Mower blades are the single most important part of your lawn mower. After all, what’s a lawn mower without sharp blades? It’s no wonder that companies spend top dollar on research and development and marketing to promote their specific blade systems.
Believe it or not, there is a science to cutting the grass in your lawn. There are many different types of blades designed for different types of grass and different types of cutting. There are blades that are great for cutting tall grass. There are blades that can handle short to moderate length grass. Then there are blades that are great for mulching.
Blades in tip top form can make lawn maintenance much more enjoyable. Or at least, it can help make the job easier. With sharp blades, you get a more even carpet, and leaves that are cut clean. Dull blades tend to damage the leaves and can easily double the time you spend mowing your lawn.
The key to mower blades that perform well is good maintenance. Knowing a few basic information on how to care for your lawn mower’s blades can extend the useful life of these babies. Here are some tips we’ve gathered for you:
1. Before anything else, you have to make sure the blades that you buy are top quality. With a low quality blade, there is only so much that can be done to improve it’s performance.
2. Keep your mower blades clean. A clean blade will cut better and will stay sharper longer. After each use, it’s good practice to flush out grass and other debris that may have stuck to your blades.
3. Keep your blades dry. After flushing it with water, allow your blades to air dry completely before storing it in a shed. Moisture left on the blade can lead to rust on the blade. Even if it’s stainless steel, know that stainless comes in various grades. Some stainless steel are susceptible to rusting.
4. Store in a cool and dry place. During winter, your lawn mower goes into hibernation. When you store your mower, choose a place that is protected from humidity. This will help you avoid rust from developing on the surface of your mower blades.
5. Replace your blades annually. 1 to 2 years is the usually life cycle of mower blades. If you maintain it well, you can stretch it up to 2 years before having it replaced.
6. Have the blades sharpened. If you want to extend the life of your mower blades, you may have them sharpened by a knowledgeable mechanic. They’ll be as good as new.