Should Mower Blades be Parallel?

Last Updated on September 21, 2021 by Mark Brian

A mower comes with two or more blades installed in its cutting deck. All these blades either they are two or three in count come with their parallel orientations with respect to each other. When these mowers lose the particular orientation on which they were manufactured, they don’t give a precise cut to your lawn. Here, different scenarios will present you with an overview of why the mower is not giving a precise cut when the blades are not parallel to each other.

Alignment of Blades

The alignment of blades has a huge impact on the performance of your mower. Once you have set the position of the blades their alignment should remain fixed. However, that changes in most cases if care is not taken. That results in uneven grass cuts, removal of grass patches cleans off the soil, and stunted growth.

Not only that but the quality of the engine and deck dwindle over time as the belts supporting the blades change their shape. Although you cannot expect the blades to remain in position because of environmental factors, grass type, and terrain smoothness you should take special protocols.

To help you find the right alignment we have discussed important brands which are the standard for lawn mowers in the garden tools industry. Keep reading to find out more!

• Exmark Blade Alignment

Exmark blades are easy to install as they use simple methods and have straightforward deck positions. Mostly the mowers are suitable for medium sized lawns and support two to three Exmark blade positions. To adjust more than two blades they are aligned parallel to each other while perpendicular to the shaft. This way there is less chance of grass tangling and settling in the blades which can cause more trouble than good.

• Bad Boy Blade Alignment

Bad Boy mower blade position is similar to the Husqvarna although with the condition that the blades need to be kept sharp and upright. You have to buy blades that have an appropriate shape so they do not overrun each other. Although the blades can stagger from front to back if the V belt driving the blades is damaged. Normally the blades are aligned in a parallel manner but we recommend eyeing the manual to be sure.

One of the best riding lawn mowers on our suggest list (for all types of grasses) is Craftsman T110. In this mower, you can change the deck to 3 mower blade orientation, mulching, and can even attach the bagger. We have given a proper guide and review of this lawn mower in the provided link above.

• Zero Turn Blade Alignment

The alignment of zero turn mowers is similar to that of riding mowers, in that you must follow the same processes as with riding mowers. To be sure, read the handbook thoroughly. The blades should be positioned in the deck in relation to the chute. The deck belt should be closely checked, as should deck movement.

• John Deere Blade Alignment

The trademark perpendicularly oriented blades of John Deere are simple to install. Make sure you have all of the necessary tools on hand. Slowly rotate our advised John dree riding lawn mower blades so one tip points forward and the other backward.

Place a wood block near the edge of a blade that needs to be aligned within the deck and leave it alone. Turn the blade a little to wedge it in place. With an adjustable wrench, remove the blade’s screw, spline washer, and spring washer.

Our Recommended Blades

Maxpower John Deere 561811B

Maxpower 561811B blade is compatible with John Deere lawn mowers suitable for medium sized lawns. You can run the blades over thick grass however they may not perform better in rough terrains. Each blade measures 21-3/8″ Long by 2-3/4″ Wide with a seven point center hole that meets the OEM specifications.

Aftermarket Zero Turn Mower Blades

Aftermarket Zero Turn is a six blade replacement for Bad Boy 038-0005-00 although you should double check the model number and fitness to ensure it is suitable for your deck size. These blades can be adjusted in a 54” Zero Turn mower however other compatibilities are written on the guide. Lastly, the blades have a length of 18-3/4″ width of 2-1/2″ and thickness .204″.

Bad Boy Zero Turn Mower Blades

Yet here is another set of blades perfect for your Zero Turn Bad Boy mowers. However, they have a longer length and can be used for mowers for larger terrains. It can replace 038-0005-00 and fits the model MZ Magnum 54”. If you have a nice lawn these blades can last as good as the end of the season.

Oregon 6 Pack 92 030

It’s difficult to overlook an Exmark mower that is quickly gaining notable recognition. Because the directions are written along the blade ends, the blades are strong and easy to align. Additionally, the Oregon 6 Pack 92 030 lift blade we recommend is made by two different companies. The blades are highly suitable for challenging conditions.

The Mower does not give Precise Cut

The precise cut of a mower states that the mower is giving a precise cut to the lawn in its one pass. Sometimes, a chunk of the mower’s one pass is not cut precisely. This scenario means that the mower blades are not parallel anymore which should give you satisfactory results. Like what? One of the blades would lose its original position due to some harsh environmental contact. Now, it won’t give a cut to the lawn at that length especially to the tough grasses like Zoysia and Bermuda.

In this regard, people most often come with the query that their mowers are not cutting from the middle or one of the sides. So, the problem is simply that the blades are not parallel. In this case, until the blades are brought to their original position, you can’t enjoy a precisely cut lawn. In this whole real time scenario, you can conclude the importance of the blades being parallel to each other. using a dull blade will also affect the engine and lawn mower life.

Cutting Deck Damages the Soil

This is also a real time issue that the cutting deck starts damaging your lawn’s soil. In this scenario, a blade or set of blades got damaged due to which they are penetrating up to the soil of the lawn other than the grass. In this scenario, the cutting blades installed are not at their particular position, parallel to each other.

The damaged blade may go vertically down which penetrates into the soil of the lawn and damages it. Due to getting misshapen, it didn’t remain parallel to other blades. As a result of which, it started causing problems. Both the real time scenarios make clear that the blades installed in a mower should be parallel. Otherwise, they start causing problems. with maximum blade adjustment, you can do your lawn healthy.

Benefits of Parallel Blades Orientation

Parallel blades orientation helps you enjoy many benefits like

• It helps you give a precise and worthy cut to your lawn.
• The smoothness of the operations is not compromised.
• Parallel orientation saves you from damaging your lawn’s soil So, it proves machinery performs at its best when it is designed properly.
• The proper orientation of the cutting blades is parallel to each other. Otherwise, it is possible that you may have to face problems like described in the upper section.
• Proper blade engagement and orientation are important in all types of lawn mower, such as electric, walk behind, self propelled, gas, petrol powered, lightweight, and most importantly riding mowers.

Read More:

• 3 Blade Mower Deck Problems & Solution
• Proper Angle to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blade
  
• Best Grinding Wheel For Sharpening Lawn Mower Blades
• What are the Best Mulching Blades for John Deere?
• Can You Use Mulching Blades Without a Mulching Kit?