Lawn mower blades come in a wide range of styles and sizes. Some are designed specifically for particular mowers, and include an identification number engraved into the blades that are able to be referenced in the parts list in the manual for the mower.
A high-lift blade, for example, produces a powerful suction that efficiently lifts the grass clippings to the point that they can be stored. It also allows for the best air flow in grass, preventing obstruction.
Size
The overall length of the mower blade and the hole pattern should be known to correctly choose the appropriate replacement lawnmowers blades. Also, the shear pin locating holes and their distance to the blade boss must be established. These measurements narrow down search results because they match the design and fit of the specific mower blade, preventing damage to mower components and creating vibrations.
Standard blades, sometimes called 2-in-1 or lift blades are commonly used on regular lawnmowers as well as side discharge mowers that do not use bagging or mulching. Their back edge has a slight upturn that generates an ongoing suction and cutting action.
High lift blades are characterized by a dramatic upturn on the back of the blade and are made to be used for side discharge mowing. This kind of blade requires more power from the engine to be effective and may cost a little extra in fuel expenses, but it’s ideal for grass that is thicker and more difficult to cut using regular blades.
Material
The blades of lawn mowers are generally made from a durable type of steel. Metals like iron or other are a possibility. Steel is a very popular material for mower blades as it has a mix of robustness and durability. It is often heat-treated to harden it. The process of tempering improves the toughness and durability, as well as resistance to corrosion.
High-carbon steel is the best choice for mowing as it has a higher tensile strength than low-carbon steel and is more resistant to being damaged. It can withstand trees, rocks, and other objects that could strike the blade, but not break it.
The best method to maintain a lawn mower blade is to use it regularly and maintain it at a high-quality sharpness. The blade should also be balanced. This can be done by placing a nail in the board and using an adjustment tool to move the nail until it is in the middle of the blade.
Sharpness
Blade sharpness depends on a variety of variables, including the size of the lawn and how often it is used. Sharpening is required more often when large lawns have improve your lawn’s appearance with a sharper lawn mower blade lot of pebbles, tree roots, rocks and weeds. A regular usage of a mower that is dull will also cause the blade to wear down quicker.
For a neat and pleasing cut an edge that is sharp is vital. A sharpening blade will achieve this. It works like the bench grinder, however, it is smaller and cheaper.
It is important to ensure that the blade is balanced regularly particularly after having it sharpened. Sharpening may cause the blade to be imbalanced since it takes more metal off one side than from the other. To check the balance, place the blade on an anchor through its bolt hole and see if it looks even. If the blade is tilted to the other side, it will need to be re-filed to ensure it is balanced.
Maintenance
Utilize a tool specifically designed to sharpen the blade of a mower. It is similar to a drill, however it has the stone specifically designed to hold the edge, leaving no room for mistakes. This tool is much faster and more precise than hand filing. Check the balance of the blade by placing it on a bolt that is inserted into the hole. If one end drops lower than the other it needs to be filed slightly more in order to ensure it is balanced.
To stop an engine from starting while you are working on a cutting blade, turn off the engine and remove the spark plug cable. Then, block the blade in order to hold it steady while you loosen the bolt that fastens it using an ratchet set or wrench. When you reinstall the blade, be sure to note the direction of the blade to ensure that it is placed in the correct location. Spray WD-40, or a similar lubricant, on the bolt that is used to mount it prior to tightening.
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