You already know that there are important steps to take to ensure your mower is working the way it should be, and one of those includes keeping your mower blades sharp. But you might be wondering how to sharpen mower blades. But no need to worry, because Exmark has taken you step by step through blade sharpening.
Do sharp mower blades make a difference?
Sharpening your blades is “key” to keeping your mower’s Exmark signature cut quality. Dull blades can leave your cut ragged-looking. The sharper the blade on your mower, the cleaner the edge on your blades of grass. Without that sharp cut, you might notice a yellow-brown tip at the end of grass blades which can make your lawn more susceptible to pests and disease.
Blade sharpening steps:
- Don’t overdo it!
You don’t need a razor-sharp edge to get the cut you’re looking for. - You want to maintain a twenty-seven-to-thirty-degree angle on your blade when you sharpen.
If you sharpen it down too much, you can actually take the temper out of the blade. This increases how often you’ll need to sharpen and reduces the overall life of your blade. - Safety is key during sharpening!
Whether you’re using an angle grinder or a bench grinder, you want to ensure you’re using eyewear and gloves to keep yourself protected.
Putting your blades back on:
First and foremost, you want to consult your manual before putting the blades back on! It has all the information you need to know what to do for your particular mower. Be sure to put the blades on with the blade bolt at the proper torque with a torque wrench – this keeps the blades from loosening up. And, in case of impact, the proper torque prevents the bolt from tightening up too much, making it difficult to remove.
Tips for blade sharpening
- Use a putty knife to take off some of the build-up to reduce the dust and debris before sharpening.
- The performance of the blade will tell you when it’s reached the end of its useful life.
- Keep multiple blades on hand; one that’s sharpened and ready to go and the blades that you’re running.
Go to Exmark.com to find your local dealer – your dealers will be able to get you your blades.
