Most mower blades are designed to rotate clockwise, so if you are viewing the mower from below, they will be turning counter clockwise. If you still aren’t sure which way it should turn, simply look for the discharge chute for your grass clippings. If it’s on the right side of your mower, then the blades must turn clockwise.
Today we’ve got answers to some common questions about mower blade installation, different upgrade functions, and more – read on to find out exactly what the right set of blades can do for you, how to maintain them, and more!
What side goes up on a lawn mower blade?
There are two ways to identify the right side to install your standard mower blade. First off, the tips of the blades will be slightly tapered and these should be facing up when you install the blades. Secondly, most blades will have writing on them reading either ‘toward grass’ or ‘this side down’ in order to help you install them perfectly.
Which side of mower blade faces down?
The side that faces down on your mower will typically have writing on it, reading ‘toward grass’ or ‘this side down’ in order to ensure that you install them properly. In the case of mulching blades, you will see a model number or you will see the word ‘bottom’ written on the blade to facilitate proper installation.
What lawn mower blades do I need?
That depends on the type of mowing that you will be doing. For regular lawn trimming, if you intend to bag or use side discharge only, then standard blades will do.
Mulching blades will allow you to cut your clippings into fine pieces, fertilizing the lawn as you go, and high lift blades are great for dense overgrowth, as they have improved air circulation and are raised up so that you can mow without fear of the engine choking.
Can you use any lawn mower blade?
Blades can vary a lot, so it will depend on the make and model of your mower how many blades will be compatible. That said, provided that the hole in the blade is compatible where it needs to be attached and the blade fits your deck, in most cases the blade will work.
Check with your manufacturer to be sure before purchase, however, as this is not always the case.
How sharp should mower blades be?
When you purchase a new blade, it is best to feel the current sharpness so that you know what is ideal for those specific blades. You can run your finger on the edge quite safely – they are not sharp enough to cut your fingers. If you aren’t sure, a good practice is to sharpen the blades to about the same sharpness as a butter knife but no sharper.
Oversharpened blades will dull more quickly and are prone to being damaged more easily.
Do you sharpen both sides of a lawn mower blade?
No, you only need to sharpen one side of the blade. Think of your mower blades as being like scissors, only one side needs to be sharpened to cut properly. So, just sharpen the one side and be sure to balance your blade afterwards for best results.
Which way do mulching blades go on a lawn mower?
Mulching blades are easy to install, as they are typically labelled with a model number or the word ‘bottom’ written on them so that you know how to install them. If you don’t see these words, then you can simply look for the ‘points’ or ‘teeth’ on the blade – these should be facing up when you are installing them properly.
Do you have to time mower blades?
No. While some machines utilized blades need to be timed, this is not the case with your mowing blades. When you are installing a new or different set of blades, all that you need to do is remove the old set, install the new, and your new blades will already be timed perfectly and ready for use!
Why does my lawn mower leave a line of uncut grass?
When you notice a small strip is still present on the lawn after mowing, then you will want to sharpen the blade or possibly even replace it. Tiny strips not getting cut are generally the result of nicks in the blade, warping, or even ‘curling’.
If sharpening the blade does not resolve the issue, then you can bring it in to your local hardware store to determine if it may be fixed or simply replace the blade.
What is mower blade offset?
Offset is a term that defines the distance from the tip of the blade down to the center of the shaft. This measurement is important only in that it defines a blades cutting width, which is most useful with commercial work but less so with personal lawn care (unless you want to do the math to approximate exact lawn cutting time at the current cutting width).
What is the difference between a mulching blade and a regular blade?
A standard cutting blade is typically rectangular in shape, while mulching blades will have additional cutting edges, top-facing teeth, and a more curved shape in their standard design. There are exceptions, such as the rectangular mulching blade for John Deere mowers, but these are uncommon – most mulching blades will fit our standard description.
How often should mower blades be sharpened?
On average, standard and also mulching mower blades should be sharpened every 20 to 25 hours of work use. This will keep them nice and sharp so that they will perform their best for each mowing. Blades should also be replaced every 100 to 200 hours, with the exception of special-alloy and commercial grade blades, which often last up to 400 hours of work use.
Are mower blades interchangeable?
Mower blades are typically model specific, but sometimes other manufacturer’s blades will be compatible. It boils down to the attachment hole size and shape, the length and width of the blade, and how they fit in the deck. For best results, use only blades provided by your manufacturer or those which are specifically guaranteed to be compatible with your mower.
Hi, I’m John Stephens, chief editor and writer for Totalgardener.com. I’ve been gardening and raising animals for over 15 years starting with a small backyard plot in Northern Virginia where I grew corn, potatoes, squash, and using a high mulch technique called the Ruth Stout Method. I also raised ducks and small mammals for meat and eggs in a movable pen similar to the ones used by Joel Salatin. I later moved to Colorado where I experimented with growing greens using aquaponics inside. I eventually added a microgreens setup and home sprouting operation. I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned plus more from the other local gardening and animal raising experts I know.
