Are lawnmower blades interchangeable? -No, in most cases, they’re not. However, there are exceptions!
The blades depend on the mower and aren’t usually universally used.
But, there are times when you can use them interchangeably if they match up in factors like width, length, hole numbers, sizes, shapes, etc.
As lawnmower blades are specific rather than universal, replacing an old blade with one from a different manufacturer may not always be possible.
To replace an old lawnmower blade with a new one, the blade must meet the specifications of the lawnmower model.
Below, learn all about lawnmower blades, whether they’re interchangeable or not, and how/when to replace them!
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Are Lawnmower Blades Interchangeable?
Generally speaking, whether a lawnmower blade is universal or mower-specific depends on several factors. Today, though, there are manufacturers that produce universal blades.
In order for a lawnmower blade to be interchangeable, it needs to match the characteristics of your type of lawnmower.
Never use the wrong blade: it will harm you and the machine. A mower blade tip travels at more than 200 mph, so you don’t want to take any risks!
What Are the Types of Lawnmower Blades Available?
Before you replace the current lawnmower blade, you need to determine if this is necessary.
To do this, you need to do a physical check. Remember the revealing signs that you should consider before you decide on a new blade.
If you’re less experienced in the replacement, try to find out if the machine vibrates or not while you’re using it. Dull blades tend to trigger plenty of vibration due to the nicks and dents. This is a signal to sharpen the blade or replace it if it’s too damaged.
What’s more, you should make sure you check the grass; if you notice unusual patterns, it means that the situation has worsened. A dull blade will pull the grass, rather than cut it.
Rust is also a sign that the blade should be cleaned, sharpened, or replaced with a new one if it’s damaged too much. This is why you should have a replacement blade nearby in case a replacement is necessary.
The first step is to find the correct blade. Using an unsuitable one increases the risk of accidents!
The good news is that you can easily identify your current blade and, from there, pick one that will be an ideal replacement.
Below, read about the most common options on the market!
- High-lift blades
These ones offer a high swoop and high power of suction.
The vertical swoop ensures high suction power, which is beneficial for bagging. With these blades, there’s minimal clogging.
But they’ll only work when fitted onto a lawnmower with enough engine horsepower. This blade is able to tackle tall and compact grass.
- Low-lift blades
These are your go-to blades for sandy soil.
They’re great for side discharge mowing and enable a low-drastic swoop. Unlike the high-lift ones, these blades have low suction power.
- Deck/standard blades
These lawnmower blades are commonly used.
They feature a straight form and rotate on a horizontal blade.
They’re able to cut the grass from both sides. To enable a steady flow of air during the mowing process, they’re designed to be a bit curved. The suction power results in the removal of grass from the mowing area.
- Mulching blades
If you need to tidy up your lawn with minimal effort, these are the blades you should use. They’re multipurpose and allow you to finish various mowing tasks without the need to use several blades.
Usually curved, these blades enable grass cutting in various ways.
They pull the grass and then cut it. The grass goes into the chopping deck, where it’s cut into clippings.
The clippings are removed from the deck, enabled by the air pressure created by the blades. With these blades, mulching is a breeze!
- 3-in-1 blades (Gator)
As the name indicates, this blade offers three important features.
You get mulching, high-lift, and low-lift blades in one blade, but they tend to be pricier than the other options.
These blades have serrated parts on all sides. Despite their popularity, they have downsides like any other blade, so take them into account before buying one.
How to Replace a Lawnmower Blade with Another?
When you’ve determined which blade your lawnmower needs, it’s time for the replacement process. Below, check out the steps you need to follow:
- Put the mower on flat ground
Park your lawnmower on a flat part in your garage or yard. If your lawnmower is smaller, you’ll need to flip it on its side to begin work.
If the mower is bigger and heavier, placing it on higher ground would be perfect. Don’t forget to put the brakes on and turn off the engine.
Always put a block behind and in front of larger mowers to keep them steady.
- Gather the needed tools
The removal of the old and the fixing of the new blade requires the right tools.
the user manual or the web to learn which tools you’ll need.
Usually, screw wrenches are necessary, but you need to use the right ones for the screws of the machine.
- Blade removal
Put on protective gloves and find the socket that is holding the blade.
Turn in the ratchet’s switch in a clockwise motion.
Hold the blade with your free hand. Twist the rather in an anticlockwise direction.
When it becomes looser, use your hands to unscrew it until it comes off the bolt. Place the new blade and attach everything back.
- Clean the mower underside
Since it’s already in this position, clean up the underside and your mower is ready for new challenges!
Final Thoughts
Although not all lawnmower blades are interchangeable, there are cases when you can replace your mower’s current blade with the extra one you keep in the garage.
But, for this to happen, the new blade needs to meet several characteristics of the previous blade like width, hole numbers, sizes, shapes, etc.
Before you go on to replace your current lawnmower blade because it’s damaged or because it’s too old, you need to know the types of blades and make the right buy.
There are several types of blades, with the five most common ones discussed in this article. Once you decide on the blade, follow our steps for replacing the blade and you’re good to go!