The blade should be facing the ground, but mulching blades will typically have writing on them to help ensure proper installation. Look for the word ‘bottom’ or for the model number on the blade and when you see it, this is the side that needs to face the ground when you install it.
In the rest of this article, we’ll tell you more about the installation, maintenance, and expected performance of your mower blades. We’ve collected the most common questions in one place in order to make things easier, so read on and find out all about your mower blades and how to get the most working life out of every blade you’ve purchased!
What happens if you put your lawn mower blades on upside down?
Upside-down blades can do a lot of damage. First off, the grass will look torn, rather than neatly cut. This is because there are edges on both sides of the blades, but the duller one is making contact with the grass. This not only damages the yard, but may damage your lawnmower as well if it is not corrected!
Which way do mower blades rotate?
Just about all Lawnmower blades turn clockwise, though when viewed from below it will look like counter-clockwise. This means that the edge should be facing the right and you can verify the direction that yours turns by looking at the discharge chute. It should be On the right and angled towards the back if your mower turns clockwise.
What is the trailing edge of a lawn mower blade?
‘Trailing edge’ is a turn for the part of your blade that is designed to create a draft which lifts the clippings away to the bag or to your side discharge. Think of it as a duller edge that should be facing up when the blade is properly installed.
Do you sharpen both sides of a lawn mower blade?
No, you just need to sharpen from the top-down on the cutting edge and this is all that is required. Keep in mind as well that the file is only going to cut in one direction only, so when you are doing it right you will feel it ‘biting’ into the steel surface.
What is the best angle to sharpen a lawn mower blade?
When sharpening your blade with a grindstone or a file, the proper angle to use is going to be 45 degrees and your sharpening tool should measure approximately 10 inches for best results. Sharpen from the top side of the edge and only push the sharpener in one direction – that will be the direction where you feel resistance.
Can a mower blade be too sharp?
Yes. You don’t want to try for razor sharpness, as this is going to be TOO sharp. A blade that is sharpened too much will not only dull quickly, but it’s possible that it will break and dent more easily as well, due to the lessened resistance from the overly-thinned metal. Make it about as sharp as a butter knife and this should be ideal.
What’s the difference between a mulching blade and a regular blade?
Mulching blades will have almost twice the cutting edge of a standard blade and will feature a bit more curvature than a standard. This allows for finer cutting of the grass clippings, as the mulching plate will catch the grass so that it is chopped more until it reaches a small-enough size.
Can you sharpen lawn mower blades with angle grinder?
Yes, you can, and it’s a good skill to practice, as this is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to sharpen your mower blades. If you don’t have one already, these handy handheld tools are inexpensive and will save you a lot of time when you need to do some sharpening in your garage workshop.
Can you sharpen a lawn mower blade without removing it?
It will depend on the design of your particular mower, but in most cases if you can prop the mower up on wood or in some other fashion so that you can get at the blade, then you can probably sharpen the blades without removing them. Typically, this will be with your file or angle grinder, as they will be compact enough for the task.
Should you sharpen new mower blades?
No, you don’t need to sharpen new mower blades. New blades will have already been sharpened by the manufacturer, although if you’ve never sharpened mower blades before, then new blades give you a chance to take a good look at how they are supposed to look when properly sharpened.
How often should lawn mower blades be replaced?
As a general rule, for a personal-use mower it’s a good idea to replace your blades once a year. Provided that you have been maintaining them by sharpening regularly every 20 – 25 hours of use, the blades should last for 100 – 200 hours of work, unless you have purchased a higher-end blade set, as these may sometimes last up to 400 hours.
How much does it cost to get a lawn mower blade sharpened?
Typically, if you are paying to have your lawnmower blades sharpened, it will cost anywhere from $20 to $60, with standard and mulching blades sized for push mowers being closer to the $20 per sharpening range. This will include balancing as well, so once it’s done then your blade is ready for reinstallation and immediate use.
How long do mulching blades last?
Mulching blades last about the same amount of time as standard blade, which amounts to 100 – 200 hours of work, unless they are higher-end and incorporate tougher metals. The higher-end blades can take more punishment and may last up to 400 hours with proper care and maintenance.
How long does a lawn mower blade last?
A standard lawnmower blade will last about one year or 100 – 200 work hours, with commercial-grade blades lasting up to 400 work hours. This is assuming that regular sharpening is done so that the blades are properly maintained so that they are not unduly damaged during expected use.
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.
