Should You Replace a Bent Lawn Mower Blade?

The answer

Yes. Replace a bent lawn mower blade.

Why

Toro troubleshooting identifies a bent or out-of-balance blade as a cause of excessive vibration and explicitly says to replace a bent blade. Toro also instructs users to replace worn or damaged blades.

When it is usually OK

• The blade is visibly bent.
• The blade was struck and no longer tracks evenly.
• Excessive vibration is accompanied by evidence the blade is bent.

When you should not

• The blade is only dull and otherwise undamaged; sharpening may be appropriate.
• The problem is a loose blade bolt rather than a bent blade.
• Blade condition has not been inspected yet.

Risks and exceptions

• A bent blade can create excessive vibration.
• A worn or damaged blade can break.
• Continuing to operate with a damaged blade conflicts with Toro's guidance.

Best practice

Stop mowing, follow the model's safe blade-inspection procedure, and replace a blade that is confirmed bent.

Alternatives

• Sharpen an undamaged dull blade if the manual permits.
• Replace a worn or otherwise damaged blade.
• Use authorized service when impact damage may involve more than the blade.

Frequently asked questions

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