Cutting the grass from your lawn can be frustrating if you don’t know the proper use of a lawnmower. There are a lot of brands that make good-quality lawnmowers. You may have to buy one mower for your favorite lawnmower. So you love to learn about its features and part. Now come to the point that Riding Mower Blades Won’t Disengage issue.
A riding mower cuts the grass significantly faster from your lawn. You can avoid any potential hazards and obstacles if you know proper care and maintenances. When the problem is with the blades, it becomes such a severe problem. You know that the blades cut the grass.
Sometimes the blades can be damaged if you run over a tree stump or a rock. Even the engagement arm can be injured. What happens ultimately? After turning off the mower, the blades may continue to spinning. So it is a very alarming issue.
So how to fix mower blades won’t turn off problem? It is a simple task that you can do at your home. At first, remove your cutting deck. You should check the engagement arm then. You can smooth out any dents if with a bench grinder.
Even someone can replace the whole part. This is not so easy work. If you don’t have a good knowledge of tools and techniques, I recommend you go to an expert. You may learn from this article. Here I will guide you to fix the blade’s engagement problem.
You may hear the term john deere mower blades won’t disengage, MTD mower blades won’t disengage problem. So what is the solution? What do you need to do? Let’s follow the following passage.
Tools that you will need to fix your mower’s engagement arm:
- Bench Grinder (if applicable)
Step by Step Process to fix Mower’s Engagement Arm:
Step One: Park the Mower
At first, you need to cool down your machine. It will help if you put the mower on a flat and smooth surface. A driveway or garage is recommended—. You need to disconnect the spark plug if you want to avoid any unwanted accidents. Stop the wheel of the mower properly.
Step Two: Separate the Cutting Deck
Removing the cutting deck is a complicated process. So it would be best if you had proper knowledge about it. If you are a new mower owner and have not done it before, I suggest you follow the manufacturer’s manual. Here I will illustrate the process in detail. Just check these steps carefully.
1: Lower the Deck All the Way –
The deck should be lowered. What can you do now? Take a wooden block and install it under the deck. This way, you can release the pressure on the connector arms.
2: Remove the Engagement Cable –
Do you see the metal wires? In the middle of the deck, you can find out the metal wires. A cotter pin connects the cables. So eliminate the pin to get it off.
3: Extract the Blade Belt –
The blade belt is a vital part of a mower—the strap coils around the main pulley. You can easily remove it.
4: Separate the Cotter Pins –
You see many cotter pins on the cutting deck. These pins attach the different arms. You should remove the pins from both the back and the front. I have an extraordinary suggestion for you.
Installing woodblocks under the deck will make this process easier. It releases the pressure of the arm. Moreover, use the pillers to pull off the rusted pins. Mark the location of the pins as you quickly find them out.
5: Raise the Engagement Arm –
Raising the engagement arm will help you to draw the deck quickly.
Step Three: Remove the Blade Belt
There are several pulleys and spindles, and the belts are coiled around them. You may found a diagram that is printed on the cutting deck. The diagram shows the orientation of belts. To separate the belt correctly, you can take a clear picture of the references. I suggest you examine the belt. If you find any severe issues, then replace the belt with a new one.
Step Four: Investigate the Engagement Arm
The engagement arm is so crucial part of cutting the grass. You notice this arm on the middle of the deck. Moving backward and forward, this arm helps to employ the blades. Sometimes it moves but can not quickly return to its previous position. Move it by your hand, and you will able to diagnosis this problem. So why does this happen?
It can occur when your mower hits on a hardwood stamp or any other obstacle. Some other accidents can cause a fracture of the metal. Even rusted metal could be a severe issue. So replace the rusted engagement arm as soon as possible as it will stop cutting the grass. Don’t try to fix the challenging problem. Instead, replace the engagement arm.
Step Five: Fix or Replace the Engagement Arm
Fixing the engagement arm is a straightforward task. You can do this at home by following these steps.
1: Extract the Mounting Bolt –
You will find this bolt on the second pulley of the engagement arm.
2: Separate the Second Pulley-
Now carefully remove the second pulley.
3: Withdraw the Engagement Spring –
You can easily remove the engagement spring. But try to replace this spring if this becomes curved or rusted.
4.: Remove the Arm –
You may notice some washers and a spacer that contains the arm. You need to tackle them carefully.
Now tell me, is it better to replace an arm than repair it? No, sometimes the repair can save your money if you have a bench grinder. Grind out the divots and polish the metal. Using a handheld grinder, you can smooth the devotes inside.
But if the bent is severe then replace the engagement arm. The rusted component also should be removed. It is not so wise to repair a metal in a lousy condition.
All done. Finally, fix the bolts and pulley. Now you can check for the difference. After repairing or replacing the arm, you should check how the piece shifts back and forward. Spring may drag it and take it to its previous position when you push it up.
Take this issue seriously because blades and engagement arms are a vital part of a mower. You may hear the term Riding lawn mower blades won’t spin. So maintenance of blades and engagement arm is essential.
Step Six: Displace the Blade Belt
Now replace the blade belt in its position again. Follow a photo or diagram to do it smoothly. A reference will help you a lot.
Step Seven: Replace the Cutting Deck
Now you are working in reverse order. Replace the deck to its position.
Step Eight: Examine the Mower
Before going to cut on your lawn, test the mower. You must check all the part is replaced well or not.
Frequently Asked Question:
1.Why does my mower hang when I engage the blades?
The belt drives the pulley of your lawnmower. Your engine may hang if the pulley does not spin accurately.
2.Which way do you tip a lawnmower?
Tip the mower as if the spark plug is facing skyward. Don’t try to tip it with the spark plug pointing to the ground.
Bottom Lines:
I hope you have got a bright idea to fix Mower’s Engagement Arm. You don’t need to be afraid when this type of problem happens. Follow our guidelines and try to fix this issue at home.
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