Earlier this month I opened my issue of Turf & Rec (August/September, 2024) and learned about a study which found that dull mower blades cost the operator 22% more in fuel over sharp blades. That’s crazy. And it got me thinking about my side-hustle operation. My used Honda mower definitely had dull blades on and my spare set wasn’t sharpened yet. So I panicked and drove to my Coquitlam dealer where I bought a brand new set. Now my fuel use should plummet!
Sharp blades also give my old Honda a break; dull blades stress the engine and shorten the life of my already second-hand machine. Use sharp blades!
Beyond fuel
Now, fuel savings from sharp blades was news to me but it’s not just about fuel usage. Sharp blades allow you to cut the grass nicely, making a straight cut across the grass blades. See the picture below.
Using dull blades uses more fuel and it shreds the grass tissues. The shredding increases the cut area so the blades can lose more water and dry out faster. And if your lawn looks brownish after mowing, it could be from the shredding. You’re seeing the brown shredded tissues on top.
Sharp blades also give you a neater, uniform cut that looks good. If your lawn looks uneven, it might be from using dull blades.
Sharpening
I have yet to sharpen my own dull blades. I usually get them done by a mechanic I know or I buy new sets. Which is why I usually drool when I cut the grass at one of my client’s places in Coquitlam. He has a bench grinder at the back of his house. I really want to get one so I’m writing to Santa this year.
Whatever you do, make sure you use sharp blades. Your machine and grass blades will thank you for it; and your lawn will look awesome.
