Best Mulching Blades for 2023 Maximize Your Mower s Potential. Mower with mulching blade

Best Mulching Blades for 2023. Maximize Your Mower’s Potential

Mulching blades are an essential part of lawn mower accessories, helping you to get the best possible results from your mower. With their sharp teeth and special design, these mower blades will make sure that your cut grass is quickly mulched into fine particles which can be used as a natural fertilizer for your garden. Not only that, but they help create a better airflow while cutting, allowing your bagger to collect even finer clumps of grass than before.

This way, more nutrients can be returned to the soil in the form of fertilization helping it maintain healthy ground for lush clumps of grass! Installing mulching blades requires some DIY skill and a socket set. so if you’re not afraid to take on this challenge yourself, then you’ll see great results from these special blades no matter what type of lawn mower you have.

Let’s get started on finding the best mulching blades for you today!

MaxPower 21-Inch Universal Mulching Mower Blade

MaxPower 21-Inch Universal Mulching Mower Blade is one of the best and most reliable lawn mower blades on the market. It is designed to fit almost any standard-size lawn mower, making it convenient for those who don’t want to worry about finding the right model or buying specialized adapters. The blade itself is made from high-quality steel that won’t crack or chip over time, even with heavy use.

MaxPower mulching blade is strong enough to power through tough grass and weeds while still providing a smooth cut. The drive shafts are stainless steel, which means they won’t rust in wet conditions and will last longer than other models. With its sharp edge and ability to handle elevation changes without a difference in performance, this lawn mower blade can make quick work of any backyard space. Not to mention it does an excellent job of cutting grass evenly without leaving clumps behind or requiring extra passes over the same area.

The mulching capabilities of MaxPower 21-Inch Universal Mulching Mower Blade are also great for those looking for a cleaner cut with less water usage as well as fewer weeds in their yard. Since this blade chops up grass clippings finely, it helps fertilize your soil naturally so you don’t have to spend extra time weeding out pesky plants growing where they shouldn’t be. Additionally, the hardware included with the blade makes installation hassle-free so you can get started with your landscaping project right away!

Overall, MaxPower 21-Inch Universal Mulching Mower Blade provides quality results fast no matter whatever kind of terrain you might encounter in your front yard or backyard garden space. Its robust build ensures long-lasting performance while its design elements make sure you always get an even cut that looks professional each time you mow!

• Fits almost any standard sized lawn mower
• High-quality steel material
• Sharp edge delivers efficient cuts
• Mulches of grass clippings finely
• Fertilizes soil naturally
• Easily installed with included hardware

8Ten LawnRAZOR Mulching Blades for MTD Cub Cadet

8Ten LawnRazor Mulching Blades for MTD Cub Cadet are a great choice for someone looking to tackle tough jobs with their mower. Not only do they offer great mulching capabilities in tall grass and weed conditions, but they also come with 6-point star center holes and a thickness of 0.1875” which make them extremely durable. They work well in thick grass, however, the small particles this blade produces can become pulp-like if it is overly wet outside.

For bagging or throwing grass clippings a long distance, 8TEN LawnRazor High-Lift Blades are the best option as they provide good suction but require more horsepower for optimal performance. 8TEN LawnRazor Medium-Lift Blades are ideal for an all-in-one solution that can bag, mulch, or discharge grass clippings easily; however, they will not perform as well in sandy soil conditions as Low-Lift blades which will produce the lowest amount of dust and noise while having the longest expected life span.

PROs: Durable – 6 Point Star Center Hole Thickness of 0.1875” Great mulching capabilities. Suited for tall grass weeds All-in-one solution – Can Bag, Mulch, Discharge Lowest dust noise production. Low Lift BladesCONs: Not suitable in overly wet conditions – Small particles can become pulp like Requires more power. High Lift Blades Poor performance in sandy soil. Lower Lift Blades

Oregon G3 Gator Mulching Blade Set

The Oregon G3 Gator Mulching Blade Set is an ideal choice for anyone looking for long-lasting, heavy-duty replacement mower blades. This set of three 18-4/9 inch blades has a superior cutting edge that creates a cleaner cut with better mulching capabilities than regular blades. The progressive geometry on the cutting edge and aggressive blade angle help increase air flow for superior bagging or side discharge results. Furthermore, these high-quality blades are 26-point certified to ensure they meet unparalleled quality and control standards for the highest level of safety and durability. Made in the U.S.A., this limited lifetime warranty product comes with perfect fit-up and superior side discharge. ensuring ultimate satisfaction to all users!

• Long-lasting heavy-duty mower blades
• Superior cutting edge creates cleaner cutting with better mulching capabilities
• Progressive geometry on the cutting edge increases airflow
• High quality. 26-point certification ensures meeting manufacturing quality and control standards
• Made in the U.S.A; Limited lifetime warranty included
• Perfect fit up superior side discharge

Buying guide

What blades are best for mulching?

8Ten LawnRAZOR Mulching Blades for MTD Cub Cadet, MaxPower 21-Inch Universal Mulching Mower Blade, and Toro 21-inch Atomic Replacement Blade are some of the most reliable blades out there. These blades are all crafted with high-quality material, ensuring they will last through tough mowing jobs. They also offer superior mulching capabilities so your lawn looks neat and picture perfect all year round. Plus, each blade is extremely affordable which makes them ideal for budget conscious consumers looking for a quality product without breaking the bank.

Are Gator mulching blades better?

When it comes to mulching blades, Gator Blades are a top choice. They provide superior lift and cut grass more evenly than other brands, which translates into fewer turns in operations. With their improved cutting action, Gator Blades help reduce the wear and tear on your mower while promoting better results for your lawn. While other manufacturers may offer comparable quality products, Gator Blades often provide superior performance in terms of cost-effectiveness and longevity. All things considered, Gator Blades are an excellent choice when it comes to mulching blades!

Do mulching blades make a difference?

Mulching blades make a difference when mowing the lawn! I recently put them on my deck, and the results were amazing. The grass clippings are cut into much finer pieces which pile up in smaller piles around my lawn. Now that I have mulching blades, I don’t have to worry about large piles of grass clippings that need disposing as they are reduced to small pieces which can be easily left on the lawn. Mowing is also a breeze since I no longer need to empty the bag constantly due to clumps of grass being caught in it. Mulching blades make mowing faster and more efficient!

Which is better high lift or mulching blades?

From my experience, it really depends on what your needs are. If you’re looking to collect grass clippings and not leave behind any residue, then mulching blades are the way to go. On the other hand, if you want a higher lift for taller grass or thicker material such as leaves, then high-lift blades are a better choice. Personally, I like to have a combination of both so that I can switch between them depending on the job.

Can I use mulching blades with side discharge?

Yes, you can use mulching blades with side discharge. While most people think that mulching blades are only for mulching, they can actually be used for multiple purposes such as bagging, side-discharging and 3-in-1 functions. The blades are designed to finely chop the grass clippings in order to create a nutrient rich mulch which can be left on the lawn for improved soil quality. However, when using a side discharge setting, the blades will simply push the clippings out of the side chute. This is great if your lawn is too long or wet and you don’t want to lug around a bagger!

What type of mower blade is best?

When it comes to mower blades, the best type of blade depends on your needs. I personally prefer a high-lift blade for our customers’ small yards because it helps lift and cut grass clippings more efficiently. High-lift blades also provide a cleaner cut and help reduce the chance of scalping or damaging my lawn. Another great option is a mulching blade which provides excellent performance in cutting and evenly dispersing grass clippings back into the turf. Mulching blades are perfect if you’re looking to fertilize your lawn naturally with organic matter produced from the recycled grass clippings. For those who don’t want to use either of these options, there is still the standard two-in-one blade which works just fine for basic trimming needs. No matter what type of mower blade you choose, be sure to replace them regularly as they become dulled over time.

Can You Put a Mulching Blade on any Mower?

The vast majority of mowers will accept mulching blades, but not all of them. In order for a mulching blade to work with your current mower, it must be able to fit under the deck comfortably and be tightened securely. With many makes and models, this is easy to do. With some, it can be done, but the fit is a bit awkward and the results are middle-of-the-road. And a few mowers just won’t accommodate a mulching blade at all.

So, can you put a mulching blade on any mower? No. It will depend on the mower.

The Difference Between Regular Blades and Mulching Blades

The difference between regular blades and mulching blades is the shape. Mulching blades have a longer, more varied cutting surface that is specifically designed to chop clippings into smaller and smaller pieces as they circulate under the deck. The clippings are able to keep circulating under the deck because, with a mulching mower, there is no discharge chute. This blade/chute connection is something we’ll look at next.

The Blade/Chute Connection

In order to convert a standard mower into a mulching mower, you need more than just a mulching blade that fits. You also need to block the discharge chute so that the clippings stay under the mower where they can be repeatedly chopped. The thing is, depending on the mower and its deck design, blocking the discharge chute can be tricky.

Some folks believe that they don’t need to block the chute; that all they need is a mulching blade. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. A mulching blade on its own won’t do much if the clippings are still being removed via the discharge chute.

Still, others may think the opposite is true. That if they can just block the chute they don’t need a mulching blade. Sorry to say, this too will only produce middling results at best. To produce a beneficial mulch you really need the combination of the mulching blade and the blocked chute. The good news is that there are mulching conversion kits on the market that provide everything needed to turn some standard mowers into mulching mowers.

Can You Put a Mulching Blade on Any Mower with a Mulching Conversion Kit?

Conversion kits can’t be used to convert any mower into a universal mower. Instead, different kits are designed to work with different makes and models, but there are not kits for all makes and models of lawnmowers.

That said, these kits provide mulching blades and the chute cover – also called a “restriction plate” – that prevents the grass clippings from escaping through the rear or side chute.

Some (not all) will also include mulching baffles and deflectors that help keep the clippings in the blade’s sights so they can be repeatedly chopped until they’re little more than a fine dust.

As long as you get a kit designed specifically for your make and model of lawn mower, the components of the kit should install with little fuss.

Be Aware of Different Mulching Blades

There are actually 2 different kinds of mulching blades, so you need to be sure you’re getting the one you want. The standard mulching blade looks a bit like a standard lawn mower blade, except the cutting edge is about 50% longer and the blade is more convoluted in shape in order to promote chopping of the lawn clippings.

And then there are what’s called “gator toothed” mulching blades. These are very easy to spot because they have both the standard cutting edge and very prominent teeth carved into the blade opposite the cutting edge.

The job of these teeth has less to do with actual cutting than it does with promoting greater suction under the deck to keep clippings suspended in the air so the cutting blades can chop them repeatedly. This kind of mulching blade typically produces the finest mulch and is often used on zero-turn mowers and those mowers that employ multiple blades.

Measuring Your Mower for a Mulching Blade

If you don’t want to buy a conversion kit it might still be possible to put a mulching blade on your mower, but you’ll need to be sure the blade you buy will fit. To do that you’ll have to take a couple of key measurements.

The first thing to measure is the length of the blade, but not just the length from end to end. Instead, the length as measured diagonally from the pointed end of one cutting edge to the pointed end of the opposite cutting edge.

Then measure the diameter of the center hole. Also, make note of the shape of the center hole, i.e. is it 5, 6 or 7 points, or a different shape.

Finally, measure the thickness of the blade and how wide it is across its mid-point. Make sure your mulching blade adheres to all these measurements.

Keep in mind too, that if you are unsure whether you obtained the correct measurements you can always take your current blade with you to the home or garden center and match it up against any prospective mulching blade.

Why Not Just Get a Mulching Mower?

Of course, you always have that option, but a mulching mower is a one-trick pony. Whereas if you get a standard mower and a mulching conversion kit you’ll have a much more versatile mower, one that can be used for a variety of purposes.

Other Things to Consider

Mulching is generally a good idea but it’s not necessarily appropriate in every situation. For instance, if it’s been some time since you mowed the lawn and the grass is pretty long, mulching may clog up the mower and cause it to break down. It may also leave too much mulch on the lawn, creating a soggy mess when the lawn is watered.

In general, it’s recommended you mow with a standard mower during the spring and hold off on mulching until you’ve mowed the lawn a few times. After that, you may want to alternate.

Another thing to keep very much in mind is that, while you may be able to put a mulching blade on your mower, doing so may void the warranty. So if your mower is still under warranty be sure to read the fine print before buying and installing a mulching blade.

About Tom Greene

I’ve always had a keen interest in lawn care as long as I can remember. Friends used to call me the “lawn mower guru” (hence the site name), but I’m anything but. I just enjoy cutting my lawn and spending time outdoors. I also love the well-deserved doughnuts and coffee afterward!

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Choosing The Right Blade For Your Lawn Mower Yard

It’s finally time to purchase new lawn mower blades and the options available may be overwhelming online or at a local dealership. Similar to getting a haircut, you have options that will produce different end results of how your lawn will look. No worries, we are here to guide you in making the right choice when purchasing a new set of lawn mower blades.

Low-Lift Blades

Low-lift blades are a special blade type used primarily for mowing in sandy conditions. The low suction will limit the amount of dust and noise utilizing less engine power. This allows for the grass to stay grounded enough for trimmings to discharged sideways.

Blades that produce more suction like High-Lift blades will typically deteriorate more quicker in similar terrain. The dust and sand will wear out the blades much sooner than the expected lifespan.

So if your yard consists of these qualities, your best bet is to go with the low-lift when replacing your original machine blades.

Medium-Lift (Standard OEM)

Medium-lift blades are the most typical or original blades used on your machine at the time of purchase. These tend to have a slight curve on each end which will allow some air to ventilate through. This will pull the grass up more than your low-lift blade type leaving more precise cut.

We refer to this type of lawn mower blade as an all-in-one solution and is similar to the lift profile of the original machine blades.

It’s recommended to have thicker or more consistent grass for optimal use. If you are looking to bag, mulch or discharge, this blade will do it all!

High-Lift Blades

High-lift blades will allow for maximum airflow through the mower deck creating the perfect defined finish to your freshly cut lawn. These blades require a more or higher horsepower for optimal performance and are recommended for thicker or taller grass conditions.

High-lift blades are unsuitable for sandy terrains. Because of the large amount of airflow, blades will quickly deteriorate when used on this type of terrain.

If you are looking to bag or throw grass clippings a long distance, high-lift blades are the go-to lawn mower blade type for your yard.

Mulching Blades

Mulching blades are the multi-purpose blade that will cut grass into finer pieces allowing you to replenish the soil with nutrients. Because these blades use less suction, wet conditions should be avoided as clogging may occur in your deck and when bagging.

Best Mulching Blades. Toro Timemaster / ExMark

The design of mulching blades will bring grass up into the deck allowing the blades to cut clippings several times. It’s recommended to use this style blade if you cut more frequently allowing you lawn to fertilize properly.

2023 Oregon G6 Gator Blades. Best Mulching Mower Blades Of All-Time?

Similar to the medium-lift (standard) blade, you can bag, mulch or discharge using these blades.

Mulching Blades vs Regular Blades: Which is Best to Use in 2023?

Mowing your lawn is an important part of the regular maintenance needed to keep it growing thick and healthy, and knowing the difference between mulching blades vs regular blades can make all the difference.

Here’s a helpful guide to standard and mulching mower blades, discussing which option is better for your lawn and why.

Best Lawn Mower Blades Picks for 2023

6 Pack Stens 335-859 2-in-1 Blades (Mulching)

Craftsman Mower Blade (Regular)

Husqvarna HU21462 46-Inch Premium Hi-Lift Bagging Blade (Mulching)

Poulan Pro OEM42MK Kit with Blades (Mulching)

Murray 49241MA 42-Inch High-Lift Blade Set (Regular)

Standard Mower Blades and Mulching Blades – What’s the Difference?

There are two basic types of lawn mower blades for your treasured mower – standard blades and mulching blades.

Standard blades

Also referred to as 2-in-1 blades, these mower blades cut the grass in one stroke and discharge the clippings into a bag or over your lawn.

They are straight blades with an aerodynamic design, designed to create a powerful lift effect to disperse the clippings.

These blades are best for if you want a clean, pristine lawn (as they can clear the clippings into a bag), and you mow on a less frequent basis (every 10 days to two weeks).

Mulching blades

Also known as 3-in-1 blades, mulching blades can be used to cut the grass for bagging or discharging over the lawn, as well as mulching the cut grass.

They have a distinctive, curved shape with a larger cutting edge. This allows the blade to cut the grass as well as bring it onto the deck where it is cut several more times, so it falls back onto the lawn in very fine pieces.

Mulching blades are ideal if you want your clippings to help nourish the lawn, as they reduce the clippings to a small size that breaks down more easily, returning organic nutrients to the grass.

If you use these types of blades, it is better to mow every 4-7 days or so. Using these blades on an overgrown lawn can cause clogging under the deck as well as lumps of grass on the lawn.

What to Look for. Lawn Mower Blade Shape

The easiest way to tell the difference between mulching and standard lawn mower blades is to look at their shape. A standard blade will have fewer cutting edges and a straight shape, while the mulching blade will have several cutting edges and a curved shape.

Here’s a picture of a mulching blade.

Are Mulching Blades Better?

This depends on the lawn maintenance you prefer to do. With mulching blades, you get the benefit of easily mulching lawn clippings to nourish and fertilize your lawn, so they are a great eco-friendly option.

You can also use them to gather the mulched clippings for your compost if you don’t want them directly on the lawn. However, it is best to use them if you are happy to mow fairly frequently (at least once a week).

If you want to mow less frequently and prefer to bag your clippings, then standard mower blades are best.

How Do Mulching Blades Cut Grass Differently?

Standard mower blades lift the grass and cut it off at the set level in one sweep of the blade, creating a single cut. The length of the blades of cut grass will then depend on how tall your grass was when you mowed your lawn.

Mulching blades go one step further, cutting the cut blades several times to reduce them to fine pieces. These decompose more quickly than larger blades of grass, making it ideal for adding nutrients to your lawn or compost.

Can You Put Mulching Blades on Any Mower?

Yes! Almost any brand of mower will be able to fit mulching blades. All you have to do is measure the deck and the blades you want to buy to ensure they fit properly and can be secured tightly.

However, if the design of the deck is not suited to mulching blades, or the mower has a low-power engine, the mulching blades may not perform at their best.

What is the Best Mulching Blade?

Mulching blades can be referred to as 3-in-1 or all-purpose mower blades. The best mulching blades are durable and well-made with quality materials.

Good examples of high-quality mulching blades:

Can I Mow Leaves Rather Than Raking?

Raking is a time-consuming part of fall lawn maintenance, and you can skip this job completely by mowing over your leaves. This will speed up decomposition, providing a nutrient-rich compost for your lawn or other plants.

You can either mow the leaves and leave them in place, or have your mower disperse them into the mower bag so you can add them to your compost.

You can use standard mower blades or mulching blades for this job.

Why Do Mulching Mowers Leave Clumps of Grass?

The most common reason for this is that the grass is wet and/or getting too long between mowing. During fast-growth periods like spring and summer, you will have to mow more frequently to prevent this issue.

It’s also a good idea to use mulching blades that work well on wet and dry grass to make this job easier and reduce clumping, like the Oregon G3 gator blades.

Can I Sharpen Blunt Lawn Mower Blades?

To make the blades last longer, you can sharpen your lawn mower blades. You’ll notice your blades are getting blunt if they start to tear the grass rather than shearing it off cleanly, creating a ragged-looking lawn.

Our 5 Best Lawn Mower Blades Picks for 2023

6 Pack Stens 335-859 2-in-1 Blades (Mulching)

Craftsman Mower Blade (Regular)

Husqvarna HU21462 46-Inch Premium Hi-Lift Bagging Blade (Mulching)

Poulan Pro OEM42MK Kit with Blades (Mulching)

Murray 49241MA 42-Inch High-Lift Blade Set (Regular)

Mulching Blades Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use mulching blades with side discharge?

Mulching blades can be used for side discharge, mulch directly, or to fill bags. They are often called 3-in-1 blades for that very reason. For any mulching lawn mower with side discharge, mulching blades are pretty much essential.

Can you mulch leaves with a regular mower?

Any lawn mower will break down grass and leaves to use as mulch later. The advantage of mulching blades is that they are more efficient and whip clipping up as they go to create a more effective mulch as faster, but in most gardens, laying leaves out on a flat, hard, surface, will create effective mulch.

Are toothed mulching blades better?

Toothed mulching blades clog up faster than regular mulching blades and will need regular cleaning, as well as being limited more by wet grass.

Wet grass is virtually impossible to cut neatly with toothed mulching blades even on ride-on mowers. However, on dry grass in ideal conditions, toothed blades are more effective.

Do mulching mowers really work?

Grass is one of the most effective nutrient sources in your garden, and it stores everything it takes out of the soil. By mulching grass clippings back onto your lawn you are using it as its own fertilizer as well as reducing your workload.

Wrapping Up Mulching blades vs Regular Blades

The biggest difference between mulch blades vs regular blades is that mulching blades will do everything a standard blade will do.

With the additional functionality of shredding the cut grass blades into fine pieces, that are ideal for returning nutrients to your lawn or into your compost.

Mulching blades are ideal if you are a supporter of eco-friendly gardening and are happy to mow a bit more frequently to get the full benefit of grass clippings feeding your lawn.

While standard blades are best if you want to mow less frequently and do not want to compost or leave clippings on your lawn.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this article and have all the information you need to choose the between mulching blades vs regular blades for your yard!

About the Author Pat no

Pat is our gardening tool expert here at Sumo Gardener. Working for many years as a private and commercial landscaper, Pat has used almost every type of gardening tool there is. Along with a vast knowledge for types of plants and putting together an amazing looking and maintainable garden, Pat developed a passion for gardening tools as he found that using the right tools vastly improved the ease and outcome of any landscaping job he undertook. When spending hours, days or years using a particular tool, you want to make sure you’ve got the best one for the job, and Pat is the right guy to guide us to the best gardening tools.

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