When i cut my grass it seems to leave 2 strips of grass behind, it seems to co-inside with where the blades spin close to each other. Now I have looked under the deck and tried to align the blade up ( iwas told that they should sit at 90 degrees to the front of the mower), however in studying the rotation it would make sense that they are slightly off, (in order to get the tips of the blades to come as close together as possible). In doing so I figure iv got it solved but the strips of grass are still there, when i look under the deck the blades are not in sync anymore. when engaging the mower belt i hear a slight squeal ( it last for about the blink of an eye), I am thinking that the belt is slipping but when i took the belt to the local dealer they said it was fine and that I should not have to replace it. 1) is the squeal normal. 2) What is the appropriate orientation for the blades and how does one ensure they stay that way. thanks randy

if the blades wont get up to speed or not cutting grass you have a belt that is slipping. could be the pulley is damaged or just a worn out belt. if it is leaving a strip of uncut grass you have a blade that is wore down on the ends not cutting the full path

Are your blades sharp? Are they lined up so they do not leave grass in between them as they spin?
Is your cutting deck level or is one side higher than the other.
These are all things that could cause long grass to remain.
Some times a bent blade will do this also.
I even had a lawn mower come in and the blades were installed up side down. He wondered why it would not cut right.

The blades should have the cutting edge going forward and at the bottom so this is the lowest part of the blade. This means the wing should be at the top. If the blades are upside down they will be hard to drive and leave a mess of strips behind.

Check that blades are sharp and not bent. You may need to dismount the whole deck from the machine. Turn it upside down and clean all accumulated grass and gunge from inside the housing. Check that the spindle bearings are tight and not floppy. If they are, replace them. Remove seal from inside of bearing so grease can enter when servicing the bearings. Do not over grease and blow outer seal out. When you have checked that 1. Bearings are sound, 2. Blades are sharp. Blades are balanced. This may require placing a rod in the vice and putting blade so it swings freely. Grind more off the low end until it sits level. 3. Check that blades are not bent. To do this tie a builder's line across the edges of the deck over any wear guides. Make sure they are the same height each side. Get a ruler or a block that just fits beneath the string on the end of the blade. Rotate half a turn and measure the other end. They should be the same. 5. Check that the blades match in the centre. EG they must must not be any difference in height at all. The string line will tell you whether the spindles are the same height and also whether they are in the same plane. If not, you may have to remove them from the housing and clean the matching surfaces spotless and then pack with thin washers or strips of thin tin or shimm material until blades are a good match. It is surprising how many machines are not properly done in the factory. . 6 Make sure the blades are not worn out. If ground back too far they leave a ragged finish with bruised cut ends that look bad. The ends doing the cutting can be higher than the blade inside and thus rubbing on the grass. If all these things are right, reassemble mower and drop deck into working position. Measure from a flat floor to the blade ends so they are the same on each side of the machine. Adjust by screwing the hanger threads as required. Blades should be flat as if they are low either front or back the cuts will be hollow in the middle and leave a wavy surface behind.

You should be using a up lift blade it will help by sucking up the grass to be cut. You should have an adjust on both sides of the blade deck . As for the strip check to see if you have a wheel behind the mower deck. If you do it might be the cause for mower leaving a strip uncut . Sears has been noted for putting wheels in the path of the blade area and smashing the grass down . That is also why I suggest to use an up draft blade it should **** the grass back up again so you can cut it.

check the belt tension that blades needs to work the most

Hi, this may sound obvious but make sure the new blade is the same type as the old one and make sure it is not fitted upside down. Spin the blades and make sure the tips are level with each other, this will tell you if the deck is straight where the blade spindles mount. Regards Phil.

Hi Tom,
Check your spindle shafts for loose play. If your bearings are worn out and sloppy, the belts pull the spindle to one side and an angle cut results... close cut grass at outer edge and high in center will leave this grass trail you are describing. I'd replace the bearings next year for sure.
I hope this helps... Good luck!

change the blade

check belts are tight and not slipping