Sharpening Brush Hog Blades

[1bush2hog]

I also never sharpen Brush Hog blades. Just replace them when a piece breaks off.
Andy

Andy - How big of a piece are you talking about here? Also, what should be done with blades that have bent places in them? Straighten, or will this weaken the blade further causing this area to eventually break off?

 

[AndyMA]

Andy - How big of a piece are you talking about here? Also, what should be done with blades that have bent places in them? Straighten, or will this weaken the blade further causing this area to eventually break off?

I don't think I have ever bent a blade. But if I did I would not straighten it. If it were still in balance I would just run it. As far as broken off pieces they are usually just small chunks on the cutting edge. I might touch the edges of it up with a hand held grinder. Usually when a piece breaks off it is most of a blade.

Andy

 

[BTI]

If you are on the "edge" with HP sharpening the blades can help a good bit.
Especially if just cutting grass and other stuff that tends to bend instead of cut.
For years we only used a Rotary Cutter to cut our grass.
We kept the blades sharp and other than the edges of the "hog" digging in occasionally,
you'd never know we hadn't used a finish mower.

BTI

 

[scott_vt]

you'd never know we hadn't used a finish mower.

BTI

Afternoon BTI,
I agree, I have done it and it works OK, but boy watch out when the edge of the hog digs into the lawn ! Tomahawk scalp job !

 

[DTCOOPER]

well guys, I removed the brush hog, turned it up to a large tree on its side, and went to work. I removed the nut for the stump jumper, and when it was almost all the way off, I gently tapped the nut with a small sledge. The jumper begand backing off.. I got it off, cleaned and oiled the shaft. Then I tightened all the bolts up, that hold the gearbox onto the deck. Then I took the blades and went to work on them.. I got them all cleaned up, removed all the knickks and chips, and got what I feel is a good blunt but sharp edge on them..
thanks once again for everyone's help !!
Daniel

 

[Cog-Noggin']

Take 'em to a welding shop and have them lay down some hardened rod on the cutting edge before you sharpen them. They may even do the sharpening for you.

 

[BRUSHTAMERS]

I don't sharpen my brush hog blades, they actually self sharpen. Usually run the mower low to take advantage of the lift that newer blades create, and generally run over sandy soil, or on sandy dunes. When they quit pulling the grass or light brush up, I look underneath the mower to see if the trailing edges of the blades are feathered off.The leading edge of the blades will wear from bottom to top in sandy conditions, keeping a fairly sharp edge on the blades. But as soon as the back edge of the blade starts to wear out, the lift capability goes away. Disadvanage of using the mower that way is wearing away the blade edge from the front,the cutting height changes as the blade wears away from bottom to top. As far as newer blades I refer to, all of the brush cutters I ran as a kid were flat deck, and straight blades, absolutly different from modern brushcutters.Have tried that trailer trick for working under a mower, gives a great sense of security when working under a deathtrap. Happy Memorial Day weekend to everyone!!! I'll spend mine mowing my property in Tillamook, per wifes agenda, yay!!! Sidey P.S. A set of blades are only $50- $70 bucks, with new hardware.

 

[srjones]

Take 'em to a welding shop and have them lay down some hardened rod on the cutting edge before you sharpen them. They may even do the sharpening for you.

That's exactly what I did, and I was very pleased with the results. It was like a brand new blade for a fraction of the cost.

 

[Glowplug]

So, why not make the blades sharp. I had not heard of this before.

Also, I have used my FEL or Pallets Forks to lift mine up on its end to sharpen...

If they're "sharp" they chip and wear down quickly. Don't want them truly "sharp" for multiple reasons.

 

[Glowplug]

Also, what should be done with blades that have bent places in them? Straighten, or will this weaken the blade further causing this area to eventually break off?

Don't try to straighten bent blades. That will weaken them and they may break and next thing you know you have a piece of metal shrapnel travelling at 190mph toward you or a loved one's head!!