Rotary Cutter Sharp or dull

[jveretto]

I have a dumb question. Should blades on new rotary cutter be sharp or dull about like my finger? I would have thought it would has a section on the end sharp or otherwise I will only beat the grass/weeds down. Thanks in advance!

 

[aczlan]

I have a dumb question. Should blades on new rotary cutter be sharp or dull about like my finger? I would have thought it would has a section on the end sharp or otherwise I will only beat the grass/weeds down. Thanks in advance!

It is normal to have a sharper section on the tips (4-10" long) that comes to an "edge" that is somewhere between 1/8" and 1/4" "tall".
If the blades are sharper than that, they will cut off trees/bushes and leave stumps that will poke holes in your tires rather than shattering them and leaving fragmented stumps that will not poke holes in your tires.

Aaron Z

 

[TripleR]

My manual recommends a "cutting edge" with a 1/16th profile.

 

[RoyJackson]

I have a dumb question. Should blades on new rotary cutter be sharp or dull about like my finger? I would have thought it would has a section on the end sharp or otherwise I will only beat the grass/weeds down. Thanks in advance!

Since you have a new rotary cutter, you should have gotten a manual with it.
The sharpening process and requirements will be in that manual. I suggest you review that. You shouldn't need to sharpen them at this time.

As aczlan and TripleR wrote, the blades will be blunt (my Land Pride calls out 1/16 as TripleR's does) and not a knife edge. But you really need to determine what your cutter requires.

 

[tcartwri]

Unless you like putting an edge on your blades after every use, they are always dull to the touch.

 

[RickB]

The answers here are as varied as the manufacturer's products. Woods blades are quite sharp when new, Bush Hog's are a little blunt at the edge from the factory. Cut quality is indestinguishable.

 

[Don87]

I have a dumb question. Should blades on new rotary cutter be sharp or dull about like my finger? I would have thought it would has a section on the end sharp or otherwise I will only beat the grass/weeds down. Thanks in advance!

The only 'dumb question' is the one that isn't asked.:thumbsup:

 

[pat32rf]

I've always felt that it depends on WHAT you are cutting. For grass and weeds a sharp edge is fine. For brush and rocks then you want to beat them out of the way....

 

[whistlepig]

I sharpen the blades to a fine edge. They will work themselves in to the 1/16" flat on their own.

 

[MESSMAKER]

I've always felt that it depends on WHAT you are cutting. For grass and weeds a sharp edge is fine. For brush and rocks then you want to beat them out of the way....

I agree!