Why You Should Reconsider Using Third-Party Blades On Your Ryobi Lawn Mower

Ryobi makes a whole bunch of tools that help whip your lawn into shape, and their lawn mowers are understandably popular. The range offers lots of choices at competitive prices. To get the best out of them, it's a good idea to sharpen the blades regularly  — ideally about every 25 hours or once a season. Blunt lawn mower blades are a surefire way of making a mess of your lawn because they tear the grass unevenly rather than slicing through it. They also increase the chances that diseases will creep in. Fortunately, you only need a few tools to sharpen your lawn mower blades safely.

However, after a few seasons (or maybe sooner if you hit a rock), there's a good chance the blade will need replacing. The big question then is whether to go for a genuine Ryobi replacement or try to save money by using a third-party blade. The latter might seem appealing, but there are a number of factors you should reconsider. Before you decide, you need to think carefully about compatibility, quality, and the impact a different blade can have on performance. Depending on which Ryobi mower you own, it could also affect your warranty. In many cases, opting for a non-branded lawn mower blade replacement could be more hassle than it's worth. Let's take a more detailed look.

There's really no way to tell if a third-party lawn mower blade meets Ryobi's own quality standards, but it's vital to ensure compatibility. The serial number should be stamped on the existing blade, so you can check. Don't take it for granted if the seller says "fits all Ryobi 20-inch mowers," for example. You also need to know the type. Many are standard, general-purpose blades, but there are others specifically for bagging or mulching. Which do you need? Then there's the weight. Some of Ryobi's own blades are optimized for cordless mowers. If a third-party replacement is heavier, it could put extra strain on the motor, or it might drain the battery more quickly. If you've been looking for ways to mow your lawn more efficiently, that's the last thing you need.

Then there's the warranty, which will depend on the Ryobi lawn mower you own. Ryobi's standard warranty on 18V outdoor power tools is three years, so by the time you change the blade, that might have expired. However, on 40V models, it's five years. Changing to a non-Ryobi blade will likely invalidate however long is left. Finally, there's the question of how much you'll actually save. With so many options, it's impossible to give exact costs, but Ryobi is known for affordability, and this is equally true for their replacement lawn mower blades. You might save a couple of bucks by buying a third-party alternative, but given all the potential pitfalls, it's probably not worth it.