For summer residents and gardeners, summer is a hot season, when you need to have time not only to grow all the plants, creating comfortable conditions for them, but also to ensure that the adjacent territory is well-groomed. In order for the site to have an attractive appearance, it is necessary to mow the grass at least once a week. Electric and petrol lawn mowers and trimmers are used for this purpose.
If the site is neglected and overgrown with weeds, or you need to remove thickets of cultivated plants (raspberries, etc.), ordinary fishing line will not cope with the task assigned to it. For this purpose, you need to purchase a special knife. It can be supplied complete with the mower, or purchased separately.
In this article, we will tell you how to choose blades for an electric and gasoline lawn mower, we will rate their popular models based on customer reviews, and also decide what to look for in order not to make mistakes when choosing.
Content
In the minds of ordinary people, the cutting elements of such devices should resemble a kitchen knife, but this is completely wrong. First of all, let's define its purpose. Unlike fishing line, the blade acts on the stems in such a way as not to chop them into small pieces, but to cut them exactly (this does not apply to mulching modifications). In order to do this, they have a peculiar shape - curly with a certain sharpening angle. You can also find models with a mulching function - cutting vegetation into pieces.
There are three main types of cutting elements on sale - straight, curly, mulching. The first type is distinguished by a flat surface, as well as rectangular edges. The peculiarity of the curly nozzle is that it bends at a certain angle from the center to the edges. The latter type has a special shape, reminiscent of the English letter Z, and there may be (not always) notches along the edges. It should be noted that the functionality of most attachments implies mulching, but this function is more pronounced in a specialized blade. In almost all such rigs, the edges are curved to one side. This is done so that the grass is "attracted" to the rotary element, and after cutting it is transported in a certain direction to the compartment for collecting vegetation. The cutters may look different from each other. They can be bladed and in the form of a cutter. Models of the first type can be of three varieties - straight, with rounded edges, with pointed edges. Milling (disc) models in appearance resemble a sprocket from a bicycle - an even and straight disc from the middle goes to sharp multidirectional edges.There are also modifications with a stepped transition - each element is located slightly higher than the previous one. The length of the protruding edges can reach several centimeters.
Manufacturers recommend choosing a cutting element of such a size that it is equal to the mowing capacity of the device. If you choose a smaller product, the mowing effect will be worse, and if you choose a larger one, damage to the instrument motor or injury to the operator may occur. The required characteristics can be found in the lawn mower passport. According to the manufacturer's recommendations, you need to buy a cutting element from the company that is listed among the acceptable ones. Despite the fact that on the market you can find special adapters that allow you to attach a blade from another manufacturer that is not intended for use in this brand, experts do not recommend doing this in order to avoid equipment damage.
According to the advice of experts, it is recommended to buy products made of stainless steel. They have increased strength characteristics, as well as resistance to moisture and plant sap, which will quickly damage the steel product. The minimum indicator of hardness on the Rockwell scale is 55 units and above. The worst parameters will lead to the fact that the tip will quickly become dull and require sharpening. There are also plastic knives. They are considered safer to work with, since when hitting a stone, the rig can fly apart and hit a person. Due to the softer structure and lighter weight, the plastic product is not capable of causing significant damage to the operator.
Separately, it is necessary to mention the sharpening of the blades. It is carried out at an angle of 30 degrees. A sharper angle will make the point too thin, it will be damaged from the slightest contact with coarse plant fibers. An obtuse angle will break the plants, not cut them, which will affect the quality of the mowing. It is recommended to sharpen the cutting element once a season - at a moderate load. Removal and installation of the plate should only be carried out by qualified personnel, as improper installation could result in injury to the operator. To remove the product, it is necessary to unscrew the fastening bolt from the head, then carefully remove the element. It is recommended to carry out all work with gloves, as you can accidentally cut yourself.
If you notice that vibration appears during the work, it is recommended to check the balance of the plate. To do this, it must be removed and hung on a nail with a wide head. If the knife tilts to one side, it is necessary to align it. To do this, you need to carry the cutting element to the turner, and he will grind off the excess metal. It is worth noting that this is not the best way to solve the problem, and the best way is to find the money to buy a new attachment.
Most often, there are two situations in case of problems with mowing: the grass is not mowed, or the rotor with the cutting element does not rotate at all. In the first case, there can be two options - the blade is dull or damaged (the problem is accordingly eliminated by sharpening or replacing the device), or the cutter is incorrectly installed (according to the rules, there must be a distance of at least one millimeter between the stationary head and the rotating part).
There are situations when the rotor does not rotate. To solve the problem, you need to do the following: check if something is interfering with the free rotation of the cutter, if grass, rope or other foreign object is wrapped around it, if the drive belt is torn, if the power cord is connected, if the switch is functional, there is whether the voltage in the mains, whether the motor has overheated (a heat regulator is usually built into such a technique, which controls the maximum permissible temperature in order to avoid damage to the motor).
This nozzle is used in conjunction with a cutter, and is designed in such a way that when cut grass gets into it, it returns to the zone of rotation of the blades for re-crushing. Thus, the grass is crushed into small pieces and evenly distributed over the lawn, thereby fertilizing it.
The product is intended for equipment of the Makita brand, however, craftsmen advise to purchase an adapter with which the nozzle can be installed on any model of lawn mower. The versatility of this attachment is due to the popularity of the model in garden equipment stores. The scope of delivery, in addition to the main product, also includes a set of mounting bolts. Product weight is 320 grams, overall dimensions: length - 180 mm, width - 170 mm, height - 190 mm. The average price is 790 rubles.
The review continues with the nozzle from the world-famous German manufacturer Bosch. It differs from the previous applicant in shape and appearance. Despite these differences, it performs its function flawlessly. The design of the nozzle is made in such a way as to prevent plant residues from being thrown into the grass catcher, but to direct them for repeated grinding. Despite the simpler form, compared to the previous contender, the attachment has a greater weight - 560 grams, and it is recommended to buy it for those who have the physical ability to work with a lot of weight. Overall dimensions - 33 centimeters (length), 13.5 (width), 31 cm (height). The average price is 1,700 rubles.
The package includes a cutter and a mulch attachment. Both items can be used together or separately. The set is suitable for lawn mowers with a working width of 41 cm. According to the description on the manufacturer's website, it allows you to grind plants to a state that allows you not to remove residues from the lawn. They are evenly distributed over it and serve as fertilizer.
The set is intended for use in the following models of lawn mowers: Stihl MA 443.1, MA 443.1 C, ME 443.1, ME 443.1 C, MB 443.1. An adapter must be purchased for use with other models. The kit price is 4,200 rubles.
Some experts believe that buying mulching attachments is a waste of money and it is better to buy a cutting element with the same ability. The most popular and inexpensive model of such cutters is presented by the DDE manufacturer. It is made of steel, painted red. In order to chop the grass, the knife has special cutouts on both sides.
The inner hole diameter is 2.54 centimeters, making the cutting element suitable for most manufacturers' equipment. If necessary, an adapter can be used to ensure compatibility. The product is 46 centimeters long and can be used in conjunction with any suitable holder. The average price is 1,200 rubles.
This cutter differs not only in appearance, but also in the features of grinding - curved sharpened plates are welded at the ends of the product, which cut the stems of plants. Despite the fact that this product is made in China, buyers note a good value for money. Also in the reviews they note the correct geometry, good sharpening, low weight and balance of the cutter.
The length of the product is 40 centimeters, so it can be used with popular models of lawn mowers. The average price is 1,500 rubles.
This product is suitable for the lawn mower of the same name in the following versions: LM4622, 4627,4630. The product resembles an ordinary replaceable cutter in its shape, and the mulching effect is achieved due to the curved shape of its blades. According to the manufacturer, the product is made of high quality steel and is designed for a long service life.
The cutting blade is 46 cm long and can be used with most standard mowing machines. The torch weight does not exceed 600 grams. The dimensions of the bore: 10 * 17 mm, the dimensions of the central hole are 19 * 25 mm, the center-to-center distance along the holes is 47 mm, the thickness of the product is 3.5 mm. The average price is 1,500 rubles.
The review continues with the product of the Swedish manufacturer, which has gained popularity due to the quality of its products. This cutter is manufactured from stainless steel with a black powder paint finish. The cutting element has not only a curved shape, but also cutouts on the sides, which grind the grass into small particles.
Buyers note the balance and smoothness of rotation of the product, as well as a long service life. The product is intended for the LC 153 series lawn mowers, however, if you wish, you can find video tutorials on the Internet that tell you how to make an adapter yourself at home, or configure a universal adapter for use with appliances from other brands. The plate is 53 centimeters long. The average price is 1,800 rubles.
The products of the American brand stand out on store shelves among similar products in bright colors - all products are painted red. The cutter in question is no exception. Its length is 19 inches (47.6 centimeters). The product compares favorably with the complete set - the number of items included in the set (two hold-down washers and 6 adapter washers). They make it possible to use it with a large number of modifications of wheel mowers - with a shaft (drive) diameter from 10 to 25.4 mm. The average price of a product is 970 rubles.
The review continues with one of the most budgetary models, which costs only 285 rubles. The products of this American brand have been on the market for a long time, and have gained popularity due to not only low price, but also good quality. The cutting element is compatible with the BEMW451 lawn mower. For use with equipment from other manufacturers, you must purchase an adapter. The blade is straight, rectangular with a slight curve in the middle. Overall dimensions of the product - 32 cm (length), 5 cm (width). Manufacturing material - stainless steel.
The cutting element of the Austrian manufacturer is distinguished by the presence of flaps that raise the grass before cutting, ensuring that each stem is cut. The product is made of stainless steel, has a length of only 33 centimeters and, accordingly, is not suitable for all lawn mowers. The weight of the product is 300 grams, making it easier to work with it than with more massive counterparts. The unit cost does not exceed 1,100 rubles (in some stores, this price also includes delivery to the buyer).
This blade has an asymmetrical shape and is designed for use in a gasoline lawn mower from this manufacturer. The metal blade is not subject to corrosion, powder coated for an aesthetic appearance. The planting hole has a non-standard shape, so you will need to purchase an adapter to use the cutter in other brands of gardening equipment. The center hole diameter is 8.5 mm. Product dimensions - 32 cm (length), 4.5 cm (width), 0.2 cm (thickness).
Despite the asymmetrical shape, the product is well balanced and does not vibrate during operation. Buyers are also attracted by the budget cost and availability of the goods. The average unit price is 460 rubles.
Despite the fact that the homeland of this brand is the United States of America, since 2011 the brand has been considered Russian. The company's products are of high quality, which is ensured by multi-stage control at all stages of production.
The cutter under consideration stands out for its unusual shape - the hammer plate is equipped with cutouts at the joints, which better chop the grass than conventional knives. The length of the plate is 37 centimeters, which means that the mowing area is smaller than in standard models. Due to the reduced length, the cutting element is easier to work with, since it has a low weight - 320 grams. The blade is intended for use in the lawn mower of the same brand - PATRIOT CM 435XL, for use in equipment of other manufacturers, an adapter must be purchased. The average price is 460 rubles.
The blade of German production has shown itself well in use due to the high-quality material of manufacture. The stainless steel is powder coated in red. The blade is 37 centimeters long. The blade fits the PowerMax 37 E and does not require an adapter for compatibility with other mowers. The package includes instructions on how to install and sharpen the blade.
Buyers note the non-standard shape of the cutting element, which allows you to cut stems of various thicknesses without effort. The average price of a product is 1,800 rubles.
They are designed for use in lawn mowers of various brands and manufacturers. As a rule, the scope of delivery includes adapters for attaching to the drive shaft.
The knife in question is suitable for most mowing equipment from well-known manufacturers, including: Alko, Honda, Husqvarna, Makita, Patriot, Stiga, Viking, and others. The delivery set includes 7 adapters for a diameter of 10 to 25.4 mm. There are also 2 pressure washers to fit the blade onto any drive shaft.
The weight of the product is 660 grams, the overall dimensions in the package are 40 cm (width), 5 cm (height), 2 cm (length). Buyers note a large number of adapter washers, a sharp blade, a powerful air stream that lifts the grass off the ground. The average price of a product does not exceed 900 rubles.
The review continues with the cutting element of the American manufacturer, which costs almost twice as much as the previous contender. The central hole in the plate is made in such a way that an adapter of the required diameter can be installed in it.
The set includes 4 adapters with bore 9.5 mm, 12.7 mm, 16 mm, 17.5 mm. Also supplied are 2 pressure washers (9.5 and 16 mm dia.) To ensure that the insert fits snugly on the drive shaft. The shape of the blade is straight, without protrusions and notches, it allows you to evenly mow the lawn, while it is unlikely to cope with thick stems of plants. Buyers note quality steel and a sharp blade. The length of the cutting element is 46 centimeters, the average price is 1,600 rubles.
Despite the fact that the knife in question is positioned by the manufacturer as intended for the Universal Shark 20 ″ / 51 cm model, it can also be used in conjunction with lawn mowers from other manufacturers. The product is painted red, made of stainless steel, which prevents the formation of corrosion. The blade length is 51 cm, which provides a large mowing area. The inner diameter of the bore is 25.4 mm.
The scope of delivery includes several adapters that allow you to install the knife in a mower of almost any manufacturer. The average price of a product is 900 rubles.
The cutting element of the American company MAXPOWER has a length of 50 centimeters and is declared as "3 in 1" - it can throw grass residues on the side, into the grass catcher, or mulch them. The product is sold in a blister with a set of adapter washers.According to the manufacturer, at the last stage of production, all products are sharpened by blades, and not stamped, as is the case with products of inexpensive brands.
Due to the fact that steel with a thickness of at least 4 mm is used for the manufacture of the product, the knife will last several times longer than its budget competitors. A detailed instruction is supplied with the product, which indicates the process of matching washers to the blade, and all fitting dimensions are also indicated. The average price of a cutting element is 1,200 rubles.
Choosing which company components are better to buy, it is easy to make the wrong choice.
Before making a final decision, we recommend that you read the instruction manual for your lawn mower. Particular attention should be paid to the list of replacement parts that fit a particular model.
If you cannot find a suitable knife, you can buy a universal option, however, it should be borne in mind that in the manufacture of such products, the features of a particular technique were not taken into account, which may cause additional difficulties during work, for example, vibration or poor mowing quality.
We hope that our article will help you make the right choice!