How Often Should Riding Lawn Mower Blades Be Sharpened?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Typically, most home owners just need to sharpen blades

twice per season

. One good sharpening at the beginning of the season and one around the middle of the mowing season should be good. If you mow over debris such as sticks or rocks, however, you may need to sharpen your blades more than that.

How often should you sharpen or replace lawn mower blades?

You'll know that you need to sharpen your lawn blades when the tips of your grass are brown and ragged. When this happens, your grass becomes less capable of storing water and more susceptible to disease. Some lawn mower manuals suggest sharpening or replacing blades

after every 25 hours of use

.

Do riding lawn mower blades need to be sharpened?


No, it's not necessary to sharpen brand new lawn mower blades

. You can simply remove your new blade from its packaging, remove the old blade carefully from your mower, and then attach the new one.

What is the average cost of a lawn mower blade sharpening?

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.

How often should lawn mower spark plugs be changed?

In general, you should change your lawnmower's spark plugs

at the start of every season or after 25 hours of use

– whichever comes first. There is also a strong chance that they may be the culprit if your mower won't start.

Should you sharpen mulching blades?

Mulching blades are supposed to be sharp so they can cut through grass, leaves, and other debris. Sharpen the mulching blades with a file until they easily cut through the grass, then tighten the blades onto the lawnmower's deck.

The blades should be sharpened twice per season

.

How do I know if my mower blade is dull?


A dull blade can make your lawn appear yellow, brown and raggedy

. A dull lawnmower blade may even pull up portions of the grass because it actually pulls on the entire plant instead of slicing through the blades of grass cleanly.

How long do mower blades last?

Depending on your usage lawnmower blades can last

at least 200 hours or longer

. If the grass is unevenly cut, or a hard object is hit check the condition of the blade. Mower blades normally need to be sharpened every 25 hours, but when the blade is damaged it needs to be replaced.

How do you sharpen riding lawn mower blades without removing them?

  1. Collect the required tools.
  2. Seal the gas tank. …
  3. Tilt the mower and place the wooden block under it on the other side to give it support. …
  4. Clean the blade with water and a steel brush.
  5. Use the angle grinder or flat-file to sharpen the cutting edge slowly.
  6. Lower the mower.

Does Ace Hardware 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.

Are new mower blades sharpened?

If your lawn mower is brand new, then there won't be any need to sharpen the blade.

During the manufacturing process, mower blades are always sharpened

, and new come with sharp blades from the factory.

How do you sharpen riding mower blades?

How often do you change the oil in a lawn mower?

When to Change Oil In Your Mower

For existing riding mowers, it is recommended to change and replace the oil

at least once a season, or for every 100 hours of run time

.

Can a dirty air filter cause a lawn mower not to start?

Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

Before the incoming air enters the carburetor, it passes through an air filter to remove dust and dirt. When the filter is doing its job,

it may get clogged up with debris removed from the air and not allow a sufficient amount of air into the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting

.

Can you use wd40 to clean a spark plug?


WD-40 removes carbon residue and keeps moisture away from spark plugs and spark plug wires

. WD stands for Water Displacement, so if your spark plugs are wet or you need to drive moisture away from ignition distributors, for example, WD-40 is a product you should have handy!

Can a lawn mower blade be too sharp?

In fact,

an edge that is that sharp has the tendency to roll over, which can cause blades to get nicked and chipped

. Additionally, lawn mower blades that are too sharp get duller, faster resulting in the need to sharpen more frequently and a shorter blade life.

What's the difference between mulching blades and regular blades?

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.

Do you sharpen both sides of a lawn mower blade?


Always sharpen from the top side of the cutting edge

; this will give you the longest-lasting edge on the blade. Note: The file cuts in one direction only, on the push stroke; you'll feel it bite into the steel on the blade.

Should lawn mower blades be razor sharp?


Mower blades should be sharp, but they do not need to be as sharp as a razor blade

. When you touch the blade, you should not cut your hand. That way, they will cut the grass seamlessly and have a clean but. Very sharp blades will get dull quickly and need to be sharpened much more often, shortening the blade life.

How sharp should mower deck blades be?

Lawn enthusiasts have their own preferences for their mower blades. But, home and garden experts agree that for most people, the blades in your mower should be

about as sharp as a butter knife

, and an angle of about 30 degrees. You should be able to touch the edge without getting cut.

How do you keep lawn mower blades sharp?

How can I make my lawn mower blade last longer?

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.