When should I replace bush hog blades?
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TripleR
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Your manual may have some diagrams. My father in law kept sharpening his until they were about a third their original width, I change mine out much sooner.
No pictures in my manual though.
Always inspect cutting blades before each use. Make
certain they are properly installed and are in good working
condition. Replace any blade that is damaged, worn, bent,
or excessively nicked. Small nicks can be ground out when
sharpening.
The following precautions should be taken
when sharpening blades:
a. Do not remove more material than necessary.
b. Do not heat and pound out a cutting edge.
c. Do not grind blades to a razor edge. Leave a blunt
cutting edge approximately 1/16 thick.
d. Always grind cutting edge so end of blade
remains square to cutting edge and not rounded.
e. Do not sharpen back side of blade.
f. Both blades should weigh the same after
sharpening with not more than 1 1/2 oz.
difference.
No pictures in my manual though.
Always inspect cutting blades before each use. Make
certain they are properly installed and are in good working
condition. Replace any blade that is damaged, worn, bent,
or excessively nicked. Small nicks can be ground out when
sharpening.
The following precautions should be taken
when sharpening blades:
a. Do not remove more material than necessary.
b. Do not heat and pound out a cutting edge.
c. Do not grind blades to a razor edge. Leave a blunt
cutting edge approximately 1/16 thick.
d. Always grind cutting edge so end of blade
remains square to cutting edge and not rounded.
e. Do not sharpen back side of blade.
f. Both blades should weigh the same after
sharpening with not more than 1 1/2 oz.
difference.
Thanks TripleR.
I read through my manual, and it doesn't say how much wear is acceptable. Mine are roughly 75% of the original thickness, so I guess your father-in-law would say they are just getting broken in!
I have never tried sharpening them myself. It's one of those things that I'd like to learn one of these days, but something's always higher on the priorities.
When I took them in to be sharpened the last time, the guy at the service counter initially looked at them kind of funny and suggested that I consider new blades. Then he seemed to back off and said they're probably OK. So that left me wondering what I should do. I sounds like it's OK to use them for a while longer.
I read through my manual, and it doesn't say how much wear is acceptable. Mine are roughly 75% of the original thickness, so I guess your father-in-law would say they are just getting broken in!
I have never tried sharpening them myself. It's one of those things that I'd like to learn one of these days, but something's always higher on the priorities.
When I took them in to be sharpened the last time, the guy at the service counter initially looked at them kind of funny and suggested that I consider new blades. Then he seemed to back off and said they're probably OK. So that left me wondering what I should do. I sounds like it's OK to use them for a while longer.
Soundguy
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if they exhibit cracks or other damage.. are rounding or are loosing length, or IMHO.. have been ground downmore than 1/3 width.. I'd replace them..
TripleR
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- Kubota M8540HDC, L5740HSTC, BX2200, BX2660, John Deere 425&1025R, Case, Massey Ferguson, Ford
Thanks TripleR.
I read through my manual, and it doesn't say how much wear is acceptable. Mine are roughly 75% of the original thickness, so I guess your father-in-law would say they are just getting broken in!
I have never tried sharpening them myself. It's one of those things that I'd like to learn one of these days, but something's always higher on the priorities.
When I took them in to be sharpened the last time, the guy at the service counter initially looked at them kind of funny and suggested that I consider new blades. Then he seemed to back off and said they're probably OK. So that left me wondering what I should do. I sounds like it's OK to use them for a while longer.
I have been unable to find a picture either, but pretty much agree with Soundguy, you will see some pretty well worn blades on bat wing cutters still working well; can't really see them on others.