“What are high-lift mower blades?” is a question a lot of mower owners ask. High lift refers to the ability of one of the various types of mower blades to lift grass clippings into the mower deck, which are classified as low, medium, high, and super high mower blades.
In this complete guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about high-lift blades, including their description, function, and comparison points to other lawn mower blades. Continue reading to discover more about this type of mower blade!
What Does High-lift Mower Blades Mean?
High-lift mower blades mean blades that are designed to lift the grass after being cut. This kind of blade has curved edges, which helps create more airflow that lifts the grass after it has been cut and sends it to the bag.
This applies if a bagger mower or a side discharge mower is being used. Because of this, high-lift blades are a popular choice for bagging and discharging clippings more effectively.
In addition, high-lift blades assist in getting a more level cut because the grass is pulled up into the cutting deck by the vacuum effect they produce, and because the blade is not bent over, it may cut the grass at a level angle.
On longer grass, low-lift blades find it difficult to accomplish a level cut; as a result, sections of the grass may bend over while other portions may stand upright, giving the impression that the lawnmower is cutting unevenly.
Furthermore, people who wish to try to make the nicest lawn stripes possible are fond of high-lift blades. The additional suction here makes it easier to “brush” the grass in opposing directions on each pass, which is what is required to produce this effect.
– Meaning of Mower Blade’s Lift
Lift is one of the characteristics of a mower blade. It is the capacity of the blades to eject grass clippings for side discharge or bagging into the deck and up into the blades.
In order to mulch the grass clippings, this lift or suction is also used to keep them moving underneath the deck. Thus, it is one important factor to determine so that you can properly choose the right blade for your lawn mower needs.
– How It Works
This type of mower blade is specifically designed to have curved wings with no gaps between them, allowing them to move in the deck and capture a good air pocket while lifting the grass high.
As a result, they only circulate the air they collect once. The grass cuttings are rapidly chopped by high lift blades and sent to the mower bag or discharged through a discharge chute. Therefore, there is less likelihood of grass clumping underneath the deck.
Due to their structure, functionality, airflow, and suction features, high-lift blades toss grass clippings farther than mulching blades do. Comparatively speaking, high-lift blades produce less suction than mulching blades.
With all that they can do, these blades require more force to rotate in the mower deck. Thus, for safety, only place high lawn mower blades on a mower with adequate horsepower. Make sure to follow all safety procedures when operating any type of lawn mower.
– High-Lift Mower Blades Appearance
The normal curvature of the edge of high-lift blades is between 1 inch and 1 3/16 inch. High-lift blades are easily distinguished because they have such a pronounced upward curve. The clippings get a “lift” as they pass over the back edge of a high-lift mower blade because it has an inclined slope.
This special type of blade, known as a “high lift blade,” has broader wind wings that improve airflow. When compared to a typical blade, the distinction is immediately apparent. By laying a mower blade flat and measuring the height of the elevated edge, you can determine the amount of lift it offers.
– Purposes of High Lift Mower Blades
High-lift blades are made to have more bend in order to perform their purpose of cutting the grass, lifting the grass high, and gathering the clippings in a grass collection system or discharging them out of the deck.
In particular, on riding mowers with longer discharge tubes, a high-lift blade is a special kind of blade built with larger wind wings that boost airflow and help in bagging grass clippings.
For longer grass, the added suction of the blade can guarantee a more level cut and a higher likelihood of avoiding clumping. However, a high-lift blade is not recommended for sandy or dusty lawns because the grit will be vacuumed up into the mower deck and circulated there, causing damage over time.
– Choosing the Right Blade
It depends on the goal you are trying to achieve. If you want to do mulching, then a mulching blade is the better option, but if you want to bag the leaves, then go for the best high lift lawn mower blades.
Aside from this, choosing a blade must be made based on the compatibility, length, design, weight, thickness, and deck size of your mower. This means that you NEED to know and understand your lawn mower’s dimensions in detail.
In addition, it is always a great idea to check the specific brand of your mower before you go looking for your desired blade type as it will ensure compatibility and overall better functionality. For example, high lift mower blades for troy-bilt must be used on Troy-bilt lawn mowers.
– Blades for High Lift Mowers vs Low Lift
High lift mower blades operate better in all circumstances, whereas low lift blades work well on dry, short grasses. Deeper end curves on high-lift blades produce adequate suction to circulate and eject clippings. This increased air flow reduces clogging when cutting tall or damp grass.
On the other hand, a low-lift blade is a unique type of blade used particularly for mowing on sandy terrain. By using less engine power, the low suction will reduce the amount of dust and noise. Trimmings can also discharge sideways because the grass is kept grounded long enough.
– Regular Mower Blades vs High Lift Mower Blades
The amount of lift is the only real distinction between regular mower blades and high-lift blades. The regular blades are the standard blade that comes with your mower when you purchase them.
Given that they don’t need as much power, standard blades are very successful when utilized with smaller household mowers. These blades work well on small grass, whereas high-lift blades are designed to lift tall grasses after cutting them. It is important to use specific mower blades when cutting tall grass.
High-lift blades give increased suction and improved airflow in the deck, thanks to their steeper curved edge. Thus, high-lift mower blades are also preferred when you want to bag the leaves you cut.
– Mulching Blade vs High-Lift Blade
High lift blade vs mulching blade is a comparison often done by lawn mower users. High-lift blades are sometimes referred to as “2-in-1” (discharging and bagging) because they are designed to create a higher-lifting airflow, and most clippings don’t stick underneath the deck because of the high angle of the blade’s air circulation, especially when they the grass is damp.
Mulching blades, on the other hand, frequently have additional cutting surfaces along the blade edges and typically have a more curved type surface. All of the finer grass clippings that could fall back into the grass and decompose can be cut with mulching blades.
Conclusion
Many lawn mower users frequently have questions about what kind of lift mower blades they can use and how to use it. Understanding how the blade functions, its requirements, and capabilities is the key to choosing the right one for your mower.
Let us summarize the key points mentioned above:
- High-lift mower blades are one of the four categories of lawn mower blades (low, medium, high, and super high) that differ in their lifting capabilities. High-lift blades will provide the most airflow possible through the mower deck, giving your freshly mowed grass the ideal defined finish.
- A high-lift mower blade has an angled back edge on either side that causes the clippings to “lift” as they pass over it. For conditions with thicker or taller grass, these blades are recommended because they function best with greater horsepower.
- It is not advised for sandy or dusty lawns because the powerful airflow will cause the blades to swiftly deteriorate. Grit will be swept up into the mower deck where it will be circulated, thus causing wear and tear.
- High-lift blades are the preferred type of lawn mower blade for your yard if you want to bag or toss grass clippings a long way. These blades produce a lot of suction and airflow, ensuring that the clippings are effectively bagged and expelled. Clippings can be bagged or disposed of; however, mulching is not an option.
- These blades work well on all types of grass. With increased suction, longer grass may be chopped more evenly, and the blade will be more likely to cut through thicker, longer grass without clumping.
With all the information you got regarding high-lift mower blades, you can now easily identify what your lawn needs according to the mower type you have and the goal you are trying to achieve.
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