Most lawn mower blades are dull right out of the box. And if you don’t keep them sharpened, they can become even more damaged and unable to provide a clean cut. As a result, your lawn will start to look patchy and unhealthy.
Balancing lawn mower blades is a simple process that only takes a few minutes, but it can make a big difference in the appearance of your lawn.
In this post, we’ll explain how to balance lawn mower blade step-by-step so that you can get the best results for your lawn.
Importance of Balancing Lawnmower Blade:
Maintaining a healthy, green lawn requires regular mowing, and that means keeping your lawnmower blades in good condition. Sharp blades are essential for making clean cuts and preventing damaged grass. However, balancing your lawnmower blades is just as important.
If the blades are unbalanced, they can vibrate excessively, which can damage the mower and make it difficult to control. In addition, unbalanced blades can create uneven cuts, which can stresses the grass and make it more susceptible to disease.
Fortunately, balancing lawnmower blades is a relatively simple process that only takes a few minutes. And it can make a big difference in the appearance of your lawn.
Tools Needed for Balance Blades:
- A socket wrench
- A flat file
- A lawnmower blade holder
- A screwdriver
- Hand gloves
- Safety Goggles
- A lawnmower blade balancer
- Your blade sharpening tool (typically a grinder, file, or sharpening stone)
- Steel wire brush (for cleaning your blade)
OK. Now you are ready to start the whole process.
If you want quick result you can use grinder for sharpening purpose. You will get a better result if you use file.
Step by Step Guide to Balancing Lawn Mower Blades:
Step 1:
Start by removing the spark plug from the lawnmower. This will prevent the engine from starting accidentally while you’re working on it.
Step 2:
Turn the lawn mower upside down. The blades will be attached to the bottom of the lawn mower.
Step 3:
Next, use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the blade in place. There are usually two or three bolts, depending on the model of lawnmower. After that, store it in a safe place for reinstallation.
Step 4:
Once the bolts are removed, you can take the blade off the lawnmower. Be careful, as the blade is sharp and can cause injury if handled improperly.
Step 5:
Usually mowers has center hole, use it to hang the blade on a nail or screw in order to sharpen it. If your mower doesn’t have a center hole, you can use a blade holder such as bench vise.
Step 6:
Now it’s time to check the mower both side by side. We recommend use the balance checker. You can also use the level checker. It will help you to know that which side needs to grinding or filing.
Step 7:
The heavier side of the blade needs to be filed down. Use a flat file to remove metal from the blade until it is balanced. Be sure to wear gloves and safety goggles when working with the blade, as it is sharp and can cause injury.
Step 8:
Ensure blades are perfectly aligned at 180 degrees to each other by using a level checker. If they aren’t, use the file to make adjustments until they are.
Step 9:
Once the blade is balanced, you can reattach it to the lawnmower. First, put the blade back on the mower, then use the socket wrench to tighten the bolts. Be sure not to over tighten the bolts, as this can damage the blade.
Step 10:
Finally, replace the spark plug and you’re ready to go.
Cautions:
- Wear hand gloves and google throughout the process.
- Be extra careful while handling the blade, it is very sharp.
- Do not over tighten the bolt while attaching or reattaching the blade.
- Use proper tools for better and quick result.
- Do the process in a well-ventilated area.
How Often to Balance Lawn Mower Blades?
Balance your lawn mower blades every time you sharpen them is generally a good idea. The standard for sharpening is once a season or every 25 hours of mowing time.
However, if you notice that the blades are vibrating excessively or the lawn is not being cut evenly, it’s a good idea to check the balance and make adjustments as needed.
Are New Lawn Mower Blades Balanced?
Most new lawn mower blades are balanced, but it’s always a good idea to check before you install them. If the blades are not balanced, you can use the same process to balance them as you would to sharpen them.
How do I make sure my mower blade is balanced?
The easiest way to check if your mower blade is balanced is to use a level checker. You can also use a balance checker. If the blade is not balanced, you will need to use a file to remove metal from the blade until it is balanced. The blades are said be balanced if their alignment at 180 degrees to each other by using a level checker. If they aren’t, use the file to make adjustments until they are.
Can you balance a lawn mower blade with a nail?
Yes, you can balance a lawn mower blade with a nail. Simply drive the nail into the ground or wall and place the blade on top of it. The nail will act as a fulcrum, allowing you to easily balance the blade.
You can also use a piece of string or twine to balance the blade. Simply tie one end of the string to the blade and the other end to a sturdy object, such as a tree or fence post. The string will act as a guide, helping you to keep the blade level as you work.
How to Balance Riding Lawn Mower Blades?
Follow the above steps to balance riding lawn mower blades. The only difference is that you will need to remove the deck of the riding mower before you can access the blades. Once the deck is removed, you can follow the same steps to sharpen and balance the blades.
How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades?
The process for sharpening lawn mower blades is similar to the process for balancing them. First, you will need to remove the blade from the mower. Next, use a file or grinder to remove metal from the blade until it is sharp. Be sure to wear gloves and safety goggles when working with the blade, as it is sharp and can cause injury. Finally, reattach the blade to the mower and replace the spark plug.
How to Change Lawn Mower Blades?
1. First, make sure the mower is turned off and disconnected from the power source.
2. Next, remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent the engine from accidentally starting while you’re working.
3. Then, flip the mower over so you can access the underside.
4. Locate the bolts that hold the blade in place and remove them with a wrench or socket set.
5. Carefully remove the old blade and then install the new one, making sure it’s tight.
6. Finally, reconnect the spark plug wire and you’re ready to go.
Conclusion:
By following the above steps, you can easily balance lawn mower blade. Remember to be extra careful while handling the blade, as it is sharp and can cause injury. Also, be sure to check the balance of the blade regularly to ensure it is cutting evenly. Thanks for reading.
Related Posts
Are Lawn Mower Blades Universal?
Sometimes you will see a weird pattern on your grass, and you will be like, ‘what the heck happened?’ Well, it is because of a dull or damaged blade. So, you buy a new one, but surprisingly they don’t fit. Do you start feeling frustrated because you think that, are lawn mower blades universal?
Douglas Mackalie is a Founder of Mackalies Garden. He is one of the most exciting people you’ll ever meet. He has 25 years of experience in horticulture and gardening, most of which he’s spent outdoors getting his hands dirty.