When the lawn looks ragged instead of evenly cut to uniform height, the time has arrived to change the blades on your Dixon mower. After 10 hours of mowing time, the blades should be evaluated for nicks or a dull edge. Blades that need to be replaced can be removed and new ones installed in 10 to 15 minutes with the right tools. The time required to replace the blades will be recovered because the mower will work at its optimal cutting level without duplicate passes.
Supplies Required to Remove and Replace the Blades
Note: Even when the blade replacement procedure becomes familiar, every effort should be made to following recommended safety procedures to prevent injury.
• Work gloves – Heavy leather gloves will prevent the nicked metal on the blade edges from causing cuts on the fingers and hands. Throughout the procedures, gloves should be worn.
• Two tire jacks – The front of the mower must be raise to access the blades. The jacks will support the weight while the blades are removed and new blades are installed.
• Blocks of wood – Three blades are mounted to the Dixon mower, and a 2 by 4 inch block of wood should be placed between each blade and the mower housing. This will prevent the blade from turning.
• Impact wrench – This tool will be used to replace the mower bolts in the new blades.
• Socket set – Proper fit must be achieved to remove the blade bolts that hold the blades in place.
• Penetrating oil – Bound blade bolts can be loosed by applying sufficient penetrating oil.
• Two-foot pipe – When the blade is difficult to remove, a length of pipe can provide the leverage required.
• Goggles – Eye protection is important when working with any mechanical equipment.
• Genuine Dixon Blades – Ensure that new blades are available prior to beginning the replacement procedure.
Blade Replacement Procedure
Prior to attempting to remove the blade, the mower should be stopped, and the key removed from the ignition. Make certain that other people in the area understand that the blades are about to be removed from the mower. Work gloves must be worn on both hands for safety when working with jagged and sharp metal edges.
• Use the hydraulic jacks on a firm surface to raise the front end of the Dixon mower. Do not attempt to use the jacks on the lawn surface. Move to a paved area to replace the blades.
• Once the mower front is raised off the ground, place blocks of wood between each blade and the mower housing to stabilize the blades and prevent them from turning. This will prevent a struggle with the blades when the bolts are turned.
• Select the blade bolt closest to the front wheels and remove it with a standard screwdriver by turning the bolt in a counterclockwise direction.
• If the bolt is difficult to turn and cannot be removed, spray penetrating oil on the bolt.
• Use a secure-fitting socket and use the pipe as a handle for extra leverage to loosen the bolt after allowing the penetrating oil to work for a few minutes. When the bolt is removed, put it in something that will keep it from rolling away.
• Remove the blade.
• Repeat this procedure for all three blades prior to installing new blades.
• Start with the blade assembly furthest back, and replace the blade in the same position as the old blade that was removed. Try not to drop the blade or nick the edge on a hard surface.
• Tighten the blade bolt on each blade with 60 foot pounds with a torque wrench.
• Remove the jacks from the front of the mower.
If the last set of blades on the truck were used for the mower, make certain that another set of blades is acquired before the next workday. All tools and supplies should be returned to their storage places prior to returning to the mowing operation to prevent loss. When mowing resumes, evaluate the height of the grass and the quality of the cut. Monitor the number of hours required before another set of blades is required.
In order to find Genuine Dixon mower blades, which were made by the manufacturer, purchase them from a trusted dealer, or by going online at www.DixonZTRparts.com.