A braking system stopping the rotational movement of a spindles used in power equipment may have brake pads that engage the spindle. The braking system has a brake arm that pivots at one end and has a brake pad at the other end. The brake arm is connected to a spring which, when the brake system is engaged, causes the brake arm to pivot upwards and the brake pad comes into contact with a rotating spindle or pulley. For example, the pulley may be attached to a lawn mower blade. The combination of the spring pivoting the brake arm upwards as well as the rotation of the pulley towards the brake arm causes the pulley to cease rotating, bringing the rotating member to a stop.