Murray mower deck adjustment. Getting the Best Lawn Mower Cut Quality

US5351467A. Height adjustment mechanism for riding mower cutting deck. Google Patents

Publication number US5351467A US5351467A US08/097,104 US9710493A US5351467A US 5351467 A US5351467 A US 5351467A US 9710493 A US9710493 A US 9710493A US 5351467 A US5351467 A US 5351467A Authority US United States Prior art keywords suspending cutting frame deck suspending member Prior art date 1993-07-26 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.) Expired. Lifetime Application number US08/097,104 Inventor Harlin J. Trefz Robert R. Boyd Christopher L. Flowers Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.) Briggs and Stratton Power Products Group LLC Murray Outdoor Products Inc Original Assignee Noma Outdoor Products Inc 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.) 1993-07-26 Filing date 1993-07-26 Publication date 1994-10-04 1993-07-26 Application filed by Noma Outdoor Products Inc filed Critical Noma Outdoor Products Inc 1993-07-26 Priority to US08/097,104 priority Critical patent/US5351467A/en 1993-09-15 Assigned to NOMA OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, INC. A CORP. OF TENNESSEE reassignment NOMA OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, INC. A CORP. OF TENNESSEE ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BOYD, ROBERT R., FLOWERS, CHRISTOPHER L., TREFZ, HARLIN J. 1994-06-10 Assigned to MURRAY OUTDOOR PRODUCTS INC. reassignment MURRAY OUTDOOR PRODUCTS INC. CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NOMA OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, INC. 1994-10-04 Application granted granted Critical 1994-10-04 Publication of US5351467A publication Critical patent/US5351467A/en 1995-10-23 Assigned to MURRAY, INC. reassignment MURRAY, INC. MERGER AND CHANGE OF NAME Assignors: MURRAY OHIO MANUFACTURING COMPANY, THE, MURRAY OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, INC., NOMA INDUSTRIES, NOMA OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, INC., Western International Incorporated 2000-11-20 Assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT reassignment GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: MURRAY, INC. 2005-04-06 Assigned to BRIGGS STRATTON POWER PRODUCTS GROUP, LLC reassignment BRIGGS STRATTON POWER PRODUCTS GROUP, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MURRAY, INC. 2013-07-26 Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical Status Expired. Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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
• A01D34/74 — Cutting-height adjustment

• A — HUMAN NECESSITIES
• A01 — AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
• A01D — HARVESTING; MOWING
• A01D2101/00 — Lawn-mowers

• Y — GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
• Y10 — TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
• Y10S — TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
• Y10S56/00 — Harvesters
• Y10S56/22 — Underslung yieldable rotary mower

Abstract

Apparatus for suspending, raising and lowering the cutting deck beneath the frame of a riding lawn mower, comprising a pair of lifting arms having first ends rotatably secured to the frame and second ends secured to the cutting deck, rotation of the lifting arms effecting vertical movement of said cutting deck. A pedal operated lifting mechanism is provided, selectively operable by the user of the mower to rotate the lifting arms, thereby raising and/or lower the cutting deck. A suspending member is disposed through an opening in the frame above a portion of one lifting arm, said suspending member having a lower end secured to the lifting arm and an upper end disposed above the opening in the frame. A support member secured to the upper end of the suspending member engages the frame to limit downward movement of the suspending member and lifting arm, and is selectively adjustable by the user to adjust the cutting height of the deck. Upon moving the cutting deck to its upper-most raised position, the suspending member engages the frame adjacent the opening and automatically locks the cutting deck in its raised position. A handle on the suspending member allows the driver to adjust the cutting height with the cutting deck in either its cutting or raised position.

Description

This invention relates generally to riding lawn mowers and, more particularly, to the height adjustment mechanism associated with the apparatus for suspending the cutting deck beneath the mower frame.

For years, hand operated lifting mechanisms were standard equipment for raising and lowering the cutting decks on riding lawn mowers. Such mechanisms typically comprise a relatively long lever projecting upwardly from the foot rest area, having a handle on the upper end to be grasped and pulled by the driver when raising the cutting deck. The cutting height may be established by securing the lever in one of a plurality of slots or notches formed in the foot rest area, or by some other system providing a finite number of discrete settings for the deck height.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,825, issued Aug. 18, 1992, to Trefz, et al., hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, a pedal operated lifting system is provided for replacing conventional hand operated levers. While the system for suspending and moving the cutting deck shown in the ‘825 patent represents a significant improvement, the cutting height adjustment mechanism still provides only a finite number of discrete settings. Furthermore, the apparatus for suspending and adjusting the cutting deck includes numerous components which add to the complexity and cost of the mower. Accordingly, a need has been recognized for a suspending apparatus for use on a riding mower having a cutting height adjustment mechanism which provides infinite adjustability, within a range, and which comprises a minimum number of components.

An object of the present invention is to provide a cutting deck height adjustment mechanism which provides virtually unlimited adjustability, within a range established by maximum and minimum heights. A further object is to provide a cutting deck suspending apparatus for use on riding lawn mowers incorporating such an adjustment mechanism.

Another object is to provide a deck height adjustment system comprising a minimum number of relatively inexpensive components.

A still further object is to provide a deck height adjustment mechanism which may be easily manipulated by the driver without the deck being raised to its upper-most position.

An even further object is to provide a cutting height adjustment mechanism which automatically locks the cutting deck in its upper-most raised position.

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, there is disclosed herein a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for suspending the cutting deck beneath the frame of a riding lawn mower, having an improved cutting deck adjustment mechanism. This invention comprises a lifting arm having a first end rotatably secured to the mower frame, and a second end secured to the cutting deck, wherein rotation of the lifting arm effects vertical movement of the cutting deck, and lifting means selectively operable by the user to rotate the lifting arm, thereby raising and lowering the cutting deck as desired. This invention further comprises a suspending member disposed through an opening formed in the frame above a portion of the lifting arm, said suspending member having a lower end secured to the lifting arm and an upper end disposed above the opening in the frame. A support element is secured to the upper end of the suspending member, and is operative to engage the frame to limit the downward movement of the suspending member and lifting arm secured thereto, thereby establishing the cutting height for the deck. The support element is adapted to allow selective adjustment of the vertical downward movement of the suspending member. In the preferred embodiment, the suspending member includes a notch formed in a side portion thereof for engaging the frame upon moving the cutting deck to its upper-most raised position, thereby securing the deck in said position for travelling. The above stated and other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification taken in conjunction with the appended drawings.

FIG. 1 is a top exploded perspective view of a suspending and lifting apparatus incorporating the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the adjustable support element and related components of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side schematic view of the apparatus of the present invention, shown in a normal cutting position; and

FIG. 4 is a side schematic view of the apparatus of this invention showing the cutting deck in its fully raised position.

With initial reference to FIG. 1, a generally conventional riding lawn mower frame 10 is shown having a vertical lift assembly 12 secured to the underside thereof. While the remaining components of a riding lawn mower are not shown in the appended drawings, it is expected that those skilled in the art will be intimately familiar with the omitted components, all of which are generally conventional.

Lift assembly 12 and adjustable suspending assembly 14, best illustrated in FIG. 2, together comprise an apparatus for suspending cutting deck 16 beneath frame 10. Furthermore, assemblies 12 and 14 cooperate to provide a degree of cutting height adjustability previously unknown in the art, as discussed in more detail below.

Lift assembly 12 comprises a laterally oriented tube 18 rotatably mounted to the underside of frame 10, preferably by a pair of pillow blocks 20 (only one of which is shown herein). Fixedly secured to opposite ends of tube 18 are lifting arms 22 and 24, having distal ends 26 and 28, respectively, hingedly secured to a pair of brackets 30 anchored to cutting deck 16.

Fixedly secured to end 32 of tube 18 is a pedal 34 operable by the driver of the riding mower whose left foot will normally rest on foot rest 36 of frame 10. Depression of pedal 34 rotates tube 18 and lifting arms 22 and 24 counterclockwise, as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4, thereby raising cutting deck 16. It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that pedal 34 may be replaced by any conventional mechanism for enabling the user to vertically move cutting deck 16 without departing from the principles of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 2, suspending assembly 14 is seen comprising a suspending member 38 which, upon complete assembly of the mower, is disposed through opening 40 formed in frame 10. The lower end 42 of suspending member 38 includes a plurality of holes 44 and 46, by which suspending member 38 may be rotatably secured to lifting arm 24, preferably by means of shoulder screw 48 and nut 50. Shoulder screw 48 is secured to lifting arm 24 through hole 51 which is preferably slotted to allow some degree of vertical adjustment for suspending member 38 relative to lifting arm 24, regardless of whether suspending member 38 is attached via hole 44 or hole 46. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, hole 44 is used to provide a lower range of cutting heights, as is commonly preferred in most European countries, while hole 46 may be used for a higher range of cutting heights as is commonly preferred in the United States.

The top portion 52 of suspending member 38 has a threaded block 54 rigidly secured thereto for receiving support member 56 which is threadedly engaged therewith. The upper end of support member 56 has a handle 58, washer 60 and sleeve 62 secured thereon by means of nut 64. The lower end of support member 56 comprises an enlarged surface 66 which, with lift assembly 12 in its cutting position shown in FIG. 3, rests on area 68 of frame 10 adjacent opening 40 to support cutting deck 16 at its selected height. In the preferred embodiment shown, threaded block 54 may comprise a square nut welded to top portion 52 of suspending member 38, and support member 56 may comprise a socket head screw. A square rubber washer 69 is relatively tightly disposed on support member 56 to provide friction, thereby avoiding inadvertent turning of support member 56 within threaded block 54 and consequential alteration of the cutting height.

The central portion of suspending member 38 includes a notch 70 formed therein, and is biased rearwardly by means of tension spring 72. Upon depression of pedal 34 sufficient to raise cutting deck 16 to its upper-most position as shown in FIG. 4, suspending member 38 is pulled rearwardly by spring 72 such that notch 70 engages the rear edge of opening 40, thereby securing cutting deck 16 in said raised position. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, this raised position is preferred whenever it is necessary to traverse terrain which is not to be mowed. To return cutting deck 16 to its cutting position, the driver of the lawn mower need only depress pedal 34 slightly to release the pressure on notch 70 and, utilizing handle 58, hold suspending member 38 in its forward position so that notch 70 clears the edge of opening 40 while releasing pedal 34.

Suspending assembly 14 uniquely allows the driver of a lawn mower incorporating the present invention to adjust the cutting height of deck 16 while deck 16 is in its cutting position shown in FIG. 3. With the deck lowered as shown, the driver may rotate handle 58 to raise or lower deck 16, as desired. In the embodiment shown, counterclockwise rotation of handle 58 serves to lower deck 16, while clockwise rotation raises deck 16. It may be preferable to include height indicia 74 on suspending member 38 so the user can readily determine the precise cutting height for deck 16. In the embodiment shown, indicia 74 align with the top edge of opening 40 to indicate the cutting height setting. It is contemplated that, in another embodiment of this invention, sleeve 62 extends over top portion 52 of suspending member 38, with the lower edge of sleeve 62 aligning with the appropriate indicia 74 corresponding to the cutting height.

While the principles of providing an improved lift and suspending assembly for a riding mower have been made clear by the above disclosure, it will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art that there are many possible modifications to the disclosed arrangement without departing from the basic spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to cover and embrace not only the specific embodiment disclosed herein, but also such modifications within the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims ( 15 )

In a riding lawn mower having a frame and a cutting deck, apparatus for suspending the cutting deck beneath the frame comprising:

at least one lifting arm having a first end operatively engaged with said lifting mechanism and a second end secured to said cutting deck, movement of said at least one lifting arm effecting vertical movement of said cutting deck;

a suspending member disposed through an opening formed in said frame above a portion of said at least one lifting arm, said member having a lower end secured to said at least one lifting arm and an upper end disposed above said opening in said frame, said suspending member being vertically moveable with said at least one lifting arm; and

support means adjustably secured to said upper end of said suspending member, operative to engage said frame to limit the downward movement of said suspending member and said lifting arm secured thereto, thereby establishing a cutting height for said cutting deck, said support means being vertically adjustable relative to said suspending member to allow selective adjustment of the vertical downward movement of said suspending member.

said cutting deck is selectively moveable between a plurality of cutting positions and a fully raised position suitable for travelling; and

said suspending member includes means for automatically engaging said frame adjacent said opening when said cutting deck is moved to said raised position, thereby prohibiting downward movement of said suspending member and said cutting deck, said engaging means being selectively disengageable from said frame for allowing said deck to be lowered to a cutting position.

a notch formed in said suspending member, engageable with an edge portion of said opening through said frame upon moving said cutting deck to said fully raised position, and

means for biasing said suspending member toward said edge portion so that said notch automatically engages said edge portion upon moving said deck to said fully raised position.

said biasing means comprise a tension spring having one end secured to said suspending member and an opposite end secured to said at least one lifting arm.

said support means comprise a threaded element threadingly engaging said nut, having a lower end for engaging said frame upon lowering said cutting deck and an upper end with a handle secured thereto, whereupon

rotation of said handle causes translation of said threaded element relative to said suspending member, said translation providing said selective adjustment of said vertical downward movement of said suspending member.

said at least one lifting arm comprises a pair of spaced apart lifting arms, said first ends thereof being fixedly secured to opposite ends of a laterally oriented tube rotatably secured to said frame.

said lifting mechanism comprises a pedal fixedly secured to said tube, whereby depression of said pedal by the driver of said riding mower effects rotation of said tube and said lifting arms secured thereto, and consequential raising of said cutting deck.

Apparatus for suspending a cutting deck beneath the frame of a riding lawn mower and providing for the selective adjustment of the cutting height, said apparatus comprising:

a pair of spaced apart lifting arms, having first ends fixedly secured to opposite ends of said tube and second ends secured to said cutting deck, whereby rotation of said tube effects vertical movement of said cutting deck;

a suspending member secured to a portion of one of said lifting arms and extending upwardly through an opening formed through said frame, having an upper end disposed above said opening; and

a support member attached to said upper end of said suspending member, said support member being operative to engage said frame generally adjacent said opening to limit downward movement of said suspending member, thereby establishing a cutting height for said deck, said support member being vertically adjustable relative to said suspending member to provide selective adjustment of the cutting height for said deck.

said support member comprises a threaded element threadingly engaging said nut, having a lower end for engaging said frame upon lowering said cutting deck and an upper end, whereupon

rotation of said threaded element causes translation thereof relative to said suspending member, said translation providing selective adjustment of said vertical downward movement of said suspending member, thereby providing said selective adjustment of said cutting height for said deck.

said upper end of said threaded element includes a handle secured thereto to facilitate selective rotation of said threaded element.

said cutting deck is selectively moveable between a plurality of cutting positions and a fully raised position suitable for travelling; and

said suspending member includes means for automatically engaging said frame adjacent said opening when said cutting deck is moved to said raised position, thereby prohibiting downward movement of said suspending member and said cutting deck, said engaging means being selectively disengageable from said frame for allowing said deck to be lowered to a cutting position.

a notch formed in said suspending member, engageable with an edge portion of said opening through said frame upon moving said cutting deck to said raised position, and

means for biasing said suspending member toward said edge portion so that said notch automatically engages said edge portion upon moving said cutting deck to said raised position.

said biasing means comprise a tension spring having one end secured to said suspending member and opposite end secured to said lifting arm.

US08/097,104 1993-07-26 1993-07-26 Height adjustment mechanism for riding mower cutting deck Expired. Lifetime US5351467A ( en )

Priority Applications (1)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Family Applications (1)

Cited By (31)

Patent Citations (20)

Cited By (48)

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Getting the Best Lawn Mower Cut Quality

Cutting the lawn has more purpose than making tall grass short. It’s about crafting landscapes that bring pride, landscapes that host parties and landscapes that literally work for you. By delivering superior cut quality for your clients, your reputation as a sharp landscaper will help retain current clients and be a selling point for new ones.

Read the following tips to learn how to get the sharpest looking landscapes. On a zero turn lawn mower, there are both adjustments and techniques landscapers can make and perform to ensure a smooth, even and appealing result with each mowing.

Adjust lawn mow​​​er deck pitch

Fine tuning a mower deck enables the aerodynamic design of the cutting chamber to lift grass, cut it evenly and discharge it effectively.

What is mowe​​​r deck pitch?

Lawn mower deck pitch, or sometimes referred to as, rake, is the tilt of the mower deck from front to back. Forward deck pitch creates an air seal at the front of the deck when the blades are rotating. This seal limits air entry into the cutting chamber to the rear of the deck, allowing the aerodynamic design of a Gravely lawn mower deck to maximize grass lift and cut evenly. This design results in a superior cut quality and an even discharge that’s less likely to clump.

For most effective results, a lawn mower deck should have a pitch, or height difference of 1/8-inch to 1/2-inch between the front of the deck to the back of the deck. Naturally, this makes the sweet spot about 1/4-inch of pitch, depending on the mower model. In any case, the front of the deck should be pitched lower than the deck rear. Be careful not to pitch too much that you start scalping lawns.

How to adjust l​​awn mower pitch

All Gravely decks are built so their owners can adjust deck pitch quickly and easily. There’s no special tools or mechanical training required to complete this procedure, either. Just a couple wrenches and a few pieces of hardware. Before you begin, park the mower on a flat, level surface, stop the engine, remove the key, check that the tire pressures are equal and grab a tape measure.

Check ​pitch

As directed in the operator’s manual:

• Raise the mower deck to a cutting height of 3.5 inches.
• Manually and carefully turn the blades so they’re positioned front to back. When manually turning blades, always grab the dull edge of the blade.
• Measure:
• The distances between the front tips of the outer blades and the ground.
• ​The distances between the rear tips of the outer blades and the ground.
• If front measurements are lower than the rear measurements by less than 1/8 inch or more than 1/2 inch, adjust pitch.

Adjust pitch

Deck pitch can be adjusted by lowering the front of the deck, raising the rear of the deck or a combination of both. Be sure to make adjustments so that the distances of your final measurements at the front of the deck accurately reflect the cutting height of 3.5 inches that was set earlier.

​​T​​o lower the high side of deck:

• Loosen jam nuts against deck lift links.
• Turn adjustment bolts counterclockwise.
• Retake measurements and continue adjustment, if necessary.
• Tighten jam nuts against deck lift links.

To raise the low side of deck:

• Loosen jam nuts against deck lift links.
• Turn adjustment bolts clockwise.
• Retake measurements and continue adjustment, if necessary.
• Tighten jam nuts against deck lift links.​

After pitch adjustment is complete, check deck level.​

Leveling yo​​ur mower deck

Level the mower deck to ensure grass cutting height is even across the width of the deck. This will help ensure a smooth and seamless side-by-side blend between each row of freshly cut grass.

What is lawn mower deck leveling?

This is easier to understand than deck pitch. Deck leveling is simply making the cutting height on the left side of the deck even with the cutting height on the right side of the deck. In all cases, decks should be level with as little variance between each side of the cutting deck as possible. No variance between the left and right side of the deck is best.​

How to level the mower deck​

Leveling a Gravely lawn mower deck is done the same way as pitching a Gravely mower deck, except it’s adjusting the deck height from side to side, not back to front. Same components and tools with pitching a mower deck, and as before, start with the unit parked on a flat, level surface, inflate the tires to specification and grab a tape measure.​

Check mower deck level​​

As directed in the operator’s manual:

• Raise the mower deck to a cutting height of 3.5 inches.
• While wearing thick, sturdy gloves, manually and carefully turn the blades so they’re positioned side to side. When manually turning blades, always grab the dull edge of the blade.
• Measure:
• The distance between the left blade’s left cutting edge and the ground.
• The distance between the right blade’s right cutting edge and the ground.
• If the distance between the left blade tip and the ground is 3/16 inches greater than or less than the distance between the right blade tip and the ground, level the deck.

How to level your la​wn mower deck

As directed in the operator’s manual

• Loosen jam nuts against deck lift links.
• Turn adjustment bolts counterclockwise.
• Retake measurements and continue adjustment, if necessary.
• Tighten jam nuts against deck lift links.

• Loosen jam nuts against deck lift links.
• Turn adjustment bolts clockwise.
• Retake measurements and continue adjustment, if necessary.
• Tighten jam nuts against deck lift links.

How to sharpen lawn ​mower blades

Same as with dull knives or scissors – they don’t cut efficiently and results in duplicate effort. On a mower, dull blades leave behind stragglers and require the terribly inefficient practice of mowing the same rows twice.

Dull blades may require a total replacement, which isn’t bad since new blades are relatively cheap and easy to replace. However, if the blades aren’t worn too far, they can be sharpened without spending money on new blades. Be aware that blades should not be sharpened if more than a half-inch of the blade material is worn away (by previous sharpening or wear) or if the air lift is eroded. If the air lift is eroded, blades can no longer lift grass effectively and cut evenly. Blades that are bent or broken should be discarded.

• Read the safety instructions and the procedure instructions in the unit’s operator’s manual.
• Remove the mower deck according to the instructions in the operator’s manual.
• Remove the blades according to the instructions in the operator’s manual.
• File or grind an equal amount of blade material from each cutting edge until sharp. Do not change angle of cutting edge or round the corner of the blade.
• Slide the blade onto an unthreaded bolt and hold the bolt horizontally. Position the blade horizontally and check for blade balance. This is critical. If the blade moves, sharpen the heavy end until the blade remains balanced in a horizontal position on the unthreaded bolt.
• When the blade is sharpened and balanced adequately, reinstall it under the mower deck and torque it to the specification listed in the operator’s manual.
• Reinstall the mower deck.

Cleaning your mo​​wer d​​eck

Mower decks packed with grass clippings, dirt and debris can damage your mower, affect cut quality and hurt lawns. Grass, dirt and debris holds moisture that corrodes bare metal on the spindles and mower blades, weakening them. Additionally, grass-packed cutting decks can harbor fungi and bacteria that can spread to other lawns and damage them.

Grass buildup around the discharge area can prevent clippings from discharging evenly and could lead to clumping. Grass buildup under the deck can also affect the aerodynamics of the cutting chamber, disrupt the air lift under the deck (detailed in What is mower deck pitch?) and affect the cut quality.

Good lawn mo​​​wi​​ng techniques

Sometimes, getting a better cut quality can be achieved by breaking a few bad habits like mowing too fast, mowing in the same pattern and cutting grass too short.

Why you shouldn’t mow t​​oo fast

For busy landscapers, efficiency is important. And while landscapers will find many creative ways to shave time off each job, patience on the jobsite yields better results. Driving faster than the mower blades and deck can process overwhelms the deck and leaves behind stragglers and clumping. Slowing down the drive speed of a mower allows the blades enough time to lift, cut and discharge grass clippings evenly.

Why you should mow ​​in different patterns

After mowing the same properties, landscapers will learn the best way to navigate through their clients’ properties and will sometimes stick to one efficient mowing pattern. However, mowing in the same pattern is bad for lawns.

Grass is like hair. If it’s accustomed to being pushed in the same direction, it learns which way to fall. After mowing in the same paths cut after cut, grass falls to one direction and doesn’t stand straight up, making it more difficult for the mower to lift the grass and cut it evenly.

Additionally, mowing in the same pattern creates ruts. The weight of a mower driving over the same rows with each mowing causes the soil under a mower’s wheels to become compacted. As soil compacts, it restricts water, air and nutrients from reaching grass roots, leading to grass discoloration in those mower tracks.

To avoid these issues, landscapers should mow in a different pattern that crisscrosses the pattern of the previous mowing.

Why you shouldn’t cu​​t grass too short

Grass that’s kept longer grows healthier.

Grass that’s cut too short becomes stressed because it uses its energy re-growing what was just cut instead of growing its root system. Longer grass makes healthier lawns because longer grass has deeper root systems which access moisture and nutrients more effectively. Additionally, longer grass helps prevent the ability for weeds to take hold in the soil and germinate because tall grass blocks sunlight from those weeds.

Landscapers should cut no more than one-third of the length of grass with each mowing.

Best mowers for good cu​​t ​​quality

Performing service and adjustments on any lawn mower makes a big difference in cut quality, but you’ll never get the best cutting quality without having the right equipment. Consumers have numerous choices in a commercial lawn mower, but they’re not built alike.

Gravely commercial lawn mowers are designed for landscapers. Not only is a Gravely durable, reliable and comfortable, but each Gravely is designed to deliver superior cutting results.

Strong de​​ck stability

As opposed to decks that shake excessively when cutting, Gravely decks are sturdy and move with the contours of each landscape, ensuring an even cut.

Cutting deck di​​mensions

The deep depth of a fully fabricated Gravely commercial mower deck processes greater volumes of grass faster with reduced need to compromise speed for quality on the jobsite.

Superior deck aero​​dynamics

Grass is lifted and discharged evenly and effectively, meaning there’s less chance for stragglers and clumping.

Constant belt tension

Gravely’s trademarked constant belt tension, or CBT, applies the same tension to a brand new mower belt than it does to an older, stretched mower belt. This ensures consistent blade tip speed and cutting results throughout the life of the belt, even as it wears.​

Lawn mowe​​​r dealers near me

Ready to learn more about the machines that have been shaping the American landscape for over a century? Stop by your local Gravely dealer to explore Gravely’s full product lineup and to get replacement parts like belts, blades and more. Add a Gravely lawn striper kit this season to enhance each lawn by giving it that professional, finished look.​

How To Put A Belt On A Murray Riding Lawn Mower Diagram?

Murray lawn mower is a very prominent name when it comes to lawn mowers. The Murray riding lawn mowers are a great help for people who have small to medium-sized lawns or gardens. They easily trim the grass with the help of these riding lawn mowers.

However, sometimes people do complain about the low work efficiency of these Murray riding lawn mowers. There can be multiple reasons. Sometimes the problem can be in the spark plug. If blades are not sharped over regular periods, it can also reduce the trimming efficiency of lawn mowers. However, in one case a lawn mower stops moving at all. This is a clear symbol that the blade belt in the lawn mower is either broken or loose. In such a case, you have to replace the blade belt with a new one. If you are looking for a step-by-step guide to put a belt on a Murray riding lawn mower diagram, you are on the right page.

Fortunately, this article has enlisted a complete guide to changing the belt on a riding lawn mower.

A complete guide to putting a belt on a Murray riding lawn mower:

Lawn mowers are a regular part of maintenance so it is substantial to keep the machinery in reliable conditions to avoid lawn trimming problems. Often, the blade belt of the lawn makers breaks while working, and this is when the problem starts. Lawn mowers stop moving if the blade belt does not fit perfectly in its place. You can fix the problem with these easy steps.

Make sure the new belt matches the size of the original belt in the lawn mower. For this purpose, you might consider reading the owners manual to get the exact replacement. However, if the manual is not available, you can remove the old belt and read if the details are still visible on the belt. If you still could not find out, google the lawn mower. Put the relevant details, such as years of manufacture for your lawn mower, and try to locate the belt through google.

First of all, you need to collect all the tools that might help you replace the blade belt of the Murray lawn mower.

• Murray Lawn Mower Belt
• Wrench
• Plier
• Screwdriver
• Wooden box
• Cut freehand gloves

Step 1. Take out the spark plug

First of all, place the lawnmower at a leveled surface, so the work becomes easy. Now the next step is, if you just used the lawnmower, let your engine cool down. Then take out the spark plug wire from the spark plug connector. This will ensure that the engine of your lawn mower will not start working unintentionally. Now access the parking brakes of the mower and engage them.

Step 2. Remove moving deck

Before replacing the belt, you have to unwind some areas of the mower.

• First of all, drop the moving deck to the lowest position you can, towards the ground surface.
• Go right back to your rear wheel, here you will find a real in-between wheel and fender.
• Right there would be a visibly big clip.
• Take out the clip. Just right behind the clip, you will find a washer. Take it out as well.
• Now keep them together and mark them as the part you took them off.
• This way it would be easy to place them back.
• Now move towards the right front of the mower. You will find another clip under your footrest.
• This arm connects the mower to the frame. Take out the clip and washer right behind it.
• Now you just need to take off the arms with little pressure through your hands.
• You will see the moving deck has only one attachment now, and that is the belt.
• There will be a belt guide that keeps the belt around the pulley on track.
• Take the belt out of the pulley.
• Now repeat the process on the right side, take off the clips from the back arms.
• Remove the belt from the pulley.
• In some moving decks, there is an extra attachment right in front of the deck, take it off.
• Now you will notice a cable that attaches the moving deck to the upper machinery.
• Take off the clips, and detach the cable from the bracket. The cable is attached to the spring.
• Pull that spring out, and unhook it from the main attached area.
• Your moving deck is now free to change the belt.

Step 3. Install the new belt

Now as you have taken off the moving deck, you can see how the belting is routing around different pulleys. A careful look at the mechanism. You can also make a diagram of the pulleys and belts. Let’s install the new belt now.

Note: always remember that the belt contains two different sides. One is flat and the other is V-shaped. Similarly, the pulleys also vary in shape. In one pulley, you need to keep the V-shaped belt in the inside direction. In other pulleys, keep the flat side in the inside direction of the pulley. Place Flat side of the belt inside, if the pulley is flat on the surface. Similarly, where the surface of the pulley is V-shaped, you will put the V-shape on the inner side of the pulley.

• You can see a belt diagram on the moving deck. If the moving deck is too old, look into the owners’ manual.
• Now, loop the moving deck around all the mandrel pulleys.
• Follow the systemic pattern as it is mentioned on the diagram.
• Now you need to adjust the drive belt, through the idlers’ pulleys.
• Route the drive belt around idlers’ pulleys.
• You also need to route the belt around belt keepers carefully.
• Once you have routed the drive belt around the pulleys and keepers, you can move the moving deck under the frame.
• Reconnect all the attachments, clips, washers, to the arms of the mower.
• Place all the clips and washers back.
• Route the blade through the belt keepers.
• Now reconnect the spark plug.
• Your new drive belt has been successfully installed.

Conclusion

Lawn mowers are an essential appliance when it comes to maintaining trimming and shaping the gardens and lawns. However, sometimes lawn mowers stop moving from the position. One of the main reasons behind this can be rupture of wear of the drive belt. To get the work done, you have to change the drive belt of the riding lawn mower.

You need to detach the moving decks, detach all the arms, clips, washers, and cables that attach the moving deck to the riding surface. Then install the new belt by following the direction, as given on the owners’ manual or as described in the above points. Then attach all the things back, and your lawn however is all set to work again.

A smoking lawn mower is never a good sign. Whether the smoke is blue, white, or black, here’s how to identity and address the issue without the help of a professional.

By Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila | Updated Sep 24, 2020 1:40 PM

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Q: Recently, my mower started billowing smoke when I powered it up, so I shut it off immediately. Why is my lawn mower smoking? And is it a fire hazard? I want to know how to proceed so I don’t harm the machine.

A: Your lawn mower can emit smoke for numerous reasons—many of which don’t require the services of an expert. A homeowner can usually identify the reason for a smoking lawn mower by gauging the color of the Cloud coming around the engine, then fix it accordingly before lasting damage occurs. Keep in mind that all mowers with internal combustion engines contain the same basic parts, but the configuration of those parts varies widely, depending on manufacturer and model. Consult your owner’s manual if you’re unsure how to access a specific part of your lawn mower’s engine.

White or blue smoke may indicate an oil spill on the engine.

If you’ve recently changed the oil in your mower and the engine is emitting white or blue smoke, it’s possible that some of the oil spilled onto the engine. Similarly, you could’ve spilled oil on the engine by mowing on a slope greater than 15 degrees or tipping the mower on its side. The smoke may look disconcerting, but it’s completely harmless. Solve the problem by restarting the mower and allowing the spilled oil to burn off. If you tip the mower often for cleaning or maintenance, check your owner’s manual to determine the best way to reduce the risk of oil leaks.

An overfull oil reservoir may also cause white or blue smoke.

Ensure you didn’t overfill the mower by checking the oil level with the dipstick located on the reservoir. To do this, remove the dipstick cap, wipe off the stick with a rag, and reinsert it into the reservoir. Then remove the dipstick once again and determine the oil level in comparison to the recommended “fill” line on the stick. If the level is too high, drain the oil (consult your owner’s manual for instructions), then refill the reservoir with it. Start checking the oil level with the dipstick after you’ve added about ¾ of the amount recommended in the manual. Continue to add small amounts of oil until the level matches the recommended “fill” line. Also note that using the wrong grade of engine oil may cause blue or white smoke. Consult the owner’s manual for the exact type of oil recommended for your mower.

Black smoke may indicate that the mower is “running rich,” or burning too much gasoline.

Your lawn mower’s carburetor regulates the ratio of gasoline to air mixture. If the carburetor isn’t getting enough air, the mixture has a higher percentage of gasoline, which can create black exhaust smoke. It’s possible that a dirty or clogged air filter is preventing sufficient airflow into the carburetor. Try replacing the air filter. (Note: air filters vary by mower model; view example air filter on Amazon.) Next, run your lawn mower for a few minutes. If the black smoke still appears, the carburetor might need to be adjusted in order to increase airflow. Either take the mower to a professional or adjust the carburetor yourself with instructions in your owner’s manual.

Take your mower to a repair shop if necessary.

If the previous steps don’t correct blue or white smoke, your mower could have a more serious problem, such as an air leak in the crankshaft (the cast iron or cast aluminum case that protects the moving parts of a mower’s engine). Continuing blue or white smoke could also indicate that some of the engine’s components or seals are worn out and need replacement. Similarly, if black smoking still persists after you’ve replaced the air filter and adjusted the carburetor, you could be facing a more serious mechanical issue. All of these problems require the help of a professional. If your mower is still under warranty, check with the manufacturer for the location of the nearest servicing dealer; problems stemming from a factory defect or poor workmanship may garner free repairs. If your mower is not covered under warranty, a reputable small-engine repair shop should also be sufficient to get the job done.