Lawn mower blades are available in a range of designs and sizes. Certain blades are designed specifically for particular Precision lawn mower blade sharpener mowers. They have a stamped part number that is referenced in the instruction manual.
For instance, a lift blade creates a powerful suction that efficiently sends clippings up so that they can be sorted. It also allows for the best air flow in grass, preventing the clogging.
Size
To select the correct replacement lawnmowers, you need to know the length of the blade and pattern of the holes on the blade. The locations of the shear pins and their distance from the boss of the blade must also be known. These measurements can narrow down search results because they match the style and shape of the specific mower blade to avoid damaging parts of the mower and causing vibrations.
Standard blades, sometimes called 2-in-1 or lift blades are often used on regular lawnmowers, as well as side discharge lawnmowers which aren’t mulching or bagging. The back edge of the blades is slightly upward turn, which creates an ongoing cutting and suction effect.
The high lift blades are designed to be used to cut side discharges. They have sharp upward turns at the back. This type of blade requires greater energy from the engine to be effective and may cost more in fuel costs but it’s great for thicker grasses that are difficult to cut using normal blades.
Material
The blades of lawn mowers are usually made from a durable type of steel. Other metals, like iron, can be utilized. Steel is the most popular choice for mower blades as it has a superior combination of durability and strength. It is typically treated with heat to make it harder. This process is known as tempering. It increases its toughness, durability as well as resistance to corrosion.
High carbon steel is a better option for mowing because it is stronger than low carbon steel, which makes it more resistant to damage. It is strong enough to stand up to trees, rocks, and other debris that could be thrown at the blade and not damage it.
To maintain a lawnmower blade it is recommended to keep it sharp and use it regularly. The blade must also be balanced. This is accomplished by putting a nail into the board and using the file to adjust the nail until it is in the middle of the blade.
Sharpness
Sharpness of blades is influenced by various aspects, such as the dimension of the lawn and the frequency with which it is used. Large lawns that are brimming with trees, rocks and pebbles will require more frequent sharpening. A dull blade wears out faster if you use it regularly.
A sharp cutting edge is required for a neat and aesthetically pleasing cut. A blade sharpening bit is a great tool to accomplish this. It works like an industrial bench grinding machine but it’s much smaller and less expensive.
The blade needs to be balanced frequently, especially after having been sharpened. Sharpening may cause the blade to become unbalanced as it takes more metal off one side than the other. To check the balance, hang the blade on a nail through its bolt hole and observe whether it is even. If the blade tilts to one side, it has to be re-filed to ensure it is balanced.
Maintenance
When you are sharpening the mower blade, you should use a tool that functions similar to a drill bit, but with a stone designed to fit around the edge of the blade, leaving little room for error. This tool is much more efficient and precise than hand-filing. Verify the balance of the blade by placing it on an anchor through the hole. If one side is lower than the other it will need to be filed slightly more in order to ensure it is balanced.
Before removing a blade, ensure that the engine is off and pull the spark plug wire in order to prevent the engine from accidentally starting while you’re working on the blade. Block the blade using an object to hold it in place as you loosen the bolt that holds it using a wrench or ratchet. Make sure you know which side of the blade is marked down before reinstalling it, to make sure you get it mounted correctly. Spray a bit of WD-40 or a similar lubricant onto the bolt for mounting prior to tightening it.