Hey y’all, it’s your boy Jeff here with a hilarious tale about the time I tried to cut my grass with a pair of scissors. I know, I know, it sounds ridiculous.
But hear me out. My lawn mower had broken down and I was in a hurry to get the grass trimmed before the in-laws came over for a BBQ.
So, I figured I’d save some time and effort by just snipping away at the grass with a giant pair of scissors.
Let’s just say, it did not go well. My lawn ended up looking like a disaster zone and the in-laws were not impressed.
Lesson learned: always make sure you have a functioning lawn mower with the right blades for the job.
How Do You Choose the Best Blades for Cutting Grass?
When it comes to lawn mower blades, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Type of grass
- Length of grass
- Desired grass clippings
Type of Grass
The type of grass you have in your lawn can make a big difference in which blades are best for cutting it.
For example, if you have a more delicate grass like fescue, you’ll want to use a blade with a finer edge to avoid tearing or shredding the grass.
On the other hand, if you have a tougher grass like Bermuda, you can get away with using a blade with a more durable, thicker edge.
Length of Grass
The length of your grass can also impact which blades are most effective. If you have longer grass, you’ll want to use a blade that’s capable of cutting through thicker stems without getting bogged down.
On the flip side, if you have shorter grass, you can use a blade with a finer edge to achieve a cleaner, more precise cut.
Desired Grass Clippings
The final factor to consider is what you want to do with the grass clippings. If you want to mulch the clippings and leave them on the lawn as natural fertilizer, you’ll want to use mulching blades.
These blades are specifically designed to finely chop the grass clippings and distribute them evenly across the lawn.
If you prefer to bag the clippings or discharge them from the side of the mower, regular blades or high lift blades are a better option.
Regular Blades
Ah, the classic regular blade. These are the most common type of blade, and chances are, if you’ve ever owned a lawn mower, you’ve used a regular blade at some point.
Regular blades are just what they sound like: your basic, run-of-the-mill blade. They’re designed to cut grass and not much else. They’re usually the most affordable option, and they get the job done well enough.
Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing inherently wrong with regular blades. They’re perfectly fine for most people. But if you’re looking to get the best possible cut on your grass, there are probably better options out there.
Regular blades tend to leave a bit of a rough edge on the grass, and they don’t do a great job of mulching the clippings back into the lawn. So if you’re looking for a blade that will give your grass a clean, precise cut, you might want to consider one of the other options on this list.
Mulching Blades
Ah, the mulching blade. These bad boys are designed to do one thing and one thing only: chop grass clippings into tiny little pieces and return them back to the lawn.
Mulching blades have a different shape than regular blades, with a more curved edge and a series of smaller cutting surfaces. This design allows them to shred the grass clippings into a fine mulch, which can then be left on the lawn to decompose and provide nutrients to the soil.
Mulching blades are a great choice if you’re looking to reduce the amount of grass clippings you have to dispose of. Instead of having to bag your clippings and throw them away, you can simply let them fall back onto the lawn where they’ll break down and fertilize the soil.
This is especially useful if you have a lot of grass to cut, as the process of bagging and disposing of clippings can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
One thing to keep in mind is that mulching blades may not be as effective at cutting tall or thick grass as regular blades. This is because they are designed to finely chop the clippings, rather than cutting through thicker stems.
If you have a lot of tall grass in your lawn, you may want to consider using a combination of regular blades and mulching blades to get the best results.
Overall, mulching blades are a great choice for those looking to reduce their grass clippings and provide natural fertilizer to their lawn. Just be sure to choose the right blade for your needs to ensure that you get a clean, even cut every time.
FAQ
What Blades are Best for Tall Grass?
For tall grass, it’s generally best to use a blade with a thicker, more durable edge. This will help the blade power through thicker stems without getting bogged down.
Mulching blades can also be a good choice for tall grass, as they are designed to finely chop the grass and distribute the clippings evenly across the lawn.
What’s the Difference Between Regular Blades and Mulching Blades?
Regular blades, also known as discharge or high lift blades, are designed to cut the grass and discharge or bag the clippings.
Mulching blades, on the other hand, are specifically designed to finely chop the grass clippings and distribute them evenly across the lawn as a natural fertilizer.
Mulching blades have a special design that helps them chop the clippings into small pieces, while regular blades do not.
How Often Should I Replace My Lawn Mower Blades?
It’s generally recommended to replace your lawn mower blades at least once a year, or every 20-25 hours of mowing. However, this can vary based on the type of blade and how frequently you use your mower.
If you notice that your blade is dull or damaged, it’s a good idea to replace it as soon as possible to ensure that you’re getting a clean, even cut on your grass.
Can I Sharpen My Own Lawn Mower Blades?
It is possible to sharpen your own lawn mower blades, but it can be a difficult and time-consuming task.
If you have experience with sharpening tools and feel comfortable doing it yourself, you can follow the steps below:
- Disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent the mower from accidentally starting.
- Use a block of wood to prop up the blade and keep it secure.
- Use a file or grinding wheel to sharpen the edge of the blade. Be sure to follow the angle of the blade and make sure it is evenly sharpened.
- Wipe the blade clean and reattach it to the mower, making sure it is tightened securely.
It’s important to note that sharpening a blade can only be done so many times before it becomes too thin and needs to be replaced.
If you are unsure about your ability to sharpen the blade or if the blade is significantly worn, it may be best to simply replace it with a new one.
My Conclusion
In the great mower blade debate, it’s important to consider the type of grass you have, the length of the grass, and what you want to do with the grass clippings.
Regular blades, mulching blades, and high lift blades all have their own strengths and are best suited for different tasks.
Be sure to choose the right blade for your needs to ensure that you get a clean, even cut on your grass every time.