Soaking mower blades

[Rodster]

The experiment worked great. Soaked the blades in a vinegar/water solution for a couple of days and a wire brush knocked the stuff off with ease.

Just a little super hard stuff remained around the mounting holes but a quick pass of the Scotch-Brite disc after these pictures cleaned it up perfect.

Now if I could only soak the whole deck!

[Mike McKown]

Looks like you have mulching blades. They may not stay as clean a hi-vac blades.

[Rodster]

Hmmmm

I thought they were hi-vac (lift) blades....

[bugeye]

I sharpen the blades about twice a year. Mow about four acres of mostly uneven field grass. The blades are caked with grass/weed debris like the picture. I clamp the blades to a metal stand outside then hit them with a wire wheel on an angle grinder. Green deposits come off quickly. Then sharpen with an angle grinder.

I clean the deck underside at the end of the season and apply a bit of used oil to the surface.

[Mike McKown]

Originally Posted by Rodster

Hmmmm

I thought they were hi-vac (lift) blades....

I can't really tell from your pictures.

[Rodster]

Originally Posted by bugeye

I sharpen the blades about twice a year. Mow about four acres of mostly uneven field grass. The blades are caked with grass/weed debris like the picture. I clamp the blades to a metal stand outside then hit them with a wire wheel on an angle grinder. Green deposits come off quickly. Then sharpen with an angle grinder.

I clean the deck underside at the end of the season and apply a bit of used oil to the surface.

That's usually how I clean the blades, but thought I'd try the soaking experiment this time. If I have the time, I'll probably soak them again as they cleaned up much easier, quicker and cleaner then the scraping and wire wheel method.

I clean my deck about twice a year and haven't found anything that makes cleaning easier. At the end of the season, I clean it real good and apply a coat of paint. Might try POR-15 or I have some professional PPG DTM (Direct To Metal) paint this year. Maybe follow with a coat of RUST-OLEUM® NEVERWET?

[Rodster]

Originally Posted by Mike McKown

I can't really tell from your pictures.

Do you have any pictures of the two types of blades? I didn't think mulching blades were available for my deck?

[brudder]

You know what they say about opinions... but I would say those are hi-vac blades. I mow with them year round on my 46" deck because I think it gives a better cut even when I'm not bagging.

[ironman]

Originally Posted by Rodster

That's usually how I clean the blades, but thought I'd try the soaking experiment this time. If I have the time, I'll probably soak them again as they cleaned up much easier, quicker and cleaner then the scraping and wire wheel method.

I use vinegar all the time for cleaning rusted part, including blades. I don't get your reasoning for cutting it with water? It's not like vinegar's expensive or it's going to damage your blades. Please enlighten me.

[Rodster]

Originally Posted by ironman

I use vinegar all the time for cleaning rusted part, including blades. I don't get your reasoning for cutting it with water? It's not like vinegar's expensive or it's going to damage your blades. Please enlighten me.

I found a 'formula' online plus I wasn't looking to remove the rust, just prevent it while soaking.

Worked great.