Do new lawn mower blades need to be sharpened is a common worry that you would get, because the machine and all its parts are still brand new, so why would you need to sharpen it?
On the other hand, if they need to be sharpened, what would be the best ways for blade sharpening, and which tools would work the best for sharpening the blades?
We answer these questions, and some more in our article, so keep reading to find out the best ways to sharpen your mower blade if you think they need to be sharper for your daily mowing work.
Contents
Do New Mower Blades Need To Sharpen?
No, new mower blades don’t need to be sharpened because the manufacturer already sharpens the blades in the mowers to the point that they don’t cause harm to you, but they still cut grass just as efficiently and effectively. But if they appear dull to you, test and sharpen them.
Most manufacturers design their blades to be sharp out of the box. However, it’s still important to check the blade’s sharpness before mowing to ensure it’s cutting evenly and cleanly. Regular blade maintenance is still recommended to maintain a healthy lawn and prolong the mower’s life, which is another question.
On the other hand, some people would claim that new blades need to be sharpened to cut grass evenly and cleanly, but yet again, the company has set it in a sharp way. They assume that dull blades can damage grass, leaving it vulnerable to disease and pests. Sharpened blades help maintain a healthy lawn and prolong the life of your mower. It’s an influential maintenance task that saves you money in the long run.
Sharpening a new lawn mower blade can damage it, especially if it is not done properly. When a blade is manufactured, it is sharpened to a precise angle and balance specific to that blade. If the blade is sharpened at the wrong angle or unbalanced, it can cause vibration or damage to the mower.
– Wait for a Minimum of 10 Hours
You should not sharpen a new blade until it has been used for at least 10 hours. This allows the blade to wear in and form a natural balance. After 10 hours of use, you can inspect the blade for any damage or wear and decide if it needs to be sharpened.
– Sharpen at the Correct Angle
If you need to sharpen a new blade, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a sharpening tool specifically designed for lawnmower blades.
Be sure to sharpen the blade at the correct angle and balance it properly to avoid causing damage to your mower. If you need more clarification about sharpening your lawn mower blade, it is best to seek the help of a professional.
By following the manufacturer’s instructions and sharpening your blades regularly, you can ensure a clean, even cut and prolong the life of your mower. If you’re uncomfortable sharpening your blades, consider taking them to a professional for sharpening and maintenance.
When Is the Right Time To Sharpen New Lawn Mower Blades?
The right time to sharpen new lawn mower blades is after 20 to 25 hours of use, this is because the blades will start to become dull and when this happens they wouldn’t cut the grass as evenly as they used to.
It is best that you would sharpen your blades once a year or if you use it so much, then after every 20 to 25 hours of use, whichever comes first. Dull blades tear grass, leaving it looking crooked and brown, and can cause damage to your mower. Regular maintenance is necessary for a healthy lawn, and it’s easy to do at home or with professional help.
Blades are an essential component of any mower, as they are responsible for cutting the grass. However, these blades can become dull and ineffective over time, resulting in an uneven and unhealthy lawn. This is why it is crucial to sharpen your lawn mower blades regularly.
How To Sharpen Blades Properly?
To sharpen blades properly, you should first gather the right tools, and disconnect the spark plug for safety. Then, remove and sharpen the blades so well; after doing so, make sure you clean them too. Moreover, if you wish to abstain from doing so, you can always contact a professional.
Sharpening your lawnmower blades is a significant maintenance task that can help keep your lawn healthy and looking its best, in addition to keeping them clean. This is because dull blades can damage your lawn and reduce the lifespan of your mower.
Taking care of your lawn mower blades can save you time, money, and effort. With a properly maintained lawn mower, you can enjoy a healthy and attractive lawn without the hassle of excessive passes and uneven cutting.
– Gather the Right Tools
Sharpening your mower blades is a straightforward process that can be done at home with the right tools. The first step is to remove the blades from the mower.
Next, use a file or grinder to sharpen the blade and maintain the proper angle and balance. It’s important to wear gloves and safety goggles during this process to avoid injury.
– Disconnect the Spark Plug
Turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug to prevent accidental starts. The machine would start on its own if it has power being supplied to it, and this switch can turn on and cause different issues which are not what you would be looking forward to.
– Remove and Sharpen the Blades
Remove the blades from the mower using a socket wrench and hold the blades securely in place. And now you can use a metal file to sharpen them; what you must be aware of is that moving the file along the blade toward the cutting edge. On this matter, remember that you should aim to maintain the blade edge angle; this is such a significant task that you must ensure an even sharp edge.
Check the blade balance by placing the center hole of the blade on a nail or screwdriver. If one side is heavier, remove some metal from the heavier side until the blade is balanced; if you skip doing this, it would be more challenging and the task would be uneasy afterward. Now, reinstall the blade on the mower, making sure it is tightly secured.
– Keeping Your Blades Clean
In addition to sharpening your lawnmower blades, it’s important to keep them clean and debris-free. Grass clippings and other debris can accumulate on the blades, which can cause them to become unbalanced and less effective. Regular cleaning can prolong the life of your blades and keep your mower working efficiently.
Turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug to prevent accidental starts. Check the underside of the mower deck for any debris, such as grass clippings, sticks, and stones. Use a scraper or putty knife to remove any debris stuck to the deck.
Find a wire brush or use compressed air to clean the blades, avoiding sharp edges. This will help to remove any grass clippings or debris that may have gotten on the blades. Inspect the blades for any signs of damage, such as nicks or dents. If the blades are damaged, they should be replaced. Reinstall the blades on the mower, making sure they are tightly secured.
It’s important to keep your blades clean and free of debris, as this can cause the blades to become unbalanced and less effective. This can also lead to a shorter overall lifespan for your mower. Regular cleaning can help prevent damage to your lawn and keep your mower working efficiently.
– Professional Sharpening
If you’re uncomfortable sharpening your blades, you can always take them to a professional. Many hardware stores and repair shops offer lawn mower blade sharpening services for a small fee.
A professional can also check the blade’s balance and ensure it is properly installed on your mower.
Is the Mower Still Effective Even With a Dull Blade?
No, the mower is no longer effective when the blades are dull because it can cause damage to your lawn, such as cutting it poorly and requiring more passes which is fuel and time-consuming. Moreover, the lawn will be more prone to diseases and pests.
– Poor Grass Cutting
Using a mower with dull blades can result in poor grass-cutting performance. Dull blades can tear and rip the grass instead of making a clean cut.
This can cause the tips of the grass to become brown and leave the lawn looking uneven and unhealthy. Torn grass can also be more susceptible to pests and diseases.
– More Passes Required
In addition, a lawn mower with dull blades may require more passes over the grass to achieve the desired level of cut, which can be time-consuming and result in a less-than-perfect cut.
Dull blades can also cause the engine to work harder and reduce fuel efficiency, leading to more wear and tear on the mower. Additionally, dull blades can cause your mower to work harder, leading to a task that is going to be more time-consuming and a shorter lifespan for your mower.
– Prone to Diseases
Dull blades can tear the grass rather than cut it cleanly, leaving your lawn looking brown and crinkled. This can also make the grass more susceptible to disease and pests.
When the grass becomes prone to pests and diseases, then, the state of the grass would become discouraging, and you will need to take different measures that could also be costly and more time-consuming for you. At times, you will need to spray different insecticides, or even aim to sod it all over again.
Conclusion
In summary, maintaining your lawn mower’s blades is essential for its performance and the health of your lawn. Dull blades can damage grass and require more passes to achieve the desired cut level.
So, here are some key takeaways to remember:
- Make sure to sharpen your mower blades at least once a year or after every 20 to 25 hours of use.
- Check the blade for any damage or wear and replace it if necessary.
- Keep your blades free of debris and clean them after each use.
- Only sharpen a new lawn mower blade once it has been used for at least 10 hours.
Remember to keep your blades sharp and debris-free, and replace or sharpen them when necessary. By following the guidelines above, you can ensure that your lawn mower operates efficiently, your lawn remains healthy, and your mower has a longer lifespan.
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