Seasonal Tips

Mastering lawn mower blades: from sharpening to balancing and replacement

After a long afternoon mowing in the blazing sun, you step back to admire your work—only to realise the lawn doesn't look as crisp and clean-cut as you'd hope. The blades of your Snapper mower have become dull and unbalanced. What now?

This guide covers everything you need to know about sharpening, balancing, and replacing mower blades so your Snapper lawn tractor or zero-turn mower performs at its best every time.

How sharp should your mower blade be?

A mower blade should feel as sharp as a butter knife—sharp enough to cut grass cleanly, but not so sharp that it could cut your skin. Over-sharpening leads to a thinner edge that dulls faster, putting you back where you started sooner than you'd like.

Why do lawn mower blades become dull?

Mower blades can lose their edge due to regular use. However, debris like rocks, sticks, and other hard objects are the real culprits, dulling blades far quicker than you'd like.

Recognising the signs of a dull blade helps you take action before it affects your lawn's health and appearance.

Signs your blade needs sharpening

Grass tips turn white or brown after cutting
Grass appears torn or shredded
Clumps of grass are pulled out rather than cut
The mower struggles to perform, increasing mowing time

How often should you sharpen your blades?

It's generally recommended to sharpen blades every 25 hours of mowing. Even if you mow less than that, we advise sharpening at least once a year, as the acidity in grass sap can gradually dull them.

Safety warning: Larger mowers, such as lawn tractors and zero-turns, require proper lifting equipment to access blades safely. If you're not equipped, consider asking your local dealer for assistance.

Tip: Winter is an ideal time for blade sharpening, giving you a head start for the season ahead. If you have your blades serviced by a Snapper dealer, they'll also ensure they're properly balanced—something to keep in mind if you're sharpening them yourself or using a third-party service.

Signs your blades are unbalanced

An unbalanced blade might not seem like a big issue at first, but it can eventually cause excessive wear on your mower and leave your lawn looking uneven. Catching the signs early can help prevent unnecessary damage.

Uneven Cuts
Patches of grass cut at different lengths or bald patches.
Vibrations and Noise
Excessive shaking or strange sounds.
Visible Damage
Nicks, dents, or bent edges on the blade.

When to replace worn-out lawn mower blades?

Sometimes, balancing or sharpening won't be enough, and replacing blades is the best option. Consider new blades if yours show major nicks or dents that can't be filed down, if they're bent or warped, or if the edges are visibly thin or frayed. This could all indicate that they've reached the end of their lifespan. New blades give your mower a cleaner cut and reduce strain on mower components like belts, and pulleys but also the engine.

Tip: We recommend replacing worn blades with official Snapper blades. Designed specifically for Snapper mowers, they're made from hardened steel, fit perfectly, and provide the safest option for your machine.

Side view of man on RTX122 HD collecting leaves

Replacing or balancing blades? Do it safely

If you’re experienced with mower maintenance and have the right tools, you can attempt to balance or replace the blades yourself. However, safety should always come first.

Before you start
Gather your tools and make sure the mower is powered down. Disconnect the spark plug, wear gloves and safety glasses, and place the mower on a stable surface before getting to work.
During maintenance
Keep track of all nuts and bolts to make reassembly hassle-free. When sharpening, aim for a butter-knife edge. Too sharp, and it will dull faster. If balancing, remove small amounts from the heavier side gradually. If you’re replacing the blade, double-check that it’s the correct size and model for your mower.
After finishing up
Tighten all bolts to spec, reconnect the spark plug, and give it a test run. After your first mow, do a quick check to ensure everything stays secure.

Benefit from the assistance of a dealer

Snapper dealers have the tools and expertise needed to keep your mower in the very best condition. Regular maintenance by an authorised dealer includes sharpening, balancing, and overall inspection of your mower, which sets you up for success.

Dealer Locator