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!

 

[djradz]

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....

Yep. Agree too. If I'm repeat-cutting the same fields of grass, weeds and sapplings, I want the blades sharp as there is less drag on the deck and tractor and I get a pretty good finished look. If I'm off on uncharted trails or pushing back the edges of fields, trails, etc and likely to be hitting rocks, stumps, and other debris, the duller the better.