Have you noticed a decline in your lawn’s appearance after mowing? It might be time to replace your mower’s blade. Our expert advice will help you determine the best course of action.
When to Replace a Lawn Mower Blade?
Replace lawn mower blades annually at the start of each mowing season. Also, replace blades immediately if they become bent, dented, chipped, torn, or damaged in any way that prevents clean, even cutting. A healthy lawn is essential.
Don’t let a dull blade hinder your lawn’s potential. Learn the ins and outs of blade replacement from the experts. Your quest for a perfect lawn continues. Scroll down for more!
Contents
- 1 Signs You Should Replace Your Mower Blades
- 2 Common Errors People Make When Replacing the Blades
- 3 Different types of Mower Blades
- 4 When to Replace Lawn Mower Blades?
- 5 FAQs
- 6 Remarks
Signs You Should Replace Your Mower Blades
If you have sharpened your blades several times and seem to have too much damage, getting a new set of blades is a perfect deal. Below are the things that indicate it is time to replace these blades:
● Cutting Grass Unevenly
If your grass seems uneven after mowing, that indicates dull or damaged blades. Usually, your lawn mower should cut the grass at a similar height if the blades are sharp.
However, when these blades are damaged or dull, you must mow the same area several times before getting the desired results.
● Bent or damaged
It is common for the blades to bend or damage if you accidentally mow over the rock and debris. A bent blade is often off-balance and poses a safety threat to you and the mower.
Replacing it on time could save you money and ensure mowing happens without complications. So, how do you know that the blade is bent?
- Bumpy when mowing.
- Strange noise when you start the machine
- If your mower stalls.
● Dull After Sharpening
You know you are dealing with a complicated matter if the blades do not mow as expected, even after sharpening them. A dull blade contributes to an unhealthy lawn since the grass is ripped out, making it hard to get even cuts.
Repeated sharpening only weakens the blade and makes it susceptible to severe damage, so work towards replacing the blades.
To improve your blade’s lifespan, ensure they are constantly sharpened and thoroughly checked after every mowing period. Also, ensure the blades are cleaned after each mowing session and dry to prevent rust.
● If It Is More Than A few Years Old
Generally, manufacturers recommend having the blades replaced every few years. Of course, this greatly depends on how long you use your lawnmower.
Using a large lawn often can even mean changing your blades yearly. But if you use it less often, maintain it well, and not damage it, the blade can be used for many years.
In my 20 years of experience, I’ve found that the first signs a lawn mower blade needs replacing are visible wear and tear such as nicks and dents. If your grass appears torn rather than cleanly cut, it clearly indicates that your blade may need to be replaced.
● Look At The Condition of the Blades
Check whether the blades are dented or chipped since they will not cut the grass evenly. That might be a result of corrosion caused by moisture in the lawn or dirt. Constantly sharpening the blades could lead to weakened metal, forcing you to replace the blades.
● Torn Grass
Inspect your grass to see if the tips are cut and if they look torn out. That indicates the blades are damaged since that is the only time your grass will have a nasty cut. If that is the situation, have the blades replaced immediately since that could harm the grass as it inhibits healthy grass growth.
Common Errors People Make When Replacing the Blades
During the blade replacement, people are prone to make mistakes such as:
- Direction: Placing the blade in the wrong direction.
- Replacing it too soon: Replacing a blade that can still be sharpened and perform the tasks well.
- Replace it wrongly: Trying to replace the blade without any experience or without asking for help from an expert.
Different types of Mower Blades
Since there are different types of mower blades, look at the manufacturer’s data to ensure it is suitable for your lawnmower. Here are a few great choices to consider:
- Gator Blade: It is a 3-in-1 blade with medium, low, and high lift, allowing you to use different cutting techniques. The blades are easily spotted in stores as they have serrated sections at the end.
- Bare Mulching Blade: It is enough to cut grass and fits in a range of mowers. The blades have distinctive and curvy edges, enabling you to cut the grass finely.
- High-Lift Blades: The blade produces airflow, which helps push grass clippings into the discharge chute. It helps give your yard a perfect trim and cut it to the utmost precision. These blades range from 1-20 inches, hence suited for a yard with long grass.
Based on my two decades in the field, I recommend replacing your lawn mower blade every 1-2 years under normal conditions. This frequency ensures optimal performance and longevity of your mower.
When to Replace Lawn Mower Blades?
An average homeowner should replace their mower blade each year during the start of every season. However, if the blades get damaged before the season, have the blades replaced immediately.
Before any replacement is done, inspect the blades to see which condition they are in and consult the user manual for guidance. The manual should also help you know the safety precautions to take during replacement and still under warranty.
When replacing these blades, wear heavy-duty gloves to protect yourself. Depending on the mowing intensity, a lawnmower blade could last about 200 hours. If your yard has many sticks and stones, your blade might have to be replaced more than once a year.
• Signs of a Worn-Out Blade
However, before replacing it, ensure it has been sharpened a couple of times, but if it is worn out or keeps getting dull, replace it. Sharp mower blades are the ideal way to achieve a clean cut when mowing.
If you want a more straightforward job, keep a spare blade and occasionally swap the blades on different mowing sessions. Mowing your yard needs the ideal equipment to avoid pests and diseases and ensure your lawn looks healthy.
The wrong blades could damage even the healthiest lawns, so be on the lookout for damaged blades to avoid having discolored grass. Replacing the blades when you see damages that cannot be corrected through sharpening saves you time and money.
FAQs
● Should You Sharpen Or Replace Your Mower Blade?
There are things to look out for as they determine whether your blade needs sharpening or a replacement. Pay attention to how it cuts the grass and if there are dents on the blades.
Sharpening should be done if your blades are dull and have not been in constant use, meaning there is still metal you can sharpen. If the blades appear thin, then you should replace them. Also, you must consider how long you have used the blades to know if it is suitable.
Over the years, I’ve seen people make common mistakes when replacing their mower blade, such as not replacing it when needed, using the wrong blade for their mower, and not properly balancing it.
● How Often Should You Sharpen Your Blades?
A lot of times, you will need to sharpen your blades twice per season. That should be in the beginning and between the seasons, especially if you mow over rocks or sticks. Determine how often to sharpen the blades based on how it feels after every mowing session.
● Are New Mower Blades Sharpened?
Some brands have a small amount of coat paint, and you must sharpen the blades before using them. However, most brands do not require sharpening since they are in good condition, so do not waste time pointing them. New blades are ready to be used, so install them once you get them.
Remarks
Regardless of whether you mow regularly, your blades must always be in good condition. If you notice dents damage, or if your blades are worn out, it might be the right time to buy new lawn mower blades or sharpen old ones.
Thoroughly inspect your blades to see if there are any damages to your lawnmower. A broken or damaged blade is harmful to you and could also affect your machine’s lifespan, so be sure to order replacement lawnmower blades as soon as you realize it is damaged.
Dull blades affect your yard’s health since they get ripped off with every mowing session. It also leads to a short lifespan since your mower is continuously straining to trim the yard. After every mowing, look at the blades to see if the tips are jagged.
• Recognizing Signs for Blade Replacement
This is a guide on mowing best practices. Looking at the signs indicated here will help you to know when you should have the blades replaced, the type of blades available, common errors to avoid, and other essential things about lawn mower blade replacement.
You can also check the Hutson customer portal for more information. Remember, it’s typically a good idea to inspect your blades regularly. If you’re unsure about what you’ll need, we’re here to help. Just let us know, and we’ll set you up with the right tools and information.
Can using a dull blade actually cause diseases in the lawn?
Using a dull blade can weaken the grass and lead to diseases. Sharpening your mower blades is crucial for a healthy lawn. Check for signs of damage and replace as needed.
I always thought my mower was broken when the grass was uneven, now I know it’s just the blades.
Thank you for reading! It’s great to hear that the information was helpful for you. Best of luck with your mower blade maintenance in the future.
Are there any specific brands of blades that are recommended for durability?
Thank you for your question, Kim! For durability, I recommend brands like Gator Blade, Basic Mulching Blade, and High-Lift Blades. Keeping your mower blades sharp is key to a healthy lawn.
How do I know if the blade I have is suitable for my specific lawnmower model?
Hi Violet, if your lawn seems uneven after mowing and the grass appears torn, it might be time to replace the mower blade. Check for dullness, bending, or damage. Hope this helps!
Should I replace both blades at the same time, or can I do them one at a time?
It is recommended to replace both blades at the same time to ensure even cutting and prevent any damage to your lawn. Keeping the blades sharp is essential for a healthy lawn.
How long should I wait before replacing my mower blades if they seem damaged?
Inspect your blades for damage regularly. If they’re consistently dull or bent, it’s time for a replacement. Stay on top of maintenance for a healthy lawn!
This article has really encouraged me to take better care of my mower blades, thank you.
Thank you for reading! I’m glad the article inspired you to care for your mower blades. Happy mowing!
I never knew the condition of the blades could affect the grass like that, very interesting.
Thank you, Constance! Keeping your mower blades sharp is crucial for a healthy lawn. Be sure to inspect them regularly for optimal performance.
The different types of blades listed here are helpful, I need to find the right one for my mower.
Thank you for your feedback, Jacqueline! Remember to inspect your old blades before purchasing new ones. It’s crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn. Best of luck finding the right blade for your mower!
The signs of when to replace the blades are clear and easy to understand, thank you.
Thank you, Dennis! I’m glad you found the signs for replacing mower blades helpful. Remember, sharp blades lead to a healthier lawn. Happy mowing!
Great tips on when to replace the mower blades, very informative!
Thank you, Arnold Martinez! I’m glad you found the tips on mower blade replacement informative. Happy mowing!
Is there a specific type of sharpening tool that is best for mower blades?
For mower blade sharpening, a bench grinder with a fine wheel is ideal. Ensure proper technique to maintain blade balance and sharpness. Happy mowing, Benjamin!
Should I be concerned if I see rust on my mower blades after use?
It’s best to replace your mower blades if you see rust after use. Keeping sharp blades is essential for a healthy lawn. Consider replacing them if they show signs of damage.
Is it a good idea to have a professional inspect my mower blades regularly?
Hi Hailey, having a professional inspect your mower blades regularly is a good idea to ensure your lawn stays healthy and your mower functions properly. It’s best to replace them when needed to avoid any complications.
I never knew dull blades could be so harmful to my lawn, thanks for the info!
Thank you for reading! I’m glad you found the information helpful in maintaining a healthy lawn. Happy mowing!
I appreciate the advice on how often to sharpen the blades, I will keep that in mind.
Thank you for reading! I’m glad you found the advice helpful. Keep up the good work with your lawn maintenance!
I appreciate the detailed explanation of different types of blades available, very helpful.
Thank you, Alberto! I’m glad you found the information on mower blades helpful. Remember, sharp blades are key to a healthy lawn. Happy mowing!
This article has really opened my eyes to the importance of blade maintenance.
Thank you, Charlotte! I’m glad the article was helpful in highlighting the importance of blade maintenance for a healthy lawn. Keep up the good work!
What are some signs other than uneven grass that indicate it’s time to replace the blades?
Hi Dylan, signs like uneven grass, blades being dull after sharpening, or over a few years old are indications it’s time to replace them. Keep an eye out for these signs!