A mower includes a frame, a blade assembly , and a reel (24) The blade assembly is supported by the frame for rotation about a first axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The reel (24) is supported by the frame for rotation about a second axis. The reel (24) defines an outer diameter relative to the second axis and engages the blade assembly at a contact location in the engaged position. The outer diameter defines a tangent at the contact location. A force in a direction substantially parallel to the tangent is operable to produce a first torque in a first direction about the first axis when the blade assembly is in the engaged position. The weight of the blade assembly is operable to produce a second torque in a second direction about the first axis when the blade assembly is in the engaged position.