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Because the cutting edge actually performs the work, a worn blade can make it nearly impossible to achieve a close tolerance grade, and/or will extend the time to complete the operation, which in turn affects operating cost, Newberry points out.

You need to make sure the blade is capable of cutting a flat surface. “If you look at a cutting edge on a typical municipal grader, you see that the wear pattern has crowned the edge wearing the center faster than the outer ends,” says Lowe. “While this still may be serviceable for dressing a seldom used country road, it is not acceptable for a finish grade job. The contact face of the edges must be straight. It will be cheaper to change cutting edges than the cost of re-grading the surface to compensate for the worn edge.”

A couple of indicators alert you when the cutting edge must be replaced. “Two basic measures are when the cutting edge wears to be even with the moldboard, or if you can visually see uneven wear across the width of the cutting edge,” says Lee.

“The cutting edge should always be replaced prior to wearing into the moldboard — hopefully, prior to wearing out the bolts and nuts that bolt the two together,” says Ferrell. “Replacement should occur at least 1/2 in. before the cutting edge wears into the moldboard.”

When it is time to replace the cutting edge, the quality of the blade can also make a difference. “There are differences in steel hardness that can affect the life of aftermarket edges,” notes Newberry.