Push mower mulching blade. Mulching Blade vs Regular Blade: The Most Concise Comparison

Mulching Blade vs Regular Blade: The Most Concise Comparison

Comparing a mulching blade vs regular blade is very confusing when it comes to choosing the right mower for your lawn. Both of these fall in similar price ranges, so why should you go for one instead of the other?

Read this article where we clearly outline the major differences between these two blade types and their respective advantages. Read through this guide to learn which one is better for your lawn and grass in all aspects of lawn care.

• Mulching Blade vs Regular Blade Comparison Table
• What Are The Differences Between Mulching Blade and Regular Blade?
• What Are The Advantages of Mulching Blade?

• – Their Three-In-One Cutting Property
• – It Cuts Grass Into Much Smaller Pieces
• – Can Be Used To Fertilize The Lawn
• – Mulching Blades Works On Lower Power
• – Mulching Blades Make The Grass Lush
• – Mulching Blades Save Time and Are Eco Friendly

• – They Offer Two-In-One Service During Mowing
• – They Can Be Used On All Soil Types
• – They Can Be Low Lift or High Lift Blades
• – Less Frequent Mowing

• – Do You Have To Mow Slower When Mulching?
• – Are Mulching Blades With Teeth a Better Option?
• – Why Does My Mulching Mower Leave Clumps of Grass?
• – Why Does My Lawn Mower Leave a Strip of Grass in the Middle?

Mulching Blade vs Regular Blade Comparison Table

• The cutting edge is straight
• Some might have a small curvature at the end of the blade

What Are The Differences Between Mulching Blade and Regular Blade?

The main difference between a mulching blade and a regular is that the mulching blade is shorter and has a curved edge. It can cut the grass into much finer clippings which can be used as mulch or fertilizer. The regular one is able to cut taller grass in comparison.

What Are The Advantages of Mulching Blade?

The many advantages of mulching blades include cutting, storing, and dispersing finely cut grass tip clippings over the lawn.

A mulching mower uses much less power which helps you to save up quite a bit on fuel and electricity bills. These toothed blade sets also tend to fertilize the lawn while mowing it.

– Their Three-In-One Cutting Property

When used in lawn mowers, Mulching blades can cut leaf blades. store them in a bag, or mulch them so you can put them to further use. So basically, these blades were created to give the standard blades a run for their money!

It cuts the grass tips into very small and fine pieces and then spreads them evenly on the surface of the grass. If you do not want this to happen, you can always go back to the option of simply bagging the cut grass ends and then using them for whatever purpose you wish.

The blade performs its three functions simultaneously: mulching, bagging, and discharging. The efficiency and speed of cutting are also more than the regular blade.

– It Cuts Grass Into Much Smaller Pieces

Mulching blades have the ability to cut grass into very small clippings. So that even if you lay these clippings on the surface of the mowed lawn, it gives a very neat appearance overall.

These small clippings decompose faster as compared to larger ones. Using them as mulch for the grass or plant pots will break down quickly and release their nutrients into the soil.

These small clippings can also be added to your compost pile. They will quickly break down and turn into compost without changing the overall texture of the pile, unlike larger grass blades and food scraps.

– Can Be Used To Fertilize The Lawn

Mulching blades are the only lawn mower blades that can help you fertilize your lawn while mowing it. It first cuts the grass blades into precise small pieces. These pieces are then sucked back into the mower deck, where it is cut further into even smaller-sized pieces.

You then can spread these finely chopped clippings over the entire lawn as a form of fertilizer. Compare this with a regular type of blade where you will have to collect the cut grass clippings, cut them into finer pieces, and manually spread them evenly over the lawn.

Because these clippings are very finely chopped. they will decompose faster, and your lawn will have quicker access to the nutrients released. This type of natural fertilizer works better for lawns instead of using chemical feeds.

– Mulching Blades Works On Lower Power

Surprisingly, a grass mulching lawn mower works on much lower power compared to other types. This goes for both electricity and gasoline-fueled riding mowers. You can save electricity and fuel bills while providing top lawn care.

– Mulching Blades Make The Grass Lush

Using a blade mulching mower you can spread the cut grass clippings as mulch over the lawn. Mulch prevents excessive water from evaporating from the surface of the soil. It helps a lot when it comes to retaining water during the hot summer months. Grass clipping mulch has been known to help retain as much as 80 percent of the water in the soil.

Combine this hydrating property with the Rapid release of nutrients by the finely cut grass. Your grass will grow thicker and lusher than ever before.

However, not all grass types do well when mulched. This trick works only in grass types with wide blades, such as tall fescue and crabgrass. Tall fescue is a popular cold-season grass that responds well to mulch spread by a mulching blade.

– Mulching Blades Save Time and Are Eco Friendly

Using a mower with this blade type will save up a lot of your time when it comes to collecting, storing, and later dispersing the clippings. Even if you do not want to spread the cut grass on the lawn as mulch, you still have the option of bagging them separately.

over, the ability to convert grass into much is good news for the environment. You will get the opportunity to recycle your organic waste, which also means much less fodder for landfills.

What Are The Advantages of a Regular Blade?

The advantage of a regular mower blade is that it cuts even tall grass finely and then bags the clippings away. Unlike bagging and gator blades, these blades can be used on all soil types.

– They Offer Two-In-One Service During Mowing

A regular mowing blade allows you to cut your overgrown lawn grass quickly and efficiently. It works by creating a vacuum. due to which the grass blades stand up. This blade then easily cuts through this upright grass in one swift motion.

Another in-built property of this blade is allowing the lawn mower to bag and store the cut grass clippings simultaneously. If you are someone who despises their lawn when it is covered with grass-clipping mulch, then this is the blade of choice for you.

Most older lawn grass mowers came built-in with this type of blade. You may purchase one separately and attach it with a modern mower if you want to use some of its properties. Many new designs of mowers allow users to attach and use different blades according to how they want the grass cut.

– They Can Be Used On All Soil Types

Regular blades can be used on all types of soil in which grass has been grown. Whether your lawn is composed of sandy or clay-like soil, either type can be mowed using these blades easily.

The only prerequisite to using these for lawn care is that the grass needs to be slightly taller. It cannot cut through the grass patches that are smaller in height. If your lawn is uneven or sloping, your grass will get cut quite unevenly.

– They Can Be Low Lift or High Lift Blades

Low lift blades are a modification of the standard blades that are useful on sandy soil types. They are less curly than normal ones and only three to four inches long. They do not suck the grass blades too high. so the sand or soil does not blow up around a lot. Because of their small size, these blades work for much longer periods.

High-lift blades are another modified type of regular mower blades. Their blade edges have vertical angles along their length. which creates a very high level of suction. This makes it perfect for smoothly cutting very tall grass blades by pulling them upright.

Naturally, you cannot use this high lift blade on sandy terrain because it will kick up a lot of dirt. It also uses a lot of fuel and energy, which might wear out the mower quickly over time. The good news is that it can bag the cut clippings safely.

– Less Frequent Mowing

Using regular or standard blades means you cut much less frequently for two main reasons. First, these lawn mower blades can get tall grass without getting their inner machinery choked up.

Secondly, these blades cut close to the ground. which naturally takes a long time for the grass to grow. So you get to rest before it is time for the next mowing. If you have little time for constant lawn maintenance or are someone naturally disinclined toward mowing, this should be an important consideration.

FAQs

– Do You Have To Mow Slower When Mulching?

Yes, you must mow your lawn slowly using a mulching blade. This blade works by cutting each blade of grass multiple times so that it gets chopped up into very fine pieces. This is important to turn grass into organic fertilizer or mulch for use in the lawn or garden plants.

That is why it is important to go slowly because if you rush the job, the grass will not be cut up properly. Instead, the mower will leave large and unsightly pieces of grass clumps over the lawn. This will not only be less efficient but will also put a strain on the engine.

– Are Mulching Blades With Teeth a Better Option?

Yes, toothed blades are better at mulching grass than non-toothed ones. Technically, any blade with teeth cannot be considered a true mulching blade.

Still, when you compare it to non-mulching blades like high or low-lift ones, it does a much neater job of turning grass into usable mulch.

The teeth do not cut the grass themselves. Instead, they propel them back toward the mower’s deck, where the actual cutting occurs.

– Why Does My Mulching Mower Leave Clumps of Grass?

A lawn that is wet is the number one reason your grass gets clumped together after being cut by a mulching type of mower. It is natural for grass blades to stick to each other when they are wet or even slightly moist with dew. That is why you must wait for the lawn to dry before mowing it.

The second reason might be that the grass has just grown too long. Mulching types of blades are just not very good at cutting longer blades. They become less efficient and start throwing out clippings in clumps instead. It is better to resort to a regular blade type if you have let the grass grow too long.

If the grass is dry and short and still this problem persists, then you need to check your mower. often than not, the blades will need sharpening at their edges. If you are still operating a very old type of mower, it may need to be replaced or upgraded.

– Why Does My Lawn Mower Leave a Strip of Grass in the Middle?

If your mower leaves a strip of grass uncut in the middle, its blades are not balanced properly or have been installed incorrectly.

All mowing blades are beveled and meant to be attached to the mower in a certain way. If both or even one of them is improperly attached, grass mowed will be cut unevenly and poorly.

Conclusion

We have discussed the differences and merits between mulch and regular blades used in mowers. Mulch-type blades not only cut the grass finely but also spread it over the grass as mulching material.

On the other hand, the regular type of blades has the advantage that they can cut much taller grass as compared to the mulching and other types. In our opinion, you should keep both these blade types because most latest versions of lawnmowers can use both interchangeably.

Mulching Blades vs Regular Blades: Which is Right for Your Yard?

Have you been contemplating a switch from one type of mower blade to another? Maybe you’ve been using standard blades, but you’ve heard good things about mulching blades and you’re intrigued. Mulching is a great way to naturally feed your lawn – but is there anything else you should know about before you make the change?!

I’m going to compare mulching blades and regular blades in this post, talking about some of the pros/cons/things to expect from each blade, as well as run through the best conditions for each type of blade.

An Overview of Mulching Blades

You might also hear mulching blades referred to a “3-in-1” blades, because you’re able to handle clippings in 3 ways with one fitted; you can bag them, discharge them or mulch them. And it’s obviously that last one that their design is specifically adapted for. Many people ask if mulching blades can be installed on any mower? The answer is “nearly”. Most modern mowers can accommodate a mulching blade, but not every one will. So you’ll need to research your specific mower model or reach out to the manufacturer and ask.

Introducing Regular Blades

Regular blades are the “less cool” younger sibling. They’re “only” 2-in-1. They’ve got you covered for bagging and discharging your clippings, but they can’t mulch for s! “Lift” is a term you’ll see commonly associated with this type of blade, as their design is geared towards creating a vacuum in the deck to make the grass stand up straight and is then discharged quickly once cut.

Mulching Blades vs Regular Blades: How Do They Differ?

Most mowers will come with a regular blade fitted as standard, until you went out and bought a mulching mower. Let’s discuss how mulching blades and regular blades differ.

The Shape of the Blade

This is one of the first big differences you’ll notice if you compare mulching blades vs regular blades. On a regular blade, the cutting edge is practically straight. The design is very aerodynamic and is effective in quickly cutting the grass and then removing it from the deck.

It’s almost the opposite with mulching blades. The blade edge is much more curved, making the surface area of the blade much greater. The purpose of a mulching blade isn’t to cut and get the clippings out as quickly as possible. They are designed to create greater circulation in the deck to put clippings through the cutting cycle several times to ensure that they finish up as mulch (very fine clippings).

The Length of the Cutting Edge

The other noticeable difference you’ll see when you look at mulching blades vs regular blades is the length of the cutting edge. Not only do the curves on a mulching blade increase its surface area, but the cutting edge is typically longer too.

Again, this increases the amount of contact the sharp part of the blade has with clippings so that it is able to mulch them. A regular blade doesn’t need such a long cutting edge as the objective is to cut and discharge the clippings much more quickly.

Pros of Mulching Blades

Now you know what mulching blades are and how they are different vs regular blades, let’s quickly run through some of the main benefits of fitting your mower with a mulching blade.

3-in-1 Functionality

As we’ve already touched on, mulching blades are capable of mulching, bagging and discharging clippings, meaning you have a lot of versatility in a single blade.

Produces Natural Fertilizer

I won’t go into great depth on the advantages of mulching, but obviously a mulching blade is designed to produce this natural fertilizer, and is the only type of blade that can do so. When done right, mulching can greatly benefit the health of your lawn.

Environmentally Friendly Option

Any time you can get the job done and do right by the environment, it’s a great option, and that’s exactly what mulching blades offer. No more sending clippings to landfill!

Cons of Mulching Blades

Like everything, mulching blades are not without their drawbacks. Here are a few things to be aware of:

Reduced Lift

The design of a mulching blade is geared towards providing the ability to mulch. While you gain a greater cutting surface area and the airflow to circulate the clippings around the deck multiple times, you lose in terms of lift. As a result, mulching blades are not as effective at bagging or discharging the clippings vs regular blades. However, providing you keep your grass well maintained, they’ll do a good enough job for most.

Frequent Mowing Required

If you consider yourself to be a bit lazy like me or you hate mowing your lawn, this probably won’t be good news. In peak growth periods you’ll likely need to mow twice a week, because mulching blades will often experience clogging if used on longer grass.

Pros of Regular Blades

Now let’s do the same thing for regular blades. Here are a few of the main plus points of using one:

Generate Good Lift

The main thing that a regular blade can do better than a mulching blade is in generating lift. Regular blades typically provide “medium lift” (it’s possible to buy high lift blades if you need more), and this is the reason why they’re considered the better option if you’re going to bag your clippings every time.

Not as Prone to Clogging

As regular blades generate more lift, they can discharge clippings from the deck more effectively, which reduces the likelihood of clogging. This means they’re typically a bit more forgiving should you miss one or two mowing sessions (it happens!) and the grass grows a little longer than it should.

A Level Cut (If Cutting Schedule is Irregular)

I wouldn’t say they produce a more level cut all the time, because if you mow regularly with a mulching blade, you can definitely achieve a very level cut. BUT, as with the point above, I think regular blades are a bit more forgiving if you happen to let your grass overgrow a bit. This is because the greater lift they generate creates a vacuum effect under the deck, helping the grass to stand up straight when it’s being cut, hence why it ends up being more level. Mulching blades don’t do such a good job of creating that suction.

Cons of Regular Blades

And now onto the shortcomings. Nothing is ever perfect, right?!

You Can’t Mulch Clippings

Well duh! I know that’s what you’re probably thinking, but it’s true. This is probably the biggest drawback of opting for a regular blade in this comparison. You won’t be able to mulch your clippings, period.

Not Great For Dusty/Sandy Conditions

The vacuum that a regular blade generates is great for getting a level cut, but if your lawn has fairly sandy soil, it’s also going to suck that up into the deck, which can really accelerate the wear and tear on your mower. Not only will the blade dull more quickly, but over time it could create holes in your deck too.

Mulching Blades vs Regular Blades: The Bottom Line

Mulching blades vs regular blades. Most people are looking for a winner, but the truth is that neither one of these blades is “better” than the other. They’re designed for different uses. If you want to mulch your clippings, use a mulching blade. Just don’t let your lawn get too overgrown. Manage to do that and it’ll do an adequate job of bagging and discharging too. But if you’ve got no interest in mulching and want to bag or discharge your clippings every time, go with a regular 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!

Комментарии и мнения владельцев

I have a mulching lawn mower and my neighbor is trying to say that my lawn mower threw a rock 8 feet into the air and put a hole in their house

Woah! Sorry to hear that, Rhonda. I’m no J.D. but I can’t imagine you’re going to have a hard time defending yourself in this case. Launching a rock 8 feet high with a mulching lawn mower would be tricky, and punching a hole through vinyl siding (or whatever their house has) seems unlikely. If you ask me, it must’ve been the neighbor kid playing baseball with pebbles and a big stick again. Tom.

I was mowing my lawn and a small stone broke the door panel in my nice new conservatory, and from some 10meters away. My mower has a side discharge so I now watch this very closely when mowing. And not too short if stones are a problem. In my case, moles were the problem moving stones to the surface.

Hi John, I’ve broken a few Windows in my time with either my weed whacker or my lawn mower. Not a nice feeling. This is why I stay away from ever using a lawn mower with an open chute, and I always keep the guard on my weed whacker. Hopefully, you don’t hit any more rocks. Thanks for the comment. Tom.

On an acre that has had no care for 20 years and has been taken over by wild grape vines, would it need tilling or cultivating first before laying sod?

Hi Aileen, Well, the wild grape (Amur Peppervine) can propagate in a number of ways, including seed, cuttings, and root regrowth, so cultivating and tilling will more than likely lead to future regrowth in the future. This is because just by leaving the tap root (main center root) in the ground, the plant will regrow. The last thing you want is wild grape shoots popping up through your new sod. Wild grape in many states is classified as invasive and needs killing with a specific herbicide or pulling the vines out, making sure that tap root is removed. If you are employing a contractor to lay the new sod, then I’d recommend talking to them to see if they provide this service. Alternatively, you could talk to your local pest control service to see what they can do. I hope this helps. Cheers, Tom.

My kikuyu lawn was established using instant lawn squares. My lawn has become very thick. Can I use a mulching blade to reduce the thickness of my lawn to my desired thickness? I always used to use a Scarify Blade is that the same thing?

Hi Phillip, Scarify blades seem to be the popular choice that most people use to keep Kikuyu grass under control. A mulching blade will not cut the grass any differently; they will just finely chop the grass once it’s up in the deck so that once the grass falls back to the ground, it can easily work its way back into the soil. Being that you want to reduce the thickness, a mulching blade isn’t going to help. I’d suggest cutting the lawn more often with a scarify blade and working the height down. Just try not to cut too much off in one go. Kikuyu is tough, but cutting off more than a third could cause too much shock and you’ll be filling dead gaps with seed. Hope this helps Tom

Hi Leo, If you have small mounds of dirt that look like they have been squeezed out of a tube of toothpaste, then you probably do have nightcrawlers or some other type of earthworm. These little mounds or bumps are called casts or casting. On the plus side, earthworms are great for aeration and allow water and nutrients to penetrate further into the ground. I hope this answers your question. Thanks for your comment, Tom.

Masterly article Tom. Just the information I was looking for. Would be great if you could include some pictures of a few sample blades showing the differences in shape. I just saw in Комментарии и мнения владельцев someone mention “scarifying blades” I can admit to being terrified at times, but what is this scary-fying in a mowing context? My (ZT) mower came with mulching blades and what they called a “mulching deck”. I don’t understand what differences there could (or should) be in a deck itself. I now want to start using a catcher. The mulching blades certainly throw to the side when the side chute is opened, but once a catcher is on the clippings will need some force behind them to carry them back to the rear mounted catcher. Any idea how much more efficient for doing that throwing blades are than mulching blades? I don’t mind changing blades if I have to, but changing the entire deck is a bridge too far.

The Best Mulching Blades For Your Lawn Mower – And Grass!

Immaculate lawns are synonymous with American homeownership pride. Lawns, believe it or not, were once a symbol of affluence.

That holds true today for some as well. For others, mowing is a weekly chore. I think both camps can agree – ease of use is important.

With our lawn’s peak growing season combating with our leisure time, do we really want to battle unloading wet, allergy-causing mower bags?

That’s where the best mulching blades for your lawn mover comes in. Our top pick are the Maxpower universal blades. They work well, aren’t too heavy and work with a wide variety of brands and models. You won’t need a chest full of tools to install these blades, either!

In this guide, we’ll investigate what mulching blades are best for your lawn mower and grass.

What Makes A Great Mulching Blade Best For Your Mower?

The first thing you need to consider about making the best mulching blade adjustment to your lawn mower is the environment you’ll be mowing.

If stock blades aren’t performing on your riding lawn mower, consider having mulching mower blades installed to accomplish two jobs in one.

Having mulching blades installed lets you chop grass and leaves into smaller particles to ensure aeration in the bagger if you opt to remove all clippings. It also lets you mulch vegetation into consumable bits for your turf to utilize.

Mulching mowers use the power of a high-speed blade and create an airlift that guides grass into the cutting mechanism. Once the blade cuts the grass on the first pass, those parts travel in a vacuum in a spin cycle and meet the mower blade many times before falling back onto the ground (or bag). This action is different from mowers that deposit the clippings into a side bag.

Mulching blades with serrated edges and pre sharpened blades are sometimes called 3-in-1 or gator blades. Serrated cutting edge blades are more costly, but they’re ideal for wet environments and perform better than other mulching blades or standard mowing blades.

The type of lawn will influence which option is best for you if you have a ton of leaves or a weed-prone patch that may determine what you need from the mulching process.

With just a socket set and maybe one other tool, a replacement blade is easy to mount to most gas-powered, self-propelled, riding, or electric mowers. With a bit of know-how, it’s easy to install a replacement blade on the correct mounting hole. However, it’s essential to understand the vast differences between what will fit what machine and the benefits or disadvantages.

The best place to understand what blades will fit your mower is to read the specs on the decal mounted on the side of your mower. (Deck or engine side.) This information will provide the blade model length.

When shopping for the best mulching blades, the key elements to consider are length, weight, material mounting options, blade count, and center hole size and shape.

Not all things are created equally. Fitting a blade that is too long is obvious. It’s possible to attach a blade that is of inappropriate length. However, this will cause your mower problems and result in damage.

• Will slow the mower’s power capability
• Cause clumping
• May cause damage to the engine from overwear

A mulching mower blade that is too short will also wreak havoc on your mower and the cutting power. Each mower has a specific blade size engineered into its design.

• Will increase the number of passes
• Cause Wear and tear from overuse
• Multi-blade decks will miss swaths and result in uneven cuts
• Results in inadequate airflow in baggers

Lawn mower manufacturers understand the science behind mowing and design the cutting deck for optimum performance. Using a cutting or mulching blade that is too wide will not produce the desired effect. The blade width ranges from 1 ½” to 4 ¼” depending on the mower manufacturer, engine, and deck size.

Traditional standard lawn mower blades are lighter than mulching blades. Mulching blades work using a lift angle to help mulch grass; for this purpose, manufacturers use heavier materials.

This additional weight may cause your mower some drag, and riding mowers (especially older, well-used models) may be on the brink of stalling when mulching blades are engaged because the extra weight requires extra power.

Once the mower engages the blades, this drag should lessen, allowing the mower to function.

A mulcher blade is heavier, thicker, and more durable. This extra feature and a cutting edge make mulching blades ideal for commercial and ride-on equipment. However, smaller direct-drive mowers may suffer.

Tungsten carbide or Boron steel is ideal for deck mowers and regular blades for your mower because they’re durable materials and make blades work efficiently.

Lawncare equipment is made with industry standards and government regulations to keep us safe. The best mulching blades are made of carbon steel or other strong, lightweight materials. However, if you manipulate these elements, you may risk yourself and your equipment.

Not all mowers are the same. That’s obvious, and before shopping for mulching blades, you need to flip your mower or consult the manual to understand the mounting holes on your machine.

The most common mountings are a five-point star, six-point star, bow-tie, and universal fit. You can’t force a bow-tie onto a five-point star.

The blade attaches to the spindle beneath the mower deck, and once you have the correct mulching blade, installation isn’t complicated. Having an extra set of hands to help you tip the mower is a good idea.

Five and six-pint star mounts only typically require one bolt and are specific to the mower model.

Universal fit kits attach to any mower regardless of the original mounting and securely adapt to your particular mower model.

Types of Mounting Hole Symbols:

Another key consideration is replacing like with like. Most riding mowers have more than one blade. If you’re adding a mulching blade, match the number. Although weight is a consideration, mowing with unbalanced blades will result in uneven cuts and clumping by adding an uneven distribution of blade power. In the end, it will only increase the user’s workload and frustration.

Tip: Sharp mowing and mulching blades cut grass and lawn better and prolong your mowing equipment’s life. Regular sharpening is vital. Always makes sure you tighten any bolts securely afterward.

The Best Mulching Blades – Individual Reviews

Now that everyone understands the basic terminology and requirements, here’s what we think are the best mulching blades and why they aren’t interchangeable with regular blades. This selection also reiterates that mulching blades, which are not expensive, are a great alternative to bagging and recycling your grass clippings.

Best Overall: Maxpower 21 Inch Universal

MaxPower universal blades are ideal for those who want a quick solution to installing mulching blades on their 21” pushmower deck.

MaxPower 331981S Universal Gold Metal Mulching Blade mounting kit includes a cover washer, reducing washers for 3/8″, 7/16″, 9/16″, 1/2″, 5/8″, and 13/16″ holes.

The 21” blade provides a better cutting and mulching experience with precision teeth and uniform chopping distribution.

These blades are manufactured in the USA to a high standard and meet OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specs.

What’s great about the universal blade is that they fit over the mounting hole regardless of a five-point star or bow-tie shafts without much effort. These inexpensive mulching blades come with the necessary washers and fittings to make installation hassle-free.

The Maxpower universal blade has a steep lift function and sharp teeth to mulch and disperse clumps.

A downside of the durable blade is that when it hits an obstruction, like a rock or stump, the force may damage the output shaft without even knicking the blade edge.

Compatible Mowers:

Just because universal blades fit almost any mulching mower, it doesn’t mean they are the suitable mulch blades for your standard blades. Size still matters.

• Easy mount
• Fits most 21” mower decks
• Hardware included
• High lift and precision cutting teeth
• May not be suitable for eclectic mowers
• Durability may be questionable
• Not mower specific

Best 54″ Riding Mower Blades: Oregon Gator G3

The chances are that if your riding mower has a 54 “ blade, you’re cutting some heavy territory, and Oregon Gator blades are ideal for your mulching requirements.

Oregon Gator blades are renowned in the industry for their heavy-duty performance and work well with Craftsman, Arien, and Husqvarna riding mowers.

Heavy-duty Oregon Gator blades are.187” steel blades with an aggressive lift and serrated teeth that chomp clumps into spreadable or baggable mulch with ease. The 2 ¾” wide blade is durable and fits these makes and models.

Compatible Mowers:

• 187254
• 187255
• 532187255
• 532187256
• 539112053
• 574292401
• 575938401
• 575938501
• 582923101
• 2354GXLS
• 2754GLS
• EZ5426
• GT2254
• GTB54A
• GTH2454T
• GTH24K54
• GTH24V54
• GTH2654
• GTH26K54T
• GTH26V54
• LGT24K54
• LGT2554
• LGT2654
• LGTH2454
• LGTH24V54
• LGTH26V54
• MZ54
• MZ5424S
• RZ5424
• RZ5426
• RZ5422
• Z254
• RZ4219
• RZ4619
• RZ4620
• Z5426

The safety quality of a 3-in-1 blade requires durable metal to produce the angle lift and redirect airflow to cut grass into a fine mulch which means less bagging and raking. For those who will use the clippings as fertilizer directly on the lawn, shorter cuttings and mulched foliage decompose quicker.

Requires models 5-point star model mount, which is not suitable for all models.

• High-quality, dependable steel
• High lift and serrated cutting blade
• All-weather friendly

Best 42″ Deck High Lift Blade USA Mower Blades 21″

USA Mower Blades are a high lift alternative for 42” decks. These standard mulching blades are industry standard and do not have serrated teeth as part of this mower blade’s mulching kits. An upturned wing forged with heat-treated steel makes these blades ideal for mulching natural wild grass with a dense consistency.

Although not an OEM blade, this USA Mower blades consistently whack thick grass with an edge that remains sharp and affordable.

Another bonus to this USA-made blade is that the cut area looks immaculate after cutting. These blades are a great alternative to regular mowing blades for riding mowers.

Compatible Mowers:

USA Mower Blades (4) AYP498BP High Lift Blade Fits AYP Craftsman 127843, / 134149, / 127843, / 138498, / 532127843

Length 21” Width 2 ¼” Thickness 150” Center Hole 5 PT ST, 42” Deck

USA Mower Blades® manufactures high-quality OEM replacement lawn blades. USA Mower Blades® and produced in the United States.

Specifications: Quantity: 4 Pack Blade Type: Straight Lift: High Lift Length: 21”. Width: 2-¼” Thickness: 0.150”

Great for Walk-Behind Mowers: Oregon 195-021 Mulch Blade

Part of the Oregon® 100 series, this 2PK mover blade pack offers ‘Ultra X-tended Cutting Length ™ technology. These genuine OEM replacement parts deliver maximized mulching power for each blade rotation.

The stand-out feature is perhaps the double bevel, which reduces overall blade noise by 1.5 decibels. Gas lawn mowers are loud enough!

Manufactured from Boron steel, these 195-021 Oregon mulcher blades are super durable and malleable to the pressures of cutting grass blades at high speed.

These inexpensive blades are ideal for walk-behind mowers or as replacement blades for standard blades for your mower.

Compatible Mowers

Compatible with AYP, Craftsman, Poulan, Husqvarna brands, and 22″ walk-behind mowers.

For mounting center hole dimensions: 5/8”, Outer Hole: 3/8”, Center to Center: 1-7/8”, Length: 21-3/4”, Width: 2.25”, Thickness: 0.134”, Offset: ½”.

Great for Domestic MTD Push Mowers Oregon G5 Mulching Blade

Oregon G5 Mulching Blade is an excellent mulcher blade option for MTD- push mowers like Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Bolens. This superior quality blade is in keeping with the Oregon brand and is suitable for 21” push mowers that can sustain a blow from stumps or rocks without ruining the output shaft.

These blades shred leaves and lawn cuttings into a fine mulch to promote quick decomposition. For yards with deciduous trees or flowering plants, this blade is ideal.

Since pushmowers are typically not super powerful, attaching a powerful mulching blade-like Oregon G5 may beleaguer engine power and cause performance lag.

Compatible Mowers:

• 01005338
• 02005019
• 01005338P
• 742-04415
• 742-04415-XG
• 02005019-X
• 01005338P
• 742-04415
• 742-04415-X
• 742-04415-XG
• 942-04415
• 942-04415-X
• 02005019-X
• 01005338
• 02005019
• 942-04415
• 742-04415-X
• 942-04415-X
• 94204415
• 02005019X
• LT1000
• SLT1500
• GT1500
• 17ASDALD099 (Z8600)
• 17BSDALD099 (Z8200)
• ZHD-L60 17ANDALD897

Consult your user manual if the option is not listed.

• Compatible with most (MTD) push mowers
• Withstands impact
• Cuts material into a fine product

Frequently Asked Questions

Mulching seems like a viable option to reduce compost waste and the use of cumbersome side bags. One of the benefits of mulching is that the lawn care process puts your grass clippings as sustainable fertilizer directly back into the environment.

However, there are still many concerns. Is mulching right for you?

How is mulching leaves better than bagging and composting?

When powerful blades mulch leaves and grass clippings, it helps the material decompose and become organic fertilizer. Mulching also reduces time spent on garden and lawn maintenance as it reduces raking and stuffing leaves into compostable trash bags.

Mulching is great for the ecosystem. Suppose you’re using the mower with a mulcher blade on leaves in the fall. In that case, you’re creating organic material that provides essential nutrients for your lawn and a protective blanket for your flowers and shrubs that acts as sustainable fertilizer.

Can any lawn mower be retrofitted with mulching blades?

Absolutely. Unless you own a hybrid lawn mower, most lawn mowers are adaptable to mulching blades. Mulch requires more engine torque because the edges are heavier and have a lifting action. Underpowered budget mowers may not be suitable. The average mower will be able to adapt with a universal blade or designer blade.

When is the best time to mulch?

If you don’t want the leaf and lawn cuttings on your lawn all year, you will have to switch out the blades.

If your property has many falling leaves or a thick lawn, mulching will benefit you in the fall and early spring environment. Other chores like raking or pick-up are unnecessary once you mulch leaves and grass to a satisfactory cutting.

However, switching back and forth is unnecessary if you are happy with the benefits mulching provides for your lawn.

During an individual day, you’ll want to avoid mulching when the lawn is wet. If the lawn sprinkler has just done it’s job, avoid lawn mowing or mulching.

Once the blades become dull and no longer perform, remove them for sharpening.

What is the downside to mulching?

Mulching takes frequent cutting. It requires more torque and is harder on your mower. It’s best to cut dry grass to avoid excess clumping and further engine strain.

What risk are there from mulching blades?

Belt-drive mowers work on a spindle and pulley principle. A belt connects the pulleys to the motor’s drive pulley, but when the mulching blade strikes an object on the terrain, it may knock the belt off its path. This hit may cause the mulching blade to bend without damaging the mower.

Direct-drive mowers work with blades engineered to operate without a belt or pulley and instead use a shaft output drive. This design allows smaller engines to produce more spin while compromising the safety cut-off (like in belt-drive) and damaging the standard blade when it collides with obstructions like roots, stumps, or rocks.

The problem is that a thicker mulching blade can better withstand the impact but will bend the output shaft and instantly destroy most mowers.

One way to avoid this catastrophic damage is constantly scouring the lawn for protrusions and avoiding driving the mower across those surfaces. Lifting the cutting deck is a safer way to avoid hitting those protrusions. Raising the cutting height means more frequent mowing, and taller grass hides these obstructions.

Conclusion

Mowing and mulching require precautions, and safety is always paramount when switching blades. Injuries happen. Many great mulching replacement blades are available for wet grass and produce a finer mulching material.

Our top pick are the Maxpower universal blades because of their versatility, high lift, and precision cutting teeth.

However, you may find that the other blades on this list may suit your needs more. Assess your lawn cutting surface to determines the best mulching blades for your lawn mower. This is true whether you own a John Deere, Husqvarna, or any other compatible mower.

Mulching is becoming more popular for its eco-friendly benefits, and suitable blades will help keep your lawn healthy.

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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

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