Service Department

How To Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades - A DIY Guide

Even the most powerful lawn mower can struggle if the blades are dull. To maintain optimal lawn mower performance, it's crucial to ensure sharp blades. Sharpening the blades is a fundamental task that enhances cutting efficiency and promotes grass health. This post will outline the steps to effectively sharpen lawn mower blades, guaranteeing your mower is primed for delivering immaculate cuts.

The Importance of Sharp Blades for Your Mower

Dull mower blades can tear grass instead of cleanly cutting it, resulting in brown tips and higher vulnerability to disease. By keeping blades sharp you will decrease mowing time and fuel usage as it demands less effort from the mower. Keeping blades regularly sharpened also contributes to a healthier lawn by averting stress and damage to grass blades. Sharp blades promote all-around efficiency.

When To Sharpen Your Lawn Mower Blades

If your mower is leaving behind patches of unevenly cut grass, it's a telltale sign that your blades need sharpening. Ragged or torn grass blades indicate dull blades are tearing rather than cleanly slicing through the grass. And if your mower seems to be working harder than usual or vibrating excessively, dull blades may be the culprit. All these are signs it is time for blade sharpening.

Steps to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades

1. Safety First! Before starting any maintenance, ensure the mower is turned off and disconnected from the power Wear protective gloves to avoid cuts.
2. Remove the blade by carefully tilting the mower on its side, ensuring the carburetor side is facing up to prevent oil leakage. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts holding the blade in place. Keep track of the orientation of the blade to reinstall it correctly later.
3. Inspect the blade for Take this opportunity to inspect the blade for any signs of damage, such as bends or cracks. Replace the blade if necessary.
4. Sharpening the If you are a do it yourselfer, you can use a metal file or grinder to sharpen the blade, following the original cutting angle. Maintain a consistent stroke to ensure an even edge.
   • Professional Sharpening by Tulsa New Holland: If you're uncomfortable sharpening the blade yourself, bring it to us for our professional blade sharpening
5. Balancing the blade after sharpening is a crucial step to ensure the blade is properly re-installed to prevent vibration and uneven cutting. A blade balancing tool can help identify any imbalances.
6. Carefully reattach the blade, ensuring it's securely tightened to prevent Refer to the mower's manual for the recommended torque specifications.
7. Take a test run before mowing your entire lawn, to ensure the mower is operating smoothly and cutting Periodically check the blade for sharpness throughout the mowing season and repeat the sharpening process as needed.