The blade on your lawn mower is why it’s called a lawn mower. Engine, transmission, design, build, and all the other components will mean nothing if the mower doesn’t have a deck with working blades. Therefore, you should ensure that you take your time to choose a mower with the appropriate blade type for you.
When buying a lawn mower, you may have to choose between single and dual-blade options. All are great, but the type of lawn you want to mow should be a deciding factor.
This article will educate you on everything you need about dual and single-blade lawnmowers. You’ll understand what makes them different and which is better.
What is a Single Blade and Dual Blade Lawn Mower?
A single-blade lawn uses a single blade to cut the grass once. While it’s effective in its own right, it can only do as much, providing it can only run through the grasses once. On the other hand, a dual-blade lawn mower will cut the grass twice, thereby providing a cleaner cut.
While the number of blades can significantly influence the quality of the cut that you get, the blade quality is also crucial. A high-quality single-blade can function more effectively than a substandard dual-blade system.
The type of blade is another factor that can influence your mowing experience. Five main types of blades exist in lawnmowers:
- Standard or straight blades
- Low-lift blades
- High lift blades
- Mulching blades
- Gator blades
All these blades function differently and have their pros and cons. Unless you’re an industry expert, it might be difficult to tell the type of blade your mower has. The best way to determine the blade type on your mower is to ask the dealer before you buy.
Most residential mowers have blades that work well for residential lawns, so you needn’t worry. All you have to do is ensure they’re durable and will last as long as possible.
Differences Between Single and Dual Blade Mowers
While it might seem like the only difference between both blades type is the numbers, it’s more than that. The number of blades can influence your cut type and other crucial aspects of your mower. That said, here are some differences between single and dual-blade lawnmowers.
Width
Double-blade lawnmowers have more cutting width than single-blades. Therefore, it takes more time for single-blade mowers to cut more than their double-blade counterpart can do. Double-blade mowers typically have a cutting width of 36 inches, while single-blades have twenty-two.
Anytime a single-blade lawnmower does three pass, know that a double-blade could’ve done five. This simple analysis shows that the single-blade option is the one you should go for if you fancy a faster cut in your mower.
Engine
The engine that powers a single-blade mower isn’t the same as the one that powers a double-blade. A 6hp engine can work with a single-blade lawn mower without a hitch, while you’ll need twice that to power a dual-blade model. Therefore, you’ll need to spend far more to get an engine for your dual-blade mowers.
At the same time, note that a more powerful engine will power other needed components of your mower better.
Grass Length
The length of your grass is another aspect you should consider when in the market for a mower. Single-blade mowers won’t perform well with high grasses, while a dual-blade lawnmower will do it just fine. Limit what you do with your single-blade lawnmowers to cut small and medium-sized yards.
Durability
There are heavy-duty mowers designed for big and tough yards and those for small ones. The key is to identify the appropriate mower for your grass type so that you can select the correct option.
Most heavy-duty mowers feature dual blades. This statement implies they’re well equipped to handle challenging tasks than their single-blade counterparts.
Mulching
Mulching means returning grass clippings to your lawn as you mow them, which gives the grass valuable nutrients to grow well. A good lawn mower should have mulching capabilities, especially riding models. The type of blade in your mower can significantly impact the mulching experience.
A single-blade mower will result in bigger clipping which takes a long time to decompose. On the other hand, a dual-blade model will cut the clippings smaller than a single blade, making them decay more quickly. Therefore, your mower can use the clippings on a dual-blade mower than with a single blade.
Bagging
If you prefer to bag your clippings rather than mulch them, your blade type can also affect your experience. The smaller clippings you’ll get with a dual-blade mower will take longer to fill your bag than the big ones you’ll get with the single blade. Therefore, you’ll need to empty the bag less often, and mowing will be more enjoyable.
Mower Types
You’ll find one blade in push mowers and other small mower types. Most of these push mowers with single blades aren’t self-propelled. You’ll have to use your physical energy to push them around, which can be strenuous.
On the other hand, you’ll find dual blades on self-propelled walk-behind mowers, riding tractors, or zero turns. These mower types are easier to use, and you don’t need much physical strain when operating them. They usually have a clutch that propels the blades when you engage them.
You can use self-propelled mowers or zero turns to cut hills better because they’re safer. Consider getting a zero-turn with dual blades if your yard is hilly or has many obstacles. It’s imperative to note that you should avoid using riding mowers on hills bigger than 15 degrees.
Can You Put Two Blades on a Regular Mower?
It depends on the type of mower that you have. Most lawnmowers with one blade have a 6hp engine, which won’t be enough to power two blades. If you install a dual-blade system in that mower type, you’d barely enjoy a smooth experience.
You can install a dual-blade system on a lawn mower with 12hp and above. If you want to do so, ensure you use the correct blade type and follow the proper procedure. You can take the machine to a qualified technician to help you determine whether or not adding two blades to the mower is worth it.
When you consult a mechanic if you want to change your mower blade, they’ll be able to tell whether or not your machine can handle it. Unless you’re a mechanical guru or sure of your mower’s capability, don’t carry out a single to dual-blade switch on your mower yourself.
How to Care for Your Lawn Mower Blades?
Whether you have a single or dual-blade mower, how you care for them can impact their lifestyle. Luckily, there isn’t much complexity in maintaining your blades; you only need to ensure you clean and sharpen them regularly.
The “regularly” isn’t that frequent if you only use it for your residential property. It’s advisable to clean and sharpen your blades twice a season. If you buy a mower with a deck wash port, you can use the functionality to keep the underside clean after every mow.
Another crucial aspect of blade maintenance is changing the whole thing if needed. Don’t worry; you won’t have to change the blades too frequently as they’re designed to last for a reasonable period. If you notice that they go blunt quicker than usual, they might be up for a change.
If you want to replace the blade, ensure that you do it with a compatible one to get maximum functionality. It’s imperative to note that dual-blade mowers are more expensive to repair than their single blades counterpart.
Conclusion
Dual blades are better than single blades, no matter how you want to look at them. Even though single blades can work fine on small lawns, using dual blades in the same yard type will give you a better experience. However, the decision depends on your needs and what works best for you.
If a dual blade seems to catch your fancy, be prepared to pay more than you would for a single blade because better functionality costs more. Don’t forget that there’s more to a mower blade than the numbers. Therefore, know the blade type on your mower and if it’s perfect for your work type.
