So I figured with all the "brush hogging" at the last property, and all those fateful times I accidentally mowed rocks, or gravel by mistake that it must be time for new blades. After all, my grass was starting to look more ripped than cut. As it turns out, the factory blades are actually quite strong on the entry level John Deere E100. I have probably used this mower a little harsher to get jobs done where I didn't quite have the right equipment and I made it work. I am quite surprised how well the blades held up. Safety first, disable your engine before you attempt this, and make sure you jack it up with proper jack stands so it doesn't fall over and injure you.