When to Replace Lawn Mower Blades

July 24, 2024

Lawn care is a big part of keeping your yard looking great. One crucial element often overlooked is the condition of your lawn mower blades. Over time, even the best mower, like our Mowrator S1, needs its blades sharpened for effective mowing and to keep performing well.

Knowing when to replace these blades can make a huge difference in maintaining a healthy lawn. But how do you know it's time? What signs should you watch for? And what does blade maintenance look like? The team at Mowrator has all the tips you need.

Key Takeaways

Replace lawn mower blades every 1 to 2 years (or more frequently, depending on use)
Regularly inspect lawn mower blades for nicks, dents, or cracks
Damaged blades should be replaced to maintain clean cuts
Dull and bent blades cause uneven mowing and stress the mower’s motor

As a general rule of thumb, a mower blade should be replaced every 1 to 2 years and checked after every 20 hours of use. This will ensure mower safety and peak performance. If you notice that your mower is leaving uneven or ragged cuts behind, it may be time to inspect and possibly replace the blades.

Key Signs It's Time to Replace the Blades

The Key Signs It's Time to Replace the Blades

A dull blade will not cut grass cleanly, and will likely leave your lawn clumped and unevenly cut. If your mower leaves patches or misses spots, it's time for new blades!

Age of the Blades

Blades must usually be replaced every 1 to 2 years for optimal safety and performance. If they are older, they will not be as effective. It’s worth noting that well-maintained blades can last up to 3 years, but frequent use might shorten their lifespan.

Mower blades over 2 years old typically show signs of wear. Newer blades cut grass cleaner and reduce stress on the mower’s motor. For lawns in rough condition, you should consider replacing the blade even sooner to avoid uneven lawns or damage from a bent blade. The same applies to frequent or heavy use of your mowers.

Condition of the Blades

Look closely at your blades. Inspect them for thinning, bending, dents, or cracks. Thinned blades can break easily, and bent blades won't cut evenly. Dents or cracks mean it's time to replace the blade. This is important because using damaged blades risks damaging the entire mower.

Also check for dullness. Dull mower blades can shred grass instead of cutting it cleanly. This will make your lawn vulnerable to disease and pests. You might also notice large chips in the cutting edge or torn grass tips left behind after mowing. These are clear signs that sharpening isn't enough, and you’ll need to replace your mower blades.

Performance Issues

Longer mowing times are also a definite sign of blade issues. Likewise, increased noise or vibration from the mower points to problems.

Sharp blades will cut more efficiently and reduce noise and vibrations during use. Plus, if you often mow over debris like rocks or sticks, you can expect to sharpen or replace your mower blades more frequently. Using tools like a ratchet and socket for quick fixes can make this task easier.

Maintenance Tips

Dedicated upkeep keeps your mower running smoothly. Regularly check that your mower blades are sharp and free of damage.

Regular Inspection

Inspect your lawn mower blades regularly. This can actually prevent poor performance and extend your mower’s life. Be sure to check after each mow, especially if the grass has split ends or looks uneven –this indicates blade issues. You may get away with raising the mower’s blades and cutting height to get a lush and beautiful lawn, but this is generally not successful.

Keep track of maintenance and frequency of use. Blades should be sharpened every 10 to 15 hours depending on soil conditions. Use tools like a grinding wheel for sharpening, but replace the blades if they are damaged or too worn down.

Sharpening vs. Replacement

The Sharpening vs. Replacement

Deciding between sharpening and replacing blades can be tricky, so here’s a quick guide.

Blade Condition: Check for nicks, bends, or severe wear. A blade with small nicks can often be sharpened, but major damage usually means you’ll need new blades.
Performance Issues: If your lawn looks uneven or has ragged grass tips, dull blades might be the cause. Sharpening can help if the blades aren't overly worn.
Tools Needed:
- Sharpening: Use a sharpening stone, file, or bench grinder.
- Replacing: You’ll need a wrench set and new bolts if the old ones are rusted.
Frequency of Use: Mowrator S1 users may find that frequent mowing dulls blades faster. In this case, more regular sharpening is necessary compared to less frequent use.
Type of Grass: Tougher grass, like Bermuda, will wear down blades quicker than softer varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass, leading to more frequent replacements.
Age of Blades: Older blades lose their ability to hold an edge even after sharpening. Replace them when they become difficult to sharpen effectively.
Professional Assistance: If you’re unsure whether to sharpen or replace, consulting a professional will help to make an informed decision. This is especially true if you encounter unusual performance issues after sharpening attempts.
Personal Preference: Some people prefer the convenience of simply swapping out old blades rather than dealing with sharpening tools. Choose what suits your time and comfort level best.
Environmental Impact: Regularly replacing rather than frequently sharpening creates more waste. So, opting for high-quality steel blades prolongs blade lifespan and reduces unnecessary replacements.

By following these tips, you'll keep any mower, including the Mowrator S1, in top shape, ensuring efficient and effective lawn care year-round!

Lawn Mower Blade Replacement Process

Tools Needed

It's important to have the right tools when replacing lawn mower blades. Here are the essentials you’ll need:

Wrench: Use a wrench to loosen and tighten the bolts that hold the blade. A socket wrench works well.
New Blade: Make sure it matches your mower model for proper fit and performance.
Gloves: Protect your hands from sharp edges during the replacement process.
Safety Goggles: Shield your eyes from debris and small pieces of metal.
Extra Set of Blades: Keep an additional set on hand for quick swaps.

Replace Lawn Mower Blades: Step-by-Step Guide

Replace Lawn Mower Blades Step-by-Step

Replacing Lawn Mower Blades Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth replacement process.

Purchase Replacement Blades
Make sure you buy the correct blades for your mower model. Check your owner's manual or look online for Mowrator S1 compatible blades.
Disconnect the Spark Plug
Safety first! Unplug the spark plug to prevent accidental starts.
Gather Your Tools
You'll need a wrench, gloves, and possibly a blade holder or clamp to keep the blade steady. These will make the job easier and safer.
Inspect and Remove Old Blades
Turn the mower on its side, with the carburetor facing up. This will prevent gas leaks. Use a wrench to loosen and remove the bolt holding the old blade.
Install New Blade Correctly
Mount the new blade in place of the old one, making sure it’s aligned properly. Then tighten the bolt securely but don’t overdo it.
Ensure No Wobble
Double-check that there is no wobble in the blade by manually turning it a few times while mounted. A wobbly blade can damage your mower and cut unevenly.
Reconnect Spark Plug
After confirming everything is secure, reconnect the spark plug. Check that it's tight enough to avoid any loose connections.

Our talented team at Mowrator is dedicated to helping you prolong your mower’s lifespan. Get in touch today for more guidance on when to replace your lawn mower blades.