What makes the blades turn?

Both the left and right hand side ends of the cutting reel (cylinder) central shaft have a hole or keyway. This hole is drilled perpendicularly to the axis of the shaft. This allows a pawl to slide back and back. The pawl is shaped in such a way that it can be used on either the left or right side simply by flipping it over.

With the pawl in place the pinion gear then slides over the end of the cutting reel central shaft. There is a left hand pinion and a right hand pinion.

When the mower is pushed forward the pinion gear and the pawl engage or lock causing the mower to cut. When pulled backwards the mower will "ratchet" or "freewheel".

There are gear teeth on the inside circumference of the wheel which engage the teeth of the pinion gear. As with the pawl a wheel can be used on either the left or right side of the mower.

Thus the action of the wheels through the pinion and pawl cause the reel to turn.

wheel, left pinion gear, pawl, reel shaft, left end ---reel shaft--- right end, pawl, right pinion gear, wheel

flat face of pinion against flat face of pawl

jricci@reellawnmower.com