How to Sharpen and Care for Your Walk Behind Lawn Mower Blade

Over time, the blade on your walk-behind mower can become worn out, bent or dinged. This gradual damage can reduce the effectiveness of your mower, so be sure to sharpen or replace the blade if you notice these signs of wear. How often you visually check the blade depends on how regularly the mower is used. Check the blade at least twice a year, at the beginning and middle of the mowing season, or more often if you mow year-round. This video will show you how replace the blade on your Cub Cadet walk-behind mower. Depending on your model, the instructions in this video may vary slightly. Always be sure to check your operator's manual for detailed instructions.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Prepare your mower for maintenance. Place your mower on a flat, level surface. Turn the mower off and make sure the engine is cool.  Disconnect the spark plug ignition wire and remove the key if equipped. This helps to ensure the machine doesn't start accidentally and cause you or those around you harm.

Step 2: Remove the fuel from your lawn mower. You'll need to place your walk-behind lawn mower on its side to access the lawn mower blade. Before you do so, it's important to remove the fuel to prevent it from spilling. You can either run the mower until it's empty or use a siphon pump to remove the fuel before you do repairs. Be sure to store the fuel in an approved container.

Step 3: Turn the mower on its side. You will need to turn your walk-behind lawn mower on its side to access the lawn mower blade. Make sure the air filter is facing up to prevent the oil from leaking into the air filter housing and fuel tank.

Step 4: Remove the blade. Wear gloves for protection.  A block of wood or the Blade Removal Tool can be used to stop the blade from rotating. Use a socket or wrench to remove the blade retaining bolt. Note the orientation of the blade hardware.

Step 5: Replace the blade. Carefully replace the blade and tighten the bolt securely per the specifications in your owner’s manual. When properly installed the word bottom or the blade part number will face the ground.

Step 6: Turn the mower upright onto its wheels.

Step 7: Reconnect your spark plug wire.