Lawn mower cutter blades. How to Change a Lawn Mower Blade

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.

How to Change a Lawn Mower Blade

This article was co-authored by Grant Wallace. Grant Wallace is a Landscaper and Owner of Grantlanta Lawn in Atlanta, Georgia. With over seven years of experience, he specializes in lawn maintenance and landscape installation. In 2012, he earned his BA from the University of West Georgia. Grant has been profiled in Shoutout Atlanta, Canvas Rebel, and Voyage ATL.

This article has been viewed 387,460 times.

If you’re noticing missed patches in grass you know you mowed over, your mower just isn’t cutting it any more. Blades wear out with use and need to be changed occasionally to make your mower more efficient. You’ll keep your lawn healthier and you’ll need to mow less frequently with sharp, clean blades. Replacing them is an easy project that won’t take up much time, as long as you approach it correctly. See Step 1 for more information.

Inspecting and Removing Old Blades

• It’s also best to do this when there’s no gas in the mower. Wait until you use it all up to change the blade, or you might consider draining out the gas with syphon hose. Typically, self-syphon pumps are sold at any hardware or automotive parts store. This prevents gas spillage onto the mower body.

Unplug the spark plug. It’s best to stay on the safe side and prevent a short-out or electrical flare-up if any oil or gas should come in contact with the spark plug. It shouldn’t be a problem if you hold the mower properly, but it’s still best to be on the safe side. [2] X Research source

• Pay attention to the position of the blade as you’re removing it. You’ll mount the new one in the same orientation, usually with the sharp edge of the blade going counter-clockwise with the turning of the assembly. Again, this may not be true on all mowers, so pay attention to the way this blade is installed and install the new blade accordingly.

Installing New Blades

• Some mowers feature a bottom cap on which two shorter separate blades are attached, while some newer push mowers feature a single longer blade, that looks kind of like a ruler. Tilt the mower back to inspect the blade, or talk to someone at the hardware store about the type of blade appropriate for your brand of mower. You can also check in the owner’s manual, if you have it. [4] X Research source
• Alternatively, you can salvage the old blades and have them sharpened if they seem to be in decent condition. If the blades are worn out, with chips or chunks out of the metal, it’s probably wise to get a new set.
• Most blades are either specific or universal fit. Be sure you have the same length as the old blade before mounting the new one, and make sure the clearance from the lawn mower deck is the same. Tighten the new blade onto the bolts carefully, since it’ll likely be much sharper than the old one.
• It’s a good idea to wear thick mechanic gloves when doing the job, to keep your hands safe. It’s also advisable to use a small piece of wood to stop up the blade from turning while you reinstall it. You can jam a small piece of wood between the blade and the mower deck to keep things from turning. [6] X Research source

Check the blade for play. Be sure the blade is mounted correctly and has no wobble when you move it up and down, firmly. Remove any jacks or props used to hold mower in place and wait about 30-60 minutes for oil to return to motor to prevent issues or motor damage. Check the oil before use to ensure it is within the proper limits.

• After a quick inspection, you should be able to start up your mower and start cutting that grass much more efficiently with your new blades.

Expert QA

Grant Wallace is a Landscaper and Owner of Grantlanta Lawn in Atlanta, Georgia. With over seven years of experience, he specializes in lawn maintenance and landscape installation. In 2012, he earned his BA from the University of West Georgia. Grant has been profiled in Shoutout Atlanta, Canvas Rebel, and Voyage ATL.

Residential homeowners who only mow their grass a couple of times a month only need to sharpen their mower blades about once or twice a year. To check your blades manually, remove the spark plug from the mower and run your finger along the blade. If it feels dull or round, it likely needs to be sharpened.

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It depends on the definition of stripped. Is it the head of the bolt or the threads? If it’s the head of the bolt it may be tricky, but an EZ out and a drill tap would get the job done, or a good pair of strong vice grips and a little heat from a propane torch should also assist with removing the bolt. If it’s stripped threads on the bolt then probably take the bolt to your local hardware store and get an exact copy of the bolt depending on the threads (if it’s coarse, fine or whatever). I am fairly certain it’s a 3/8 fine thread on lawnmower blades, though.

Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a 30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy! Claim Your Gift If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even 1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

The sharp edge of the blade should be installed facing the grass. If the blades have tabs to fit into the housing, then go ahead and fit the tabs into the housing around the shaft. Always wear gloves though (preferably leather).

Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a 30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy! Claim Your Gift If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even 1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

Lawn Mower Blade Tip Geometry

It is a common misconception that rotary lawn mower blades have dimensions of a length, width, and thickness. A rotary lawn mower blade does not have a length but rather a diameter. Lawn mower blades are measured from TIP to TIP. It is this tip or cutting tooth that does the vast majority of the cutting work.

A lawn mower blade just lying on a table may look like the shape of a rectangle but when it is in motion it is a disc. Think of how a circular saw cuts with its many teeth (cutting tips), and of course because wood is much more dense more cutting tips are required. A lawn mower blade however only needs two cutting tips because a lawn is a far less dense material than wood.

Another example if you have experience with machining is that a lawn mower blade is like a fly cutter or endmill, see examples below.

With experience you will notice that the majority of wear on a used lawn mower blade is at the tip. The tip will become a radius (rounded). The process of sharpening a lawn mower blade is to grind the cutting edge back until a new tip emerges.

Cutting Edge Reliefs Angles

Relief: to reduce pressure or stress

Relief Angle: angle that allows chip and material clearance

Relief Angle 1: Diameter Relief Angle

This relief angle is necessary to have the tip or cutting tooth of the blade out at the furthest diameter. The tip is the part of the blade that makes first contact with the grass, and by the image to the right you can see if the blade were truly a rectangle that the corner of the lift would contact the grass tearing it as the mower moves forward. This relief angle is typically 1-2 degrees.

Relief Angle 2: Cutting Edge Relief Angle

This relief angle is the cutting edge face it is typically 30 degrees as an industry average. It allows clippings to flow over the blade and eventually exit the deck.

Relief Angle 3: Land-side Relief Angle

This relief angle can be built into the blade, or created by the pitch of the deck. This angle allows the underside or land-side of the blade to clear the cut grass without causing damage to it.

The three of these reliefs together make up the three sides of the pointed tip or cutting tooth of the blade.

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.

Which Side Of The Lawn Mower Blade Is Up? (2023 Guide)

Owning a lawn mower is a great way to save some money and maintain more control over your lawn and yard. But, it can come with some unexpected maintenance, and it’s alright if you don’t already know how to keep your lawn mower in good condition.

If you want to keep your lawn mower working well, you need to know how to install your lawn mower’s blade.

Don’t worry if you’ve looked at lawn mower blades and been completely baffled by them before.

I wrote this guide because I’ve been there, and I know how important proper blade installation can be. After all, getting the installation right is critical for the life of the blade, the function of the lawn mower, and the appearance of your lawn.

In this guide you’ll learn:

• Why lawn mower blade direction matters
• How to tell which side of your lawn mower’s blade is up
• And much more!

Why Does It Matter Which Side Of Your Lawn Mower Blade Is Up?

If you’re in a hurry, this video will help explain why it matters which side of your lawn mower’s blade is up, why it matters, and how to install the blade.

Use the Cutting Edge

Most walk-behind lawn mowers rotate the blade to the right, or clockwise. That means that when the blade is spinning, the cutting edge should spin to the right. However, this isn’t 100% foolproof.

Some lawn mowers do spin counterclockwise. It’s rarer, but you have to know which direction your lawn mower spins to be sure. Your lawn mower’s user’s manual should be able to tell you which direction the blades spin.

The Wings Face Up

On most lawn mower blades there will be a small part of the blade that isn’t flat, but angled up. This little wing on the blade is designed to encourage air movement, helping pull your grass upward for an even cut.

The wings on lawn mower blades are always designed to point up toward the lawn mower’s cutting deck. The same is true for the more extensive wings on mulching blades. If your lawn mower blade has wings, those wings should point toward the lawn mower and away from the grass.

Those three techniques should help you figure out which side of the lawn mower blade is up on pretty much any lawn mower blade. Assuming you know which direction your lawn mower spins the blade, that is the most fool-proof method, but the other two options are usually easier and faster ways to tell.

How To Tell What Kind Of Lawn Mower Blade You Need?

There are two basic kinds of lawn mower blade to choose between, and getting the right one can make a significant impact on your lawn mower’s performance. Most lawn mowers are compatible with both types of blade.

It’s important to remember that not all blades are created equal, and just because a blade is the right length doesn’t mean it’s compatible with your lawn mower. You always need to check your lawn mower for which blades are compatible.

Regular Lawn Mower Blades

Regular lawn mower blades are the simplest option. They are blades that are designed to get the job done without any bells and whistles or extra functions. These blades leave clippings relatively long, but they can also provide a more even mow than more complicated blades.

It’s important to have a good cutting edge on these blades since they are really reliant on cutting power to get good results.

Also called standard or medium-lift blades, these blades are typically on lawn mowers with side-discharge designs.

High Lift Blades

High lift blades are generally used for lawn mowers that have a bagging function because they provide more airflow that helps to move the grass clippings into the bag. These blades also provide higher suction, which means that they cut the grass at a more consistent height by pulling the grass up straighter.

Mulching Blades and Gator Blades

Mulching blades and gator blades both provide even more suction and cutting power in order to process the grass into smaller pieces. Of the two blade types, mulching blades are gentler. They process clippings into smaller chunks to distribute back over your lawn to act as a protective layer over the top soil.

However, mulching blades are not typically a good idea if you’re trying to bag your grass clippings at the same time. They just don’t move the clippings toward the bag very effectively.

Gator blades process the grass clippings even smaller than mulching blades. They are designed to get the clippings small enough to eventually mix into the top soil of your lawn where they will decompose and replenish the soil.

My Final Thoughts On Which Side Of The Lawn Mower Blade Is Up

Knowing which side of your lawn mower is up might seem like a simple thing, but it’s incredibly important. Choosing the right side of your lawn mower blade will help maintain the health of your lawn and can even reduce the maintenance on your lawn mower itself.

Learning how to install your lawn mower’s blade properly shouldn’t be difficult, but it is an important step if you want to keep your lawn mower in good condition. Hopefully this guide will help you decide which kind of blade is right for your lawn, and learn how to install it successfully.