5 Signs of Dull Lawn Mower Blades & Other FAQs
What Happens When Your Mower Blades are Dull?
At L&S Engineers, we understand the importance of maintaining your lawn mower blades. As the UK's leading supplier of spare parts for plant hire, construction, and groundcare, we're here to help you understand when your lawn mower blades need replacing and the impact of using a mower with dull blades.
We've therefore compiled this FAQ to answer your most common questions about lawn mower blades..
How can I tell if my lawn mower blades are dull?
There are several signs that your lawn mower blades might need attention. Here are 5 key indicators:
1. Torn or Frayed Grass: After mowing, if you notice that the grass looks torn or frayed rather than cleanly cut, this could be a sign of dull blades.
2. Excessive Vibration: When in use, if the mower vibrates more than usual, it could indicate that the blades are dull or damaged.
3. Visible Nicks or Dents: Inspect your blades regularly. If you see visible nicks, dents, or any other signs of physical damage, it's time to replace or sharpen the blades.
4. Inefficient Cutting: If you have to make multiple passes over the same area to cut the grass properly, your blades might be dull.
5. Uneven Grass Height: After mowing, if the grass appears uneven in height, it could be a sign that your mower blades are dull and not cutting properly.
What will dull mower blades do?
Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly. This can lead to a yellow or brown hue on your lawn after mowing, as the torn grass tips die off.
What does a bad mower blade look like?
A bad or dull mower blade often has visible signs of wear, such as nicks, dents, or a lack of sharpness to the touch. Always disconnect the spark plug before inspecting the blade for safety.
How can I tell if my lawn mower blade is dull?
If your blade has visible nicks, dents, or doesn't feel sharp to the touch, it's likely dull. Again, remember to disconnect the spark plug before inspecting the blade.
How long do lawn mower blades last?
The lifespan of a lawn mower blade depends on several factors, including the type of grass you're cutting and how often you mow. If the blade is being sharpened every 20 to 25 hours of use, an operational lifespan is approximately 100-200 work hours.
However, we generally recommend inspecting your blades at least once a year.
When should I replace lawn mower blades?
Replacing once a year will give you the best results but it may be sooner than this from occasional damage from rocks, pebbles etc.- if you use them professionally then twice a year would be better.With regular balancing and sharpening, the life of the blade can be extended but general wear and tear will highlight the need for regularly replacing your mower blades.
At L&S Engineers, we're committed to providing you with the highest quality spare parts and expert advice. If you have any further questions about lawn mower blade maintenance or any other machinery spares, don't hesitate to get in touch with our team.