There are numerous designs and sizes of lawn mower blades. Some blades are made specifically for particular lawn mowers. They have a stamped part number that can be mentioned in the instruction manual.
A high-lift blade, for instance, creates a strong suction that effectively propels striking grass mower blade sharpeners clippings to the point that they can be taken away for bagging. The blade also provides an optimal air flow even in grass to avoid obstruction.
Size
The length of the mower blade as well as the hole pattern must be known to correctly select the right replacement lawnmower blades. Also the shear pins that locate holes as well as their distance from the boss of the blade must be known. These measurements can help narrow search results as they match a particular mower blade’s design and are suited to prevent damage to the mower’s components or producing vibrations within the mower.
Standard blades, often referred to as 2-in-1 or lift blades, are commonly used on regular lawnmowers, as well as side discharge lawnmowers that do not use bagging or mulching. The back edge of blades is slightly upward incline that results in a constant cutting and suction action.
High lift blades feature sharp upturns to the back of the blade. They are specifically designed for mowing side discharge. This blade type requires more engine power to operate effectively. It is somewhat more expensive in terms of fuel, however it is perfect for thicker grasses which are tough to cut using conventional blades.
Material
A lawn mower’s blade is generally made from steel, which makes it durable. It is also made of iron or other metals. Steel is the most sought-after option for mower blades because it offers a great combination of strength and toughness. It is typically treated with heat to make it harder. Tempering increases the durability and toughness as well as the resistance to corrosion.
High carbon steel is a better option for mowing because it is stronger than steel with low carbon which makes it more resistant to being damaged. It is able to withstand trees, rocks, and other objects that could hit the blade without breaking it.
The best way to keep the blade of a lawn mower is to use it regularly and maintain it at a high-quality sharpness. It is also essential to make sure the blade is balanced. This can be done by putting a nail into the board, and using a file to adjust the nail until it is in the center of the blade.
Sharpness
The quality of your blades will depend on several factors, such as how often you are using it, as well as the size of your lawn. Sharpening is more frequent when large lawns have plenty of pebbles trees, rocks and weeds. A dull blade wears out quicker if you utilize the blade regularly.
For a smooth and beautiful cut for a neat and pleasing cut, a sharp cutting edge is crucial. This is possible through a sharpening drill bit it functions similarly to the bench grinder, but is much smaller and less expensive.
The blade needs to be balanced on a regular basis, especially after having been sharpened. Sharpening process removes metal from one end of the blade more than other, leaving it unbalanced. To check the balance, hang the blade on a nail through its bolt hole and observe whether it appears level. If one of the ends tilts more than the other, then the blade needs to be filed further to ensure it is balanced.
Maintenance
If you want to sharpen a mower’s blade, you should use a tool that works similar to a drill bit, however with a stone designed to be affixed to the edge of the blade leaving very little space for errors. This tool is more efficient and more precise than hand-filing. When both sides are smooth you can verify the balance of the blade hanging it on a nail through the hole in the bolt. If one end drops lower than the other it needs to be filed a bit further to ensure that it is balanced.
To prevent an engine start-up while you are working on a cutting blade, turn off the engine and remove the spark plug cable. Then block the blade to hold it in place while loosening the bolt fastening it with the help of a ratchet or wrench. Be sure to note which side of the blade is marked down before reinstalling it, to ensure you have it properly mounted. Spray WD-40, or a similar lubricant, onto the mounting bolt prior to tightening.