How to Choose Lawn Mower Parts

Just like with an automobile, individual lawn mower parts can malfunction or wear out over time, leading to the need to replace them. If you have the right DIY skills and are familiar with machinery, you may be able to switch out a part yourself. You just need to make sure you get the correct part for your mower. Some mower parts are universal, while some may be designed to work with only a specific type of mower — such as a zero-turn mower, a riding mower, a push mower or a robotic mower. You’ll also find that some parts are designed for specific mower brands or models. Check with the manufacturer to determine the size and/or part number needed for your mower repair or upgrade. 

Pictured is a universal replacement spindle assembly for a riding lawn mower.

A lawn mower belt is an important part that turns various mower components by transferring power from the engine. The three types of belts you’ll most often find on a mower include the following: 

• Serpentine Belt: This type of belt has a groove that runs the length of the belt. Serpentine belts are most often found on mowers that include a mower deck or hydraulic attachments. 

• V-Belt: This type of belt is the most common. V-Belts are differentiated by their subtype: banded, narrow, wedge and standard. 

• Cogged V-Belt: This type of belt includes perpendicular grooves that are designed to reduce bending resistance. 

Lawn Mower Belt Materials: The most common lawn mower belt materials include rubber, polyester (poly cord) and Aramid (Kevlar). Some belts even have steel reinforcements for applications in which heavy-duty materials are needed. 

When you need to replace a lawn mower blade, it’s important to find exactly the right fit. The easiest way to find the correct replacement is by checking the part number assigned by the manufacturer, which is often referred to as the OEM number. 

Here are some common blade types you may encounter: 

• High-lift Lawn Mower Blade: This type of blade is designed for cool-season grasses. 

• Low-lift Lawn Mower Blade: This type is best for mowing warm-season grasses. 

• Mulching Blade: This blade type is designed for use with a mulching lawn mower or a regular mower with an installed mulching kit.

There are a variety of lawn mower attachments and lawn mower accessories available to help keep your yard looking beautiful and manicured, such as baggers, aerators, dethatchers, mulching kits and more. For more information about selecting these products, see our detailed guide How to Choose Lawn Mower Attachments.