Should Lawn Mower Wheels Be the Same Height? |

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You might’ve noticed that some mowers are tilted forward, which would lead you to believe that the wheels must be different heights. Sloped lawn mowers have dozens of benefits, but not all mowers have this feature. If you’re curious about why some of them are tilted and others aren’t, you’re in the right place.

Lawn mower wheels should be the same height, sitting between 2.5 to 3.5 inches (6.4 to 8.9 cm). The reason that some mowers are tilted forward is that the deck is sloped, not the wheels. A tilted deck offers more control on flat surfaces, and it prevents grass clippings from blowing around the yard.

Throughout this article, you’ll also learn the following info about the height of lawn mower wheels:

Why the height of the wheels and deck affects the experience
Problems associated with sloping mowers
Height specifications for lawnmowers

What Height Should Mower Wheels Be?

The height of a lawnmower should be between 2.5 to 3.5 inches (6.4 to 8.9 cm), but don’t let it get any longer or shorter than that. Tall and short grass are both bad for your lawn. Fortunately, it’s very easy to change the height of the mower in a few seconds.

Below, you’ll find out why the height of your mower’s wheels and deck matter.

The height affects the size of the grass. Organo-Lawn points out that the height of your deck and wheels directly impacts the health of your grass. When it’s too low, you’ll have all sorts of issues. If it’s too high, you’ll have a disorganized lawn. Adjust the wheels and deck, knowing how they’ll affect the grass.

Dense grass needs to be cut evenly. If you’re dealing with dense grass, then it has to have sharp blades to cut it down to size. Many companies tilt their mowers or lower the height because it makes it easier for the mower to cut dense grass. Furthermore, it prevents an uneven, choppy appearance.

If it’s too low, the grass will reveal dirt and weeds. Low-cut grass is a staple of most neighborhoods, but it shouldn’t be lower than two inches, or dirt will show itself. Also, low-cut grass tends to provide more oxygen and hydration for local weeds to grow. You’ll notice dirt and weeds more than the appealing lawn that you’re working for.

Tall grass invites bugs and weeds. If you don’t adjust the wheels and deck low enough, bugs will call it home, and weeds will grow. Keep in mind that most weeds need to be removed by their roots to stop them from coming back. Nevertheless, bugs will climb up the tall blades of grass and feel concealed.

The deck and the wheels can be at different heights. When the deck of the mower is slanted, it’s inevitable that the wheels will be a bit higher or lower. Never confused the two heights since they have very different effects. Low wheels and a high deck will be easy to push, but it won’t cut much grass at all.

As you can see, the height of the wheels and deck can drastically change the performance of the lawnmower. Make sure you know how to adjust both of them before you start mowing your lawn.

If you want to learn more about why some mowers are slanted, proceed to the next section.

Why Are Some Mowers Slanted Forward?

You might’ve worked with tilted mowers that look different from traditional lawnmowers. In fact, all mowers used to have an even deck. If you’re curious about why your mower is tilted, or you want to know more about the benefits, then keep reading.

Here’s a list of five reasons that some lawn mowers are tilted:

It limits air from getting into the blade assembly. Gravely mentions that their mowers are slanted to prevent air from getting into the mower, which could otherwise slow the movement. It could also prevent the blades from pushing debris efficiently, leading to clogs and a plethora of other problems.
Slanted decks prevent too much debris from flying around. When the deck is level, grass will fly whichever direction the blades throw it. However, the slanted deck is angled to throw the debris to the back of the mower directly into the bag. It’s an incredibly efficient process that most mowers don’t have.
You’ll be able to go downhill fairly quickly. SInce the deck is tilted, it helps you move forward and downhill without an issue. You won’t be limited, nor will you feel the push-pull resistance that’s present when you’re pushing a level mower. If you have a hilly yard, then a slanted deck is a good option.
It’s more aerodynamic, allowing you to move the mower easier. The tilted deck cuts through the air and grass in front of you, much like the shape of an airplane moving through the sky. Rather than being flat and air-resistant, a tilted mower slices through the air and pushes easily.
There might be a misalignment on the lawn mower. Although tilted mowers usually have a designed purpose, they could be misaligned due to a mechanical error. Tilted mowers could be caused by loose wheels, rusted bearings, and broken mower decks. All of these issues cause a wiggling, loose deck that tilts forward.

Now that you know why some lawn mowers are tilted, you might feel like you want to get one. Most of them are excellent mowers, but it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting yourself into before you buy a new one.

To discover two major cons that come with sloped mowers, read on.

Downsides of Sloped Mower Decks

Sloped mowers have their pros and cons, both of which deserve to be recognized. There are only two issues that you might have to deal with if you choose to go with a sloped mower.

It’s Harder to Move Uphill

While it’s easier to push the mower downhill, the front of the deck can scrape the grass, making it harder for you to push it uphill. Even if you’re using a riding mower, the front bumper will undoubtedly scratch steep hills. Do your best to lift the mower and tilt it back as you’re moving it uphill unless you’re mowing.

If It Tilts Too Far, It Could Damage the Blades

All mowers with tilted decks come ready to go, but as they grow old, the deck can misalign and move forward. Another possibility is if you lower the deck too much and raise the wheels at the same time. Either occurrence will cause the blades to slice into the deck. It’ll ruin the blades, smoke the engine, and cut into the deck. In other words, you’ll have to buy a brand-new mower.

Both of these problems aren’t always present, and they’re easily avoidable. As long as you’re a responsible owner, then you’ll be able to use a sloped mower. The wheels don’t have to be the same height as the deck, but they need to be aligned with one another.

Conclusion

The wheels on a lawnmower are all the same height. The illusion that they’re not is often caused by the deck sloping forward. Make sure your mower is level and aligned before you start mowing the grass.

Here’s a quick rundown of the post:

Your mower’s wheels should all be at the same height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches (6.4 to 8.9 cm).
A slanted deck will make it look like the wheels aren’t the same height.
Slanted mowers have trouble moving uphill, but they’re more aerodynamic than their level counterparts.

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