5 Best Mulching Blades for Zero Turn Mowers 2023. Zero turn mower blades

12.06.2023 Malomeena 2023, best, blades, mowers, mulching, turn

Best Mulching Blades for Zero Turn Mowers 2023

Mulching blades are one of the most beneficial pieces of equipment for a zero turn mower. These mulching blades cut up and shred leaves, grass clippings, and other yard debris into small pieces so they can be easily digested by earthworms and other organisms in your lawn’s soil. This makes them good at reducing the amount of trash you produce as well as fertilizing your lawn with nutrients that would otherwise have been wasted.

Finding the best mulching blades for zero turn mowers, there are several factors to keep in mind such as blade size, material type, weight, dimension, durability, blade shape (curved vs straight), and the number of blades. In this post I’ll go over some popular mulching blade options as listed below:

Best Zero Turn Mower Blades

Maxpower 561713XB Best Commercial Mulching Blades

Product Benefits:

Universal mulching blade fits many mower
Great suction power and superior mulching results
No more clogging or clumping
Results in less vibrations of mower

On top of my list are these blades which are made in the USA by a brand named Maxpower.

These blades really outrank the Gator blades in terms of their performance and design.

Uniquely, these work just like a universal mulching blade for many mowers.

By the same token, these mulching blades have serrated teethes which are curvy and draw more air streams towards the deck of the mower. This feature makes this blade the best mulch produce for many zero turn mowers.

Using these blades, you will not face clogging in the discharge chute as they reduce the grass clippings to dust.

Unlike many other mowers that leave clumping of grass due to less performance offered by regular blades, these blades just chop grass right, so you won’t worry about clumping of grass anymore.

Coming at a cheap price is another thing to mention here, I haven’t seen such a cheap thing that delivers quality 10 by 10.

The weight of these blades is a bit more than normal but that’s not a defect it’s a fly effect that leads to less revolution and smooth running of your zero turn mower.

The mulching quality of these blades doesn’t stop only at the grass, but they are also effective mulchers for grass and leaves. They mulch them from larger sizes to 1 or half inches.

The thickness of these blades also made them 50% more superior compared to the regular blades.

In short, with a perfect mounting hole and easy install feature, this blade design really beats all the blades in the market. They are sharp, aggressive, durable, thick, fast, smooth, and promising for your zero-turn mowers.

Outrank Gator blades
Best mulching blades 42
Universal type
No clogging or clumping after using these blades
Cheap and affordable, yet great performer
Mulches grass and leaves very well

Rotary Mulching Blade for Toro 42 Zero Turn Lawn Mower

The perfect fit for 42 inch zero turn mowers
True mulcher of leaves
No more grass stripes left on lawn
No need to use bag as it mulches just right

Equally important another blade for toro 42 zero turn lawn mower is this rotary mulching blade. Actually, it is a replacement for Oregon 96-396.

Manufactured by Rotary Brand, this blade is lighter than Oregon so if you want to mow at a fast speed with less vibration, this blade is the right choice.

Dimensionally these blades are 21 inches long which fits just right for a 42 zero turn mower.

The great thing about this replacer is that it can be used as a mulcher even without a mulch plate on your mower due to its easy mounting circular hole and design.

The cutting teeth and suction power of this blade make it best for mulching leaves and grass without clumping.

Likewise, the curved design of this blade causes the repetitive cutting of grass which means the grass clippings produce are just like fertilizer being added to your lawn.

Not to mention, after using this blade you won’t see any trails of clippings left behind so you can finally get rid of blowers that you previously use to disperse clippings on the lawn.

Sometimes you come across horrible clumping problems with mowers like Toro Timecutter but this blade has really solved the clumping problems for you. Your efforts to dispose of the grass pile is brought from zero to none by this blade.

Coupled with great design and performance, using this blade you won’t need a bag anymore for your zero-turn riding mower.

Finally, I would say using this blade you will get rid of bags, unclogging the chute, grass trails, and stripes.

The downside you can say is this blade is not good as the Gator blade as the Gator blade mulches better than that. But if you are looking to replace your original old blades then this blade is worth a shot.

Cause less engine vibrations
Best for mulching grass and leaves
Less trails of grass on lawn after using this blade
Less clumping problems
No need to use bag after using this blade

Exmark Mower Blades

best, mulching, blades, turn, mowers, 2023

Low lift blades have a low physical profile compared to other mower blades. This flattened arch has several effects on mower performance.

A low profile blade will have less of an effect on the air circulating in the mower deck. This means a low lift blade creates less air resistance and is easier on the engine.

Because of their more compact profile, low lift blades have a narrower vertical cutting zone inside the deck, which means less re-cutting of clippings circulating inside. This reduced workload is easier on engine, so low lift blades require the least amount of horsepower to run.

Applications best suited for low lift blades include:

Cutting heavy overgrown areas where a mower might struggle or where large clippings are less of a concern.
Cutting in sandy turf, where the aerodynamics help prevent excess air pressure from sandblasting the deck.

Extreme Blade

Exmark extreme blades have a unique toothed design at the edges of the blade, and a moderately low physical profile compared to other mower blades. The slight angle of deflection in the blade and lateral teeth have several effects on mower performance.

As a lower profile blade, extreme blades will have less of an impact on the air circulating in the mower deck. This means less air drag and a mild to moderate draw on engine horsepower, making these blades easier on the engine than high lift or mulching blades, but harder on the engine than low lift blades.

Teeth in the blade have a specific angle that produce an effect on airflow. The tooth angle on the extreme blade assists in directing the airflow and clippings inside the deck from the blade’s cutting edge, improving performance where recutting is a concern. This blade design reduces clipping size even when side discharging.

Applications best suited for extreme blades include:

Yard and groundswork where leaf mulching is involved. In these applications, extreme blades pair best with the Exmark Micro Mulch kit, designed to keep airflow circulating in the deck to allow recutting to occur alongside a downward clippings discharge.
Mowing in typically arid conditions with dry grass, Southern grasses, and St. Augustine grass.

Extreme 2 / Medium Lift Blade

Exmark extreme 2 blades have a unique toothed design at the edges of the blade, and a medium physical profile that serves as a good middle option compared to other mower blades. The moderate angle of deflection in the blade and notched teeth will affect mower performance in several ways.

As a medium profile blade, extreme 2 blades will have a moderate impact on the air circulating in the mower deck. The air resistance offered by these blades create a moderate draw on engine horsepower. In other words, these blades create a neutral draw on engine horsepower, being easier on the engine than high lift or mulching blades, but harder on the engine than low lift blades.

Teeth in the blade have a specific angle that produce an effect on airflow. The tooth angle on the extreme 2 blade is slightly more pronounced than the tooth angle on the standard extreme blade, and assists in directing the airflow and clippings inside the deck, assisting in recutting. This design reduces clipping size without the horsepower tax mulching blades place on the engine.

Applications best suited for extreme 2 blades include:

Leaf mulching jobs, pairing best with the Exmark Micro Mulch kit, baffles that keep airflow circulating in the deck to facilitate recutting, and a bagger.
Mowing in in drought conditions with stiffer grasses and drought resistant turf.
Great for when you desire extra horsepower for your mulching job while still maintaining a good quality of cut.

High Lift Solid Blade

High lift blades have a high physical profile compared to other mower blades. The pronounced arch in the blade has several effects on mower performance.

A high profile blade will have more of an effect on the air circulating in the mower deck. This means a high lift blade will create more air resistance and requires more horsepower to operate.

Because of their higher profile, high lift blades have a larger vertical cutting zone inside the deck, which means a greater effect on air circulating inside. This increased airflow makes for a higher workload on the engine, so high lift blades require greater horsepower to run.

The high lift design results in a stronger blade, with reduced flexing and bending after impacts on foreign material.

Applications best suited for high lift blades include:

Commercial mow operations operated by states, parks and recreation centers, and groundskeeping of schools and municipalities.
General turf maintenance, performing well on mixed grass and other green plant growth.

High Lift Notched Blade

High lift notched blades have a high physical profile and lateral notches in the blade. The pronounced arch and notch in the blade have several effects on mower performance.

A high profile blade will have a greater effect on the air circulating in the mower deck, meaning a high lift blade will create more air resistance and require more horsepower to operate.

Because of their higher profile, high lift blades have a larger vertical cutting zone inside the deck, which means a greater effect on air circulating inside. This high airflow increases workload on the engine, so high lift blades require greater horsepower to run.

Notches in the blade have a specific angle that produce an effect on airflow. The notch angle assists in directing clippings out of the deck, away from the blade’s cutting edge, improving performance in side discharge use.

Applications best suited for high lift notched blades include:

A majority of grass conditions in general, being the factory standard blade installed on Exmark models.
Creating great performance for healthy turf in 80% of turf grasses in landscaper applications.
High lift notched blades are good for thin blade grasses like Bluegrass and Fine Fescue.

Mulch Blade

Mulching blades have a high physical profile with multiple distinct cutting heights along the blade. The curved, undulating cutting edge and the pronounced arch in the blade have several effects on cut quality.

A high profile, curved blade will have the greatest effect on air circulating in the mower deck, meaning mulching blades create the most air resistance of all mower blade options and require the highest horsepower to operate.

Because of their curved cutting edge, mulching blades have a large, varied cutting zone inside the deck, which makes cuts of various sizes simultaneously. This creates lots of turbulence inside the deck. This high airflow, coupled with a high incidence of recutting already cut grass, increases the workload on the engine.

Situations where small clipping size is desired, creating small nutrient rich particles that are forced downward, feeding the turf.
Jobs on lush, well maintained turf, good both Northern and Southern grasses.
Jobs where appearance is key, with reduced clumping in side discharging, reduced unsightly streaking, and fewer visible clippings on the lawn.
Mulching blades are best paired with the Micro Mulch Kit.

How To Sharpen Zero Turn Lawn Mower Blades

A zero-turn mower is a great piece of equipment, and will help you mow large areas accurately in a short amount of time. But like many tools, if the blades are blunt on your zero turn mower it quickly becomes ineffective. In this guide we’ll discuss how to sharpen your zero turn mower blades.

Blunt Blades Can Brown Your Lawn

Sharp blades allow your mower to cleanly cut each blade of grass, not unlike a sharp pair of scissors. Blunt blades, however, will leave a messy rip-like cut which often goes brown. Compounded over a large area, this can give your lawn a brown tinge and leave you wondering why. Fortunately, sharpening your blades is a straightforward job, so it’s an easy fix!

Two Methods: File Or Grinder

There are two main approaches to sharpening your mower blades, and your choice will depend on the size of your mower, the amount of time you have, and the tools you have available.

For smaller or high-precision mowers, we recommend using a file to sharpen the blades. This approach can be a bit time consuming, but some people find it easier and it’s harder to damage the blades.

For larger mowers, we recommend using an small handheld or bench grinder to bring the blades to a sharp edge. This approach is certainly quicker, but you need to be careful you don’t remove too much material, and not everyone will have these tools at their disposal.

Approach 1: The File Method

Place your blade horizontally in a vice, with the cutting edge facing upwards and ideally towards you. Observe the angle the blade has been sharpened to, and using a large flat hand file, file along the length of the blade at the same angle. As with almost all sharpening, the goal is to re-hone the edge by removing material from the blade at the sharpening angle. It’s worth noting that mower blades don’t need to be knife-sharp, so you’re not looking to create the finest of edges. Once complete, repeat the process on the other side of the blade. If possible, try to remove the same amount of material – either by marking the blade using a sharpie, or counting the number of strokes you’ve take with the file.

Approach 2: The Grinder Method

Before you start any power tools, ensure you’re wearing the appropriate safety equipment: eye protection, ear protection, thick gloves and overalls. Sparks will fly, so make sure that the immediate area around you is clear and nothing flammable is nearby.

If you’re using a hand grinder, you’ll begin in much the same way as the file, by placing the blade horizontally into a vice. Again, observe the sharpening angle – that is the angle that material has been removed at to produce the sharpened edge. Using your hand grinder, work your way along the blade in smooth strokes, removing material at the same angle. Take care not to “bow” the blade by removing too much in the middle – keep it even along the length of the blade. Remember you don’t need to remove a huge amount of material – so don’t get too carried away. Once complete, turn the blade around and repeat on the other site.

If you have a bench grinder, the process will be slightly different. Since the grinder is fixed, you’ll be moving the blade smoothly backwards and forwards against the grinding wheel to remove material. Before you start, again remember to observe the grinding angle, and consider making yourself a small wedge or aid to put under the blade to hold it at a consistent angle. Make sure the blade is properly supported before you begin.

Balancing The Mower Blades

Once you’re happy you’ve sharpened both ends of the blade to a new edge, it’s time to check the blade is balanced. This is an important step – if you don’t do it, it’ll cause the blade to vibrate and damage your mower.

Hammer a nail into the wall or workbench horizontally, and balance your blade on it by putting the nail through the center hole. The blade should balance horizontally – if it tips to one side or the other, mark that side with a sharpie and remove a small amount of additional material. Re-check the balance and repeat this process until your blade is balances.

Conclusion

That’s it, you now have a nice sharp mower blade to fit back onto your zero turn mower. Remember to check all the bolts are tight when you mount it back onto the machine, and if you’re in any way unhappy we recommend contacting a professional garden tools servicing company.

How To Sharpen Zero Turn Lawn Mower Blades

A zero-turn mower is a great piece of equipment, and will help you mow large areas accurately in a short amount of time. But like many tools, if the blades are blunt on your zero turn mower it quickly becomes ineffective. In this guide we’ll discuss how to sharpen your zero turn mower blades.

Blunt Blades Can Brown Your Lawn

Two Methods: File Or Grinder

There are two main approaches to sharpening your mower blades, and your choice will depend on the size of your mower, the amount of time you have, and the tools you have available.

Approach 1: The File Method

Approach 2: The Grinder Method

Balancing The Mower Blades

Conclusion

Ultimate Guide for Lawn Mower Blades with Expert Guidance

The blades are the most essential part of a lawn mower as it is responsible for cutting the grass efficiently and accurately.

A wrong choice can lead to irregular cuttings which ruin the look of your landscape. If you are wondering whether all the blades are same then you are wrong.

Lawn mower blades come in different types, choosing the right one among them is quite challenging, especially if you don’t understand the differences.

We have created this guide to help people make an informed decision while purchasing lawn mower blades. In this article, you can see in-depth differences between lawn mower blade types

Types of Lawn Mower Blades

In-depth Description of Each Lawn Mower Blade

Below is a clear analysis and description of each law mower blade along with its merits and drawbacks. Read the information thoroughly to understand which one suits your lawn mower better.

Standard or Straight Blades

They are known as medium-lift or standard mower blades. They are commonly found on regular lawnmowers, or ones that spin horizontally. Lawnmowers that release debris from the side are often fitted with this mower blade type. Though they’re referred to as straight blades, these generally have a small curvature on the ends.

A reason behind the small curve along edge is that it helps create an uninterrupted flow of air when the blade turns and creates an action of cutting and sucking. Suction is created by the soil that pulls grass up and allows for accurate cut. But straight blades produce a small amount of suction because their edges are inclined. This leads to a tiny quantity of air moving across blade.

Before deciding on blade type, be aware of the kind of lawn you will be cutting. While many people choose straight blades because of their superior efficiency on dry and damp surfaces however, they’re only suitable for areas with large grass patches. The advantage of these blades is swiftly cutting the grass that is dense, and send it to the bagging process effortlessly.

However, one of the disadvantages of the blades might not be capable of cutting through smaller bunches of grass, which could result in a sloppy cutting process. In this regard it is recommended to choose a different type of blade in the event that your yard is shady areas of grass. Another disadvantage of straight blades is the small suction power which cannot be sufficient to push grass debris out of the bag. This could create a blockage within chute.

Benefits of Standard Lawnmower Blades

The slightly curled ends aid in suction.
It can cut through thick grass patches easily.
Ideal for all kinds of soil.
Cuts both dry and damp surfaces with great efficiency.

Drawbacks of Standard Lawnmower Blades

The tendency to blockage in chute and restricts storage space in bag.
Might not be capable of cutting small clumps creating uneven lawns.

Low-Lift Blades

They are designed to mowing soil that is sandy due to low suction capacity. The blades’ edges are also less curly than standard ones.

The suction is low, which doesn’t allow grass to get up too high. This keeps the grass well-anchored for cutting and then discharged to the side. In the same way, this doesn’t allow dust to pick up with it. Therefore, it settles on ground without being blown around in the air that you breathe.

The blades that are low-lift are typically about 3-4 inches long and demand less energy for the engine of your lawnmowers. Because they don’t burden the engine to much it is given a longer life span.

Blades that have more suction will deteriorate more quickly than blades that have low lift. The dust can settle into the deck, causing blades to wear away prior to the expiration date they were originally scheduled for.

Thus, if you depend on durability over time, blades with this type of design are a suitable choice. Blades with low lift are also suited because of their capacity to operate quietly. They don’t produce much noise since they don’t require any power to work effectively.

Benefits of low-lift Blades

Needs more power for function
Ensures effective yet silent mowing
Perfect for mowing sandy terrains
Comes with durability and longevity

The High Lift Blades

It is easy to distinguish High-lift blades from their distinct vertical angles along the edges. This allows for maximum airflow through the blades and results in a suction vertical like none other.

The Rapid circular movement of the blades keeps the grass straight in preparation for the accurate trimming. It lets you cut your lawn with more accuracy and give it a clean and clean look.

High-lift blades are available from the length between 1 – 21 inches and are suitable to yards that have tall grass. The suction force is strong and ensures that there isn’t an accumulation of grass inside the chute, thereby preventing obstruction. This is why people who like bagging tend to lean toward such blades.

However, this feature renders it unsuitable for mowing on sand-covered terrains. Due to the high flow of air through the mower, it is possible that blades can be prone to pull in sand and dust as well as the grass.

As we all know dust may settle on the mower’s deck. This can cause it to wear away in a short time. In addition, the quick and continuous rotation of the blades requires more power to generate more suction. Additionally, this could lead to damage to the lawn mower sooner than anticipated.

Benefits of high-lift Blades

Provides elegant finish
Capable of sucking out and storing the leftover remains
Perfect for clipping tall-grass clippings

Drawbacks of high-lift Blades

The power drains out quickly
Not suitable for using on sandy soil conditions
They wear out quickly

Mulching Blades

They are also called a multi-purpose blade. They have a curved surface which permits it to work in different ways. The blade first raises grass and precisely cuts it into pieces. The cuttings or clippings will be taken towards the deck, which is where they will be cut into small pieces. Then, the inside curvature of blade generates the pressure of air that blows away the tiny pieces of clippings.

You can use them to fertilize the soil. Finer grass fragments are better as they will absorb nutrients by the soil.

The sharper and more curvier edges, along with cutting edges generally let mulching blades chop grass in smaller bits and then to expel them back into the ground. While mulching blades create lesser suction but lift the tall grass and straighten them enough to cut it.

If you’re looking the lawn to appear beautiful and also help to fertilize your landscape parallelly using mulching blade, it’s the perfect choice. Indeed, it is the best way to get rid of mowing debris that is not needed anymore.

Benefits of Mulching Blades

Can work for different purposes at same time
Comes with numerous curves which allow accurate cutting
Ensures soil enrichment
Perfect when you are not clearing clippings

Drawbacks of Mulching Blades

Cutting dense grass can lead to blockage or clogging
Has low suction which can make it unfit for cutting dense and tall grass

Gator Blades

Just like mulching blades similar to mulching blades, blades of gator are ideal to fertilize the soil. In reality the gator blades have been modified to accomplish the job more effectively.

The blades are specifically designed to generate maximum suction over the grass, pulling it upwards. This is due to an exact angle of those teeth on the mulching blade. It is an inferior blade that pulls grass upwards so that the grass will be cut with precision.

Unique angle that the gator’s teeth have will push the grass towards its sharp edge while the mower moves. This allows smaller grass pieces to cut again and again. It is possible to cut tall grasses into small pieces using this blade with ease.

To maximize the benefits of this method, put a mulching tool on the blade. The mulching kit can help spread the fine pieces grass so that they settle on the soil in a uniform way.

Finely cut grass adds essential fertilizers to soil. This will greatly increase the yield when you’re trying to plant fruit and flowers in your backyard.

It is also possible to collect all of the pieces that have been chopped into the grass collector bag. This can save you your time as well as effort taking care of the yard. It also helps in making your garden look attractive. Therefore, you’ll benefit by both sides.

Benefits of Gator Blades

Curved teeth lift the grass upwards
Suitable for fertilizing soil
Ideal for mulching leaves
Precise cutting job

Some Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all lawn mower blades are the same. Each type of lawn mower has its own specific blade type that is designed to work best with that particular mower. For example, a riding lawn mower will have a different blade than a push lawn mower. The blade on a riding lawn mower is designed to be able to cut through thicker grass and will be much sharper than a push lawn mower blade.

is the best way to locate replacement lawn mower blades. The OEM number refers to the manufacturer’s numerical part number for the blade. Most cases, you will only need to enter this number and the manufacturer name into an online search engine or store to get some promising results.

The length of the mower blade and the center hole size are the two most important factors to consider when buying lawn mower blades. If your mower requires it, make sure to get a blade that has the correct outer holes. If you’re mowing cool-season grasses, use high-lift blades.

The great thing about it is that many standard lawnmowers are capable of being modified for mulching. For best results, it is important to follow the steps below: Install a suitable mulching mower blade; and. You will also need to install a restriction plate.

If your grass tips are becoming ragged and brown, you will know it is time to sharpen your lawn mower blades. This can cause your grass to lose its ability to store water and make it more susceptible for disease. Some manuals for lawn mowers recommend sharpening or changing blades every 25 hours.

Some people believe that replacement blades should not be sharpened until they are used. This is because of the powder-coated finish that is applied by the manufacturer to most blades. This coating is thicker around the blade’s cutting edge, and can feel dull to the touch.

A good rule of thumb for homeowners is to replace their mower blades every year. Regularly sharpening your mower blades will extend the life of your blades. If you decide to sharpen your mower blades at home, make sure you wear protective gear and disconnect spark plugs.

A dull lawnmower blade can cause your lawn to look yellow, brown or raggedy. A dull lawnmower blade can pull up parts of your grass, as it pulls on the whole plant rather than cutting through the grass blades cleanly.

A new, sharp blade will give you a clean, neat shave. Your grass will experience the same effect. Sharp cutting blades make your lawn look great, and keep it healthy. The mower blades that are too dull or damaged can cause a bruising to the edge of your grass blade. This will leave a ragged end and not a clean cut.

Most mower blades will last 100 to 200 hours in normal conditions. If you purchase high-quality blades, the number of hours could be up to 400. You can use a grinder or a metallic file to sharpen your blades if they become dull. However, this will only work for about 2 to 3 times.

Mower blades today are made of low-carbon alloy steel. Most of the latest mower blades are rigid in nature but softening makes them bendable if they strike a rock or piece of wood. Because these blades are designed for being soft, it makes lawn mowing safer.The blades made from a harder steel alloy do not bend, but instead break. This can lead to steel bits flying around, especially when the blades spin at very high RPMs.

Design-wise, almost all of the lawnmower blades are interchangeable between single-blade and multi-blade lawnmowers. The dimensions of the blades are the only thing that will vary. Multi-blade mowers require that the blades overlap slightly to achieve consistent and clean cuts.This means that the two-blade mower blades may be slightly shorter than the single-blade blades. If the lawnmower mounts and blade match, the different types of lawnmower blades can be interchanged.The best one for you depends on your personal preferences and lawn conditions. Depending on what type of mower you use, certain blades might perform poorly. A mulching blade, for example, can be attached to a regular mower. However, it must be equipped with additional accessories to ensure that it does a good job of mulching.

Mower blades may vary in their dimensions, shape, and type of mounts. These are important details when it comes to lawnmower blades. Not all blades will fit into every lawnmower.The blades’ diagonal length can range from 6 to 32 inches. The width of the slit can vary from 1.5 to 4.25 inches. The blade’s thickness can vary from 0.01 to 0.33 inches.There are two options for the number of holes in the blade: one or three. They can also come in different shapes. Blades with two outer holes may require a blade adapter. A blade with only one center hole will work fine.

Few Words to Wrap Up…

The efficiency and quality of cutting depends mostly of the blades of lawn mower blades. Having a wrong blade can mess the look of your beautiful landscape. To help you figure out the right one, we have compiled a list of the lawn mower blades and detail description along with it. Consider the tips to find out which one is suitable for your grass cutting requirements.

If you still have any dou

Sources:

https://www.mulchpedia.com/best-mulching-blades-for-zero-turn-mowers-2023/
https://www.muttonpower.com/content/328/exmark-mower-blade-buying-guide
https://workshopedia.com/how-to-sharpen-zero-turn-lawn-mower-blades/
https://workshopedia.com/how-to-sharpen-zero-turn-lawn-mower-blades/
https://www.electronicshub.org/types-of-lawn-mower-blades/