Best Mulching Blades of 2023 for a Pretty Lawn
While to mulch or not to mulch seems an everlasting question many gardeners won’t agree on, a lot of lawn care enthusiasts are eager to switch to mulching rather than bagging nowadays. Indeed, mulching your grass clippings has a lot of benefits. First of all, it keeps the lawn healthy by increasing nutrient supply to the soil. It’s also a way to save time and energy. By using the best mulching blades, you’re spared from the need to bag larger grass clippings and enjoy a better-looking lawn.
Affiliate links and images placed from the Amazon Product Advertising API on 2022-11-21
While there’s a whole generation of lawn mowers advertised as mulch mowers today, there’s nothing to prevent you from using a set of well-fitted blades to convert your traditional mower into a mulch-friendly one. Read about the best models for this purpose below. A shopping guide is included towards the end of the article, too.
Best Mulching Blades You Can Trust
Below are some mulching/gator blades models that I know to be good either from my own experience or from my friends and relatives. Remember to choose one that fits your mower!
Oregon G3 Gator Mulching Blades
Affiliate links and images placed from the Amazon Product Advertising API on 2022-11-21
Oregon is a US-based company that produces a whole range of gardening and outdoor equipment and tools, including a line of professional tools. It has a lot of dealers across the country and offers very consistent customer service, which is a big plus for products meant to last.
Made to last is something these blades definitely are. Oregon relies on austempering to increase the material’s fatigue strength and resistance to impact. This is paired with cutting-edge sharpening technology (pun not intended). When installed on a lawnmower, the blades use an aggressive angle that provides for intense airflow, ensuring effective performance. Apart from this, the Gator blades are quick to use and save you a lot of energy.The resulting grass clippings are really fine. Our mower does a good job of spreading them across the lawn, too, so there’s no need to make any adjustments afterwards. G3 blades work regardless of weather conditions and how tough the grass is due to the airlift they create before actually cutting the grass as well as their well-thought-out-design.
In my opinion, Oregon G3 Gator blades are truly the best lawn mower mulching blades due to their extreme efficiency and durability. I have been using them a lot recently and don’t feel like there’s much to be desired. Our lawn looks nice and healthy, and they definitely make the process less of a chore for me. I highly recommend this model to anyone interested in keeping their lawn healthy.
With a total length of 18-1/2 inches, a center-to-center distance of 3-3/4 inches, and a 5-point star center hole, the blades will fit a wide range of 54” mowers by Decker, Husqvarna, Craftsman, and Poulan Pro.
- Highly reliable
- Effective
- Good in any weather
- Works well on tough grass
Maxpower 561713XB Blades: Best Mulching Blades for Riding Mowers on a Budget
Affiliate links and images placed from the Amazon Product Advertising API on 2022-11-21
Shoppers on a budget will appreciate how affordable this 2-blade kit is as compared to most competitors. This is a set of US-made commercial replacement mulching blades that stands out due to its quality build. The blades will fit a variety of mower models with a cut of 42”, mostly by Poulan, Husqvarna, and Craftsman. Each is 21 inches long and 2-2/1 inches wide and comes with a 5-point star-shaped center hole. The latter fact is associated with likely difficulties in installation if you are a beginner. On the other hand, it ensures a secure fit and helps the mower preserve its best RPM with the blades installed.
The cutting edge design is very effective in that it cuts even the toughest grass. Weather conditions hardly matter with this model, so I suggest considering it if you are looking for a heavy-duty solution that won’t hurt your budget. Our neighbor has been using the blades for some months now, and he says they do spare him a lot of passes. His lawn looks really neat, too.
I’ve noticed some mulching blades reviews on the web complaining about chute clogging. According to the above-mentioned neighbor, this product is one that eliminated the problem, which is another bonus.
- Fits snugly if used on a 42″ deck
- Highly durable material
- Perfect for heavy-duty operation
- No chute clogging
Maxpower 331528b: Best Mulching Blade For Rough Tasks
Affiliate links and images placed from the Amazon Product Advertising API on 2022-11-21
MaxPower specializes exclusively in the production of replacement parts for the garden and home power equipment. In their range of blades, you can find products for many popular models. The MaxPower 331528B is an excellent and inexpensive item that handles heavy-duty tasks with ease. If you often have to chop not only grass and leaves but also branches, cones, and nuts, this model is definitely for you.
While it copies the original MTD blade in shape, it can also fit mowers from Cub Cadet, Craftsman, and Troy-Bilt. Note that its center hole has a bow-tie design, making the item unsuitable for some models. I recommend that you read the complete list of suitable machines from the manufacturer before purchasing it.
The product is 21 inches long and 2.25 inches wide, but the cutting edge is slightly longer than usual. It lets you cover a larger area in less time. I like that it is made of durable and tough metal, which means it will keep its sharpness for a very long time. It is essential when dealing with large debris. Not all budget models are made of such excellent quality.
Best Lawn Mower Blade? Mulching And Regular Comparison
The blade itself is well-balanced and cuts the grass perfectly even. However, like other users, I ran into difficulty tearing off the stickers. You will need to make an effort or use a special product to get rid of them. It may seem to someone that a small piece of paper with glue shouldn’t be an issue, but it can still have a negative impact on your mower performance. Therefore, I still recommend removing the stickers.
- Suitable for many models
- Made from durable metal
- Does not require sharpening
- Has an extended cutting edge
MTD 942-0741A: Best Mulching Blade for Push Mowers by MTD
Affiliate links and images placed from the Amazon Product Advertising API on 2022-11-21
MTD is a well-known American manufacturer of mass-market outdoor power equipment that has been in the market for over eight decades now. The model under review will make a good replacement or addition to walk-behind mowers by this brand.
Designed to fit 21-inch decks except for those made of cast aluminum in some specific models, the blades come with a four-point center hole. Only one is included in each pack.
A friend of our family used to own a relatively old MTD on which he tried this blade, and he was generally satisfied with it. According to his review, it’s one of the most durable pieces he’d ever come across with his mower. While it does require occasional sharpening, it can stand up to the rigors of tough, wet grass, and does a good job of mulching generally. The friend did mention random blades of grass sticking out here and there, though. Besides, it takes some time for the blades to get sharp as they come with a kind of protective coating applied to them, compromising their cutting ability for the first half-hour or so. Otherwise, however, this is a decent long-lasting tool for MTD lawn care equipment.
- Relatively robust
- Generally good mulching performance
- First a wide range of MTD details
Rotary Copperhead: A Budget-Friendlier John Deere Lawn Mower Mulching Kit
Affiliate links and images placed from the Amazon Product Advertising API on 2022-11-21
The history of Rotary dates all the way back to 1957. It is one of the global market leaders in aftermarket power equipment spare part supply, offering an extensive range of products designed primarily for lawn mowers.
While also made by a trusted brand, this two-pack blade kit is more affordable than the previous model. It’s also made to fit 42” cut John Deere mowers. The John Deere owning relative I’ve already mentioned has some experience with these blades. In her opinion, they could easily compete with the more expensive Arnold model in terms of performance. They do have a weak spot, however. The Rotary blades don’t really arrive sharp; there’s a layer of paint covering the cutting edge that you need to knock off before using them. Otherwise, the result might be disappointing. The blades are unlikely to perform better than the original John Deere ones straight out of the box. However, they easily outdo the stock kit when sharpened a bit, leaving hardly any uncut patches even in wet weather.
The relative has also mentioned bumping into a brick as she was mowing her lawn with these blades. They did survive, pretty much unharmed, so I think it’s a great option for shoppers on a budget looking for a heavy-duty tool. The installation procedure is relatively easy.
- Extremely durable
- Leaves no uncut streaks
- Works well in any weather and on any grass
- Easy to install
- Not so expensive
Husqvarna 954636867: Best Mulching Blades for Husqvarna Mowers
Affiliate links and images placed from the Amazon Product Advertising API on 2022-11-21
Dating back to the 17th century, when the original firearm manufacturing company was founded in Sweden, Husqvarna Group is now a true giant in agriculture and gardening that hardly needs to be introduced. Its history as a lawn mower manufacturer began over a hundred years ago.
Riding mowers by this brand are quite popular; I have more than one friend using them to trim their lawns, and this blade is the most common choice when it comes to mulching. Firstly, it’s an original spare part made by a trusted brand. Secondly, the model is both a long-lasting and efficient tool.
The blades come with a traditional 5-point star center hole and don’t have a serrated edge. However, they do a good job of mulching grass, leaving just evenly distributed clippings that are hard to notice with the naked eye. Their greatest flaw is reportedly the tendency to bump into whatever roots and stumps you have in your garden, so you should watch out for these. These blades will remain sharp for a long time and are unlikely to be destroyed even with the heavy-duty operation.
The kit includes a pair of 21-inch blades for 42” deck mowers.
Lawn-Boy 89914P 21-Inch Blade: Best Mulching Blade for Walk Behind Mowers by Lawn Boy
Affiliate links and images placed from the Amazon Product Advertising API on 2022-11-21
Another brand with a hundred years’ experience and over seven decades on the gardening market, Lawn Boy makes a range of 20-inch pusher mowers that can be fitted with mulch blades.
I found out about this blade model from another friend, who has been a Lawn Boy user for years now. Since she is an elderly lady, even a few extra passes with her walk-behind grass cutter would be unwelcome, but the blades do a good job of sparing her effort. Made of hard material with serrated cutting-edges, they leave behind evenly cut patches of lawn. The blades come sharp out of the box and last long even when used on wet grass.
With a round center hole, this model is not the easiest to install, which is probably its only flaw in the context of Lawn Boy.
- Durable material
- Sharp out of the box
- Uniform fine mulching
- Good in any weather
How to Choose the Perfect Blade Set
Since a lot of people seem to be unsure as to what the phrase “mulching blades” means in the context of how to mow a lawn, I decided to include a brief explanation and a set of buyer’s directions for you to make an informed decision.
What is mulching, and why bother?
Talking about lawn care, mulching is the process of cutting grass into very fine clippings that can then be left scattered on the surface of the lawn. Unlike those left by standard mower blades, these are small enough to have no negative impact on whatever lies beneath and are, in fact, quite beneficial.
Improved nutrition is probably the greatest benefit of mulching. The clippings will eventually degrade, releasing a number of useful substances such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and more. Given that these are the most important nutrients in fertilizers for home lawns, this might also help you get a prettier lawn.
For those who aren’t easily convinced by this argument, the fact that mulching saves labor might be of greater interest. Indeed, there’s no need to deal with the many bags; you just leave the clippings where they are.
Finally, since bagging as the opposite of mulching is associated with the increased use of plastic bags, which also take up precious space on landfills, cutting your grass into tiny clippings that will soon break down is good for the environment.
Some gardeners seem to have a prejudice towards mulching as a practice that encourages thatch formation, where an interlayer of live and dead matter separates the soil from vegetation. While moderate thatching does have benefits, it makes the lawn prone to diseases and other afflictions when excessive.
However, it’s not mulching that’s responsible for thatch formation, but rather the choice of grass varieties and soil condition. It’s widely accepted nowadays that evenly spread clippings that a mulching mower leaves behind don’t cause this kind of problem. There’s still a possibility that they will add to existing thatch, though, so take it into account when mulching.
Now that I’ve mentioned a mulching mower, what is it?
What’s a mulching mower?
A mulching mower is basically a lawn mower designed with mulching in mind. This means that is has a special blade or blade set capable of shredding the grass into tiny fragments and a discharge system that provides for even clipping distribution.
While standards mowers are usually built with a view for bagging or simply with a side/rear discharge chute, some of these can be converted into mulching types by installing specially designed blades and a distribution solution. Mulching kits are a popular choice, in this case, combining the two necessary components.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of mulching blades?
Mulching blades can be purchased separately if you have a mower that wasn’t built for the purpose, provided that they are compatible with the model. This enables you to mulch your lawn without investing in a newer or more advanced lawn mower.
Depending on the geometry and other characteristics, mulching blades can be installed on pusher type mowers or lawn tractors.
For those who have been asking themselves, “What is a mulching blade?”, the term refers to mower blades shaped in a way to increase cutting efficiency and ensure finer clippings. This includes an increased cutting surface area and a sharper cutting edge. Generally, mulching blades look curvier than their regular counterparts.
As for the downsides of mulching blades, these are likely in situations where mulching is contraindicated, like on lawns with known thatch problem or when the weather is really wet. The latter might bring about nasty clumps, so it’s common practice to mulch your lawn when the grass is more or less dry. Finally, the vegetation shouldn’t be too tall if you want to mulch it, which means you’ll need to mow your lawn on a schedule.
How to choose mulching blades
Mulching blades come in different flavors, depending on their purpose.
First of all, some are meant for pusher types of lawn mowers, while others were designed for lawn tractors. This is usually easy to trace since it’s typical for manufacturers to list the models that this or that product will work with.
Sizes differ, too, but this again depends on what mower you have. Metal thickness can vary, though, and thicker blades are usually associated with longer life. This also depends on the material and how (and if) it’s been treated and/or coated.
When it comes to shape, there are two major categories: standard mulching blades and so-called gator, or 3-in-1, blades. The former look like a curvier version of straight mower blades, while gators also feature a serrated cutting edge. While these tend to be more expensive, I highly recommend quality gator models such as the one by Oregon that I feature as my top pick for all-around mowing, especially when the grass is wet.
Long story short, the key parameters to know when looking for a mulching blade is your mower model and its geometry as well as your intention (how often and under what weather conditions you are going to mow).
FAQ About Mulching Blades
In this section, I’m going to answer some of the questions that people often ask regarding mulching blades. Feel free to contribute in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев section if you please!
How do mulching blades work?
Mulching blades work by lifting grass blades and cutting them several times, after which they are further shredded in the deck. The tiny clippings are then pushed down onto the lawn, forming an evenly distributed carpet due to the divided airflow. The key difference between mulching blades vs regular blades is that the former option provides for smaller remnants.
When to use mulching blades?
Mulching blades should be used whenever you are trying to mulch your lawn. That is, if you want to cut your grass into really fine fragments that will break down in no time when left on the ground, nourishing the soil with their degradation products, mulching blades are the right choice. However, there are some limitations.
If you have a lot of weeds such as crabgrass on your plot, it’s best to avoid mulching as it might cause these to spread. Further, longer grass isn’t particularly mulch-friendly, especially when it’s wet, so it might be wiser to collect the clippings if you haven’t been tending for your lawn for some time. Intensive use of certain chemicals and pesticides might prevent or delay grass clipping break-down, too, which is unwelcome.
Do Gator mulching blades work?
They do if they are well-made like the ones I’ve included in the review section. The serrated cutting edge does a good job of shredding grass into really fine pieces while maintaining a medium lift.
What is an extreme mulching blade?
Technically speaking, there’s no such thing as extreme blades. The phrase usually refers to very heavy-duty models or those where geometry provides for increased cutting surface, resulting in even finer cutting, like the ones by Arnold.
How to get best cut when using mulching blades?
First of all, you need to mow your lawn more often with mulching blades than you would while using regular ones. As a rule of thumb, do it every time the glass is 1/3 taller than you want it to be. It’s also preferable to choose a dry day because wet grass tends to clump.
What is the best use of Copperhead mulching blades?
Copperhead blades are known to be sharper than average, really heavy-duty blades that are ideal for difficult terrain with lots of stumps and roots. The general mulching rules apply to them as well (see above).
Keep Your Lawn Beautiful with Mulching Blades
A set of well-made, rugged mulching blades is a budget-friendly way of converting your traditional lawn mower into one that will beautify and nourish your lawn.
It is essential that you look for blades compatible with your equipment and take into account the terrain you’re going to use it on as this determines the sturdiness requirements.
From my experience, I suggest considering Oregon G3 Gator blades as an all-round solution that will last under pretty much any conditions. However, there are many decent alternatives, depending on your situation.
Have you already tried mulching your grass? If yes, what has been the most challenging part? Please share!
Lawn Mower and Tractor Insight
Humphreys Outdoor Power give you insight to make your tractor or lawn mower last with best practices to get the most out of your machine.
The Mulching Blade Guide
Fall is one of the most beloved of the four seasons. Bright colors, sweaters, pumpkins, kids in costumes, what’s not to love? The answer to that for any home owner is easy: LEAVES. Sure, they seem pretty when they start to change color while they’re up in the tree, but the moment they fall they become a problem. Leaves can kill patches of grass in your yard when spring rolls around, not mention the damage they cause to wood patios or the stains they can leave on decks. Leaves have to be dealt with; but what is the best way to deal with them? Leaf Blowers work well if you have a small to medium size yard but if you have a large yard, mulching seems to be the most time efficient means of getting rid of them. One of the biggest questions we get here at Humphreys Outdoor Power is in regard to mulching blades. These are specially designed to tear leaves and brush. We’ve compiled a short guide to help you decide if mulching blades are right for you, how to use them, and what else to try if they’re not.
The Pros and Cons of Mulching Blades:
Pros:
Mulching Blades mulch leaves well. If you have a large amount of leaves, the extra teeth on the fins of the blades help to destroy them on every rotation.
Saves Time. This is especially true if you have a zero turn like a Dixie Chopper or Kubota zero turn. Basically you can ride over your heavily leaved areas and be done. In a lot of cases you don’t even have to get the leaf blower out.
Cons:
Mulching Blades do not mow grass well. Mulching blades are terrible when it comes to mowing your lawn. The bladed fins don’t create the suction that the regular fins do and you’ll be able to tell. This means that you need to mow with a different set of blades, which means you need to change them back and forth for mulching and mowing.
The blade tip speed on most Zero Turn mowers is high enough to take care of most of your mulching for you. Regular blades can mulch just fine as long as you can close off your chute and keep the leaves under the deck.
How to use mulching blades
The first thing you’re going to want to do if you’ve decided to use mulching blades is to mow your lawn one last time with the regular blades. This will get the taller grass out of your way as well as putting a finished cut on your lawn for after your leaves disappear.
Once you do that, you’ll want to put on your mulching blades
Raise your deck a little higher than when you usually mow, about an inch ought to work.
Repeat until they’re gone.
Put your regular blades back on for spring. Trust me, you’re going to think your lawn mower is broke if you try to mow with the mulching blades.
Alternatives to Mulching blades
Operator Controlled Discharge Chute: As mentioned above the blade tip speed on most zero turn mowers is fast enough to grind leaves really well, it’s just a matter of keeping the leaves under the deck long enough. An operator controlled discharge chute closes off the chute keeping debris under the deck longer. Dixie Chopper makes the easiest to operate and without any cables. We’ve fit this on many different brands, but we also sell a smaller unit offered by Trac-Vac that can fit on just about any make or model. In our opinion, this is the best tool you can purchase if you’re mulching leaves and already have a zero turn.
Trac-Vac: If you grew up in Indiana you probably remember seeing one of these galvanized steel carts being pulled behind a riding lawn mower. This is still a great tool for a zero turn or even a riding lawn mower. They can be a pricier option but deliver the most professional looking results regardless of what mower you’re pulling with it.
At the end of the day, a regular STIHL leaf blower may still be your best option, particularly if you have a small yard. However, for those of you that have a big yard, mulching blades might be a good option for you. We tend to recommend trying to grind the leaves with an operator controlled discharge chute first, primarily because you won’t risk forgetting about changing your blades come spring. As long as you remember to not mow your grass with the mulching blades you’ll be in the clear. If you have any questions about mulching blades, operator controlled discharge chutes, Trac-Vacs, or simply want to shoot the breeze, give us a call or stop by!
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.
Are you using the right mower blades? John Deere Mower Blades Explained
– 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.
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