Leikkuuterä

Leikkuuterä is a cutting blade used in a range of agricultural, horticultural, and mechanical cutting devices to slice through plant material. The blade is typically mounted at the working end of a tool or machine and designed to maintain a sharp edge under repeated contact with fibrous material. Depending on context, the term can refer to blades in hand tools such as scythes and sickles, as well as to blades in powered equipment like lawn mowers and harvesters.

Applications include mowing and lawn maintenance, forage harvesting, and vegetation management. On mowers and trimmers the leikkuuterä is the rotating or stationary edge that actually cuts the grass or stems. In harvesters, sickle-bar units use multiple blades in combination with guards and cams to shear crops at speed. Some blades are serrated to grip tough vegetation or coated for corrosion resistance.

Materials and construction: common base materials are carbon steel, alloy steel, and stainless steel. Many blades are hardened and tempered to balance hardness and toughness; some are carbide-tipped or coated to extend life. Blade geometry varies, with straight edges for clean cuts and serrated edges for tougher material; bevel angles and back shape influence cutting performance and durability.

Maintenance and safety: keep blades sharp and clean; follow manufacturer guidelines for sharpening, balancing, and mounting. Tools should be disconnected or powered down before handling. Replace blades that are nicked, bent, or cracked, and store dry to prevent rust. Regular inspection extends efficiency and reduces risk of injury.

Origin and terminology: the term leikkuuterä derives from Finnish roots meaning cutting or slicing. It is used broadly across Finnish-language manuals to refer to any cutting blade in agricultural and garden equipment.