Hey y’all, it’s Jeff here. Let me tell you a funny story about the time I tried to balance my lawn mower blades on my own.
So, I had this old push mower that I inherited from my grandfather and it was starting to leave uneven cuts on my grass. I figured it was probably just because the blades were unbalanced, so I decided to fix it myself.
I got out my trusty tool set and started disassembling the mower. Now, I consider myself to be pretty handy, but let’s just say things didn’t go quite as planned.
I managed to get the blades off and set them on the ground to try and balance them. I put a pencil under the middle of each blade and watched to see which way they tilted.
Well, I must have gotten a little too confident because I ended up knocking over one of the blades and it sliced right through my hose.
Water went everywhere and I ended up soaked from head to toe. My neighbors must have thought I was trying to recreate that famous scene from “A Christmas Story” where the kid gets his tongue stuck to the pole.
Needless to say, I learned my lesson and now I always take my mower blades to a professional to get them balanced.
So, if you’re wondering how to tell if your mower blades are unbalanced and whether or not you should try to fix it yourself, keep on reading.
How Do I Check My Lawn Mower Blade Balance?
There are a few signs that your mower blades might be unbalanced. Here are a few things to look out for:
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s a good idea to check your blade balance. Here’s how to do it:
- First, make sure your mower is turned off and the blade is not spinning.
- Then, use a block of wood or a piece of cardboard to prop up one end of the mower so the blade is off the ground.
- Next, spin the blade by hand and see if it wobbles or tilts to one side. If it does, it’s probably unbalanced.
It’s important to note that sometimes mower blades can become unbalanced just from normal wear and tear.
If you notice that your blade is unbalanced, it’s a good idea to get it fixed as soon as possible. If left unchecked, an unbalanced blade can cause damage to your mower and lead to more costly repairs in the long run.
How Should My Mower Blades Be Aligned?
If you’ve determined that your mower blades are unbalanced, you’ll need to get them aligned. This is a job best left to the professionals, as it requires special tools and knowledge. However, it’s still a good idea to know the basics of how mower blade alignment works.
When it comes to blade alignment, there are a few key things to consider. First, both blades should be the same length and shape.
If one blade is significantly shorter or differently shaped than the other, it can cause problems with balance. Second, the blades should be properly sharpened. A dull blade can cause issues with cutting and balance.
Finally, the blades should be properly aligned with each other and with the mower deck. If the blades are misaligned, it can cause problems with grass cutting and can even damage the mower itself.
To get your blades properly aligned, you’ll need to take your mower to a repair shop or a professional blade sharpening service.
They will have the tools and expertise to get your blades back in shape and properly balanced. It’s important to note that blade alignment is not a DIY project and attempting to do it yourself can be dangerous and may cause further damage to your mower.
FAQ
How often should I get my mower blades balanced?
It’s a good idea to get your mower blades balanced every year or so, depending on how often you use your mower.
If you notice any of the signs of an unbalanced blade, such as uneven cuts or vibrations, it’s a good idea to have them checked out sooner rather than later. Regular blade maintenance can help prolong the life of your mower and ensure that it’s cutting your grass efficiently.
Can I balance my mower blades myself?
Technically, it’s possible to balance mower blades on your own, but it’s not recommended. Balancing mower blades requires special tools and knowledge, and attempting to do it yourself can be dangerous.
It’s much safer and more effective to take your mower to a professional for blade balancing. They will have the right tools and expertise to get the job done right.
Is it okay to leave an unbalanced blade unchanged?
No, it’s not okay to leave an unbalanced blade unchanged. An unbalanced blade can cause problems with grass cutting and can even damage your mower.
If you notice that your blade is unbalanced, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Ignoring the issue can lead to more costly repairs down the line.
The End (or is it the beginning of a beautiful lawn?)
So there you have it, folks. If you’re wondering how to tell if your lawn mower blades are unbalanced, just keep an eye out for uneven cuts, vibrations, or loud noises coming from your mower.
And if you do notice any of these issues, it’s a good idea to get your blades checked out by a professional.
Trust me, it’s a lot easier (and less wet) than trying to fix them yourself like I did. Happy mowing!