Different Types of Lawn Mower Blades

Lawn mower blades are cutting blades specifically made for lawnmowers. Their purpose is to cut grass and then either store the clippings or discharge it. The blade is installed underneath a lawn mower and it works by pulling up the grass using air and finely chopping it up. That’s why most lawn mower blades are curved as it helps to create a suction force to make the grass stand tall and rigid, making it easier to cut.

There are a variety of different lawn mower blades available in the market, such as standard blades, mulching blades, bagging blades, high-lift blades, low-lift blades, gator blades, etc. The reason why these blades differ from one another is because users need to employ different blades for different circumstances. For instance, high-lift mower blades are ideal for cutting lawns that have long grass, whereas low-lift blades work great on yards with more soil than vegetation. Another example is, self-sharpening blades require very little maintenance as they can keep themselves sharp, while gator blades and mulching blades are excellent for making fertilizer for soil.

But before considering getting any of these blades, a buyer should consider factors such as the material, thickness, shape, length, center hole size, etc. The length of the blade and the center hole size are especially important as they will determine if the blade is compatible with a particular model of mower. With that said, let’s take a look at the different types of lawn mower blades. 

Standard Blades

Standard blades, also known as medium-lift blades, are straight lawn mower blades with a slight curve on their tips. The angled edges of the blade help lift up the grass using air, making it ready to be cut. However, since the curvature is very minor, the suction capacity is limited in straight blades. 

These blades are primarily used in lawn mowers that spin horizontally and release clippings from their sides. They are the optimal choice for thick patches of grass, regardless of whether it is damp or dry. And they are very easy to come across as buyers can find them almost anywhere. 

However, standard blades perform poorly on thin or short patches of grass. And as the suction capability of these blades is low, they may clog up the lawn mower’s chute. Overall, these blades can be used in most grassy terrains to produce a pristine cut that will surely meet a quality standard.

Pros:

• Aerodynamic design
• The curved ends help suck up the grass clippings
• Optimal choice for most grassy lawns and yards
• Can be used on both dry and damp surfaces
• They support all types of soil

Cons:

• Not recommended for thin or short patches of grass
• May cause clogs in the lawn mower’s chute

Mulching Blades

Mulching blades are curved lawn mower blades that are designed to cut grass multiple times, turning it into fertilizer. The blade first lifts up the grass and then finely chops it up into pieces. The clippings are then sucked up and sent to the back of the blade where it is cut up even further. Then the inner curve of the blade helps discharge the grass fragments. 

The reason why mulching blades are so popular is because the fine grass fragments they produce can then be absorbed by the soil. This raises the soil’s overall fertility by recycling the leftover clippings, making the blade ideal for both cutting a lawn and improving its richness. 

However, there is a chance that the lawn mower may become clogged if mulching blades are used to cut thick grass. Hence, it is recommended to use these blades on thin patches of grass or for general yard maintenance. 

Pros:

• Multi-purpose blade with a variety of use cases
• Curved blades allow for precision cutting
• Helps fertilize the soil

Cons:

• Cutting dense patches of grass may lead to clogging

Bagging Blades

Bagging blades are unique lawn mower blades that are bent instead of having curves along their structure. It is designed that way so that it can lift up the grass, cut it, and send it straight to the lawn mower’s storage bag, hence, the name! And because of its unique appearance, potential buyers can easily recognize these blades at a glance.

Due to their design, bagging blades are able to pull up the grass on the surface by creating a strong suction force and then send the clippings to the storage unit of the lawn mower. As a result, bagging blades are an excellent choice for lawns with long, wavy grass. 

The only potential drawback of using bagging blades is that they consume a lot of power. This can cause unwanted vibration and noise when using the mower. Moreover, these blades are not suitable for short patches of thin grass. But other than that, bagging blades are ideal for keeping a lawn neat and tidy.

Pros:

• Helps suck up any loose grass
• Stores all the grass clippings in a bag
• Keeps lawns looking nice and tidy
• Enhances lawn health and aesthetic

Cons:

• Draws a lot of power which can lead to mower vibration
• Not suitable for thin patches of grass

High-lift Blades

High-lift blades are curved lawn mower blades that are designed to produce the highest amount of airflow possible. The curvature on the blade creates a strong suction force which pulls the grass up for the perfect cut. Combine that with a fast-spinning motion, and that results in a precise finish every time. These blades are ideal for lawns with dense patches of grass. 

High-lift blades are the best choice for yards with large patches of tall, thick grass. They can create enough airflow to suck up any cut grass that may be laying around. And the blades help store the grass clippings in a bag without causing any wastage. Moreover, due to the unique curved structure of high-lift blades, it produces a greater amount of suction force than any of its alternatives. 

Do note that the high suction force of high-lift blades can also suck up any loose soil and dirt into the lawn mower as well. This can cause the mower blade to wear out quickly if the dust settles on the deck. Hence, it is recommended to avoid sandy or dusty terrains when using a lawn mower with high-lift blades. 

Pros:

• Strong suction force
• Best for yards with long, thick grass
• Prevents build-up of grass clippings around the lawn
• Has excellent bagging capabilities

Cons:

• Terrains with loose soil can cause the mower blade to wear out

Low-lift Blades

Low-lift blades are curved lawn mower blades with very limited curvature. They are the best pick for terrains with loose soil and thin patches of grass because the blades produce the lowest amount of suction force. 

While it may seem like a drawback, low-lift blades have a lot of perks as well. First of all, sand and dirt are not pulled up by low-lift blades which can improve its overall lifespan. Additionally, it does not disrupt any of the loose soil, maintaining the integrity of the terrain. Lastly, low-lift blades do not require much power to run which results in quieter performance with very low vibrations. 

The main issue when using low-lift blades is that you will likely have to clean up the yard afterwards. Since it does not have much suction power, grass clippings will be left all over the terrain. So, tidying up after can feel like a chore. 

Pros:

• Low-lift blades have excellent longevity and durability
• Silent performance with low vibrations
• They do not require much power to operate at full capacity
• Best for terrains with loose soil and low vegetation

Cons:

• Lawns will need to be cleaned up after mowing

Gator Blades

Gator or toothed blades are specialized mower blades with a unique teeth design that consists of serrated edges at a distinct angle. These blades are sometimes also referred to as 3-in-1 blades because they combine the features of low, high, and mulching blades. 

The blade pulls the grass towards it and chops it up into fine pieces. However, the blade does not stop after cutting it only once. Due to the design of the blade’s teeth, the grass clippings are cut over and over again, turning it into mulch. The mulch is then spread across the soil to help enrich and nourish it. Hence, for yards with short to long grass, gator blades do an excellent job of giving them a defined trim and fertilizing them in the process. 

Avoid using gator blades on sandy surfaces or terrains with loose soil. Since these blades have a strong suction capacity, dirt and debris can get pulled into the blade, damaging it and lowering its lifespan. The edges are another point of concern as they can become dull relatively quickly. Overall, gator blades are the jack of all trades when it comes to lawn mower blades as they can handle all types of grassy lawns. 

Pros:

• Can be used on both short and tall patches of grass
• Provides precision cutting
• Excellent fertilizing capability

Cons:

• Sandy terrains can degrade the lifespan of the blades

Self-sharpening Lawn Mower Blades

Self-sharpening lawn mower blades are cutting blades that always retain their sharpness regardless of how much grass they mow. This blade is a must-have for those who do not want to take the hassle of regularly sharpening their mower blade. 

They use specialized technology and design to maintain their cutting edge. When they are used to mow a lawn, the blades not only cut the grass but also sharpen themselves in the process. This makes using self-sharpening blades very efficient. Users also don’t have to worry about replacing them frequently, making these blades an invaluable tool in a lawn mower’s arsenal. 

However, these blades come with a hefty price tag which can turn away a lot of people. It can range anywhere from $40 to $60, meaning it is much pricier than most other types of mower blades. But what the user gets out of it is more valuable than the money paid. Self-sharpening blades are also known for their incredible adaptability as they can be used on short, tall, damp, dry, soft, or rigid patches of grass. So, it is up to you to decide whether it is worth the investment or not. 

Pros:

• Has excellent longevity and durability
• Its versatility allows it to be used on almost any kind of terrain
• Cuts out the stress of having to sharpen the blades frequently

Cons:

• Hefty price tag

Reel Lawn Mower Blades

Reel lawn mower blades are the most basic form of blades in the market. Most of the time, these blades are used in non-electric, push mowers. They are in the shape of a spiral and cut grass by trapping it between the sharp edges. 

Given how basic the design of reel lawn mower blades is, they can be used almost anywhere. Whether the grass is thick or thin, wet or dry, reel mower blades can tackle any situation fairly well. The mowers themselves are also very cheap, ranging from $70 to $230, making them more affordable than most other electric or motor mowers. 

These mower blades have a few downsides too. They cannot be repaired if they break and will need to be replaced completely. In addition, manually sharpening the blade can be difficult because of its shape. But for beginners who want to get into lawn care, this can be a good starting point. 

Pros:

• Simple to use
• Affordable and easily accessible
• Can be used on a variety of terrains

Cons:

• Must be replaced if broken
• Difficult to sharpen

Are All Lawn Mower Blades the Same?

No, not all lawn mower blades are the same because their design, shape, length, dimension, etc. vary depending on the type. Different types of lawn mower blades are used for different purposes and circumstances, hence their properties and features vary too. 

Do Lawnmower Blades Have Different Dimensions?

Yes, different lawn mower blades have different dimensions. That means it is not possible to fit every blade into a mower. So, be mindful of the specifications of a particular mower before getting a blade for it. Generally speaking, a lawn mower blade has a length of 12 to 30 inches, a width of 1 to 4.5 inches, a thickness of 0.1 to 0.35, and comes with one or three center holes. 

What Types of Materials Are Used in Lawn Mower Blades?

Lawn mower blades are crafted using a variety of materials, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, mild steel, etc. The materials used are designed to bend in case the blade hits something hard. Otherwise, there can be a significant risk for injuries if the blade shatters and shrapnel flies out everywhere. 

Are Lawn Mower Blades Reverse Thread?

No, not all lawn mower blades are reverse thread as there are many blades that are right-hand thread. Threading refers to the direction of the blade’s rotation. If the blade rotates in a clockwise direction, then it is known as right-hand threading. On the contrary, if the blade rotates in a counter-clockwise direction, then it is known as reverse threading. Users can determine the threading of a lawn mower blade by observing which direction it rotates. 

How Long Should a Mower Blade Last?

Most mower blades can last anywhere around 100 to 200 hours of usage on average. This estimate can change depending on the quality of the blade and how well it is maintained. For instance, a high-quality blade that is properly taken care of can provide service of up to 400 hours. 

There are a few telltale signs that indicate a mower blade is in need of maintenance or replacement. For example:

• The lawn mower blade needs to be sharpened if it constantly tears the tips and edges of the grass. 
• The cutting blade will need to be replaced if the height of the mowed grass is inconsistent. 
• Bends, dents, cracks, etc. are also indicators that the mower blade needs to be changed. 

When Should You Replace Lawnmower Blades?

Generally, you should replace your lawn mower blades after a year of usage. However, the useful lifespan of the blade depends largely on how well you take care of it. Properly maintaining your mower blade, like sharpening it in a timely manner, can prolong its service life. You should sharpen your blades after 20 to 30 hours of usage to prevent the edges from becoming dull or worn out. 

What Type of Mower Blade Do I Need?

The type of mower blade you need will depend on factors like the model of the mower you have, the kind of trim you want, the condition of the grass, and the time of year. First, you should determine whether you want to mulch, discharge, or bag the grass clippings. Then, you need to check the condition of the grass, i.e. whether it is short, tall, dry, or damp. Lastly, you should check your lawn mower to see what blade length and centre hole it supports. 

How to Match the Blade Type to Your Specific Lawn Care Goals?

Different types of lawn mower blades perform well in different conditions. For example:

• You should use high-lift blades to cut cool-season grass like Kentucky Bluegrass, Bentgrass, Ryegrass, etc.
• You should use low-lift blades to cut warm-season grass like St. Augustinegrass, Bermudagrass, Centipedegrass, etc. 
• You should use gator blades to cut long, wavy grass and shred up any fallen leaves.
• You should use bagging blades when you want to securely store the grass clippings and keep your yard clean. 
• You should use mulching blades when you want to produce mulch to fertilize your land. 

Can I Use a Universal Blade on My Lawn Mower?

Lawn mower blades are not universal as they vary in terms of length, width, centre hole size, etc. A mower will only be able to fit certain types of blades as per its specifications. Hence, the best course of action is to look up the mower model and see which blades are supported by it. 

Are New Mower Blades Worth the Investment?

Yes, new mower blades are worth the investment because the old blades can become dented, cracked, or damaged, which would then need to be replaced. It is always a good idea to have a few sets of mower blades as backup in case of emergencies.