Lawnmower blades need to be balanced if we want to decrease the wear and tear of the machine, no matter if we’ve purchased it recently or a long time ago.
If you have a new lawnmower and wondered if new lawnmower blades need to be balanced, you’re in the right place because we’ll explain everything and stop the confusion!
In some cases, balancing the blades also contributes to the cutting quality. Balancing the blades is ensuring the blade weight is equally delivered on both sides.
Oftentimes, a blade can become imbalanced during the sharpening when more metal is grounded from one side than from the other.
The good news is that correcting the blades’ imbalance is easily done-you just need to follow several steps and have the right equipment. Let’s find out how to do it!
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How to Balance New Lawnmower Blades?
Sharpening and balancing the blades should be done one after the other because sharpening tends to remove metal from the blades, which can lead to less/more metal shaved on one side and cause an imbalance.
Also, if you notice that your mower is vibrating more intensely or that it’s not trimming as it did before, it may be time to check if the blades are balanced.
Imbalanced blades can cause these problems, so it’s important to address them ASAP.
To check the balance, you need something as simple as a nail in the wall onto which you hang the blade and wait for several minutes to see which side sits lower and which is higher.
Then, you grind the heavier side to shave off the surplus metal.
When grinding metal, always make sure you have the needed equipment, including safety glasses and protective gloves.
How to Grind the Blade to Balance It?
Once you determine which section is heavier, take out the blade from the nail and set it on a stable surface or a workbench.
Take a smooth file and grind down the edges of the heavier blade.
Try to keep a regular angle of the blade while filing. Hang it onto the nail again to check the balance. If one side is still heavier, repeat the procedure.
If they’re equal, you can reinstall the blade onto the lawnmower.
How to Take Out the Blades from the Lawn Mower?
Sharpening and balancing the blades of your lawn mower require proper removal. You place the mower onto a flat surface and make sure it’s turned off. You also disconnect any batteries and spark plugs.
To take out the blades easier, tip back the lawnmower so that the carburetor is on the high side. At this point, you rotate the blade by hand and check for the blade ends. If they’re not straight and flat, but bent, you’ll probably need new ones.
If they’re okay, you can continue.
With protective gloves on and the socket wrench and blade holder in your hands, remove the bolt in the center. Put it aside because you’ll need it again.
Once the blade is out, it’s time to sharpen and balance it. When it’s ready, remember to reinstall it the same way, not upside down because it won’t cut. To be sure, spray it in advance to mark it.
You set the blade and screw in the bolt-always tighten it well since a loose blade can mess with the engine timing and make it harder for the mower to start.
What Type of Blade to Choose for Your Lawnmower?
Mowers need a blade that will fit into its holes and measurements. But, a lot of mower models work just fine with other blade types. Below, check out the most common ones:
- Low lift
This blade is used when mowing sandy soil lawns with shorter and drier grass. It’s designed for side discharge mowing.
Its slightly curved ends maintain proper airflow.
They’re praised for minimum levels of dust and debris because the curved ends allow the cut grass to get out of the mower. This blade is also not overly strenuous for the engine.
- High lift
These blades have deeper curves on their ends for optimal suction.
This sends the clippings into a bagger. Its vertical swoop shape allows for a high suction blade that enhances the bagging and lowers the risk of clogging.
It’s recommended for wet and tall grasses and pairs best with an engine that has high horsepower.
- Deck
This is a standard blade and the most common one in lawnmowers with horizontal rotation.
Its edges are slightly curvy to provide ongoing airflow while rotating and creating an action of suck-and-cut.
This blade is said to offer efficient design, long-lasting quality, and easy installation.
- Mulching (all-purpose blade)
This blade has a curved surface that works in three ways: it pulls the grass and cuts it, the grass clippings go inside the deck and are shredded there, and the innermost blade curve creates pressurized air that pushes the clippings out.
Thanks to its design, the grass can be chopped several times before it’s bagged.
They’re praised for their versatility, efficiency (you cut more in a shorter amount of time), and eco-friendliness (mulched grass decomposes quicker and releases nutrients for healthier grass).
Final Thoughts
In order to reduce the tear and wear of your lawnmower, it’s pivotal to keep the blades balanced.
For all those who have been wondering: “Do lawn mower blades need to be balanced?”, the answer is “Yes they do!”
Every blade should be balanced right after sharpening because this process removes metal, which may remove less metal on one side and more on the other.
If the blades aren’t balanced, the engine may be negatively affected, resulting in poor performance and increased vibrations during mowing.
The balancing can be done in your garage in several easy steps that we explained in detail.
With proper and regular maintenance of your lawnmower, you’ll optimize its performance and ensure its longevity.