A burned PTO clutch, plugged hydraulic system, etc. can cause some of what I am seeing I guess. I should say it isn't bad on how it cuts, just feels like the discharge used to be faster/harder and as I've said before about the engine increasing in speed.

 

["J"]

Looking at some of the JD pages I'm thinking I'm due for a new hydraulic drain, new filter and even a seal on the mid PTO shaft where the mower shaft attaches. I'm trying to figure out how long it's been which means it's been too long. A burned PTO clutch, plugged hydraulic system, etc. can cause some of what I am seeing I guess. I should say it isn't bad on how it cuts, just feels like the discharge used to be faster/harder and as I've said before about the engine increasing in speed.

Filters can be a little difficult too break loose at times, but basically remove filter(s) drain and fill. My SCAG uses 20-50w motor oil. 5 or 6 quarts for mine.

 

[hickslawns]

Electric PTO clutch to engage the blades? Often times there is an initial bog down on the engine and then it catches back up. I suppose if it is carbureted the governor may not be acting right?

 

[Clay Showalter]

I love this forum, where else can you get a great discussion on lawn mower blades.

 

["J"]

Chuck, the governor might need adjusting. Not a hard project. Doesn’t take a whole lot too get them out Of adjustment.

 

[Big_Holla]

Electric PTO clutch to engage the blades? Often times there is an initial bog down on the engine and then it catches back up. I suppose if it is carbureted the governor may not be acting right?

Chuck, the governor might need adjusting. Not a hard project. Doesn’t take a whole lot too get them out Of adjustment.

OK, sounds like something solid to check out. Time for some research!! Thanks guys!!

 

[bowhunter1023]

Got all cocky about this job thinking my impact wrench and a little air would make this job super easy. Then I realized my biggest sockets were a gnats ass too small, so I had to pipe wrench it. Only mashed my knuckles and mother fucked it once. Had the deck off, blades changed, and deck back on in 30 minutes. Rare occasion were I looked like I knew what I was doing. Did a little test mow and I'm pleased with the results. I'll get the other set sharpened for back up and life will be good.

 

["J"]

Got all cocky about this job thinking my impact wrench and a little air would make this job super easy. Then I realized my biggest sockets were a gnats ass too small, so I had to pipe wrench it. Only mashed my knuckles and mother fucked it once. Had the deck off, blades changed, and deck back on in 30 minutes. Rare occasion were I looked like I knew what I was doing. Did a little test mow and I'm pleased with the results. I'll get the other set sharpened for back up and life will be good.

View attachment 152470

Time too invest in a bigger set of impact sockets and a electric (battery) operated impact wrench….

 

[bowhunter1023]

I have an air impact with sockets up to 1 1/8" and 28mm, which has been enough to date. These nuts are 30mm, so a gnats ass is 2mm

 

[JARHEAD]

An 1/8th of an inch is alot if ya got a ball bat shoved up your ass!

 

["J"]

I have an air impact with sockets up to 1 1/8" and 28mm, which has been enough to date. These nuts are 30mm, so a gnats ass is 2mm

I think mine are 24mm. Takes longer too lift and jackstand the mower than changing the blades

 

[Hedgelj]

So how often are you all actually sharpening your blades? My dad would do it every few years or after my brother or I would hit a stump with the mower too many times. Do you actually go out and look at how the individual blades of grass look after you cut to determine (as kinda per my manual)?

 

[bowhunter1023]

I've always judged mine by the finished product, not the # of hours. Some guys recommend every 20-30 hours. When I start leaving long blades of uncut grass or the grass looks torn, not cut, I'll swap them out.

 

[Big_Holla]

I usually swap them out once a year with having two sets. Next summer I will buy another set and the worn will get sharpened some time during the winter.

 

[5Cent]

3 f'in nuts and you need air or electric

By the time ya gather your stuff, a breaker bar + socket and 20secs. and you're home free!

 

[5Cent]

Sharpen every 1-2 months or around the 50hr mark is my goal, unless I know I'm abusing them or hit rocks like normally happens.

 

["J"]

3 f'in nuts and you need air or electric

By the time ya gather your stuff, a breaker bar + socket and 20secs. and you're home free!

That’s what I used too do. Older and a little wiser now, use electric tools….

 

[hickslawns]

@Hedgelj Daily. Sometimes every other day.

@bowhunter1023 Electric or air impact works well. 30mm? Dang. Ours are 15/16 bolt head. Darn near every mower I've had in the last 25 years (not push mowers) have been this size. You got some big nuts.

@5Cent do you just grab the blade to keep them from spinning will loosening? I've done this on job sites with a bent blade, but the impact is so super easy.

 

["J"]

Daily. Sometimes every other day.

Electric or air impact works well. 30mm? Dang. Ours are 15/16 bolt head. Darn near every mower I've had in the last 25 years (not push mowers) have been this size. You got some big nuts.

Actually bolts, but they’re long…..

 

[hickslawns]

Actually bolts, but they’re long…..

I know. But how else can you make a big nut joke if you call them bolts?