Sharpen Lawnmower Blades for Better Lawn Care
Posted: Wednesday, June 24, 2009
by Silka Sage
Want a great looking lawn? One often overlooked lawn mower maintenance tip is very key; keep your mower blades sharp! Rotary mower blades spin and cut grass blades at a very high rate of speed. Most powered mowers have a blade spin rate of about twenty five hundred RPM. Even at this high rate of speed however, if the mowers' blades are chipped, nicked or just dull, you will not be getting a very good grass cut.
Since the task will require turning over your mower to remove the blade, you may have to drain the gas depending on your model. Some can be tipped over without leakage, others can't. Also be certain to disconnect the mower's spark plug. This step is highly recommended if your mower has an automatic start function. Remember, better safe than sorry.
If you use an electric mower, then you'll obviously want to ensure that the power source to your mower is not plugged in.
Wedge the Blade to Remove
Turn the mower deck over and wedge a block of wood between the blade and the under-deck to keep the blade from turning. To take the blade off you may want to wear protective work gloves and you'll need the right sized ratchet or wrench.
Remove the blade and clean off any grass and dirt residue. This is the best time to chip away and remove any stubborn grass clusters that are clinging to the mowers' under-deck. A stationary bench vice is a great tool to set your blade in for sharpening. Examine the blade for nicks. The amount and depth of any chips in the blade will determine the size and coarseness of file that you'll need for the task. A general purpose metal file will generally do the trick.
Oil the mower blade lightly with fine machine oil. Then take the file in both hands and run it across the beveled edge in a smooth motion from the center to the edge away from your body. Take care to keep the file at the same angle as the bevel as much as possible. For those without the skill, special angled clamps are available.
You do not want to file directly on the flat edge. The exception to this is if you're attempting to work out badly nicked areas.
Make the same number of strokes on each side of the blade, with the same pressure. Over filing on one side of the blade will create an imbalance in the weight of the blade on either side of the nut hole that holds the blade in place.
If the blade is unbalanced it will create an irritating vibration when running and it will also cut less effectively.
The ideal mechanism to sharpen a mower blade is an electric bench grinder, but if improperly used they can destroy your blade quickly. Try to get your blade clamped at an angle that makes it easier to grind.
Without clamps, it's hard to do a good job. You need a steady hand and a confident mindset. Otherwise, you'll grind too much off the blade at once. Blade gouges caused by eradicte surface grinding may destroy the blade. With the proper clamps or technique you can complete the task in seconds. Approved safety eye wear must be worn! This is not an option if you value your vision.
This bit of maintenance is really pretty simple. Your reward is a better cut for your lawn and you'll save a few bucks too. But if you don't have the tools or the patience, you can just make a trip to your local garden center or hardware store and pick up a brand new replacement blade.
Silka is a freelance writer who is completing her Masters of Business Administration at a major Canadian university. She has an undergraduate degree in Horticulture and consults with businesses that provide lawn services in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. She is passionate about environmental concerns in general and especially as they relate to landscaping and gardening matters within the Region of Peel in particular. She believes that people should think green, think globally but act locally.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Very informative article and easy to understand. Thanks Silka.MarkHey Mark,Thanks for noticing and for your comments. :-)I also hope that others get some value from this basic info too.CiaoSilka
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