When should you replace your lawn mower blade
Joseph Russell
Updated on March 28, 2026
If your lawn looks uneven after mowing one pass all the way around then your blades are probably dull. Another way to determine if it’s time to sharpen your blades is to inspect the grass blades. If the tips of the grass blades are torn and not cleanly-sliced, it’s probably time for a sharpening.
How do I know when to replace my mower blades?
If your lawn looks uneven after mowing one pass all the way around then your blades are probably dull. Another way to determine if it’s time to sharpen your blades is to inspect the grass blades. If the tips of the grass blades are torn and not cleanly-sliced, it’s probably time for a sharpening.
How often do lawn mower blades need to be replaced?
A good rule of thumb for the average homeowner is to replace your mower blades annually. You may also think about replacing them if they become damaged. Dig up that product manual if you want a more clear-cut answer. Always make sure to take protective measures whenever sharpening your mower blades at home.
How long should lawn mower blades last?
Some lawn mower manuals suggest sharpening or replacing blades after every 25 hours of use. Others suggest doing it at least once a year before you first mow.How do I know if my lawn mower blades are dull?
- Dents or nicks in the mower blades.
- Uneven grass height after cutting.
- Grass blades look torn instead of sliced.
- Brown, frayed grass edges.
Should new lawn mower blades be sharpened?
As mentioned above, brand new lawn mower blades do not need to be sharpened because they are always sharpened during manufacturing. … At the very least, your mower blades will benefit from being sharpened once at the beginning of each year.
How do I know if my lawnmower blade is sharp?
Mower blades should be aggressively sharp, but not as sharp as a razor’s edge. You should be able to touch the blade with your hand without getting cut. Contrary to popular belief, a lawn mower blade with a razor sharp edge will not cut grass better.
Do lawn mower blades wear out?
Lawn mower blades are made to last a long time but not forever. It can be hard to decide if your blade needs to be replaced or just sharpened.How long do Husqvarna blades last?
The lifespan of Automower®’s blades depends on the type of grass and frequency of mowing. An average lifespan is up to two months for a . 25-acre mowing area.
How much does it cost to sharpen a lawn mower blade?Depending on the type of your mower, you can expect to pay anywhere between 20 dollars to 60 dollars. If it’s a reel lawn mower you might not even need to take the blades off the mower and sharpen them while they’re attached.
Article first time published onHow long do mulching blades last?
Well as indicated earlier, most mower blades will last about 20-25 hours until they should be sharpened. But in terms of overall lifetime, most blades last at least 100-200 hours total, and some higher quality ones can last even longer, as much as 400 hours.
How often should lawn mower spark plugs be changed?
For standard lawn mower and small engine maintenance, you should check and/or replace spark plugs: once a season. every 25 hours of use. if your lawn mower our outdoor power equipment won’t start.
Can you use mulching blades year round?
You can use your mulching blade year-round. Most homeowners that install mulching blades don’t bother changing them until they become too dull to cut effectively, in which case they’ll have them sharpened.
Do mulching blades need sharpening?
Mulching blades may have longer or curved cutting edges, and you may need several types of files to sharpen them.
Why does my lawn mower Miss blades of grass?
A strip of uncut grass left in the middle of mowing rows could signal that your lawnmower’s blades are unbalanced or that one or both of them was installed the wrong way. … Ensure that your mower’s blades are on correctly, that both are secured tightly to the mower deck and that both are balanced.
What does a dull lawn mower blade do?
Dull lawn mower blades can affect not only the look of the lawn but also the health of the grass. Dull lawn mower blades do not cleanly cut the blades of grass. Instead, the grass is ripped or torn, resulting in a jagged edge. This jagged edged will brown within days, causing an uneven look to a recently cut lawn.
Are mower blades pre-sharpened?
But what about the brand new lawnmower blades that you just bought from a store? Do you have to sharpen them before you start using them? Do lawn mower blades come sharpened? Almost all new lawnmowers and lawnmower blades come pre-sharpened from the factory and there is no need to sharpen them before you can use them.
What mower blades do I need?
The easiest way to find replacement lawn mower blades is with the OEM number. The OEM number is the numerical part number of the blade assigned by the manufacturer. In most cases, just typing this number with the manufacturer name into a search engine or online store will be enough to bring up some promising results.
What is a mulching blade?
Mulching blades, also known as 3-in-1 blades, can be used to bag, discharge, or mulch grass clippings. … The curved surface and increased cutting edge allows the blade to cut the grass and bring it into the deck where it is cut several more times before falling back onto the lawn in much smaller pieces.
How long do Husqvarna Endurance blades last?
New from 2019 Husqvarna has brought out Automower endurance blades. They have twice the life of the older blades and require changing roughly every two months for the best cutting result.
Can you replace lawn mower blades?
Mower blades can be sharpened several times to extend their life and ensure that your grass gets a healthy cut, but they can only be filed so many times before a blade replacement is necessary. … New mower blades tend to be reasonably priced, and mower blade replacements usually only require the use of a wrench.
How do you sharpen a lawn mower blade without removing it?
- Collect the required tools.
- Seal the gas tank. …
- Tilt the mower and place the wooden block under it on the other side to give it support. …
- Clean the blade with water and a steel brush.
- Use the angle grinder or flat-file to sharpen the cutting edge slowly.
- Lower the mower.
How often do you sharpen reel mower blades?
But generally, Mowerslab experts recommend every 20-25 hours of usage take an interval and sharpen the blades. But some people do it once or twice a year. Conversely, if you use a reel mower in a commercial location, we recommend sharpening mower blades once a week for optimal performance.
Is it OK to wash a lawn mower?
Hosing off your mower is OK, but avoid spraying water on the engine and never use a pressure washer to clean your mower. Cleaning after every use is important, decaying grass will eat all your metal components. A thorough clean down at the end of the season is critical to your mower’s health.
Does Ace sharpen mower blades?
We sharpen a wide range of edges, from lawn mower blades to paper scissors, we’re here to make your cutting experience safe and easy.
How do I know if my lawnmower spark plug is bad?
- You can’t get the engine to fire up at all.
- You have to tug extra hard for longer than usual on the rewind.
- Your lawn mower loses power while moving.
- The gas runs out quicker than it used to.
How can you tell if a spark plug is bad?
- Rattling, pinging or “knock”-like noises. When spark plugs begin to misfire, you may notice unusual noises from the force of the pistons and combustion not working properly. …
- Hard vehicle start. …
- Reduced performance. …
- Poor fuel economy.
How often should you change the oil in your riding lawn mower?
Taking proper care of your lawn mower will help your machine run well for years to come. One overlooked aspect in lawn mower maintenance is how frequent oil changes should take place. Engine oil and oil filters should be replaced at least once every spring or summer, or every 50 hours of use – whichever comes first.
How can you tell the difference between mulching blades and regular?
Blade Shape The primary difference between a mulching blade and a regular blade is shape. A mulching blade typically has a more curved profile than a regular blade, and it is also likely to have cutting edges along more of its surface than a regular blade does.
Is mulching better than side discharge?
No. Both side-discharge and mulching mowers leave grass blades behind. However, a mulching blade chops up clippings into finer pieces so they decompose faster and don’t clump as quickly. Using a side-discharge mower you may need to do your own mulching by running over your grass piles multiple times.
Can you side discharge with mulching blades?
Mulching blades are sometimes called “all purpose” or “3-in-1” blades because you can use them to mulch, bag, or side discharge. Standard blades are called 2-in-1 blades because you can use them to either bag or side discharge the grass. Can I use my current mower to recycle my grass clippings? Yes.