[ddigler]

First post, glad to be a part of the community! Hoping you gurus may be able help me with a problem:

I just purchased a used JD LTR180 in very good condition. Mowed one time and functionally speaking absolutely loved it!

Only problem is it seems to have frayed the grass. My lawn instantly looked light brown on top and upon further inspection the blades were frayed (not all but most)

The mower has brand new blades so what gives? I did (by accident) cut the grass shorter than I would have with our push mower. Would this cause fraying? Do the brand new blades need sharpened?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Wayne195]

I would recommend that you check the blades with your finger to see if they are sharp enough; it is not uncommon for new blades to be dull. I don't know the reasons for this, but it isn't the first time I heard complaints about dull blades. Cutting the grass shorter could be a possible reason, but I would be more concerned with the sharpness on the blades.

 

[rhenning]

I suspect the blades are on upside down. Roger

 

[ddigler]

you guys are great thx! I'll check them for sharpness and configuration.

how do i know if they are upside down? sorry for the ridiculous question; just don't know anything about mowers! lol I believe my blades are turned up towards the deck on the ends if that helps.

 

[Wayne195]

lol I believe my blades are turned up towards the deck on the ends if that helps.

That sounds right; thats the way they are supposed to be positioned.

 

[ddigler]

Ok thx Wayne. I felt them with my finger and they def feel very blunt/dull. I figured they needed sharpened but was confused as they are brand new.

Ill pull them tomorrow and have a professional sharpen them for me. I'm going to pull the front wheels up on ramps and work under the deck to take them off. Is this a good idea or should I just drop the deck. No idea how to do that though...

 

[Mark / Ohio]

...I'm going to pull the front wheels up on ramps and work under the deck to take them off. Is this a good idea or should I just drop the deck. No idea how to do that though...

I do it both ways. Just be sure the tractor cannot start to roll off the ramps.

 

[ddigler]

I do it both ways. Just be sure the tractor cannot start to roll off the ramps.

k thx, got it done this weekend; went very easy!

Thanks to all for the help!