Are Lawn Mower Blades Universal?
The blades of a lawnmower are an essential part of the machine. They are responsible for keeping your lawn looking manicured and well-trimmed. However, due to use and heavy maintenance over time, they get damaged and need to be replaced. Replacing old blades with new ones is usually a straightforward affair, provided that the make and model of the machine are known. In changing your mower blades, you’ve probably wondered if you can use the blade from one mower for another. Keep reading; you’ll find this article interesting.
You might be disappointed to discover that lawn mower blades aren’t universal. Each mower blade is made specifically for the model and type of that particular machine. The good news is that while mower blades are not universal, you can sometimes interchange them. Being able to interchange blades between lawnmowers is dependent on several factors such as the length, width, hole numbers, thickness, hole diameters, and hole shapes of the blades. Whatever replacement blade you choose must match your mower perfectly and meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
How To Identify Your Type Of Lawn Mower Blade:
A new lawnmower blade can significantly improve the quality of your cut and the efficiency of your lawnmower. To replace your mower’s blades successfully, it is crucial to identify the type of blade it uses. The following are several ways you can determine your mower blade type:
- Check The Manual: this is an obvious thing to do. A user’s guide has all the necessary information about the machine and its components in it. You will find the type of blade, the model of the machine, and instructions on how to replace some replaceable machine parts in it.
- Use The Model And Make: the model and make of your lawnmower can usually be found imprinted somewhere on its body. You can use this to search for the correct replacement blade for your machine’s model and make it on shopping websites.
- Check The Number On Your Current Blade: mower blades usually have numbers imprinted on them. These numbers are specific and are put there for easy identification. You can use these numbers to search the Internet for replacement blades with similar specifications.
- Measure The Blade Specifications: if all other methods fail, you can measure the blade’s specifications and use that to find blades with similar dimensions online. These specifications include the length of the blade, the thickness of the blade, and its width. As mentioned earlier, these specifications vary from one model to another, and as such, it is crucial to get the measurements right. Once you’ve gotten your blades’ correct specifications, you can search for a suitable replacement on the Internet.
Lawn Mower Blade Specifications
Blade Length
We’ve established that mower blades come in different lengths. They can be as short as six inches and as long as over thirty-two inches. Start at one end and work your way diagonally to the other end to get the correct measurement.
Blade Width
The widths of mower blades can be as small as one and a half inches and as wide as four and a half inches. The blade width is usually measured close to the center, where the blade hole is located. It is measured this way because the center is usually the most expansive area, and the blade becomes thinner closer to the edge.
Blades Thickness
To be effective, you would think that a blade should be really thin, that you can’t measure its thickness. This is false. The thickness ranges from one-tenth of an inch to one-third of an inch. Naturally, you should measure the thickness of your blade at the thickest point, close to the center hole.
Types of Lawn Mower Blades
It’s essential to know the different blades available and which is best suited to your lawnmower. Selecting the wrong type of blade for your machine will damage it in the long run. There are several types available in the market with varying functions. These different types of mower blades also have varying specifications. No matter the type, a lawnmower blade should be able to execute three various tasks. These functions include; mulching, discharging, and bagging. While some blades can perform all three roles, others can only perform one. The following is a list of the types of mower blades commonly found:
Lifting Blades
These blades come with a curved surface that allows the grass clippings to be pulled up into the deck. This curved surface also allows air to flow vertically, lifting the grass upwards. This vertical lifting enables the blade to provide a polished cut compared to other blades. The lift provided by this blade also allows the grass clippings to be discharged or bagged. Lifting blades come in three types: Low-lift blades, Medium-lift blades, and High-lift blades.
Low-lift Blades
These blades are below ¾ inches and provide low suction power but produce less noise and less dust. They are perfect for sandy terrains. The design of these blades allows the grass clippings to stay low for easy discharge.
Medium-lift Blades
These blades provide more suction than the low lift blades. They produce medium lift and use less horsepower than high lift blades. They are usually ¾ to 15/16 inches and are mainly used to remove thick grasses.
High-lift Blades
These blades provide very high suction power and are typically 1 to 3/16 inches. They are best for bagging because they offer a fan-like suction. This fan-like suction also makes them ideal for cutting long, denser grasses. Due to this, the high lift blade requires more horsepower than the others.
Gator Blades
The gator blades combine the function of the low, medium, and high lift blades and offer mulching functions all in one. The gator blades are thicker than other blades and feature a unique design that helps cut through thick grass. They come with raised teeth that produce a clean, even cut and also help to improve bagging and offer faster decomposition.
Standard Blades
Standard blades are sometimes referred to as 2-in-1 blades. They are called standard blades because they are the most commonly used blades for lawnmowers. These blades are straight and are designed to cut grass and either bag or discharge the clippings. They don’t mulch grass clippings. Standard blades provide a continuous flow of air while in use and create a strong lift that can release the clippings from the deck back to the lawn. Traditional blades are easy to install, and you can use them for various lawnmower models. Also, they are very durable and can run for more extended periods.
Mulching Blades
The mulching blades are commonly referred to as the “3-in-1” blades. They are an all-around blade that can bag, discharge, or mulch grass clippings. They are ideal for tall grass. They come with a curved surface that allows the grass to be kept inside the mower deck and cut before being bagged or discharged. In addition, the curved surface allows your machine to cut grass in less time. When mulched grass is released into the soil, it degrades more quickly and releases vital nutrients. As a result, we can say that mulching blades are good for the environment.
Cylinder/Reel Blades
These blades are used in reel or cylinder mowers. They come in sets of three or more, and about 4-12 sets of these screw-like blades are positioned in a horizontally rotating cylinder that allows them to create a scissor-like motion when in use. When more sets of these blades are used, the performance becomes higher, and the cuts become faster. This allows for more precise cuts.
FAQS
What Material Are Lawn Mower Blades Made Of?
Lawnmower blades perform a lot of heavy-duty. Hence the materials they are made up of should be strong and durable. An ideal mower blade is strong and flexible. They are often built with low-carbon high-alloy steel that can sustain a strong impact while still bending adequately to complete the task.
Can The Blade From One Mower Be Used On Another Lawn Mower?
This is entirely dependent on the model and manufacturer of both lawnmowers. You may use your lawnmower blades interchangeably if they are the same model and type. However, if the mowers are different models, you’ll need to investigate further. Before replacing mower blades, you should check for things like blade width, length, and thickness.
What Can I Use To Measure My Lawn Mower Blade?
The ideal tool you need is a measuring tape to complete this simple task. However, if you don’t have one, you can use a ruler.
How Frequently Should Your Mower Blades Be Replaced?
Lawnmower blades should be replaced or sharpened as soon as they become dull. You should change them entirely if they have dents and holes to preserve your machine’s life span.