Which Way Do Mulching Blades Go On? Complete Installation Guide
If you buy a lawnmower blade or want to sharpen your old blade, you might come across the challenge of installing a lawnmower blade. There is a fifty-fifty chance of getting it installed wrong or right.
Installing it wrong can structurally damage your lawnmower and the lawn itself. It causes poor cutting, uneven growth, and uprooting of the grass of your property.
So when you install your blade, one question pops up in mind:
“which side of the lawnmower blade is up?”
Either it is mulching or a standard blade, If you have put it the wrong way, you will be cutting nothing with the backside of the blade, which is the dull side and not sharp to cut the grass.
If you put it the right way, that will put a smile on your face when you are done mowing.
Here are the complete details on this:
Replacing the Mower Blade. Toro Recycler 22
Which Way Does a Mulching Blade Go On? Check By Different Methods
To understand the right side of the mulching blade and which way it should be fit, you can opt for the following methods.
Design or Shape
There is bent in the shape or design of the mulching blade. If you observe, the middle part of the blade is flat, and it gradually curves up to the edges.
That flat part should be mount on your lawnmower in a way that the curve parts having cutting edges face down when your mower is standing in a normal position.
Greenworks Pro 80V 21 Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower, (2) 2.0Ah Batteries and 30 Minute Rapid Charger Included
Worx Nitro 80V 21 Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower with Brushless Motor Rear Wheel Drive. WG761 (Batteries Charger Included)
Greenworks Pro 80V 21 Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower, (2) 2.0Ah Batteries and 30 Minute Rapid Charger Included
Worx Nitro 80V 21 Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower with Brushless Motor Rear Wheel Drive. WG761 (Batteries Charger Included)
Metal Flaps / Bevels / Teeth-edges
It would be best if you also look for the metal flaps of the blades. I personally use and prefer this method.
Metal flaps are parts of blades that are interchangeably called edges or wings, or bevels. These parts have a sharpened edge and serrated teeth in some mulching blades.
The metal flaps or teeth-edges or bevel should be up, and cutting edges should face the ground when you put a mulching blade on.
Stamp Number, Model Number, Sticker or Etched Words
In comparison, this method is way better to detect which way a mulching blade goes on.
You need to look for stickers, stamp numbers, model numbers, or etched words mentioned on the mower. You can also look for the words like “This side down”, “bottom”, “toward grass”, etc.
Not to mention, these are present only on the one-sided middle section of the blade.
Additionally, stamp numbers, stickers, model numbers, or etched words should face the bottom or ground when your lawnmower is upright.
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Greenworks Pro 80V 21 Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower, (2) 2.0Ah Batteries and 30 Minute Rapid Charger Included
Worx Nitro 80V 21 Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower with Brushless Motor Rear Wheel Drive. WG761 (Batteries Charger Included)
Cutting Edge
Cutting edges is another way to ensure a good mulching blade installation.
You can put your thumb against the edge to check it’s the cutting one, and this should face the ground as this part ensures good grass cutting.
Also, the cutting edge can be dull or shinny in color, which gives the idea that the shinny part of the metal is the sharp one, and it should be facing the ground after you install your lawnmower blade.
Get an Idea From the Old Blade
It’s better to make a video or pictures while removing your old blade. This way, you will understand how to mount it properly step by step.
Check By Wobble Test
Wobble test is used to check if you mount your blade on mower and it is loosened or shaking instead of firm fitting, then you should know the blade fitting is not right, and you have used the wrong side.
Reversing the side will resolve to make the proper installation in that case.
You can perform a wobble test by shaking the blade to check the fitting. It is recommended to use reducing washers and right bolts for a good fitting of mulching blades.
Mower Type
The mower type is another important entity to mention here.
Two types are noticeable here:
Reel mowers (cylindrical nature): These mowers don’t require checking for the side of the blade before you install it, as they can rotate the blade on both sides and cut evenly. You can use your manual if they serve this function.
Mulching mower: mulching mower has clockwise assembly so cutting, edges must face in the direction of rotation.
Check Manual
Manual is the right way to learn by reading because it has clear instructions on replacing or mounting a mulching lawnmower blade.
Moving Direction of Crank Shaft
Check the direction of rotation of the shaft of the mower. The Crank Shaft is the part where you mount your blade.
The best way to check is that turn off your mower and pull the “Starter Pull Cord” to some extent to observe the movement of the shaft, which is mostly clockwise, so the cutting edge should be in the direction of the way the shaft moves.
You can also check the rotational movement from the discharge chute, which is on the right side of the deck of your mower, then the shaft will move clockwise, and so will the blade.
Summary
On final thoughts, any method you choose from the above list, the right way to go on is to fit the mulching blade such that the cutting edge should face the ground or installed downward and flaps or teeth edge is upward or towards the deck after fitting.
How to Install Mulching Blades? Complete Steps
Before you do the installation, always check the compatibility of the mulching blade with the mower. After ensuring it is the right fit, you can go with the installation.
I have explained the installation procedure here.
Following this procedure will help you install mulching blades on Craftsman, Husqvarna, John Deere, and other mowers. It will prevent grass stripes when you mow as lawnmowers leave stripes of grass when the blade fitting isn’t right.
Steps to Follow
- Drain out the fuel to prevent spill, or if your mower is on gas, siphon it out.
- Place the lawnmower at some high place where you can see the bottom part of the mower.
- Or you can simply lay it down on one side if it is of a small deck. Before you lay it down, make sure the air filter is up to prevent the oil from saturating the filter.
- Disconnect the spark plug wire, keep carburettor and filter assembly high to prevent oil leakage into the carburettor.
- Place a 2 x 4 inch wooden block in the deck so the old blade cannot move and remove the old blade from the shaft by removing the reducing washers and nuts.
- Identify the right side of the blade from the sharp edges or the other parameters I have mentioned earlier. Those flaps or curved edges should face towards the deck or upward position.
- Now put the hole of blade on the mounting shaft and use a wooden box to prevent blade movement.
- Place washers, nuts and tighten it to 80 ft pounds torque firmly with a wrench, so it doesn’t wobble.
- Remove the wooden block and plug in the wire.
- It’s a good practice to clean your deck and use silicon spray to prevent the built-up clippings from compromising the airflow.
- Close the discharge chute after fitting as mulching blades cuts by making a vacuum under the deck, which is built only if the discharge chute is closed.
- Run your mower on a smooth lawn to check it is working right.
Precautions
- Always wear gloves to avoid damage to the hand because blades are sharp.
- Always unplug the spark wire or turn off the mower completely. If you are using a battery-operated mower, remove the battery first, so it may not accidentally run on you or damage by moving the blade.
- Keep the mower at a place where it doesn’t shake when you are tightening the blade.
How To Remove Your Lawn Mower Blade? (2023 Guide)
Sometimes your lawn mower blade just needs to be replaced. Sharpening can keep you going for a little while, but the metal itself will eventually wear out and get too thin from repeated sharpening.
When it’s time to replace your blade, you need to know how to remove your current lawn mower blade first.
The process is relatively simple and can be done at home with a minimum of tools. Some professionals might offer a blade change service for a fee, but this is so easy I don’t think it’s worth paying for unless you have a large riding lawn mower.
I’ll cover riding lawn mowers too, just in case you have the equipment needed to make that change.
In this guide you’ll learn:
- How to tell when your lawn mower’s blade needs to be replaced
- How to replace 3 kinds of lawn mower blades
- And much more!
What Are the Reasons You Need To Remove Your Lawn Mower Blade?
Lawn mower blades tend to be pretty durable and long lasting tools, especially when you know how to sharpen them. But, they do eventually wear out and need replacement. A poorly mowed lawn is only the least of your problems when you have a lawn mower blade that needs to be replaced.
That doesn’t mean that a bad mowing job isn’t a big problem, though. Uneven, ragged, mowing can seriously stress your lawn and made it difficult to keep your grass healthy.
Removing your lawn mower blade is the first step to replace it, so it’s an important skill to have.
Of course, replacing your lawn mower’s blade isn’t the only time you might need to remove the blade. For instance, if you have blades for different uses, you might need to switch between them in the middle of the season. Or, your blade might need some maintenance like a sharpening session or a thorough cleaning.
Some people will remove lawn mower blades to help winterize their mowers. I don’t think that’s particularly necessary unless you live somewhere with high humidity and rust risk in the winter. But, it can sometimes make storage easier or give you an opportunity to do some maintenance on the blade during the off season.
How To Tell When It’s Time To Replace Your Lawn Mower Blade?
Knowing that you might need to replace your lawn mower’s blade won’t do you any good if you can’t tell when it’s time for a replacement. Here are a few signs to look for that it’s time to replace your blade:
Your Lawn Mower Blade has Bent or Twisted
Despite being relatively simple tools, lawn mower blades are still optimized to provide good cutting power. Any sign that your blade has started bending or twisting means, at a minimum, that your blade isn’t performing the way it should any longer.
At worst, your blade could be starting to damage your lawn mower itself, or may start damaging your lawn mower soon.
As soon as you notice signs of bending or twisting in your lawn mower’s blade, it’s time for a new one.
Nicks and Gouges Make It Difficult to Sharpen
Re-sharpening your lawn mower’s blade can extend the life quite a bit, but sometimes the surface scratches on your blade are too deep to work around. Scratches are a normal part of any used lawn mower blade. Grass, gravel, rocks, and even small clumps of dirt can all cause scratches over time.
Usually small surface scratches are no problem. You can buff them out while sharpening, and many scratches won’t be anywhere that affects the function of the blade.
However, if you’re starting to get deeper scratches and gouges, more than about 2-3mm deep, it may be time to consider replacement. That’s because deeper scratches and gouges can cause weak points in the blade. The last thing you want is your lawn mower blade cracking while you’re using it.
In a worse case scenario a deep gash could crack and eventually break free entirely. If you’re lucky, a broken blade will damage your lawn mower. If you’re not lucky the blade could fly free of the mower and cause damage to you, or the people, plants, and buildings around you.
It Isn’t Holding An Edge
This is less common, but some blades will lose their ability to hold an edge over time. Usually this happens with blades where only the original cutting edge was fully hardened, and problems with hardening can happen with any manufacturer and model.
Over time these blades just won’t take or hold an effective cutting edge, losing their ability to cut grass at the same time. If you’re having to sharpen your lawn mower’s blade more and more often it’s probably time to remove the blade and replace it.
How to replace riding lawn mower blades in 10 minutes!!
It’s Not Performing Well
The last reason is both the most common, and the simplest. You might need to remove and replace your blade simply because it doesn’t seem to be working as well anymore. Sharpening may be an option at this phase, but it depends on the blade and owner. Lawn mower blades are usually pretty affordable, so I know plenty of people who don’t bother sharpening their blades when they’ve started to go dull.
If you’re getting uneven clumps of grass after mowing, chances are you either need to sharpen your blade, or replace it.
How To Remove Your Push Lawn Mower Blade
To start with, let’s talk about one of the most common kinds of lawn mower—the motorized push behind lawn mower. Chances are, if you have a suburban-sized lawn, this is the kind of lawn mower you use.
Step 1: Get Your Lawn Mower Ready
The first step to remove your lawn mower’s blade is to get it ready to be tilted or flipped over. For gas-powered lawn mowers that means you should drain the gas tank (if possible) and remove the spark plug.
Remove the battery from battery powered lawn mowers.
Unplug electric corded lawn mowers.
This prep helps prevent accidents and can also help your lawn mower last longer in the case of gas-powered mowers.
Once the power source is safe, either tilt your lawn mower up so you can access the blade, or consider flipping it entirely on it’s back. I like to place a tarp under the lawn mower to help prevent scratches on the outer casing.
Step 2: Remove Fasteners
Your lawn mower’s blade should be held on by 1 to 3 bolts in the center of the blade. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to loosen these bolts with your hands, so you’ll need a wrench, or in some cases a screwdriver, to get them free.
Try to only use tools the right size and shape from the bolt to prevent stripping them or changing the shape. Most lawn mower blade fasteners can be replaced, but some are a non-standard size or length and can be hard to find.
Once the fasters are loose, put them in a small bag or a to keep them safe.
Step 3: Lift the Blade Off
With the fasteners gone your blade should lift free of the lawn mower. I recommend having a can of WD-40, or a rag and some water, in case the blade is stuck in place. Gently work the blade free until it’s completely loose.
Remember, don’t use too much force at this phase or you’ll risk breaking either the blade or it’s attachment points.
How To Remove Your Riding Lawn Mower Blade
Step 1: Park Your Riding Lawn Mower
First you’ll need to drive your riding lawn mower into a garage, barn, or other sheltered area and park it. You don’t want anything to move while you’re working, so go ahead and use the brake systems and other lock settings to keep the lawn mower as immobile as possible.
Step 2: Lift The Lawn Mower So You Have Work Space
The next step is getting the lawn mower lifted enough that you can get your tools underneath and have room to work. Some people drive up a ramp onto a special maintenance frame to get access, while others lift the lawn mower onto wooden blocks.
I personally recommend using a riding lawn mower and tractor lift since it’s the safest and most secure option. However, those lifts can be relatively expensive equipment so not everyone uses them.
Whatever method you choose, check to make sure the lawn mower is secure and unlikely to fall. Think about this the same way you would think about lifting a car and working under it, the risks are very similar.
Step 3: Match The Bolt To The Appropriate Wrench
The larger, tighter bolts of a riding lawn mower’s blade generally need a wrench to remove. I recommend checking to make sure you have the right size, or setting the width of an adjustable wrench, before you start to get to work.
The wrench is a good fit if it’s wide enough to reach all the way around the bolt without any wiggle room. The more space between the sides of the bolt and the wrench, the more likely you’ll accidentally curve the corners of the bolt when you remove it.
Step 4: Remove the Fastener
Most riding lawn mower blades only have a single attachment bolt, but some do have more than one. Use the wrench to remove each bolt, until the blade is free.
I don’t recommend using a breaking bar unless absolutely necessary in this process. A small amount of WD-40 should be enough to loosen particularly stubborn bolts. Alternatively you can use a rubber mallet on the end of the wrench to provide some more force without risking damaging the bolts.
Step 2: Remove the Blade
Slowly and gently remove the blade if it didn’t come free on it’s own after you’ve removed the fasteners. Once the blade is free I recommend taking a moment to clean the area and remove any rust or corrosion that could make reattaching or removing the blade more difficult in the future.
How To Remove Your Reel Lawn Mower Blade
Reel lawn mowers are a little different, if you need to replace or repair the blades you’re not going to remove them from the lawn mower. Instead, your best option is to remove the other components of your reel mower and then replace them after sharpening or repairing the blade.
In some cases, you might replace the whole reel blade and then reattach the other components to the new blade.
Step 1: Remove the Drive Wheels
First, lay your reel mower on a flat space where it’s relatively stable. Your drive wheels are on either side of the blade, usually covered by a plastic hub cap. You can use a screwdriver to remove the hub caps without damaging them. Set the hub caps aside.
There is a clip holding both wheels to the axel. Use the same screwdriver to pull the clip loose. Set aside.
Next is a pinion gear. This can be removed by turning it counterclockwise until it comes free. You should be able to turn the gear with your hands.
There’s one more clip you’ll need to remove, also on the axel. Pull this away from the assembly plate. While you can dissasemble the assembly plate as well, it isn’t necessary and can cause irreparable damage to your lawn mower, so I don’t recommend it. Instead you’ll work around it to get this pin free.
Once the last pin is out you should be able to remove the blade from that side. Repeat on the other drive wheel.
Step 2: Remove the Rear Wheels
Most lawn reel mowers have a set of rear wheels for added stability. Some will also have a set of front wheels, but the removal process is the same for both.
All you need to do here is unbolt the wheels from the main assembly with a wrench. Try to make sure the wrench fits securely before you start to help avoid damaging the bolts.
Step 3: Remove the Mower Handle
Most reel mower handles are held on with a small pin near the bottom of the handle. Use a screwdriver to help remove the pin, and push the lawn mower handle toward the bottom to help remove some pressure from the pin.
Once the pin is free, the handle should be easy to remove. If it sticks, clean off the bottom of the handle and grease it with some mineral oil or WD-40 to help prevent further corrosion and make future maintenance easier.
Once the handle is removed you should be left with the blade and the assembly plate. Removing the blade is simple at this point, or you can sharpen the blade still attached to the assembly plate.
My Final Thoughts On Removing Your Lawn Mower Blade
Removing your lawn mower blade might not be fun or exciting, but it is an important skill to have. This guide should cover just about any standard lawn mower in the United States, but it’s also a good idea to check your users manual if you have it.
Remember that not all maintenance means you have to remove the blade. You can even sharpen some blades without taking them off of the lawn mower. I’ve written a guide to sharpening blades without removing them, but it does work best for blades with a simpler design.
As always, if you’re concerned that you can’t safely perform maintenance on your lawn mower yourself you should take it to a professional instead. No amount of savings is worth taking unnecessary risks to maintain your lawn mower.
With that in mind, happy mowing, and may your lawn mower never need more than basic maintenance!
How to Replace the Blades on a Simplicity Broadmoor Lawn Mower
The following picture guide walks through the steps of replacing the blades on a Simplicity Broadmoor Lawn Tractor.
Note: PracticalMechanic.com is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission – at no cost to you. I do not put any other type of ads on this site because I think they are annoying. Thank you for your support!
Procedure for Replacing Mower Blades on a Lawn Tractor
The lawn tractor shown in this guide is a Simplicity Broadmoor 16hp (package 2690008).
The first step is to turn the key to the ‘off’ position. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
I like to jack up the mower and secure it with some jackstands. Otherwise use ramps. Set the parking brake on the mower.
Peer under the mower deck at the blades.
We will need to remove the cap screw. This requires a 5/8″ wrench or socket.
Use a block of wood to secure the blade against the side of the mower deck. Turn the capscrew counter-clockwise to loosen it (as shown in the manual).
Once the bolt is loose, remove it along with the washers.
These are the parts you have removed.
Sharpen the blades or replace them. These are the blades I recommend:
To re-install the blades, put a block of wood again against the deck to prevent the blade from turning. Install the spring washer, hex washer, and blade bolt.
Note: blades should be installed with the tabs (airlifts) turned up, toward the mower deck.
Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade bolt to 45-55 ft. lbs.
US20030182918A1. Easy change replacement mower blade. Google Patents
Publication number US20030182918A1 US20030182918A1 US10/391,636 US39163603A US2003182918A1 US 20030182918 A1 US20030182918 A1 US 20030182918A1 US 39163603 A US39163603 A US 39163603A US 2003182918 A1 US2003182918 A1 US 2003182918A1 Authority US United States Prior art keywords blade cutter blade retainer cutting edge extending Prior art date 2002-04-02 Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.) Abandoned Application number US10/391,636 Inventor John Stone Rodney Stone Original Assignee Stone John L. Stone Rodney A. Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.) 2002-04-02 Filing date 2003-03-20 Publication date 2003-10-02 Priority claimed from US36894202P external-priority 2003-03-20 Application filed by Stone John L., Stone Rodney A. filed Critical Stone John L. 2003-03-20 Priority to US10/391,636 priority Critical patent/US20030182918A1/en 2003-03-31 Priority to PCT/US2003/009705 priority patent/WO2003084309A2/en 2003-03-31 Priority to AU2003220591A priority patent/AU2003220591A1/en 2003-10-02 Publication of US20030182918A1 publication Critical patent/US20030182918A1/en Status Abandoned legal-status Critical Current
Links
- 210000002105 Tongue Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 76
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 229910000760 Hardened steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000036633 rest Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
Images
Classifications
- A — HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01 — AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D — HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D34/00 — Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters
- A01D34/01 — Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus
- A01D34/412 — Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters
- A01D34/63 — Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a vertical axis
- A01D34/73 — Cutting apparatus
Abstract
A rotary lawn mower blade assembly having replaceable cutting edge members which may be replaced without replacing an entire blade or sharpening the used blade. The cutting edge members slide into place on corresponding “T”-shaped tongues of the blade body until encountering an integral stop. The cutting blade member is securely held in place by a blade retainer having a rectilinear portion which mates with a retainer stud fastened in the blade body and an extension plate portion with mounting cap screws reaching through the blade retainer extension plate into the cutting blade member. In another embodiment the cutting edge members are secured by set screw extending downward from the upper surface of the cutting edge member and bearing against the upper side of the “T”-shaped tongue of the blade body.
Description
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/368,942, filed Apr. 2, 2002. [0001]
The present invention relates to rotary lawn mower blades. particularly, the present invention relates to a lawn mower blade having replaceable cutting edge members. [0003]
During the use of rotary bladed lawn mowers it is inevitable that the cutting blades become dull over a period of use, or hard objects such as stones are encountered which damage the cutting edges. There is substantial effort required and downtime suffered when removing the blade from the mower for sharpening or replacement of the blade. It would be desirable to provide a lawn mower blade having replaceable cutting edge members which can be replaced quickly and will restore the blade to its original sharpness without going through a sharpening procedure. It would also be desirable that the replaceable cutting edge members be securely mounted on the blade in order to assure safe operation. [0005]
U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,586, issued Nov. 21, 1995, to Lin et al., describes a lawn mower blade wherein a removable sharp cutting surface is attached to the edge at each end of a mower blade. [0006]
U.S. Pat. No. 5,619,847, issued Apr. 15, 1997, to Cox, Jr., describes a disposable lawnmower blade in which the rotary blade can be quickly switched out and replaced with a fresh sharp one without the use of tools in a matter of seconds. The disposable blade fits onto the original mower blade. [0007]
U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,535, issued Nov. 21, 1995, to Smith, describes a lawn mower blade with support tongues arranged to mount inserts below each tongue. [0008]
U.S. Pat. No. 2,869,311, issued Jan. 20, 1959, to Beeston, Jr., describes a lawn mower blade assembly having replaceable blades having interlocking prongs on the blade body and corresponding with closed receiver structures on the replacement blades. The ‘300 Patent relies only on centrifugal force to maintain the replacement blades in place on the blade body. [0009]
U.S. Pat. No. 3,327,460, issued Jun. 27, 1967, to Blackstone describes a lawn mover blade assembly having replaceable blades held in place by centrifugal force and a through bolt. [0010]
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. [0011]
The present invention is a rotary lawn mower blade assembly having replaceable cutting edge members which allow the restoration of the blade to its original sharpness without sharpening the old blade or replacement of a new blade. The cutting edge members slide into place on corresponding “T”-shaped tongues of the blade body until encountering an integral stop. The cutting blade member is securely held in place by a blade retainer having a rectilinear portion which mates with a retainer stud fastened in the blade body and an extension plate portion with mounting cap screws reaching through the blade retainer extension plate into the cutting blade member. In another embodiment of the invention, the cutting edge members are held in place by set screws and no blade retainer is employed. [0012]
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a replaceable cutting edge member for a rotary lawnmower blade. [0013]
It is another object of the invention to provide a replaceable cutting edge member as above which can be replaced without replacing the entire lawnmower blade or sharpening the original blade. [0014]
It is a further object of the invention to provide a replaceable cutting edge member which is may be securely mounted on the blade. [0015]
Still another object of the invention is to provide a replaceable cutting edge member which requires only simple tools to remove and change the member. [0016]
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. [0017]
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. [0018]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an easy change replacement mower blade assembly according to the present invention. [0019]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the easy change replacement mower blade assembly according to the present invention. [0022]
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. [0024]
The present invention is a rotary lawn mower blade assembly having replaceable cutting edge members which may be replaced without replacing the entire mower blade or sharpening the original blade. The cutting edge members slide into place on corresponding interlocking “T”-shaped tongues of the blade body until encountering an integral stop. The cutting blade member is securely held in place by a blade retainer having a rectilinear portion which mates with a retainer stud fastened in the blade body and an extension plate portion with mounting cap screws reaching through the blade retainer extension plate into the cutting blade member. In another embodiment the replacement cutting blade members are secured to the blade by set screws. [0025]
Referring to FIGS. [0026] 1-3, there is shown a perspective view, an end view, and an exploded view, respectively, of the lawn mower blade assembly of the present invention. Replaceable edge blade assembly 10 comprises blade body 12 having replaceable cutting blade members 14. Blade body 12 has an upper surface 16, an underside 17, a centrally located mounting hole 18 for mounting on a mower rotating shaft (not shown), ends 20, sides 22, and blade body cutting edge portions 24. Respective interlocking tongues such as “T”- shaped tongues 26 are located in the sides of blade body cutting edge portions 24 and facing in opposing directions so as to be forward facing during blade assembly rotation. Integral body stops 28 are located at ends 22 beyond each respective tongue 26. A retainer stud 30 extends from each side 22 and is sufficiently spaced therealong from respective tongues 26 to allow easy removal and mounting of replacement cutting blade members 14 on the tongues 26.
Each replaceable [0027] cutting blade member 14 has an outer end 32 and an opposing inner end 34, an upper surface 36 and an opposing underside 38, and a bevel side 40 sloping outward and downward from upper surface 36 to under side 38 forming blade edge 42 at the intersection of bevel side 40 and underside 38. Bevel side 40 may be flat or concave as shown. Blade inner side 44 is vertically oriented, located opposite bevel side 40 and has a groove so sized and shaped as to interlock with the tongue 26 of the above-described blade body 12 such as “T”- shaped groove 46 cut therein along its length. Replaceable cutting blade member 14 has vertically oriented, upwardly opening tapped threaded mounting bores 48 therein, spaced along blade upper surface 40.
[0028] Blade retainers 50 secures cutting blade members 14 on blade body 12 and comprise a rectilinear stud receiver portion 52 having a retainer stud receiving bore 54 located therein so as to mate with blade retainer stud 30 of blade body 12. (Note that FIG. 2 is shown without blade retainer 50 in place.) Blade retainers 50 removably abut the inner end of corresponding “T”- shaped tongues 26. Retainers 50 further comprise an extension plate 56 extending above a corresponding replaceable cutting blade member 14 along blade upper surface 38 and having an end abutting a blade body stop 28. Extension plate 56 has extension plate mounting cap screw bores 58 corresponding to threaded mounting bores 48 so as to allow the insertion of mounting cap screws 60 therethrough and into mounting bores 48, thereby securing replaceable cutting blade members 14 on blade body 12.
In operation, dull or damaged replaceable [0029] cutting blade member 14 is removed from blade body 12 by removing mounting cap screws 60. This allows blade retainer 50 to be removed and cutting blade member 14 to be slid off tongue 26. A replacement cutting blade member 14 is aligned with tongue 26 and slid onto blade body 12 up to stop 28. Blade retainer 50 is mounted on blade body 12 by aligning stud receiving bore 54 with blade retainer stud 30 and sliding blade retainer 50 against blade body side 22. Blade retainer 50 is then rotated around stud 30 until blade retainer extension plate 56 rests on blade upper surface 36. Mounting cap screws 60 are then inserted through mounting cap screw bores 58 and secured by turning in threaded mounting bores 48 of cutting blade member 14.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown a perspective view and an end view, respectively, of another embodiment of the lawn mower blade assembly of the present invention. Replaceable [0030] edge blade assembly 100 comprises blade body 12 having replaceable cutting blade members 114. Blade body 12 has an upper surface 16, an underside 17, a centrally located mounting hole 18 for mounting on a mower rotating shaft (not shown), ends 20, sides 22, and blade body cutting edge portions 24. Respective interlocking tongues such as “T”-shaped tongues 26 are located in the sides of blade body cutting edge portions 24 and facing in opposing directions so as to be forward facing during blade assembly rotation. Integral body stops 28 are located at ends 22 beyond each respective tongue 26.
Each replaceable [0031] cutting blade member 114 has an outer end 132 and an opposing inner end 134, an upper side 136 and an opposing underside 138, and a bevel side 140 sloping outward and downward from upper side 136 to under side 138 forming blade edge 142 at the intersection of bevel side 140 and underside 138. Bevel side 140 may be flat or concave as shown. Blade inner side 144 is vertically oriented, located opposite bevel side 140 and has a groove so sized and shaped as to interlock with the tongue 26 of the above-described blade body 12 such as “T”-shaped groove 146 cut therein along its length. Replaceable cutting blade member 114 has vertically oriented, upwardly opening, tapped threaded mounting bores 148 therein, spaced along blade upper surface 136 and extending through to the upper surface of the groove 146. Set screws 160 are turned in threaded mounting bores 148 until they bear against the upper surface of “T”-shaped tongue 26, thereby securing replacement blade member 114.
In operation, dull or damaged replaceable [0032] cutting blade member 114 is removed from blade body 12 by loosening set screws 60. This allows cutting blade member 114 to be slid off tongue 26. A replacement cutting blade member 114 is aligned with tongue 26 and slid onto blade body 12 up to stop 28. Mounting set screws 160 then secure cutting blade member 114 on blade body 12 by turning in threaded mounting bores 148 of cutting blade member 14 until tight against the upper surface of “T”-shaped tongue 26.
The various parts of the inventive blade assembly are preferably made of steel or other durable material. The replaceable cutting blade member may be of hardened steel so as to maintain a sharp edge. Any shape of interlocking tongue and groove design for mounting the cutting blade member is contemplated by the present invention. [0033]
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. [0034]
Claims ( 11 )
a rotatable elongated blade body having opposing sides, opposing ends, an upper surface and an underside and defining cutting edge portions at opposing ends thereof;
said cutting edge portions each having an having an inner end and an outer end and an interlocking tongue extending the length thereof in the direction of rotation of the rotary blade assembly, each said interlocking tongue ending in a stop at is outer end; and
replaceable cutter blade members, each having an inner side and a bevel side, said inner side defining an interlocking groove extending the length of said cutter blade member, so sized and configured as to slidably engage in a radial direction one of the said interlocking tongues of said cutting edge portions, said bevel side defining a cutting edge extending therealong.
The blade assembly of claim 1. each said cutter blade members having an upper surface and defining at least one tapped vertical bore extending into said cutter blade member from said upper surface for receiving a threaded mounting cap screw.
The blade assembly of claim 3. further comprising a blade retainer affixed to said blade body and having a blade retainer extension plate extending along said cutter blade member upper surface and defining at least one vertical bore extending therethrough corresponding with said cutter blade tapped bore, and a threaded mounting cap screw for threadingly engaging said cutter blade member tapped vertical bore for securing said blade retainer extension plate to said cutter blade member.
The blade assembly of claim 4. further comprising a retainer stud extending outward from and spaced along each side said blade body from said cutter blade member, said retainer stud being spaced from said blade body for at least the length of said cutter blade member, said blade retainer having a rectilinear stud receiver portion having a retainer stud receiving bore so located as to receive said retainer stud when said blade retainer extension plate vertical bore is aligned with said cutter blade tapped bore.
The blade assembly of claim 5. wherein said rectilinear stud receiver portion of said blade retainer abuts said cutter blade member.
The blade assembly of claim 3. wherein each said cutter blade member defines two spaced tapped vertical bores extending into said cutter blade member from said upper surface each for receiving a threaded mounting cap screw for threadingly engaging each said cutter blade member tapped vertical bore said blade retainer extension defining two vertical bores extending therethrough corresponding with said cutter blade tapped bores, and corresponding threaded mounting cap screws for securing said blade retainer extension plate to said cutter blade member.
The blade assembly of claim 2. each said cutter blade members having an upper surface and defining at least one tapped vertical bore extending through said cutter blade member from said upper surface to said interlocking tongue for receiving a threaded set screw for securing said cutter blade members to said interlocking tongue.
The blade assembly of claim 8. wherein each of said cutter blade members defines two spaced tapped vertical bores, each for receiving a threaded set screw.
a rotatable elongated blade body having opposing sides, opposing ends, an upper surface and an underside and defining cutting edge portions at opposing ends thereof;
said cutting edge portions each having an having an inner end and an outer end and an interlocking tongue extending the length thereof in the direction of rotation of the rotary blade assembly, each said interlocking tongue ending in a stop at is outer end; and
replaceable cutter blade members, each having an inner side and a bevel side, said inner side defining an interlocking groove extending the length of said cutter blade member, so sized and configured as to slidably engage in a radial direction one of the said interlocking tongues of said cutting edge portions, said bevel side defining a cutting edge extending therealong;
each said cutter blade members having an upper surface defining two spaced tapped vertical bores extending into said cutter blade member from said upper surface for receiving a threaded mounting cap screw;
a blade retainer affixed to said blade body and having a blade retainer extension plate extending along said cutter blade member upper surface and defining two spaced vertical bores extending therethrough corresponding with said cutter blade tapped bores, and a threaded mounting cap screw for threadingly engaging each said cutter blade member tapped vertical bore for securing said blade retainer extension plate to said cutter blade member;
a retainer stud extending outward from and spaced along each side said blade body from said cutter blade member, said retainer stud being spaced from said blade body for at least the length of said cutter blade member, said blade retainer having a rectilinear stud receiver portion having a retainer stud receiving bore so located as to receive said retainer stud when said blade retainer extension plate vertical bore is aligned with said cutter blade tapped bore;
a rotatable elongated blade body having opposing sides, opposing ends, an upper surface and an underside and defining cutting edge portions at opposing ends thereof;
said cutting edge portions each having an having an inner end and an outer end and a “T”-shaped interlocking tongue extending the length thereof in the direction of rotation of the rotary blade assembly, each said interlocking tongue ending in a stop at is outer end; and
replaceable cutter blade members, each having an inner side and a bevel side, said inner side defining an interlocking groove extending the length of said cutter blade member, so sized and configured as to slidably engage in a radial direction one of the said interlocking tongues of said cutting edge portions, said bevel side defining a cutting edge extending therealong.
each said cutter blade members having an upper surface and defining two spaced tapped vertical bores extending through said cutter blade member from said upper surface to said interlocking tongue and a threaded set screw corresponding to each tapped bore for securely engaging said cutter blade members with said cutter blade member.
US10/391,636 2002-04-02 2003-03-20 Easy change replacement mower blade Abandoned US20030182918A1 ( en )
Priority Applications (3)
| US10/391,636 US20030182918A1 ( en ) | 2002-04-02 | 2003-03-20 | Easy change replacement mower blade |
| PCT/US2003/009705 WO2003084309A2 ( en ) | 2002-04-02 | 2003-03-31 | Easy change replacement mower blade |
| AU2003220591A AU2003220591A1 ( en ) | 2002-04-02 | 2003-03-31 | Easy change replacement mower blade |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| US36894202P | 2002-04-02 | 2002-04-02 | |
| US10/391,636 US20030182918A1 ( en ) | 2002-04-02 | 2003-03-20 | Easy change replacement mower blade |
Family Applications (1)
| US10/391,636 Abandoned US20030182918A1 ( en ) | 2002-04-02 | 2003-03-20 | Easy change replacement mower blade |
Cited By (12)
| US20090229235A1 ( en ) | 2008-03-14 | 2009-09-17 | James Lindmeyer | Replaceable Edge for Cutting Blades |
| US20090308044A1 ( en ) | 2008-06-12 | 2009-12-17 | Christopher Bever | Lawn mower blade assembly for quick blade replacement and associated methods |
| US7784254B2 ( en ) | 2008-06-12 | 2010-08-31 | Christopher Bever | Lawn mower blade assembly having blade mount for quick blade replacement and associated methods |
| WO2012061555A2 ( en ) | 2010-11-04 | 2012-05-10 | Blarek James A | Mower blade with replaceable inserts |
| CN103548478A ( en ) | 2013-10-31 | 2014-02-05 | 苏州安必瑟斯机电技术有限公司 | Cutting blade |
| CN104429676A ( en ) | 2014-11-24 | 2015-03-25 | 顾海滨 | Horizontal axis cutter for cutting off tips of corns |
| US9113595B2 ( en ) | 2011-09-29 | 2015-08-25 | Husqvarna Ab | Quick-change blade system |
| US9113594B1 ( en ) | 2012-12-03 | 2015-08-25 | John Delmont | Replaceable blade assembly |
| US9743580B2 ( en ) | 2014-08-19 | 2017-08-29 | John Mitchell | Lawnmower blade holder device |
| US9901029B2 ( en ) | 2015-09-21 | 2018-02-27 | Bryan A Wills | Mower blade assembly |
| IT201700010994A1 ( en ) | 2017-02-01 | 2018-08-01 | Nova Ferr S R L | Cutting blade for a lawn mower. |
| US20200130219A1 ( en ) | 2017-06-28 | 2020-04-30 | Pbs Puntoni Business Solutions Llc | Rotatable blade with replaceable cutting edges |
Families Citing this family (2)
| CN103535153A ( en ) | 2013-10-31 | 2014-01-29 | 苏州安必瑟斯机电技术有限公司 | Cutting blade |
| AT515706A1 ( en ) | 2014-10-24 | 2015-11-15 | Rieder Rudolf | Cutting system with quick holder |
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Cited By (19)
| US20090229235A1 ( en ) | 2008-03-14 | 2009-09-17 | James Lindmeyer | Replaceable Edge for Cutting Blades |
| US8099937B2 ( en ) | 2008-03-14 | 2012-01-24 | New Edge LLC | Replaceable edge for cutting blades |
| US20090308044A1 ( en ) | 2008-06-12 | 2009-12-17 | Christopher Bever | Lawn mower blade assembly for quick blade replacement and associated methods |
| US7775026B2 ( en ) | 2008-06-12 | 2010-08-17 | Christopher Bever | Lawn mower blade assembly for quick blade replacement and associated methods |
| US7784254B2 ( en ) | 2008-06-12 | 2010-08-31 | Christopher Bever | Lawn mower blade assembly having blade mount for quick blade replacement and associated methods |
| WO2012061555A2 ( en ) | 2010-11-04 | 2012-05-10 | Blarek James A | Mower blade with replaceable inserts |
| WO2012061555A3 ( en ) | 2010-11-04 | 2012-07-05 | Blarek James A | Mower blade with replaceable inserts |
| US9736981B2 ( en ) | 2011-09-29 | 2017-08-22 | Husqvarna Ab | Quick-change blade system |
| US9113595B2 ( en ) | 2011-09-29 | 2015-08-25 | Husqvarna Ab | Quick-change blade system |
| US9699964B2 ( en ) | 2011-09-29 | 2017-07-11 | Husqvarna Ab | Quick-change blade system |
| US9788483B2 ( en ) | 2011-09-29 | 2017-10-17 | Husqvarna Ab | Quick-change blade system |
| US9113594B1 ( en ) | 2012-12-03 | 2015-08-25 | John Delmont | Replaceable blade assembly |
| CN103548478A ( en ) | 2013-10-31 | 2014-02-05 | 苏州安必瑟斯机电技术有限公司 | Cutting blade |
| US9743580B2 ( en ) | 2014-08-19 | 2017-08-29 | John Mitchell | Lawnmower blade holder device |
| CN104429676A ( en ) | 2014-11-24 | 2015-03-25 | 顾海滨 | Horizontal axis cutter for cutting off tips of corns |
| US9901029B2 ( en ) | 2015-09-21 | 2018-02-27 | Bryan A Wills | Mower blade assembly |
| IT201700010994A1 ( en ) | 2017-02-01 | 2018-08-01 | Nova Ferr S R L | Cutting blade for a lawn mower. |
| US20200130219A1 ( en ) | 2017-06-28 | 2020-04-30 | Pbs Puntoni Business Solutions Llc | Rotatable blade with replaceable cutting edges |
| US10850421B2 ( en ) | 2017-06-28 | 2020-12-01 | Puntoni Products Llc | Rotatable blade with replaceable cutting edges |
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