My Neighbor & his mower, gotta love it

[okiepc]

I have watched my neighbor, young fella, try to start his mower for the last few days. He would pull the rope for about 5 mins. and quit, so yesterday evening when he was trying again I went out & asked, whats wrong with the mower?, to which he said I don't know, I told him to bring it over by my shop building and I would look at it the next day, made him smile.

Went out this morning to check it over, good spark, no fuel getting to carb, pulled tank off. Well the 1/2 pint of water was a good reason. I cleaned the tank & put on a new gasket and diaphram, cleaned carb with cleaner & blew it out with air, put it back together, started right up & runs good. Next I checked the oil, low and dirty so I changed it. While under the deck I looked at the blade, you guessed it, looked like he was mowing rocks, sharpened it.

Now why do people wait till the grass is 8 inches high to mow with neglected equipment? I just shake my head.

Well at least he can mow now & no I did'nt charge him a penny.:laughing:

 

[Two-Stroke]

That was a very generous thing to do for your neighbor. :thumbsup:

Maybe you could convince him to at least cover the mower so water doesn't get in the tank. :laughing:

 

[fastback]

A few weeks ago I was working on my equipment you know changing oil, filters and sharpening blades. Well anyway, my neighbor stopped over and asked what I was doing. He felt that I spent too much time and money to care for my equipment. He also said that he had not changed his oil since he bought his machine (used 3 years ago). I didn't ask about his blades but I did ask if he was proud of the fact he had not taken care of his tractor. He said nothing. Oh, he did change his oil the next day or so he says:laughing:

 

[JoeNoble]

How often do blades need sharpened and what does it cost to have it done?

 

[okiepc]

I sharpen mine every 6th cutting, makes a nicer cut, just looks better. I sharpen my own with a file, been doing it for over 40 years, a file puts a good sharp edge on the blade.I don't know what shops charge to sharpen a blade.

 

[JoeNoble]

Is this the same way you sharpen yours? Looks like I'm gonna have to pick up a file or two lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYYnXXo1wXE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[okiepc]

Is this the same way you sharpen yours? Looks like I'm gonna have to pick up a file or two lol
Lawn Care & Landscaping : How to Sharpen a Power Mower Blade - YouTube

That is the way to do it. I find that you take off far less material with a file as apposed to a grinder. just my opinion. Just be sure you stay with the original angle as you sharpen. Let us know how it turns out.:thumbsup:

 

[JoeNoble]

Yeah I'll let ya know how it goes. I'm gonna try it on my spare rusted out set first then if it goes well I'll put those on then sharpen the other set. Now is there a specific file I should use? If so where's the best place to get em?

 

[john higginbotham]

I use a twelve inch mill bastard:thumbsup:

 

[JoeNoble]

I use a twelve inch mill bastard:thumbsup:

Ok I think at work we sell 8" mill bastard. I'm wanting to say it said stainless? Can't remember for sure so that sounds like it'll do. Thanks man I'll keep ya posted.