How to Install 2 Mulching Blades on a Riding Lawnmower

Regularly install new mulching blades on your riding mower for optimum results.

When you begin noticing a frayed or uneven appearance to your newly mown grass, that means it's likely time to install two new mulching blades on your tractor mower. The process doesn't differ greatly from model to model, but it's always a good idea to consult your mower's manual before installing mulching blades yourself. In most cases the task of putting new mulching blades on your riding lawnmower should take a half hour or less with the proper tools.

Things You'll Need

• Work gloves
• Owner's manual
• 2x4 block of wood
• Electric impact wrench
• 6-point socket
• 2 sharpened mulching blades
• Torque wrench

Instructions

1. Wear work gloves to protect your hands from cuts when handling sharpened blades. Park your riding lawnmower, and remove the spark plug wire to prevent the mower from starting while you are servicing the blades. Follow the steps in your owner's manual to remove the mowing deck.

2. Tilt the mower deck upside down. Position a 2x4 block of wood between the blade and mower deck to keep the blade from spinning while servicing it. Use an electric impact wrench to unscrew the blade bolt that holds the blade in place. Remove the bolt and washer, and slide off the blade. Repeat the process on the other blade.

3. Select the mulching blade that is marked "right," and place on the mower spindle shaft on the right side of the mower deck. Attach the washer and blade bolt. Screw the blade bolt with a torque wrench until tightened to a reading of 50 lbs.

4. Repeat the process on the left side of the mower deck using the mulching blade marked "left."

5. Tilt the mower deck upright. Reattach to the riding lawn mower.

Tips & Warnings

• Check to see that the blades you are using are not bowed; discard bent blades.

• Always buy blades made by your lawnmower's manufacturer.

References

• Deere Manuals: John Deere Mulching Tractor Product Manual