Hermine McDonagh asked 1 year ago
There are numerous designs and sizes of lawn mower blades. Some are designed specifically for particular mowers, and include the part number stamped on the blades that are able to be referenced in the list of components in the manual of the mower.
For example, a high lift blade creates a powerful suction that effectively throws clippings upwards so they can be sorted. The blade is also able to provide the best air flow in grass, preventing obstruction.
Size
The overall length of the mower blade as well as the hole pattern must be identified to pick the correct replacement lawnmower blades. The locations of the shear pins and the distance they are from the blade boss, must also be known. These measurements help narrow search results because they match the style and shape of a specific mower blade, preventing damage to components of the mower and causing vibrations.
Standard blades, often referred to as 2-in-1 or lift blades are typically used on lawnmowers and side discharge lawnmowers that are not mulching or bagging. The back edge of blades features a slight upward incline that results in continuous cutting and suction action.
High lift blades are designed to be used to cut side discharges. They feature sharp upward turns on the back. This kind of blade requires more power from the engine to work well and can be a bit more expensive in fuel costs but it is good for grass that is thicker and more difficult to cut using normal blades.
Material
The lawn mower’s blades are usually made from the most durable form of steel. It could also be constructed from iron or other metals. Steel is the most popular metal for mower blades as it provides robustness and durability. It is often heat-treated to make it harder. This process is called tempering, and it improves its durability, toughness as well as resistance to corrosion.
High carbon steel is an ideal choice for mowing as it has a higher tensile strength than steel with low carbon and is more resistant to being damaged. It can withstand trees, rocks, and other things that might be thrown at the blade and not damage it.
The best way to maintain the mower’s blade is to make sure you use it frequently and ensure that it is sharpened properly. The blade must also be balanced. This can be accomplished by inserting a nail into the board and then using an adjustment tool to move the nail until it is in the middle of the blade.
Sharpness
Sharpness of blades depends on many factors, including the dimension of the lawn and the frequency with which it is used. Sharpening is required more often on large lawns that have plenty of pebbles rocks, tree roots and weeds. The continuous use of a dull mower will also cause the blade to wear down quicker.
A sharp edge for achieve precision cutting with a sharp grass mower blade is necessary for a clean and attractive cut. This can be accomplished by using a blade cutting drill bit that can be sharpened it functions similarly to a bench grinder but is much smaller and less expensive.
It is essential to ensure that the blade is balanced regularly particularly after sharpening. Sharpening processes remove the metal from one part of the blade more than the other, leaving it unbalanced. Hang the blade through the hole in the bolt and onto an anchor to verify its balance. If the blade tilts towards the other side, it needs to be filed to balance.
Maintenance
Use a special tool to sharpen a mower’s blade. It is similar to a drill, however it has a stone that is made to be able to grip the edge, leaving no space for error. This tool is quicker and more precise than hand-filing. Verify the balance by hanging the blade over an anchor through the hole. If one side is lower than the other, it’s time to be filed a bit further to ensure that it is balanced.
To avoid an engine starting up when you work on a blade, turn off the engine and take out the spark plug cable. Block the blade with a block to keep it in place as you loosen its fastening bolt using a wrench or ratchet. Be sure to note which side of the blade is marked when you reinstall it to ensure that you have it correctly mounted. Spray a bit of WD-40 or similar lubricant on the bolt that holds it in place prior to tightening it.