Blades on lawn mower. Lawn Mower Blades: The Ultimate Guide (Types, Measuring, and More)

Lawn Mower Blades: The Ultimate Guide (Types, Measuring, and )

Purchasing replacement blades for your lawn mower is a relatively easy task if you know your lawn mower blade’s part number. If you have your lawn mower’s model and serial number, referencing that mower’s model and serial number parts diagram is another fool-proof way to purchase the correct blade.

But, what if you don’t have any of these part numbers to reference? How do you determine which blades will fit your mower?

By the time you are finished reading our Ultimate Guide to Lawn Mower Blades article, you should have all the info you need to purchase a blade that will work perfectly with your lawn mower.

How to measure lawn mower blades

We’ll get into the various types of lawn mower blades further into the article (skip to view types of lawn mower blades). First, we will walk you through measuring the blade on your lawn mower to determine which size blade you need.

Measure mower blades diagonally

The most common mistake we see when people are attempting to measure their lawn mower blade is measuring straight across the blade. This is going to give you an inaccurate measurement!

To properly measure a lawn mower blade, measure the blade diagonally.

Center hole diameter

The next measurement you will need is the diameter of the center hole of your lawn mower blade.

If your mower blade has 3 holes, make sure you are measuring the center hole!

To measure the diameter, measure straight across.

If your mower blade does not have a circle for the center hole, you will need to determine what the shape in referred to. on mower blades without circle-shaped holes in just a second.

If your mower blade has outside holes

If you notice 2 holes on either side of the center hole in your lawn mower blade, you will also need to take some measurements here.

Many push lawn mowers and some other types of mowers utilize these outer holes to ensure the blades do not hit each other while in use. Many commercial lawn mowers use 2 or 3 blades, not just 1 blade.

A perfect example of this is the Exmark Commercial 30. This is an oversized 30 wide commercial push mower that utilizes the center holes to ensure each blade is mounted in the correct position.

Once again, you will want to measure the diameter of these holes.

You will also need to measure the distance between the center of these 2 outside holes. This measurement is referred to as center to center.

Lawn mower blade center hole types

Most lawn mower blades have circles as the center hole shape. If your blade does not, here is a quick reference of other possible mower blade center hole types.

Less common but not pictured center hole types include a square and a 7-point star center hole.

Measuring your mower blades width

The width of a lawn mower blade is usually not relevant to the fitment of the blade but we wanted to make sure you knew where to measure if this is applicable to your mower.

To accurately measure the width, make sure you are measuring straight across and measuring at the widest section of your blade.

Right-hand cut vs left-hand cut blades

Believe it or not, the cutting edge is not on the same side for all lawn mower blades.

Right-hand cut lawn mower blades are overwhelmingly the most common type.

Left-hand cut blades can be found on some mower’s manufactured by Kubota, Woods, Walker, and others.

Lawn Mower Blade Thickness

It is recommended to stick with the specs of the blade that came stock on your lawn mower. If for whatever reason you cannot determine the OEM blade part number, don’t stress about the thickness of the blade. It is not a huge deal, although using a blade that is too thick could lower the RPMs to a point where cut quality is lost.

As you might expect, blade thickness is measured by measuring the top of the blade to the bottom.

If you are bending a lot of blades, you may want to purchase a thicker lawn mower blade or just stop hitting rocks! Believe me, I’ve had 100 employees in my lawn care business over the years and completely understand if you are not sure if your employees are looking at what they are cutting as they are working!

Types of lawn mower blades

Now that you understand how to measure lawn mower blades properly and the various types of center holes you may find, let’s take a look at the different types of lawn mower blades and when you may want to consider each type.

We should mention you may see standard blade in the description of some lawn mower blades. This is basically the middle ground between high lift and low lift lawn mower blades. It is pretty suitable for any type of cutting.

High lift lawn mower blades

High lift lawn mower blades create a lot of lift due to the exaggerated fin on the non-cutting edge side of the blade.

When to use high lift lawn mower blades:

• When you are cutting tall grass ( Grass over 3 tall )
• When you are cutting flimsy grass such as turf-type tall fescue

When not to use high lift lawn mower blades:

Low lift lawn mower blades

Low lift lawn mower blades c reate little lift due to the exaggerated fin on the non-cutting edge side of the blade.

When to use low lift lawn mower blades:

• When you are cutting short grass (Grass under 3 tall)
• When you are cutting rigid grass such as Bermudagrass
• In sandy soil conditions (see flat blades too)

When not to use low lift lawn mower blades:

Gator blades

Gator blades are also referred to as 3-in-1. Gator blades are often used by professional mowing companies in the fall to shred leaves as they mow. S ome companies run gator blades all year long.

Gator blades also shred longer grass blades before being discharged from the mower’s deck. Gator blades do create some lift.

When to use gator blades:

When not to use gator blades:

Mulching blades

Mulching blades mulch the grass clippings to allow for returning the grass clippings to the soil as natural nutrients.

It is important to note, you can certainly discharge the clippings from the mower’s deck back into the lawn without mulching blades as long as you are cutting your grass on a frequent enough basis.

When to use mulching blades:

• When you are not discharging the clippings or bagging
• When you are following the 1/3 rule (only remove 1/3 or less of the grass blade each time you mow)

When not to use mulching blades:

Flat lawn mower blades

Flat lawn mower blades create zero lift due to the blade being completely flat.

When to use flat lawn mower blades:

When not to use flat lawn mower blades:

• Most of the time! Only use flat lawn mower blades when in extremely sandy soil conditions and cutting a rigid grass type

Self-sharpening lawn mower blades

To ensure this article covers all the bases, we wanted to include a new option when it comes to lawn mower blades.

Self-sharpening blades use patented technology to literally sharpen themselves as you mow. The early adopters seem to agree that these blades do in fact sharpen themselves.

Of course, these blades come with a hefty price tag as far as lawn mower blades are concerned. It will be for you to determine if they are worth the investment.

When to sharpen lawn mower blades

Factors such as how much use, what type of grass you are cutting, the length of grass you are cutting, soil conditions, and other factors will determine how often you will need to sharpen your lawn mower blades.

After finishing this article, check out our guide on sharpening lawn mower blades.

The best way to determine when you need to sharpen your lawn mower blades is by simply looking at the cut quality. This refers to the sharpness of the cut you are getting out of your blades. In the picture above you can clearly see the blades on the lawn mower that cut this grass need to be sharpened as they are tearing the grass instead of cutting it.

How to tell if a mower blade has been sharpened too many times

If you read the manuals, most lawn mower blade manufacturers recommend replacing the blades when there is 1/2 left between the cutting edge and the fin, sail, or lift. The fin, sail, or lift is referring to the part of the blade that is angled up.

If you continue to mow with less than 1/2 of material left, you are putting yourself and others in danger as there is a great possibility this blade could fail and send a piece of the blade flying from your mower. Please take this recommendation seriously!

Even if no one is hurt if this occurs, you very well could be on the hook for property damage costs.

When to replace lawn mower blades

At some point, lawn mower blades can no longer be sharpened and will need to be replaced.

You may need to replace your lawn mower blades because you have sharpened them too many times and have removed too much material from the blade.

Other reasons you may need to replace your lawn mower blades are much more obvious.

For example, if you bend your lawn mower blade, it should be replaced. Please do not attempt to bend it back to being straight once again. The integrity of the blade was lost as soon as it was bent.

Other reasons to replace your lawn mower blades include large chunks missing due to hitting an obstacle or hairline fractures. You should always inspect your lawn mower blades when sharpening or if you know you just hit an object you shouldn’t have!

OEM vs Universal Lawn Mower Blades

Something worth noting about lawn mower blades is that you do not have to stick with the OEM blades that came with your lawn mower!

Some stock blades simply do not provide a great cut quality. The 2 most important factors when purchasing aftermarket blades is that you purchase blades with the same length and center hole diameter. If your blade has the additional outer holes, you need to account for these specs as well.

Above is an example of a universal replacement blade that has an elongated hole instead of a circle. You will often see this on universal blades that account for outer holes because they want the blade to fit as many makes and models of mowers as possible.

Where to purchase lawn mower blades?

Great question. You are in the right place!

iGoPro Lawn Supply has over 900 lawn mower blades in stock.

We more than likely have the blade you need and have the best price you will find online.

Go ahead and shop lawn mower blades now. We recommend searching for the blade you need by part number, but by now you are fully prepared to measure your blades and purchase the perfect replacement blade.

Lawn Mower Blade Conclusion

To wrap this up, let’s just summarize the most important information we covered.

The 2 most important things to note when purchasing lawn mower blades is the length of the blade and the center hole diameter.

Make sure you purchase a blade with the appropriate outer holes as well if your mower requires them.

Use high lift blades if you are mowing cool-season grasses.

Use low lift blades if you are mowing warm-season grasses.

Try gator blades if you are mowing long grass or would like to shred leaves as you mow.

Mulching blades should only be used with a mulching lawn mower or a lawn mower with a mulching kit installed.

Ryan Sciamanna

Ryan is the owner and founder of Lawn Crack, LLC the parent company of iGoPro Lawn Supply. He has worked in almost every capacity within the lawn and landscape industry for small local companies, nationwide companies, and of course, owning his own lawn landscape business which he sold in 2018 before starting selling lawn and garden products online. Learn more about Ryan by subscribing to the LawnCrack YouTube Channel.

The LawnmowerBlade that cuts itself sharp

Any landscaping professional knows that sharper mower blades make for sharper-looking lawns, but blades that maintain their sharpness can also improve a lawn-care business’s on-site efficiency and cut its maintenance costs.

Mowing lawns with LaserEdge® Eversharp™ blades means minimal maintenance and downtime associated with blade sharpening, increasing overall uptime and profits.

Redefining the Cutting Edge

High-quality, hardened steel blades equipped with the LaserEdge® Eversharp™ technology on their cutting edges have demonstrated their toughness and durability in field tests, even in the most abrasive conditions.

In one test, the LaserEdge® Eversharp™ cutting edge withstood 30 hours in severe sand conditions and became sharper during use. In a highly controlled durability test, the blade’s advanced technology performed remarkably, enduring multiple impacts from a 1-inch steel stake traveling at more than 200 mph.

Hours of Toughness

In an intense 50-hour field test in central Florida, mower blades with LaserEdge® Eversharp™ technology proved they “cut themselves sharp” when a new cutting edge emerged as the blade wore down.

In the test, a brand-new mower blade had LaserEdge technology applied on one cutting edge and was left untreated on the other edge. After putting the blade to work for 50 hours, the results were clear. The LaserEdge cutting edge was still sharp, and the untreated side was dulled and worn away.

Results will vary based on grass type, soil type and condition, and geographical region.

Cutting Costs, Boosting Bottom Lines

Increased Fuel Efficiency

Dull blades produce resistance, putting strain on the mower deck and making it difficult to maintain speed and efficiency. Mowing with a dull blade can reduce fuel economy by as much as 22 percent, which increases operating costs and reduces productivity.

Healthier, Greener Lawns

A dull blade shreds and tears grass, leaving it vulnerable to dehydration, browning, and disease. LaserEdge® blades cut grass cleanly, making it easier to deliver high-quality lawn care and in-demand enhancements such as lawn striping.

Blades Stay Sharp Longer

In abrasive conditions, a blade can get dull in as little as four hours, and lawn-care operations can go through dozens of blades a week, resulting in downtime and lost revenue. No matter the environment, a LaserEdge blade “cuts itself sharp,” reducing time spent sharpening.

Less Mower Maintenance

Blade replacement can be a dangerous undertaking. Attacking a dulled edge with a makeshift sharpening tool can irreversibly damage a blade and put workers in danger. LaserEdge blades dramatically reduce the frequency and risk of blade sharpening.

D.H. Steinegger, R.C. Shearman, T.P. Riordan and E.J. Kinbacher, “Mower Blade Sharpness Effects on Turf,” in Agronomy Journal 75 (1983): 479–480.

Savings Calculator

See how much you can save with LaserEdge® Eversharp™ lawnmower blades.

• 432 Saved on Fuel Cost
• 1575 Saved on Blade Sharpenings
• 2625 Additional Revenue Opportunity
• ( 960 ) Premium Spent on LaserEdge Blades

Calculations above are based off the following: type of lawn mower: 3-blade, 60-inch cut, gas-powered. Average gas price: 2.38. Lawn mower blade pricing: standard blade is 16. Average cost of sharpening: 5 per blade. Fuel savings: 11%. Blade removal and re-installation time: 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does LaserEdge ® Eversharp™ maintain a cutting edge that “cuts itself sharp”?

The LaserEdge Eversharp technology is applied to the underside of the cutting edge. As the blade cuts grass, the original blade material begins to wear away and exposes a new LaserEdge cutting edge, which is even sharper than the blade’s original sharpness.

Will I need to sharpen my LaserEdge ® Eversharp™ lawnmower blades?

LaserEdge blades “cut themselves sharp” and require minimal sharpening, but you should monitor cutting-edge wear. Sharpening is only needed if the new LaserEdge cutting edge is not presenting itself.

If I find the need to sharpen my LaserEdge ® Eversharp™ mower blades, how do I do so?

If you choose to re-sharpen your LaserEdge blade, do so in a safe, controlled setting with the proper equipment. Remember to prep the machine and remove the spark plug before removing the blade. Secure the blade to a work surface with a vise or clamp, and sharpen the blade with a file, bench grinder, or professional blade grinder. Ensure the blade is evenly sharpened and balanced before remounting on the mower deck.

How often will I need to change my LaserEdge Eversharp™ lawnmower blades?

The LaserEdge blade is designed to “cut itself sharp” and requires minimal sharpening over its life. The overall life of the blade will vary due to conditions, but its lifespan should be at least as long as a standard blade’s. In several of our tests, we found LaserEdge blades had longer lives.

How do LaserEdge ® Eversharp™ lawn mower blades perform in abusive mowing conditions?

The LaserEdge technology is an extremely hard, wear-resistant material. If you mow in conditions that regularly include rocks, curbs, out-cropping stones, and other hard objects, LaserEdge lawn mower blades may not be suitable for your operation.

A good test to see if LaserEdge is right for your operation is to inspect your worn blades. Worn blades that show excessive gouging, deep gashes, or large scraps may not see all the benefits of LaserEdge.

How long will it take for LaserEdge ® Eversharp™ to take effect?

This is highly dependent on geography, soil type, and cutting conditions. The magic of LaserEdge happens when the base blade material wears away at a faster rate than the harder, more wear-resistant LaserEdge material. In highly abrasive soil conditions (like sand), we have experienced standard blades wearing out in as few as 50 hours with blade sharpenings occurring as frequently as every 4 to 8 hours. In these areas, LaserEdge began exhibiting self-sharpening in as little as 5 to 10 hours. When using LaserEdge, these blades required no sharpening over the entire life of the blade. In less abrasive conditions, LaserEdge technology will take effect but over a longer time period.

How much do LaserEdge ® Eversharp™ lawn mower blades cost?

The price of LaserEdge blades will vary depending on the OEM and blade configuration. Although the LaserEdge will typically be more expensive than a standard blade, the benefits of consistently having a sharp cutting edge and increased uptime surpass the increase in blade price (see Savings Calculator).

Where can I purchase LaserEdge ® Eversharp™ lawnmower blades?

Most lawn mower Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are currently in the process of adding LaserEdge to their product line-ups. Be sure to talk to your local dealer about LaserEdge.

How do I get more information on LaserEdge ® Eversharp™ blades?

Fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page, and Fisher Barton will email you updates on product availability and news.

Get LaserEdge® For Your Business

Ready to bring this cost-effective, state-of-the-art mower blade technology to your lawn-care business? LaserEdge blades are currently available through select OEMs.

Available for the following brands through their independent dealers: (Click on the logo for information on available part numbers)

Connect With An Expert

We’re here to help and would love the opportunity to discuss your technical questions or application challenges.

Ultimate Guide for Lawn Mower Blades with Expert Guidance

The blades are the most essential part of a lawn mower as it is responsible for cutting the grass efficiently and accurately.

A wrong choice can lead to irregular cuttings which ruin the look of your landscape. If you are wondering whether all the blades are same then you are wrong.

Lawn mower blades come in different types, choosing the right one among them is quite challenging, especially if you don’t understand the differences.

We have created this guide to help people make an informed decision while purchasing lawn mower blades. In this article, you can see in-depth differences between lawn mower blade types

Types of Lawn Mower Blades

In-depth Description of Each Lawn Mower Blade

Below is a clear analysis and description of each law mower blade along with its merits and drawbacks. Read the information thoroughly to understand which one suits your lawn mower better.

Standard or Straight Blades

They are known as medium-lift or standard mower blades. They are commonly found on regular lawnmowers, or ones that spin horizontally. Lawnmowers that release debris from the side are often fitted with this mower blade type. Though they’re referred to as straight blades, these generally have a small curvature on the ends.

A reason behind the small curve along edge is that it helps create an uninterrupted flow of air when the blade turns and creates an action of cutting and sucking. Suction is created by the soil that pulls grass up and allows for accurate cut. But straight blades produce a small amount of suction because their edges are inclined. This leads to a tiny quantity of air moving across blade.

Before deciding on blade type, be aware of the kind of lawn you will be cutting. While many people choose straight blades because of their superior efficiency on dry and damp surfaces however, they’re only suitable for areas with large grass patches. The advantage of these blades is swiftly cutting the grass that is dense, and send it to the bagging process effortlessly.

However, one of the disadvantages of the blades might not be capable of cutting through smaller bunches of grass, which could result in a sloppy cutting process. In this regard it is recommended to choose a different type of blade in the event that your yard is shady areas of grass. Another disadvantage of straight blades is the small suction power which cannot be sufficient to push grass debris out of the bag. This could create a blockage within chute.

Benefits of Standard Lawnmower Blades

• The slightly curled ends aid in suction.
• It can cut through thick grass patches easily.
• Ideal for all kinds of soil.
• Cuts both dry and damp surfaces with great efficiency.

Drawbacks of Standard Lawnmower Blades

• The tendency to blockage in chute and restricts storage space in bag.
• Might not be capable of cutting small clumps creating uneven lawns.

Low-Lift Blades

They are designed to mowing soil that is sandy due to low suction capacity. The blades’ edges are also less curly than standard ones.

The suction is low, which doesn’t allow grass to get up too high. This keeps the grass well-anchored for cutting and then discharged to the side. In the same way, this doesn’t allow dust to pick up with it. Therefore, it settles on ground without being blown around in the air that you breathe.

The blades that are low-lift are typically about 3-4 inches long and demand less energy for the engine of your lawnmowers. Because they don’t burden the engine to much it is given a longer life span.

Blades that have more suction will deteriorate more quickly than blades that have low lift. The dust can settle into the deck, causing blades to wear away prior to the expiration date they were originally scheduled for.

Thus, if you depend on durability over time, blades with this type of design are a suitable choice. Blades with low lift are also suited because of their capacity to operate quietly. They don’t produce much noise since they don’t require any power to work effectively.

Benefits of low-lift Blades

• Needs more power for function
• Ensures effective yet silent mowing
• Perfect for mowing sandy terrains
• Comes with durability and longevity

The High Lift Blades

It is easy to distinguish High-lift blades from their distinct vertical angles along the edges. This allows for maximum airflow through the blades and results in a suction vertical like none other.

The Rapid circular movement of the blades keeps the grass straight in preparation for the accurate trimming. It lets you cut your lawn with more accuracy and give it a clean and clean look.

High-lift blades are available from the length between 1 – 21 inches and are suitable to yards that have tall grass. The suction force is strong and ensures that there isn’t an accumulation of grass inside the chute, thereby preventing obstruction. This is why people who like bagging tend to lean toward such blades.

However, this feature renders it unsuitable for mowing on sand-covered terrains. Due to the high flow of air through the mower, it is possible that blades can be prone to pull in sand and dust as well as the grass.

As we all know dust may settle on the mower’s deck. This can cause it to wear away in a short time. In addition, the quick and continuous rotation of the blades requires more power to generate more suction. Additionally, this could lead to damage to the lawn mower sooner than anticipated.

Benefits of high-lift Blades

• Provides elegant finish
• Capable of sucking out and storing the leftover remains
• Perfect for clipping tall-grass clippings

Drawbacks of high-lift Blades

• The power drains out quickly
• Not suitable for using on sandy soil conditions
• They wear out quickly

Mulching Blades

They are also called a multi-purpose blade. They have a curved surface which permits it to work in different ways. The blade first raises grass and precisely cuts it into pieces. The cuttings or clippings will be taken towards the deck, which is where they will be cut into small pieces. Then, the inside curvature of blade generates the pressure of air that blows away the tiny pieces of clippings.

You can use them to fertilize the soil. Finer grass fragments are better as they will absorb nutrients by the soil.

The sharper and more curvier edges, along with cutting edges generally let mulching blades chop grass in smaller bits and then to expel them back into the ground. While mulching blades create lesser suction but lift the tall grass and straighten them enough to cut it.

If you’re looking the lawn to appear beautiful and also help to fertilize your landscape parallelly using mulching blade, it’s the perfect choice. Indeed, it is the best way to get rid of mowing debris that is not needed anymore.

Benefits of Mulching Blades

• Can work for different purposes at same time
• Comes with numerous curves which allow accurate cutting
• Ensures soil enrichment
• Perfect when you are not clearing clippings

Drawbacks of Mulching Blades

• Cutting dense grass can lead to blockage or clogging
• Has low suction which can make it unfit for cutting dense and tall grass

Gator Blades

Just like mulching blades similar to mulching blades, blades of gator are ideal to fertilize the soil. In reality the gator blades have been modified to accomplish the job more effectively.

The blades are specifically designed to generate maximum suction over the grass, pulling it upwards. This is due to an exact angle of those teeth on the mulching blade. It is an inferior blade that pulls grass upwards so that the grass will be cut with precision.

Unique angle that the gator’s teeth have will push the grass towards its sharp edge while the mower moves. This allows smaller grass pieces to cut again and again. It is possible to cut tall grasses into small pieces using this blade with ease.

To maximize the benefits of this method, put a mulching tool on the blade. The mulching kit can help spread the fine pieces grass so that they settle on the soil in a uniform way.

Finely cut grass adds essential fertilizers to soil. This will greatly increase the yield when you’re trying to plant fruit and flowers in your backyard.

It is also possible to collect all of the pieces that have been chopped into the grass collector bag. This can save you your time as well as effort taking care of the yard. It also helps in making your garden look attractive. Therefore, you’ll benefit by both sides.

Benefits of Gator Blades

• Curved teeth lift the grass upwards
• Suitable for fertilizing soil
• Ideal for mulching leaves
• Precise cutting job

Some Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all lawn mower blades are the same. Each type of lawn mower has its own specific blade type that is designed to work best with that particular mower. For example, a riding lawn mower will have a different blade than a push lawn mower. The blade on a riding lawn mower is designed to be able to cut through thicker grass and will be much sharper than a push lawn mower blade.

is the best way to locate replacement lawn mower blades. The OEM number refers to the manufacturer’s numerical part number for the blade. Most cases, you will only need to enter this number and the manufacturer name into an online search engine or store to get some promising results.

The length of the mower blade and the center hole size are the two most important factors to consider when buying lawn mower blades. If your mower requires it, make sure to get a blade that has the correct outer holes. If you’re mowing cool-season grasses, use high-lift blades.

The great thing about it is that many standard lawnmowers are capable of being modified for mulching. For best results, it is important to follow the steps below: Install a suitable mulching mower blade; and. You will also need to install a restriction plate.

If your grass tips are becoming ragged and brown, you will know it is time to sharpen your lawn mower blades. This can cause your grass to lose its ability to store water and make it more susceptible for disease. Some manuals for lawn mowers recommend sharpening or changing blades every 25 hours.

Some people believe that replacement blades should not be sharpened until they are used. This is because of the powder-coated finish that is applied by the manufacturer to most blades. This coating is thicker around the blade’s cutting edge, and can feel dull to the touch.

A good rule of thumb for homeowners is to replace their mower blades every year. Regularly sharpening your mower blades will extend the life of your blades. If you decide to sharpen your mower blades at home, make sure you wear protective gear and disconnect spark plugs.

A dull lawnmower blade can cause your lawn to look yellow, brown or raggedy. A dull lawnmower blade can pull up parts of your grass, as it pulls on the whole plant rather than cutting through the grass blades cleanly.

A new, sharp blade will give you a clean, neat shave. Your grass will experience the same effect. Sharp cutting blades make your lawn look great, and keep it healthy. The mower blades that are too dull or damaged can cause a bruising to the edge of your grass blade. This will leave a ragged end and not a clean cut.

Most mower blades will last 100 to 200 hours in normal conditions. If you purchase high-quality blades, the number of hours could be up to 400. You can use a grinder or a metallic file to sharpen your blades if they become dull. However, this will only work for about 2 to 3 times.

Mower blades today are made of low-carbon alloy steel. Most of the latest mower blades are rigid in nature but softening makes them bendable if they strike a rock or piece of wood. Because these blades are designed for being soft, it makes lawn mowing safer.The blades made from a harder steel alloy do not bend, but instead break. This can lead to steel bits flying around, especially when the blades spin at very high RPMs.

Design-wise, almost all of the lawnmower blades are interchangeable between single-blade and multi-blade lawnmowers. The dimensions of the blades are the only thing that will vary. Multi-blade mowers require that the blades overlap slightly to achieve consistent and clean cuts.This means that the two-blade mower blades may be slightly shorter than the single-blade blades. If the lawnmower mounts and blade match, the different types of lawnmower blades can be interchanged.The best one for you depends on your personal preferences and lawn conditions. Depending on what type of mower you use, certain blades might perform poorly. A mulching blade, for example, can be attached to a regular mower. However, it must be equipped with additional accessories to ensure that it does a good job of mulching.

Mower blades may vary in their dimensions, shape, and type of mounts. These are important details when it comes to lawnmower blades. Not all blades will fit into every lawnmower.The blades’ diagonal length can range from 6 to 32 inches. The width of the slit can vary from 1.5 to 4.25 inches. The blade’s thickness can vary from 0.01 to 0.33 inches.There are two options for the number of holes in the blade: one or three. They can also come in different shapes. Blades with two outer holes may require a blade adapter. A blade with only one center hole will work fine.

Few Words to Wrap Up…

The efficiency and quality of cutting depends mostly of the blades of lawn mower blades. Having a wrong blade can mess the look of your beautiful landscape. To help you figure out the right one, we have compiled a list of the lawn mower blades and detail description along with it. Consider the tips to find out which one is suitable for your grass cutting requirements.

If you still have any dou

Which Side of the Lawn Mower Blade Is Up? Tips and Tricks

Which side of the mower blade is up can be tricky for those who have only recently bought a lawn mower. Both sides of the mower blade have different purposes in grass cutting, and we understand that it might be confusing for new mower owners to differentiate between the two sides.

You cannot interchange both sides because this can damage the grass and the mower, sometimes even beyond repair.

In this complete guide, you will discover which side is up, along with several methods to determine this side practically.

• What Side of Your Lawn Mower Blade Is Up?

• – Clearly Written on the Blade
• – Doing the Wobble Test
• – The Wing Side Faces Up
• – The Non-cutting Side of the Blade Is Up
• – Rotate the Blade
• – Mulching Blade’s Top Side
• – Reel Lawn Mower’s Up Side

• – Prevent Damage to the Mower
• – Prevent Damage to the Grass
• – Top Side Cuts Grass Unevenly
• – Blade Gets Bent
• – The Crankshaft Might Break

• – Is the Right Placement of Lawn Mower Blades Side Important?
• – Are There Left and Right Blades for Lawn Mowers?

What Side of Your Lawn Mower Blade Is Up?

The side of your lawn mower blade that is up is the one with slightly raised edges. This side faces the lawn mower deck and has a dull cutting edge compared to the other side, which has a sharper cutting edge.

Here are some fool-proof ways to figure out which side of the lawn mower blade is actually up.

– Clearly Written on the Blade

Even the manufacturers understand that it gets confusing to tell both sides of the lawnmower blade apart. To make things easy for us, most of them put clear stamps to indicate which side is which on either side of the blade. The cutting side will be the “grass side” or the “downside,” while the other side will usually be the “upside.”

A sticker will be attached on both sides, if not a stamp. However, most of us lose this important sticker from our mowers with frequent use and washing. We like it best when proper engravings indicate both sides of the blade. Engravings make things so much easier and do not fade over time.

You can buy your stickers and stick them on the right side. Double-check that you are sticking these stickers on the right side first. If you have a laser engraving device, that would be even better than stickers.

– Doing the Wobble Test

It is okay if your lawn mower did not come with engravings or stickers marking the sides of the cutting blade. You can always tell which side of the blade is up using the wobble test method. This method always yields accurate results and is very easy to perform.

• First, you want to turn the mower off before doing anything with the mower blade. We even turn the spark plug off so that there isn’t any risk of the mower starting accidentally, either.
• Tilt the mower over on one side so that you can gain easy access to the blade. The mower needs to be balanced while tilted; otherwise, it will end up falling on you.
• Hold the lawn mower blade in one hand and the deck with the other hand.
• Tug and gently pull the mower blade downward and notice whether or not it wobbles.
• The blade will never wobble unless it has been attached the wrong way. Check that the bolt securing the blade with the mower is tight because this can also cause wobbling.
• If the wobble test indicates that the blade was attached incorrectly, remove it and reattach it on the opposite side. Perform the test again, and you will see how the wobble will have disappeared this time around.

– The Wing Side Faces Up

The side of the lawn mower blade that faces up has a blunted and dull cutting edge. The blunt edges have very slightly raised edges that look like tiny wings. They have been specially designed to produce an air vacuum and lift the grass blades. Once the air pressure lifts the grass blades in a vertical position, the blade’s cutting edge smoothly chops them down.

Sometimes, the raised wings on the edges of the upper side are more challenging to see visually. You will feel these wings rise if you run your finger along the edge. Using your tactile sensation, you can easily gauge which side of the blade is up and which is down.

– The Non-cutting Side of the Blade Is Up

Once you identify the cutting edge of lawnmower blades, you will never again confuse its two sides with one another.

The cutting edge is the one that should always face the ground because it is going to cut grass. Unless your blade is really old, the side with the cutting edge will be visibly sharper and shinier than the other side, which will have a dull and blunt edge.

The side of the blade with the blunt edge should always face upwards towards the lawn mower’s deck. If you need clarification on both edges after a simple visual inspection, use a piece of paper to see which edge cuts through it more smoothly.

– Rotate the Blade

Do you want a quick test to see whether you have fitted the mower blade correctly? Once you have finally installed the blade, keep the mower tilted to the side and rotate the blade in the mower. If the lawn mower has been tilted on the right side, move the blade in the counterclockwise direction.

If the blade has been installed correctly, the lower side with the sharp edge will be the leading edge. Otherwise, you must remove the blade and turn it upside down correctly.

– Mulching Blade’s Top Side

Mulching blades are different from regular mower blades because they cut grass and convert it into mulch. These mulched pieces can then be used to make compost, mulch, or rake for the benefit of your lawn. You can tell a mulched blade from a regular one just by looking at it, as it is more curved.

Most standard mulching blades have a serial and model number engraved onto them on the bottom. The smoother side will naturally be the upper side. These engraved numbers and wordings are easily visible under bright light, and this side should always be towards the grass.

The second way to tell which side of the mulching lawn mower blades should face up is by determining its cutting edge.

The cutting edge of the mulching blade is more easily identifiable than that of a regular blade. The blade’s non-cutting or the upper side will have slightly-raised edges or tiny flaps that bend upwards. You need to ensure that this side always faces the mower deck.

Lastly, look at which side of the blade has a beveled cutting edge. It is easier to notice this bevel under sunlight or light from a torch. This is most definitely the upper side of the mulching lawnmower blade.

– Reel Lawn Mower’s Up Side

The reel type of push mower is an exception because its cutting blades have no ups or downsides. The mowing blade of these mowers is arranged in a cylindrical manner and rolls like a wheel while cutting grass.

Since the edges of the blade are equally sharp, it doesn’t matter which side is up or down in a reel mower.

Why Is It Important To Attach Mower Blade Right Side Up?

It is important to attach mower blade right side up or the wings side up because this is what keeps the mower working properly. Otherwise, the mower and the cut grass end up incurring damages, and the grass will not be cut evenly.

– Prevent Damage to the Mower

You can imagine how a machine will react when its parts are not attached correctly. The grass-cutting property of the mower will be impaired negatively, and the inner working parts might get damaged too.

It also matters how long you have been misusing the mower blade. The longer the blade is used upside down, the more damage you can expect the mower to incur. The mower’s undercarriage, including the deck area, is particularly prone to damage. The engine gets strained as you push it harder to cut the grass.

– Prevent Damage to the Grass

When you accidentally install the blade upside down in a mower, the dull cutting edge has to do the work of cutting the grass. This edge was designed for something else and will do a terrible job overall. When the grass blades are cut using a dull blade, they get damaged.

Observe closely and you will notice that the grass seems crushed at its growing edges instead of being trimmed smoothly. A grass cut from the top side of the mower will grow back slowly and healthily. Your lawn will also not achieve the refined, clean look one expects after a grass-mowing session. It will look untidy and choppy, with patches of grass cut unevenly.

If you carry on cutting grass using the wrong blade side, your grass might eventually stop growing, and the lawn might develop bald patches.

– Top Side Cuts Grass Unevenly

Both sides of the blade have their purpose while cutting grass and must be installed correctly. When the blade gets attached upside down, the upside creates no air vacuum. The grass blades will only be forced to stand upright with a vacuum.

The result will be that the grass will be cut at varying heights throughout the lawn. This is the worst nightmare scenario for any lawn care enthusiast. A grass cut unevenly will also grow unevenly and make the lawn look like one huge mess.

– Blade Gets Bent

Mower blades installed wrongly upside down get damaged and broken easily, especially if you have been neglectful and have been using the mower this way for a long time. Remember those raised wings that are present on the upwards-facing side? These wings are supposed to face the mower deck and remain untouched as the blade rotates.

When one uses the blade upside down, these wings are constantly getting hit by the ground, grass blades, rocks, and other stuff.

Eventually, cracks develop and spread from these wings. or the blade gets bent. Once a lawn mower blade becomes damaged, it rarely gets fixed. You must let go of it and buy a new one instead.

– The Crankshaft Might Break

The crankshaft of the rotating mower blade is also at risk from blades installed improperly. The upside has raised edges and wings that frequently bump with stuff present on the ground. All the extra pressure generated is then transferred to the crankshaft.

If the blade gets cracked or bent, the shaft is also at risk of getting bent. In the worst-case scenario, you might have a broken crankshaft altogether.

This will lead to a much more extensive repair from a professional. All this effort and money could have been spared if only the blade had been attached with the right side up.

Frequently Asked Questions

– Is the Right Placement of Lawn Mower Blades Side Important?

Yes, the right placement of lawn mower blades side is important for cutting grass smoothly and working the mower. Otherwise, your grass will be cut in a choppy, rough, or uneven manner. In some instances, doing this might even damage your mower beyond repair.

This is because the top side of the blade has a blunt cutting edge and has not been built to cut grass. Instead, its job is to lift grass blades via an air vacuum so that the cutting edge of the lower blade can cut it.

– Are There Left and Right Blades for Lawn Mowers?

Yes, there are left and right blades for lawn mowers. This means that the blade’s cutting edge is either present on the right side of the blade or the left side. Consequently, a left-sided blade is not interchangeable with a right-sided blade.

When changing your old blade for a newer one, check which type of blade works with your lawn mower so that you buy the right one. A wrong side blade should not even be installed onto your mower.

Conclusion

This is the end of our exhaustive guide on which side of the mower blade is the upper side, and here are the key take-away points.

• The side with tiny raised wings and edges on it is the side that should be facing up towards the mower deck.
• The cutting edge of this upside is dull and blunt, while the cutting edge of the downward-facing side is sharper.
• If the lawn mower blade has been attached incorrectly, you can test it using the wobble method. An improperly attached blade is not going to stay still and will instead wobble.
• Fortunately, most companies either engrave the name of the sides on their blades or attach stickers.
• If your mower has no engravings, you can always post stickers to prevent future inconveniences.

Learning to identify both sides of the mower blade is very important because these are different from one another. Once you accidentally attach the mower blade the wrong way and keep using it like that, it could seriously damage the mower and the grass.