Do you know when to sharpen your mower blade?

Lawn Care LifeMary Clementi
Do you know when to sharpen your mower blade?
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Is Your Mower Slapping Grass? When to Sharpen or Replace Your Blade

Is your mower slapping grass instead of slicing it? It might be time to sharpen or replace your blade! A sharp mower blade isn't just about making your lawn look good. It's also about keeping your grass healthy and your mower running smoothly. At Main Street Mower, we're here to help you figure out when it's time to give your blade some attention. Check out our extensive online product inventory at Main Street Mower today!

Why Sharp Mower Blades Matter

Think about it this way: a sharp knife makes cooking easier and more efficient. The same goes for your mower blade. A sharp blade slices cleanly through the grass, like a hot knife through butter. This clean cut helps your grass stay healthy, allowing it to recover quickly and resist disease.

On the other hand, a dull blade tears the grass. This tearing action leaves ragged edges that turn brown and make your lawn more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Plus, a dull blade makes your mower work harder.

Dull blades put extra strain on your mower's engine, which can lead to overheating and premature wear. Over time, this extra strain can damage the spindles, which are a crucial part of the mower's cutting system. Damaged spindles can cause the mower to shake, making it uncomfortable to use and potentially leading to more expensive repairs. Don't let a dull blade turn into a costly problem!

Sharpen vs. Replace: The Key Differences

So, how do you know whether to sharpen or replace your mower blade? It all comes down to the condition of the blade, especially the "sail." What's the sail? The "sail" is the curved, angled part of the blade that helps to lift the grass up so it can be cut cleanly.

When the blade is spinning, the sail creates an upward draft. This helps to lift the grass blades so they stand upright to ensure a nice, even cut. If the sail is damaged or worn down, the mower won't cut as efficiently, and you might end up with an uneven lawn.

Sharpening is a great option when the edge of the blade is still relatively straight, ideally within 20 degrees of its original angle. If there's still plenty of "meat" left on the sail, you can extend the life of your blades. At Main Street Mower, we'll sharpen your blade for just $5 when you bring it in! Sharpening saves you money compared to buying a new blade.

However, if the sail is thin, worn down, or damaged, it's time to replace the blade. Continuing to use a worn-out blade can be dangerous. The blade could eventually break off, causing serious damage to your mower and potentially causing injury.

How to Inspect Your Mower Blade

Safety First! Always disconnect the spark plug before inspecting or removing the blade. This will prevent the mower from accidentally starting while you're working on it.

Here's how to inspect your mower blade:

  1. Visually check the edge for sharpness and any signs of damage, such as nicks, cracks, or bends.
  2. Assess the thickness of the sail. If it's starting to look thin or worn down, it might be time to replace the blade.
  3. Look for any cracks or bends in the blade itself. These can weaken the blade and make it more likely to break.

A new blade has a nice, thick sail, while a sharpened blade should still have a good amount of material left. A blade that needs replacing will have a thin, worn-down sail and may show signs of damage.

The Dangers of Waiting Too Long

What happens if you ignore your mower blade and keep using it even when it's dull or damaged? Quite a bit, actually!

  • You'll end up with uneven cuts and a scalped lawn.
  • Your mower will use more fuel, costing you money.
  • You risk damaging the mower's components, like the spindles, leading to expensive repairs.
  • There's a potential for blade failure, which can be a serious safety hazard.

Main Street Mower: Your Blade Experts

At Main Street Mower, we're experts in mower blade maintenance. We can help you determine whether your blade needs sharpening or replacement. Bring your blades in, and we'll get them back in top shape in no time.

We also offer a wide selection of replacement blades in our online store. Check out our website at Main Street Mower to find the right blade for your mower.

Sharpening vs. Replacing: A Cost Comparison

Let's talk about the cost. Sharpening a blade at Main Street Mower costs just $5. A new blade can be around $20 or more. Regular sharpening extends the life of your blades. This saves you money in the long run. Proper blade maintenance is an investment that pays off.

Tips for Extending Blade Life

Want to get the most out of your mower blades? Here are a few tips:

  • Avoid mowing over rocks, roots, and other debris.
  • Raise the mowing height when cutting tall grass.
  • Clean the blade after each use to remove grass clippings and dirt.
  • Sharpen the blade regularly – about every 25 hours of use or at least once a season.

Conclusion

Keeping your mower blades sharp is crucial for lawn health, mower performance, and safety. A sharp blade cuts cleanly, promotes healthy grass growth, and reduces strain on your mower. Main Street Mower is committed to helping you maintain your mowers.

Visit us for blade sharpening or replacement. 

Links to Main Street Mower

 

 

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Tags: Lawn care life, Lawn care tips, Lawncare, Mower blades, Sharpening

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