Good mulching push mower. Best Mulching Lawn Mower Reviews and Buying Guide

Best Mulching Lawn Mower Reviews and Buying Guide

I love to use a mulching lawn mower as this type of mower is very convenient to use. But you know I started my journey of using this mower with the wrong one!

Yes, you heard right. In fact, I didn’t know what features to check out before purchasing a mulching mower. But this bitter experience led me to learn lots of things.

And based on my experience, I want to help you. I have compiled a list of 10 best mulching lawn mowers that are worth buying.

In this content you’ll learn:

Top Ten Mulching Lawn Mowers Reviews

We know that it’s fairly difficult to buy the best outdoor power tool for your lawn worthy of your hard-earned cash.

But we are here to help. You’ll see some of the most well-received and top-rated mulching lawnmowers in the market in the following list:

1# Yard Machines 140cc Walk-Behind Push Lawn Mower

Yard machines have produced some of the best gas-powered walk-behind mowers in the market, and the Yard Machines 140cc mower is not an exception to that rule.

It’s categorized as a 2-in-1 lawnmower, which means it’s capable of side discharge and mulching.

In addition, it features a 21-inch symmetrical cutting deck that’s made of durable steel. And this cutting deck can cut through a wide area of grass on a single run, making it ideal for mowing small or medium-sized lawns.

Features and benefits:

Height Settings:

There are two levers on the back of the mower that can be used for adjusting the cutting height of this mower. There are in total six different height adjustment settings available to the user.

It features 7″ front tires and 11″ rear tires are exceptionally durable. They can maneuver over irregular terrains.

The Yard Machines mower features a 140cc OHV engine made by Briggs and Stratton. It also comes with a primer and a recoil start.

We were highly impressed by the mulching capabilities of the Yard Machines 140cc gas-powered push mower. That’s why it’s on the number one spot.

2# Snapper CRP218520 Ninja Commercial Series Lawn Mower

Just because you’re on a tight budget doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to settle for a low-quality lawnmower. If you’re looking for an affordable mulching lawnmower, the Snapper CRP218520 NINJA lawnmower is the way to go.

The best part about it is that it will last for a long time, and you won’t have to worry about buying a new lawnmower soon.

Its deck and axle are made of durable 14-gauge steel. It also features a rear-wheel-drive system (RWD) that enables this mower to maneuver smoothly over rough surfaces.

Features and benefits:

Maneuverability:

As it features a rear-wheel-drive system, maneuvering this mower around the lawn will feel like a breeze. And it’s 10” tires can generate a significant amount of traction with the ground.

Adjustable Heights:

It features seven different height adjustment options that range from 1.25” up to 4”.

The Snapper lawn mower is powered by a 190cc Briggs and Stratton engine. And it’s from their Professional Series of engines. It starts quickly, and it also operates pretty quietly.

We have nothing to complain about regarding the Snapper Commercial Series lawnmower. It’s robust and durable. You should definitely consider buying it.

3# Sun Joe Mj403e 17 in. 13-Amp Corded Electric Walk Behind Push Mower

Sun Joe has made lawn care much easier with their release of the new Sun Joe 17″ corded lawnmower. It’s categorized as an electric lawnmower and as a mulcher.

Its powerful 13-Amp motor and durable 17” steel blade make it the ideal tool for mulching. And since it’s a corded electric lawn mower, you won’t have to buy expensive gas to run it.

Starting this lawnmower is fairly straightforward. You just have to hold the instant start button and then pull down the lever, and the mower will start functioning.

Features and benefits:

Cutting Options:

The Sun Joe walk-behind mower is suitable for mulching as well as rear bagging. And it comes equipped with a bagger.

It features a fabricated deck that’s made of durable ABS plastic. This deck has a width of 18.5 inches.

Height Adjustment:

10 Best Mulching Lawn Mowers 2022

You can adjust the cutting height of the Sun Joe mower into seven different positions. The height options fall on a range of 0.8 inches up to 2.8 inches.

Overall, the Sun Joe Mj403e lawnmower has some impressive features, and it performs extraordinarily well.

4# Worx WG743 40V PowerShare 4.0Ah 17″ Lawn Mower

We believe that Worx is a surprisingly underrated brand in the lawnmower industry. They have produced some innovative lawnmowers, but these products didn’t get the recognition that they deserve.

That’s why for our fourth pick, we have chosen the Worx WG743 push lawn mower. First of all, It features two 20V batteries that provide users with extended runtimes.

Andhe best part about it is that you won’t have to deal with any gas or fumes while using this lawnmower. It features a push-button starting system, and you won’t have to manage any cords to start it.

Features and benefits:

Intellicut Technology:

The Worx WG743 mower features intellicut technology capable of determining the stiffness of the grass clippings and adjusting the torque of the mower accordingly.

Height Adjustment:

This mower features six different height adjustment options that range from 1.5 inches up to 4 inches.

Performance:

Its two 20V batteries provide enough power to the mower that it can mow up to.125 acres of land on a single run.

The Worx WG743 is an excellent lawn mower that provides exceptional cutting performance. You’ll wish that you had bought this mower sooner.

5# Troy Bilt TB130 159cc Push Walk Behind Lawn Mower

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of changing your lawn mower’s oil from time to time, then we suggest you purchase the Troy Bilt TB130 lawn mower. You even won’t have to go through performing routine maintenance on it.

It doesn’t require that much maintenance, and it’s capable of mowing in various cutting modes.

Its accessories include a mulch kit, a rear bag, and a side discharge chute. This lawn mower also features two 11″ all-terrain rear tires that can maneuver over all types of surfaces.

Features and benefits:

Cutting System:

The Troy Bilt TB130 lawn mower features a TriAction cutting mechanism that will provide you with exceptional mulching performance. This system includes a rake bumper, a symmetrical deck, and a specialized 21″ blade.

This mower runs on a 159cc Troy Bilt gas-powered engine. And this engine enables the mower to mow up to.25 acres on a single run.

Height Adjustment:

It features six height adjustment positions. The cutting heights range from 1.25 inches up to 3.75 inches.

The Troy Bilt TB130 mower is a great contenderation for the title of “the best mulching lawn mower.” We strongly recommend it.

6# Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM Mulching Lawn Mower

Are you looking for the most powerful cordless mulching lawnmower? Well, you’re in luck. That’s because Sun Joe has the perfect product for you.

The Sun Joe 24V mower is powered by an exclusive iON Li-ion battery system that includes two 4Ah, 24V batteries. And these batteries provide fade-free performance for up to 65 minutes on a single run.

That’s more than enough runtime to mow up to.5 acres. And its 17” steel blade can cut through a path of 17 inches every time it spins.

Features and benefits:

Height Adjustment:

You can adjust the deck height of the Sun Joe 24V mower from 1 inch to 3 inches. In total, there are six height adjustment settings available.

Although it’s categorized as a mulching lawnmower, it’s also capable of bagging. And it comes with an 11-gallon grass bagger.

Don’t worry; you won’t have to wait around for hours on end for the batteries to get charged. The Sun Joe mower comes with a dual-port charging system that can fully charge the batteries in just 110 minutes.

After all, the Sun Joe 24V mulching lawnmower is highly efficient at cutting grass and weeds. It also provides smooth and quiet operation. It undoubtedly would be best if you considered it.

7# Troy-Bilt TB115 140CC, 21-in Push Mower

And on the seventh spot, we have another entry from Troy-Bilt. We had to test out numerous lawnmowers while researching this list, but our favorite one was the Troy-Bilt TB115.

And the reason for that is this mower is remarkably powerful. It features a Troy Bilt 140cc auto choke engine that can take care of all kinds of mowing conditions.

It starts instantly, and it’s quite versatile. You can mulch, bag, or side discharge using the TB115 mower.

Its TriAction cutting system will deliver a well-groomed lawn to you every time you use it.

Features and benefits:

Height Adjustment:

The TB115 lawnmower comes with a 1.9-bushel grass catcher, a mulch kit, and a side discharge chute.

Height Adjustment:

This push mower features six height adjustment settings that range from 1.25 inches up to 3.75 inches.

TriAction Cutting Mechanism:

Just like the TB130 lawn mower made by Troy Bilt, the TB115 also features a TriAction cutting mechanism that comprises a symmetrical deck, a rake guard, and a steel blade.

The Troy Bilt TB115 mower provides power and durability. It’s also comfortable to use. You won’t regret purchasing this mower.

8# WORX WG779 40V Power Share 4.0 Ah 14″ Lawn Mower

We just couldn’t resist including another product from the Worx WG series. Just like the WG743 mower, this mower also features Intellicut technology.

If you face tall, thick grass while mowing the lawn, all you have to do is turn the knob. The knob is located in the front of the deck in order to increase the power output of the mower.

This mower also comes with charge indicators that will let you know how much charge you have left in the batteries.

The WG779 is powered by two 20V batteries that provide the mower with a combined voltage of 40V. It’s almost as powerful as a gas-powered lawnmower.

Features and benefits:

Cutting Height:

There is a lever located near the front tires. And this lever can be used to adjust the cutting height of the mower into three different positions.

Performance:

The Worx WG779 mower is quite efficient, and it can mow up to 5500 sq ft. of land on a single run.

You can easily start this lawnmower. Just push the start button on the handle and then slowly move the lever.

The Worx WG779 mower has a compact design, and it’s relatively lightweight. That’s why it is easy to maneuver, and mowing your lawn with this mower will seem effortless to you.

9# MJ402E Mow Joe 12-Amp Electric Lawn Mower

Has your lawn been unattractive because of overgrown grass and weeds? Well, with the Mow Joe MJ402E electric mower you can bring back your beautiful looking lawn in a matter of minutes.

Plus, it’s really eco-friendly as it doesn’t release toxic fumes and carbon emissions like gas-powered mowers.

It features reliable and instant startups, and you won’t have to pull any cords in order to get this mower started.

When we tested it out, we noticed that it had performed better while bagging. And it’s worth mentioning that this mower comes with a large 9.3-gallon detachable bag.

Features and benefits:

Cutting Height:

You can change the cutting height of the mower to tackle various kinds of mowing conditions. It features a six-position height adjustment system. And the heights range from 1.6 to 1.2 inches.

The Mow Joe MJ402E comes with an instant start system that makes the task of starting this mower feel effortless.

Motor and Blade:

It features a powerful 12-Amp motor and a 15-inch blade made of steel. In fact, this blade is highly efficient at cutting the grass clippings into smaller pieces.

We were highly pleased with the design and performance of this lawnmower. And the customer service is also excellent.

10# Murray 21″ Gas Push Lawn Mower

If you want to have a practical solution to your lawn mowing related issues, we suggest you consider buying the Murray 21” gas lawn mower.

We were surprised at the quality of this mower, especially considering it’s from a relatively unknown brand.

It’s powered by a mighty 140cc Briggs and Stratton engine. And this engine is capable of tackling the toughest of grass clippings with ease.

It’s also fairly versatile. This mower will give you the option to choose between mulching and side discharge.

Features and benefits:

The Murray push mower features durable 7” front tires and 8” rear tires. These all-terrain-wheels can maneuver around the lawn with ease.

It features a 21” deck made of steel. It’s remarkably durable, and it’s compatible with side discharge and mulching.

As mentioned before, this mower features a 140cc Briggs and Stratton engine. This engine is quite powerful, and it’s from the 500e series.

Almost all the customers of the Murray 21” gas lawn mower had nice things to say about it. We recommend you buy it.

Features and benefits:

The Murray push mower features durable 7” front tires and 8” rear tires. These all-terrain-wheels can maneuver around the lawn with ease.

It features a 21” deck made of steel. It’s remarkably durable, and it’s compatible with side discharge and mulching.

As mentioned before, this mower features a 140cc Briggs and Stratton engine. This engine is quite powerful, and it’s from the 500e series.

Almost all the customers of the Murray 21” gas lawn mower had nice things to say about it. We recommend you buy it.

Buying Guide

You can either buy a lawnmower blindly or you could make an informed purchase. The choice is up to you.

But in order to get the best mulching lawn mower in the market, you have to go through the following guide to make the right choice:

Engine Power

Mowing the lawn in mulching mode requires the mower’s engine supplies a lot of energy and that energy.

If the engine isn’t powerful enough, then you’ll face a massive problem while mowing your yard. So make sure you buy a mulching mower that has an engine power of 5-6 horsepowers.

But don’t go for a mower whose engine makes a loud noise during operation as that would be quite annoying.

Cutting Options

Just because you’re searching for a mulching mower doesn’t mean that you don’t have to think about the other cutting options.

Sometimes you may face irregular surfaces and uneven terrains where mulching may seem a bit difficult.

And sometimes the blade gets clogged by grass clippings while mulching. In these situations, you don’t have any choice other than changing the mower’s cutting mode from mulching to bagging or side discharge.

Construction

You should also make sure that the mower has excellent build quality. It has to be durable, and it has to be capable of mowing the lawn even in rough conditions.

The deck should be made of steel, and the wheels also need to be sturdy.

Final Verdict

Congratulations! You’ve come about the end of our list. Now, you have everything you need to make the right choice.

Finding the best mulching lawn mower is a challenging task, but lucky for you, we have done a lot of research in order to point you in the right direction.

Each of the brands that we have mentioned is reliable, and you can confidently buy from them. However, if you’re still unsure about which one to purchase, we suggest you go for the Yard Machines 140cc gas-mower.

This gas-powered mower has a powerful engine and durable construction. You won’t regret purchasing it.

Best Mulching Lawn Mower – UK Reviews of My 8 Top Picks

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Over the last few years, mulching grass cuttings while mowing the lawn has become more and more popular.

As a result, many of the best lawn mowers mulch grass clippings and leave them on the lawn to decompose and recycle those nutrients back into the turf.

And like other types of lawn mowers, there are hundreds to choose from. You can buy dedicate mulching mowers as well as regular rotary mowers that mulch.

So how do you pick the best mulching lawn mower for you and your lawn?

This article will (hopefully) steer you in the right direction.

A quick comparison

Stiga Multiclip 47 SQB

Weibang Virtue 53 SMP

Super powerful to mulch through long grass

Mow Anything From Lawns to Paddocks

AL-KO 468P-A

Mountfield Princess 38

Rear Roller For Striped Finish

Greenworks G40LM35K2

Mulch or Collect Grass Clippings

Good For Medium-Sized Lawns

Ego Power LM2024E-SP

As Powerful as a Petrol Mower

Mulch, Side Discharge or Collect

Mounfield SP535HW

Mulch or Collect Grass Clippings

Very Well Reviewed By Users

Frisky Fox Plus Quadcut

4 Blades For Finer Cutting

Mulch, Side Discharge or Collect

The Best Mulching Lawn Mower with Reviews

If you are not sure what type of mulching mower you need, then I recommended jumping to buying guide to find out more.

Here’s a list of the best mulching lawn mowers I found on the market:

Stiga Multiclip 47 SQB Dedicated Mulching Mower. Best Value

• Power Type: 125cc petrol engine;
• Cutting Width: 45cm;
• Grass Box Capacity: N/A;
• Weight: 26kg;
• Self-Propelled: Yes;
• Warranty: 5 Years;

Overview

Stiga makes some of the best mulching mowers out there and the Multiclip 47 SQB is a fantastic model.

It’s built to last with its powder-coated steel cutting deck, ball bearing mounted wheels and Briggs Stratton 450E Series 125cc engine. Which is very easy to start.

It’s a self-propelled mower which is driven by the front wheels which, I have to say, does take a bit of getting used to. That said, when you do, it’s incredibly manoeuvrable. It also makes the 26kg weight feel light as a feather.

The operator presence control is a nice safety feature which cuts power to the spinning blade when you let go of the handle.

Cutting long, rough grasses is easy too as the Stiga comes with 5 cutting heights to choose from 30mm – 80mm. The finish is excellent with the mulched clippings are barely visible.

Really the only downside for me is the fixed drive speed. At 2.5mph some might find it a bit quick. It would have been nice to have variable speed but then, that would add to the price.

Overall though the Stiga Multiclip 47 SQB is a brilliant mulching lawn mower which will serve you well for years. All backed up with a 5-year warranty for not as much money as you might think!

Weibang Virtue 53 SMP Self-Propelled Commercial Mulching Mower

• Power Type: Kawasaki 179cc FJ180 petrol;
• Cutting Width: 53cm;
• Grass Box Capacity: N/A;
• Weight: 55kg;
• Self-Propelled: Yes. 3 speeds;
• Warranty: 5 Years;

Overview

If nothing but the best will do for you, then the Weibang Virtue 53 SMP is the mulcher mower for you.

It’s bigger and more powerful than the Stiga in almost every way.

Powered by the very easy to start Kawasaki 179cc FJ180 petrol engine, it has the torque to blast through even really rough paddock grasses.

The engine sits on top of a deeply domed 53cm 13-gauge steel cutting deck which has a rolled lip for added strength. Under which resides John Deere’s specially designed mulching blade which has 4 cutting blades to deliver the best mulching of any machine I’ve used.

It’s completely smooth underneath too which makes cleaning it after use as easy as you could wish for.

As you’d expect, this is a brilliant self-propelled mower with 3-speed gearbox and self-propelled drive from 0.8 to 1.2 m/s. Which makes mowing across varying terrains smooth and effortless

There are 7 cutting heights, ranging from 15 – 76mm with single lever adjustments so no matter what condition the grass is in, there’s a cutting height to suit.

Weibang are known for making premium garden machinery and they’ve brought all that build quality to this lawn mower.

Expect to pay for all that quality though. It’s more than double the price of the Stiga.

AL-KO 468 P-A Mulching Mower. Cheap Pick

• Power Type: 123cc petrol engine;
• Cutting Width: 46cm;
• Grass Box Capacity: N/A;
• Weight: 26.4kg;
• Self-Propelled: No;
• Warranty: 5 Years;

Overview

If you really like the idea of a mulching lawn mower but you’re on a smaller budget, the AL-KO468 P-A Bio Mulch is a good choice.

It’s powered by Al-KO’s own 123cc engine which uses QSS (quick start system) for easy starting while overhead valve technology increases performance and reliability.

As it’s a cheaper machine it isn’t self-propelled so you’ll have to push its 26kg weight around yourself. That said, the wheels are mounted on ball bearings so it’s smooth to push and easy to manoeuvre so the weight didn’t bother me personally. Although it might start to feel heavy if you have to push it up inclines.

The ULTRAMOW steel deck and cutting width is fairly wide at 46cm and it has 4 height settings which range from 30mm – 85mm. As such, so it’ll tackle large lawns with thick grass without issue.

It deals with grass clippings in two ways;

• Regular mulching for regular lawns, and
• Side discharge for cutting long, thick meadows and paddocks

Overall, I quite like this AL-KO mulching mower for medium-sized gardens. Although for larger lawns, I’d prefer to have self-drive.

Mounfield Princess 38 Electic Mower That Mulches

• Power Type: Electric;
• Cutting Width: 38cm;
• Grass Box Capacity: 40 Litres;
• Weight: 13kg;
• Self-Propelled: No;
• Warranty: 1 Year;

Overview

Dedicated mulching mowers are generally petrol-powered which makes them pretty useless for small gardens.

If that’s the situation you find yourself in, then take a look at the Mountfield Princess 38.

It’s a corded electric lawn mower that has a mulching plug attachment as well as a 40-litre grass collector. This means you get to choose whether you mulch or not.

Of course, the quality of mulch isn’t that of a dedicated mulcher mower. However, if you cut the grass regularly, the clippings will be small enough to quickly decompose back into the turf.

It has a cutting width of 38cm and six cutting heights which range from 25mm – 75mm. And if you like a nice striped finish when you mow, it has a rear roller.

The power cord is a decent length too at 15 meters.

Greenworks G40LM35K2 Cordless Mulching Mower

• Power Type: Cordless Electric;
• Cutting Width: 35cm;
• Grass Box Capacity: 50 Litres;
• Weight: 15kg;
• Self-Propelled: No;
• Warranty: 1 Year;

Overview

If you’d rather not wrestle with a power cord, the Greenworks G40LM35K2 is a small cordless mower that mulches grass clippings via a mulching plug.

It mulches fairly well and for those times when you’d rather collect the clippings, it comes with a large 50-litre grass collector.

Powered by a 40v lithium battery, it’ll give you 40 minutes of run time which is enough to cut a lawn up to 400sq meters.

You have five cutting heights to choose from between 25mm – 80mm so there’s plenty of adjustment.

The whole thing is made of plastic so I must admit, it does feel a bit cheap. That being said, it makes it lightweight and easy to more around smaller gardens.

Again, when it comes to cordless mulching, choice is a bit limited but the Greenworks is pretty good.

Ego Power LM2024E-SP Mulching Cordless Mower

• Power Type: Cordless Electric;
• Cutting Width: 50cm;
• Grass Box Capacity: 60 Litres;
• Weight: 30kg;
• Self-Propelled: Yes;
• Warranty: 5 Years;

Overview

If you’re into cordless technology but you need some bigger and frankly, better than the Greenworks, the Ego Power 2024E-SP is superb!

On top of the 50cm steel cutting deck sits a powerful 56v Lithium-Ion battery which packs the performance of some of the best petrol lawn mowers. Without the noise, fuel and fumes or problematic starting.

A single charge provides up to 60 minutes of run time, depending on the conditions of the grass you’re mowing. The variable-speed motor delivers more power to the rotary blade when you face tough, coarse or wet grass and back it off when it’s not needed.

Like all of the mowers in this article, the Ego mulches grass clippings. Very well, in fact, considering it’s not a dedicated mulcher mower. You can also side discharge long grass or collect it in the large 60-litre grass collector.

Cutting heights range between 25mm – 95mm which makes the Ego suitable for family lawns as well as unruly areas of grass.

And it’s a self-propelled mower too so despite its size, it’s very easy to handle.

If you’re into cordless technology, the Ego Power range of lawn mowers is hard to beat.

Mountfield SP535HW Petrol Mower For Mulching

• Power Type: 160cc Petrol Engine;
• Cutting Width: 53cm;
• Grass Box Capacity: 70 Litres;
• Weight: 37kg;
• Self-Propelled: Yes;
• Warranty: 5 Years;

Overview

If you’d rather a petrol mower which enables you to bag grass clippings as well as mulch them, the Mountfield SP353HW is worth considering.

Sat atop of the 53cm steel cutting deck sits a Honda 160cc OHC engine which is not only very easy to start, but incredibly reliable too.

Combined with its wide 53cm cutting width it has a massive 70-litre grass collector so it’s designed for those with fairly large lawns.

If your lawns are in good nick, it Mountfield does a very decent job at mulching the clippings back into the turf.

It weighs in at 37kg but the self-drive takes care of any issues with the weight. As a result, it feels light and manoeuvrable.

You have six height setting to choose from which range from 26mm – 87mm which is easily adjusted by a single lever.

For the safety-conscious, it also features operator presences control which stops the blade from spinning as soon as you release the handle.

It even has a hose connection for easy cleaning.

I have to admit, I really like this petrol mower!

Frisky Fox PLUS 20″ Quadcut Mulcher

• Engine: 173cc, 4-stroke;
• Cutting Width: 51cm;
• Grass Box Capacity: 50 Litres;
• Weight: 35kg;
• Self-Propelled: Yes;
• Warranty: 2 Years;

Overview

If you don’t have the budget for the Mountfield, take a look at the Frisky Fox.

OK, it might not be a brand that jumps to mind when looking for the best mulching lawn mower but it mulches very well thanks to 4 blades inside the cutting deck which delivers twice the number of cuts than a regular mower.

If you decide not to mulch, you can either collect the grass clippings in the 55-litre grass collector or side discharge.

It has many of the features you’d get from more expensive models including variable speed self-drive, and if you like a striped finish, it’ll do that too.

For the money, the Frisky Fox is excellent.

Difference Between Dedicated Mulching Mowers Lawn Mowers That Mulch

Yes, there is a difference between dedicated mulching mowers and lawnmowers that mulch. Understanding it will better help you choose the right type of machine for you and your lawn.

Dedicated Mulching Mowers

The following video explains how dedicated mulcher mowers work:

Dedicated mulching mowers come in many types, from a typical mower style to the best riding mowers.

All robot mowers are mulching mowers by design.

Whichever format they come in, they have specially shaped rotary blades which double cut the grass into tiny pieces before depositing them back into the turf.

Because they’re specifically designed for mulching, they don’t have a grass collection bag.

Lawn Mowers That Mulch

On the other hand, some of the best rotary mowers, from regular to ride ons, mulch grass clippings.

However, not in the same way a dedicated mulching mower does.

They don’t double cut the grass into tiny clippings. Instead, you fit an attachment called a mulching plug which simply redirects the grass clippings (which have only been cut once) into the turf instead of the grass collector.

Can You Use Other Types of Mowers For Mulching?

You can, but only if you mow regularly to keep grass clippings really small and cut the grass on dry days.

Golf course groundsmen use the best cylinder mowers to cut the grass on a daily basis. Because grass clippings are so tiny, they rarely use grass collectors, choosing instead to leave the clippings where they lie.

Also, some of the best hover mowers or manual lawn mowers don’t have grass collectors. If you mow regularly with a hover mower, you can leave the clippings on the lawn.

So Which Type Should You Choose?

Because dedicated mulching mowers lack a grass collector, it does take away a certain amount of flexibility in how you mow your lawn.

For example, if you have weeds in your lawn, you’ll obviously mulch them too and potentially spread them all over.

If you had a mower with a grass collector you could collect the clippings and avoid spreading the weeds.

That said, the only way for a regular mower to mulch as well as a dedicated machine is if you cut the grass at least every 5 days, maybe every 3 days depending on quickly the grass is growing. That way the clippings will be tiny anyway.

Choose a Dedicated Mulching Mower If;

• You hate running back and forward to the green waste bin or compost heap
• Your lawns are large and you can’t dispose of the clippings
• You consider yourself an organic gardener and you prefer not to apply chemical lawn feed
• You don’t want to cut the grass every couple of days

Choose a Rotary Mower That Mulches If;

• You prefer to choose when you mulch or dispose of grass clippings
• Mowing more regularly suits your style of lawn care

In Conclusion

I hope you have found my list useful in finding the best mulching lawn mower for you.

Remember, the best mulching mowers are dedicated machines which use special blades rotary blades. The downside to that is the fact that they don’t have the option of a collection bag.

Regular lawn mowers don’t mulch as effectively unless you cut the grass more often to keep the grass clippings small. The benefit is that you get the flexibility of collecting the clippings when you want to.

The type of machine you choose will ultimately depend on whether you place more value on the ability to collect clippings or the quality of mulch and the time savings that mulching provides.

About Tim Stephens

I’m a professional gardener with degrees in Horticulture Landscape Gardening. I want to help you create the garden of your dreams. I want your garden to look like it’s maintained by a professional. As if I was there doing it all for you!

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Best mulching lawn mower

If you’re concerned with your lawn’s health, you’ve likely considered upgrading to a mulching lawn mower. Mulching lawn mowers have special blades that chop grass into ultra-fine clippings that decompose quickly, providing your lawn with the nutrients it needs.

These advanced mowers can be pricey, so it’s Smart to research the specifics of the mower before you commit to buying a specific model.

What to know before you buy a mulching lawn mower

How do mulching lawn mowers work?

Mulching lawn mower blades are designed with curves that help air circulate beneath the mower. This added air circulation allows the grass clippings to move freely beneath the mower, and make contact with the blades multiple times before being discharged. Many mulching lawn mowers also have unique baffles that help direct the airflow and keep the grass clippings from being released before they’re mulched.

What are the benefits of mulching?

The finely-chopped mulch helps retain moisture and keeps your soil cool on hot days. The mulched clippings also serve as a fertilizer, feeding your lawn much of the nitrogen it needs to stay healthy. Additionally, mulching is significantly better for the environment than bagging scraps as mulched clippings decompose rather than take up space in a landfill.

Are there any downsides?

Although mowing wet grass is never recommended, sometimes you end up mowing a patch of grass that has yet to dry. Damp grass is known to get stuck in mower blades and even cause them to get jammed in some cases. Mulching lawn mowers can be highly susceptible to this shortcoming since they’re designed to keep the clippings under the mower as long as possible.

What to look for in a quality mulching lawn mower

Durable design

Because of the mulching process, mulching lawn mowers need to be more durable than regular lawn mowers. A good mulching lawn mower should have relatively few reports of engine or mechanical failures, and should ideally be backed by some sort of warranty.

Versatility

Although mulching is great, you may not want to mulch your lawn every time you mow. Many mulching lawn mowers feature two-in-one or even three-in-one designs that allow you to mulch your clippings, bag them or discharge them out of the side of the mower. These versatile machines are a great way to get the most out of your investment and allow you the freedom to use your mower as you see fit.

Assembly

Because of their unique design, some mulching lawn mowers can be a pain to put together, causing problems from misassembly. However, there are easily assembled mulching mowers available to avoid these kinds of problems.

A number of models don’t require you to assemble more than the wheels or blade, making it easy to get started mulching right out of the box.

How much you can expect to spend on a mulching lawn mower

Depending on the style and brand, a quality mulching lawn mower can cost you anywhere from 200-300.

Mulching lawn mower FAQ

Can you mulch your lawn with a regular mower?

A. Many people “mulch” their lawns by lowering their mower blade and running over their lawn clippings a second or third time. Although this can help fertilize your lawn, the results won’t be as consistent as with a mulching lawn mower, and it requires considerably more effort.

When is the best time to mulch your lawn?

A. In general, it’s best to mulch when your lawn is dry to reduce clumping. During spring, your grass may grow quicker than the mulch decomposes. Consider mulching less often in the springtime, so you don’t over-fertilize your lawn.

What’s the best mulching lawn mower to buy?

Top mulching lawn mower

What you need to know: This versatile cordless mower features both mulching and bagging settings, making it great for those that like to switch it up from time to time.

What you’ll love: The convenient Intellicut feature adjusts the torque as needed for more challenging jobs. This mower is lightweight and incredibly easy to maneuver. The WORX 40V Power Share is a relatively quiet lawn mower. It only takes about ten minutes to assemble. The mulching setting works great and the lawn clipping bag is incredibly durable.

What you should consider: The battery life is only 30-45 minutes on a full charge.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Top mulching lawn mower for the money

What you need to know: A three-in-one mower with a wide cutting path that’s both durable and affordable.

What you’ll love: The 20-inch cutting path is excellent for larger yards. You don’t have to worry about the battery going dead while you’re in the middle of a job. The push-button start is exceedingly easy to use.

What you should consider: It is susceptible to clogging when mulching damp grass.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Worth checking out

What you need to know: This heavy-duty lawn mower features a Briggs Stratton engine and is both durable and versatile.

What you’ll love: You can easily change between six different blade height settings. It’s able to cut through tall, thick grass with ease. Surprisingly easy to start for such a heavy-duty lawn mower.

What you should consider: Several users reported oil leaks within the first year of use.

Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot

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Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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Why You Need a Mulching Lawn Mower

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Best Mulching Lawn Mowers Reviews [Buying Guide]

Mulching lawn mowers mash up clippings into small particles that nourish your grass. They’re great for the lawn and the environment.

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Mowing a lawn is enough of a chore without going back and raking up the clippings. But if you don’t do it, that bed of clippings might suffocate the grass.

You could collect the clippings in a bag, dump them in a pile, add in other organic material and turn it into useful compost. Or you could pulverize the clippings into particles small enough to safely leave on the lawn. That’s exactly what a mulching lawn mower does.

Mulching lawn mowers come in all power options, including gas and electric (corded or cordless). Some you ride, and some you push. If you like your current lawn mower, there may be a kit that lets you convert it to a mulching model. No matter which kind you choose, you’ll have greener grass, because the mulch adds nutrients to the soil.

How Does a Mulching Mower Work?

Mulching mowers feature rotary blades that spin on a horizontal plane. But instead of the straight blades, like a conventional rotary lawnmower, these are shaped to direct clippings toward the underside of the deck and cut them several more times before falling back on the lawn. Some mulching blades are curved, some serrated, and some are both.

A mulching mower has no side or back outlet. This allows clippings to swirl around under the mower deck. When you buy a conversion kit, it typically includes a cover for the discharge opening. The mower won’t mulch properly without it.

How To Use a Mulching Mower

If you’re not careful, some of that swirling grass under the deck of a mulching mower may Band together into clumps, which the grass can’t absorb. Here’s how to prevent this:

• Mow the grass only when it’s dry. Wait for the morning dew to dissipate. If you’re planning to water, do it after you mow.
• Mow the grass often. This prevents oversized clippings from creating a layer of thatch.
• Mow more slowly than you would with a regular mower to give the blades times to mulch.
• Clean the blades and the underside of the deck before and after mowing.
• Sharpen the blades frequently to maintain cutting power.
• Weed the lawn before mulching. If you mulch weeds, you just spread the seeds. If the lawn has lots of weeds, bag the clippings until you can reduce the weed population.

To keep the grass healthy, set the mower height so that it cuts no more than one-third of the length of each blade. The grass should generally be about 1/2-in. longer than it would be if you were collecting the clippings. This keeps the roots healthy and hides the pulverized clippings that fall back onto the lawn.

Is Mulching Good for Your Grass?

Yes. And it’s also good for the environment.

• Clippings provide nutrients the grass needs, including nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous. Because the clippings are ground into small particles, they decompose quickly, making the nutrients readily available.
• Waste products from the microorganisms responsible for decomposition combine with the soil to produce carbon-rich humus. This helps the soil retain moisture. A cover of fresh clippings aids that process.
• According to the Environmental Protection Agency, yard trimmings account for more than 12 percent of municipal solid waste. So every bag of clippings used as mulch takes some strain off your local landfill.

Top Mulching Lawn Mowers

If you’re looking for a push mower, you can choose a corded, cordless or gas model. Or you could opt for a gas-powered riding mower. Here are some awesome mid-range choices. Once you’ve finalised your pick, don’t forget about getting a lawn mower cover, too.

Best Corded

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The GreenWorks 12-Amp Corded Lawn Mower offers back or side discharge as well as mulch mode. There are no emissions and no batteries to charge.

Best Cordless

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The Worx 40V Power Share comes with a battery charger and two 20V batteries that provide enough power to mulch 1/8-acre on a single charge. The batteries can be used with any other Worx tools.

Best Gas

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The Craftsman Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower is a standard pull-start mower with auto-choke, which means you simply pull the cord and go. Like the GreenWorks, it offers back and side discharge plus mulching options. It features six height settings and a 21-inch cutting deck.

Best Riding

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The Husqvarna Riding Mower offers an 18.5-horsepower gas engine and a top speed of 7.4 mph, making it one of the faster riding mowers on the market. Air induction prevents grass from flattening under the blade. The mulching kit and clipping bag are sold separately.

Chris Deziel has been active in the building trades for more than 30 years. He helped build a small city in the Oregon desert from the ground up and helped establish two landscaping companies. He has worked as a carpenter, plumber and furniture refinisher. Deziel has been writing DIY articles since 2010 and has worked as an online consultant, most recently with Home Depot’s Pro Referral service. His work has been published on Landlordology, Apartments.com and Hunker. Deziel has also published science content and is an avid musician.