What Is The Average Lifespan Of Lawn Mower Blades?

Are your lawn mower blades badly bent? Or maybe chipped or cracked? If so, it is time to replace your lawn mower blades, and merely sharpening them is not going to be enough anymore. However, when buying new lawn mower blades, many people often wonder: How long will they last? It is a fair question, too, and here is a straightforward answer: Most mower blades last somewhere between 100 and 200 hours of use, and this works out to roughly two to three years. Just keep in mind, there's no guarantee on this number.

The lifespan of lawn mower blades can change significantly based on how often you cut your grass 
and how properly you maintain the blade. In addition, the material and build quality of the blade can affect its lifespan, too. For instance, if you have a smooth, unobstructed lawn, your lawn mower blades are going to last longer than someone's who cuts through a ground full of rocks, roots, and random debris all the time. 

Maintenance has an impact as well. If you sharpen and balance your lawn mower blades regularly, they're going to last longer. Likewise, the material and build quality of the mower blades can also increase or decrease their lifespan. For instance, basic carbon steel blades wear faster and don't last as long as mower blades made of hardened steel. It's worth noting, though, that hardened steel mower blades cost more. If, however, you mow your lawn regularly and have rough terrain, they may be worth the extra cost.

Probably the simplest way to help your lawn mower blades last longer is to make sure they're not hitting anything other than the grass. Stones, sticks, toys, wires, sprinkler heads, and other such things can chip or crack the blades, which can reduce their lifespan. Similarly, make sure to set your lawn mower blades at an appropriate height so they're not hitting the soil or ground as you mow. 

Sharpen the mower blades on time, too. Experts recommend that you sharpen your lawn mower blades every 20 to 25 hours of use. Just make sure that you're not oversharpening either, as doing so can also decrease the blade's life.

Further, when you sharpen your blades, don't forget to balance them afterward. An unbalanced blade will cause vibrations, putting stress on the mower's metal. (Note that skipping the balancing step is often one of those mistakes everyone makes when sharpening lawn mower blades.)

Besides sharpening and balancing, be sure to clean under your mower deck regularly as well. Clippings and moisture can often build up under the lawn mower deck, and if not cleaned on time, they can lead to rust. Speaking of rust, you should also avoid mowing over wet grass.