There are numerous types and sizes of lawn mower blades. Certain blades are designed specifically for certain lawn mowers. They are stamped with a part number which can be referred to in the instruction manual.
A high-lift blade for instance, creates a strong suction that efficiently lifts the grass clippings to the point that they can be taken away for bagging. It also offers optimum airflow to avoid the clogging of areas with dense grass.
Size
To choose the right replacement lawnmower, you must know the length of the blade and hole pattern of the blade. The shear pin location holes and the distance they are from the boss of the blade must be likewise known. These measurements help narrow results due to them being in accordance with the shape and design of a particular mower blade, preventing damage to parts of the mower and causing vibrations.
Standard blades, often called 2-in-1 or lift blades are commonly used on regular lawnmowers, as well as side discharge lawnmowers which aren’t mulching or bagging. The back edge of the blades features a slight upward turn that creates a constant cutting and suction effect.
High lift blades feature an incredibly steep upturn to the back of the blade and are specifically designed for side discharge mowing. This type of blade requires greater power from the engine to perform well. It may be a bit more expensive in fuel, however it’s ideal for grass that is thicker and more difficult to cut using standard blades.
Material
The blades of lawn mowers are typically made of an extremely durable steel. It could also be constructed from iron or other metals. Steel is the most popular choice for mower blades, as it has a superior combination of strength and toughness. It is typically treated with heat to harden it. Tempering increases the durability and toughness and also the resistance to corrosion.
High carbon steel is an ideal option for mowing because it has more tensile strength than low carbon steel, which makes it more resistant to damage. It is strong enough to stand up to trees, rocks, and other things that might strike the blade, but not break it.
In order to maintain the blade of a lawnmower it is important to keep it sharp, and to use it often. The blade needs to be balanced. This is accomplished by putting a nail into the board and then using a file to adjust the nail until it is in the center of the blade.
Sharpness
The quality of your blades depends on several factors, such as how often you use it and the dimensions of your lawn. Large lawns that have a lot of rocks, tree roots and pebbles will require more frequent sharpening. A dull blade wears out quicker if you utilize it regularly.
A sharp edge for cutting is necessary for a clean and aesthetically pleasing cut. This is possible through a that sharpens drill bits it functions similarly to the bench grinder, but is much smaller and less expensive.
The blade must be balanced frequently, especially after it has been sharpened. The process of sharpening removes metal from one side of the blade more than the other, leaving the blade unbalanced. Place the blade through the hole in the bolt onto a nail to check its balance. If one of the ends tilts more than the other, then the blade needs to be filed further to ensure it is balanced.
Maintenance
When you are sharpening the mower blade, use a specialized tool that functions similar to a drill bit, but using a stone that is designed to be affixed to the edge of the blade and leave the least amount of room for errors. This tool is faster and more precise than hand filing. When both sides are smooth you can examine unlock the true cutting power of your grass mower blade balance of the blade hanging it from an anchor through the bolt hole. If one end drops lower than the other it needs to be filed slightly further to ensure that it is balanced.
To prevent an engine start-up while working on a blade, switch off the engine and remove the spark plug cable. Then block the blade in order to hold it in place while loosening the bolt that fastens it using the help of a ratchet or wrench. Be sure to note which blade side is marked when reinstalling it to ensure you have it properly mounted. Spray WD-40 or a similar lubricant on the bolt that is used to mount it before tightening.