Taking care of your zero-turn mower is important for keeping your lawn healthy and looking good. One of the key parts of mower care is making sure the blades are sharp and in good shape.
Over time, the blades can get dull or damaged, causing uneven cuts and increasing the risk of lawn problems. Changing the blades on your mower improves its performance and helps keep your lawn lush and vibrant.
In this article, we’ll show you How to Change Blades on a Zero Turn Mower step by step. We’ll go over everything you need, including the tools required, safety tips, and detailed instructions.
How often should you change your mower blades?
While it depends on how often you use your mower and the type of grass you’re cutting, a general rule of thumb is:
Regular Use: For a typical homeowner mowing once a week, blades should be sharpened every 20-25 hours of mowing.
Heavy Use: For commercial or more frequent use, blades might need sharpening after every 10-15 hours of mowing.
Visual Inspection: Always inspect blades after each mowing session for nicks, dents, or wear and replace as needed.
Blade Maintenance Checklist
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sharpening | Every 20-25 hours | More frequently for heavy use |
| Cleaning | After each use | Remove all grass and debris |
| Balancing | After each sharpening | Use a blade balancer |
| Inspecting for Damage | Every 5 uses | Look for nicks, cracks, and bends |
| Storing Properly | During off-season | Keep in a dry place and cover blades |
Safety Precautions
Protective Gear
Gloves: Wear durable gloves to protect your hands from sharp blades and tools.
Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from debris and potential sparks if using an impact wrench.
Sturdy Footwear: Wear closed-toe shoes or boots to protect your feet from falling tools or mower parts.
Common Safety Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Spark Plug Disconnect: Never skip this step. Accidental starts can lead to severe injuries.
Working in Poor Lighting: Ensure you have adequate lighting to see clearly and avoid mistakes.
Ignoring Protective Gear: Always wear gloves and safety glasses, even for short tasks.
Tools and Materials Needed
Basic Tools
Wrench: A wrench is essential for loosening and tightening the blade bolts. Ensure it fits the size of your mower’s bolts.
18-Millimeter Socket: This size socket is commonly used for zero turn mower blade bolts. Double-check your mower’s specifications.
Block of Wood: Use a sturdy block of wood to stop the blade from rotating while you work.
Impact Wrench (Optional): An impact wrench can make the job easier and faster, especially if the bolts are particularly tight.
Replacement Blades
Correct Size: Ensure you have the correct size blades for your specific mower model. Refer to your mower’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for the exact specifications.
Quality Blades: Invest in high-quality blades for better performance and longevity. Look for blades made from durable materials like high-carbon steel.
Cost and Availability
| Item | Estimated Cost | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Wrench | $10-$30 | Hardware stores, online retailers |
| 18-Millimeter Socket | $5-$15 | Hardware stores, online retailers |
| Block of Wood | $0 (scrap wood) | Home, lumber yards |
| Impact Wrench | $100-$300 | Hardware stores, online retailers |
| Replacement Blades | $20-$50 each | Mower dealerships, online retailers |
| Socket Wrench Set | $20-$50 | Hardware stores, online retailers |
| Penetrating Oil | $5-$10 | Hardware stores, online retailers |
| Clean Cloth | $0-$5 | Home, general stores |
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Blades
Now that you’re prepared with the necessary tools and safety precautions, let’s start the step-by-step process of changing the blades on your zero turn mower.
Prepare the Mower
Turn Off and Cool Down: Ensure the mower is turned off and the engine has cooled down to avoid burns.
Disconnect the Spark Plug: Prevent accidental starts by disconnecting the spark plug wire.
Position the Mower
Engage the Parking Brake: Lock the mower in place to prevent any movement.
Lift the Mower: Use a jack to lift the front of the mower and secure it with jack stands. Make sure the mower is stable before proceeding.
Block the Blade
Insert Block of Wood: Place a block of wood between the blade and the mower deck to stop the blade from rotating while you work.
Remove the Blade
Loosen the Bolt: Use an 18-millimeter socket and wrench to loosen the bolt holding the blade. If the bolt is tight, apply penetrating oil and let it sit for a few minutes.
Use an Impact Wrench (Optional): For easier removal, use an impact wrench to loosen the bolt.
Remove the Blade: Carefully remove the blade and set it aside. Note the blade’s orientation for the correct installation of the new blade.
💡Tip
When you take the old blade off, leave the bolt in it until you have the new blade ready to put on. This will help you remember the correct orientation of the cutting edge.
Install the New Blade
Position the New Blade: Place the new blade in the same orientation as the old one. Ensure the cutting edge is facing the correct direction.
Insert the Bolt: Insert the bolt through the blade and tighten it by hand to secure it in place.
Tighten the Bolt: Use the wrench or impact wrench to tighten the bolt securely. Do not over-tighten, as this can damage the bolt or blade.
Final Checks
Reconnect the Spark Plug: Reconnect the spark plug wire to restore power.
Test the Mower: Start the mower and listen for any unusual noises. Check the blade’s balance and alignment by engaging the blades and observing the cut.
Step-by-Step Summary Table
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare the Mower | Turn off, cool down, and disconnect the spark plug |
| 2. Position the Mower | Engage parking brake, lift and secure the mower |
| 3. Block the Blade | Insert a block of wood to stop blade rotation |
| 4. Remove the Blade | Loosen bolt, use impact wrench if needed, remove blade |
| 5. Install New Blade | Position blade, insert and hand-tighten bolt, secure bolt |
| 6. Check Installation | Inspect blade, remove block of wood, lower mower |
| 7. Final Checks | Reconnect spark plug, test mower |
Conclusion: How to Change Blades on a Zero Turn Mower?
In conclusion, changing and maintaining the blades on your zero turn mower is a crucial aspect of lawn care. It ensures a healthy, attractive lawn and extends the life of your mower. By following the steps outlined in this article and adhering to regular maintenance practices, you can keep your mower blades in top condition and enjoy the benefits of a well-manicured lawn.