Lawn mower blade design. Best Mulching Blades for 2023 Maximize Your Mower s Potential

Mulching Blades Vs Regular Blades | In-depth Comparison

To understand the main difference between mulching blades and regular blades, specific terms are used to compare different types of blades you should know before mixing it all and getting the wrong knowledge.

First thing you should know that blades are of two types that would fit any lawnmower.

Here are the other terms commonly used for lawn mower blades:

Mulching blades: the sole purpose of the mulching blade is to produce mulch.

Standard blades: Also called “regular or normal blades,” are 2-in-1 purpose blades that cut grass and secondly side-discharge it or send it to the bag of your mower.

Bagging blades: These are made for a bagger (a mower with a bag attached to it). Bagger blades can either be regular or mulch type.

Hi-lift blades: These blades have lifted edge parts that help lift grass high and cut it efficiently. Primarily these are used as bagging or discharge blades.

Gator blades: As the name indicates, Gator is a brand name; the Gator manufactures these blades. These blades can be mulching type, hi-lift, regular, bagging, or discharging kind.

So, from the above discussion, it is pretty much clear that there are two main types of lawnmower blades, and different terms are interchangeably used for each blade depending upon the purpose they serve.

The main types of lawn mower blades are

So let’s deep dive into it.

So, Here I will be discussing only mulching blade compared to regular mower blades and the sole purpose of our discussion would be to get most basic ideas of these blades, what common things they have and what different things they have.

First Lets know their basics:

Know Mulching Blades

A Mulching blade is 3 in 1 blade that suck up grass like a vacuum pump and hit the side of grass with its sharp edges that cut down grass. The metal flaps of mulching blades then come into action and bring that pieces of grass into rotation. They keep rotating it until the grass is cut into small pieces. And know that everything happens under the deck of mower real fast.

Characteristics of Mulching Blade

Natural Fertilizer Producer

The first amazing thing to know about the mulching blade is that they produce mulch. Mulch is a natural fertilizer. Actually, it is the grass clippings that I am calling here mulch. When mulching blades acts they cut out grass again and again under the deck of mower and make fine pieces at the discharge chute which once spread on grass acts as natural fertilizer.

Grass clippings once cut by mulching blades, are laid on the topsoil of grass, which on decomposition in 4-5 days give out its nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium to the soil. And yes, those nutrients act as natural fertilizer.

3-in-1 Function

• Mulching: Producing mulch via repetitive motion and cutting grass again and again into small clippings
• Bagging: Sending the grass clippings to the bag of mower if your mower is equipped with a bag
• Discharging: DIscharging means if your mower doesn’t have bag, a mulching blade discharge clips our of mower’s discharge chute.

In short, The working mechanism of mulching blades is just a repeativtive motion for cutting grass into small pieces which is called a natural fertilizer or mulch.

Curvy Design and Divided Airflow

The design of mulching blades is curvy on the edge. The basic purpose of these designs is to bring in grass with more contact on the edges of moving blades. It help the mower to chop grass effectively.

Where the divided airflow is a functionality of mulching blade that comes with the teeth on in it. As you can see in the picture, the curvy design and teeths of blade are well highlighted.

It should be clear that the edges are the one that cuts the grass clippings not the teeth of mulching blades as teeths are only made to bring in more air flow and keep pushing grass towards the edges of blade again and again in order to produce fine grass clippings just like coarse dust which we called as Mulch.

Mulching Blades Pros and Cons

• It creates multi directional lifts for repeativie cutting
• Doesn’t discharge or bagg well
• They cause less clogging and bogging of mower
• They fit on many mowers
• Needs higher power capacity
• Good for cutting tall grass
• Produce Natural fertilization
• Needs lower power capacity
• Best performaing blade when it comes to mowing after every 3-4 days
• Makes the lawn look healthier and cleaner

Know Regular Blades

A regular blade is a blade that do regular functions which are only two: Bagging and Discharging. They are also called as 2-in-1 blade which means they do bagging or discharging when moving under the deck of mower. The best thing about regular blade is that they are good at throwing away grass out of your mower.

Characteristics of Regular Blade

Regular blades characteristic that I would like to mention here are

Extended Metal Flaps

Regular blades has long and extended metal flaps which means they have bigger wings that cut the grass and discharge it out in one rotation. They don’t cut grass again and again as mulching blades do.

Angular Body

As you can see in the picture2, they have curvy angle in their body which means that angle is made to create high lift and throw the grass clippings out of mower more forcefully.

Best for Discharging

As mentioned earlier, regular blades are powerful in sense of throwing grass out of their rotational circle which means they are good at discharging. If you put bag against the discharing whole they can help you bag grass in a mower/bagger.

Strongest Air Flow and Originality

As the regular blades are uni-directional, it means they creates strong air flow at one time, cut the grass and through clippings outside mower in no time.

Regarding originality means these blades fits in originally place on the shaft of mower. They are genuine parts that comes with brand new mowers.

Regular Blades Pros and Cons

• It creates one directional lift
• Good for cutting tall grass
• Good at using in lawns that are not mowed regularly
• Discharge and bag well but does mulch well
• Good for lawn and yards where you less mowing like after 4-5 weeks
• They cause less clogging and clumping
• They does not fits on many mower like mulching mowers, they are mower specific.
• Can’t be used in dust conditions
• Needs higher power capacity

Comparison Based on Different Parameters

There are different parameters of mulching blades compare to regular blades, I have enlisted specific parameters which will make it crystal clear to understand the basic differences between mulching and regular blades.

Shape

Shape is the primary difference considered when it comes to the comparison of mulching and regular blades.

Mulcher blades have more curved edges than regular blades.

The curved edges or cutting portions are either flat or bears serrated teeth. Serrated-teeth edge creates enhanced airflow than the flat one because air moves more easily through them when the blade moves under the mower’s deck.

Another classy thing about the mulching blade is that its curved surface creates more vacuum than the regular type, enabling your mower to cut grass clippings repeatedly.

It is recommended to mulch every 4-6 days to maintain your lawn, as the finer the mulch produces, the more nutrients are added to the ground.

If you talk about the shape of the regular blade, they are the flat ones in form and made to work at lower mower settings.

You can use regular blades if you want more even strips on lawns, and you can easily remove piles of cut clippings from your yard. It is recommended to mow after 10-15 days if you are using regular blades.

Tip or Edge of mulching vs regular blade

Lifting Capability or Aerodynamics

The lifting mechanism depends on the shape of the blade. The lifting capability of the mulching blade compared to the regular blade is low as it sends grass clippings back to the cutting edges multiple times and produces more thin cuts.

High lift regular blades work uni-directional; they send clippings in the deck and throw them on the ground via discharge-cute or in the mower bag.

Discharging

As mulching blades are made to keep the grass clippings inside the mower and chop them repeatedly until they produce a finer mulch, they are not suitable for discharge.

Regular mower blades cut the grass clippings and disperse them more efficiently on the ground, but it will not produce a good cutting.

Dispersal of grass clippings depends on the type of mower. If it is a 2-in-one mower, it will either discharge it or send it to the bag part, which is exhibited by the regular blades.

On the other hand, mulching blades do not disperse grass clippings nicely; instead, grass clippings exit the mower deck to a shorter distance.

Trapping Under the Deck

Trapping is also referred to as the Recirculation of grass clippings under the deck of the mower. It depends on the design or aesthetic of the mower. There are lawn mowers with adjustability settings at different heights to cut grass better.

Mulching blades are more curved and recirculate grass clippings more efficiently due to the airstream they produce, resulting in quality mulch best for the topsoil of your lawn.

However, regular blades aren’t such a trapping type, and they are made to lift grass cuts high and discharge it outside or in the bag.

Grass Handling

Regular blades cost you more time than the mulching blades, as, after mulching, you don’t need to carry the bags full of clippings or piles of grass on your lawn to be cleaned up.

Compatibility of Blade

Mulching blades are generally compatible with new models and fit well as compared to regular blades. You can also use a mulching kit to mount mulching blades on the mower.

A mulching kit is a mulching blade with a plug to easily fit the mower and perform qualitative cuttings under the deck.

Finer Clippings

Mulcher blades produce fine clipping than regular one due to repetitive rotation and length wings they have.

Energy Consumption

Mulching blades consume more energy than regular blades, and they require more horsepower from the mower engine to work correctly.

Clumping of Grass

Mulcher blades comparatively work better on wet grass well as they will clump and hurt your lawn.

Durability

Mulching blades are more durable than regular blades as they are thick and built with high-quality material.

Overall Benefit

The former one wins the race regarding the overall benefits of the mulching blade and regular blade. As mulching produces mulch that serves as a natural fertilizer to your lawn, that’s the significant difference mulching blade makes here.

Comparison Table: Mulching Blades vs Regular Blades

Summary

Mulching blades are way much better than regular ones because they produce fine clippings, add nutrients to the soil, help you get rid of raking leaves, less grass clumping, maintain sharpness, and consume less energy and quality over a long period.

What kind of blades do you prefer? What are your final thoughts on this? If you have any queries or suggestions, let me know in the comment….

After doing my master’s in agriculture, I went on with this field for more than 15 years because I love working in green. I have experienced using modern machinery and techniques that can help farmers and landscapers to achieve something great. My goal will be to deliver you the best reviews and information to make the right decision.

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

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

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

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

MaxPower 21-Inch Universal Mulching Mower Blade

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

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

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

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

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

8Ten LawnRAZOR Mulching Blades for MTD Cub Cadet

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

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

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

Oregon G3 Gator Mulching Blade Set

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

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

Buying guide

What blades are best for mulching?

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

Are Gator mulching blades better?

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

Do mulching blades make a difference?

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

Which is better high lift or mulching blades?

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

Can I use mulching blades with side discharge?

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

What type of mower blade is best?

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

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Mower Blade Guide

When you look at your mower blade from the end, if the underside of the cutting edge is not flat to a table (parallel to the ground or center section), that will alter the angle of your grind. This is a tilt or twist forward, similar to a propeller. If you have a blade like that, you will want a Model 5005. The 5005 gives you the ability to easily adjust the grinding angle to compensate for the altered cutting edge angle. The video below goes into more detail. After reviewing the information below, if you are still unsure about your blade geometry, please contact us and we will help you choose the right model for your mower blades.

Blades With Potential Issues

We have encountered some mower blade styles that have issues being mounted in our vise. If you have one of these, you should check in with us first.

• Some eXmark 48” and smaller deck mowers have bi-level mulching blades where the cutting edge runs all the way into the center of the blade, beyond the center hole. This will cause mounting issues in our vise system that we do not yet have a solution for.
• Some mower blades have raised edges on the sides in the center mounting area. Not all, but some Toro, Snapper, and Cub Cadet blades fall into this category. There are other brands that may have this geometry as well. This causes issues but can be overcome by backing the vise screws out to raise them up so the blade will fit under them.
• Snapper Ninja mower blades are not able to be sharpened in our current units. We have not been able to create an adapter that will allow you to grind on the 4 blade edges.
• John Deere makes a mower blade for some older series of tractors that is too wide to fit in our jigs. These blades have a circular center hub that is 4 inches wide. We do not have an adapter or mounting solution for this type of mower blade.
• Dixie Chopper blades with the X—Blade system have raised centers that are stamped at an angle. This causes mounting issues in our vise system. We now have an additional adapter that can be used to properly mount the X-blades in our system.
• Honda riding lawn tractor mulching blades have a shape that will cause issues in our jigs. We have not been able to test or accommodate these blades yet. We do have an adapter for the Honda walk behind Microcut Twin Blade Sets.

Standard Mower Blades

The standard blade, as we refer to it, doesn’t have any altered angles along the cutting edge. It’s straight and simple. If you are looking to grind a 30 degree edge on these blades, you only need the Model 5002. If you want more angle options and versatility, check out the Model 5005.

John Deere Blades

John Deere mower blades can look deceptively like standard straight blades. But many, if not most of them, have a significant tilt or twist forward in the cutting section, so it is not parallel with the center section. This will alter the angle of the grind, so a setting beyond 30 degrees is necessary to compensate for the tilt. Our Model 5005 is the only jig we provide that makes it easy to choose steeper angle settings. Many John Deere customer have told us they needed to adjust their 5005 all the way to the 45 degree setting.

If the blade is used or worn, or has been previously sharpened, the angle may be beyond 45 degrees to the ground. If this is the case, it will take extra grinding to reset the angle. 45 degrees is the maximum angle adjustment in that direction. We have not found any new John Deere blades that needed an angle setting beyond 45 degrees.

John Deere also makes a mower blade (pictured above) that is too wide to fit in our jigs. These blades have a circular center hub that is 4 inches wide. We do not have an adapter or mounting solution for this type of mower blade.

Gator Mulching Blades

Gator mulching blades look more complex because of the mulching fins. But the cutting edge is the only part that needs sharpened. We have found that, due to a slight tilt forward along the cutting edge, the 35 degree setting is best to keep the factory edge on most Gator blades. We have found that most Ferris blades also have a slight tilt forward and work best with the 35 degree setting as well. The Model 5005 gives you the ability to grind at that angle.

Commercial Bi-level Mulching Blades

Bi-level mulching blades are a little more tricky. The outside cutting edge is parallel to the mounting surface. But the inside mulching section edge is raised and stamped at a different angle. We created the Model 5000 specifically to handle these. With a simple flick of the wrist, you can switch between the 30 degree setting on the outside edge or the 15 degree setting for inside mulching edge. In many cases, the Model 5005 is the better choice due to angle variances. Please read the text below …

If the underside of the outer cutting edge is not flat or parallel to the ground or the mounting section of your blade, it will alter your grinding angle. If that is the case, you will need a Model 5005 to compensate for the altered cutting edge angle.

Twisted High Lift Blades

We used to refer to these as high lift blades. But some mower blades are considered high lift without having the twisted end that makes these unique. That twist on the end alters the angle of the cutting edge. Since the cutting edge angles upward and isn’t parallel with the mounting surface, there needs to be an adjustment to compensate for that angle. The Model 5005 gives you the angle adjustments needed to fine tune your grinding edge to your preference. We see this type of blade on a lot of John Deere mowers. But there are other brands that incorporate a twisted high lift blade as well.

Honda Mower Blades

Honda Quadracut and MicroCut Twin Blade sets have a unique design and shape. We have fabricated an adapter so these blades can be mounted in our jigs. To match the factory bevel, we recommend the Model 5005 in conjunction with the Honda Adapter.

Counter-Rotating Mower Blades

Some mowers use blades that rotate in the opposite direction. We have heard these referred to as left-hand, counterclockwise, and counter-rotating blades. These will have the cutting edge on the other side of the blade. To adjust for this, all of our current Generation 2 models have extended guide arms. This gives you the extra range of motion needed to reach the cutting edge of your counter-rotating blades at the the bottom of the jig. We have seen these types of blades on many Walker mowers. But they are not exclusive to that brand. The 35 degree setting worked well with the Walker blades we have tested. For that reason, if you are planning to sharpen Walker mower blades, we recommend the Model 5005.

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Attaching one of these clump-busting blades to your mower can help make your lawn more beautiful and healthy.

By Tom Scalisi | Updated Feb 25, 2022 3:59 PM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Unlike standard mower blades, mulching lawn mower blades are designed to push grass clippings into the bagger with more airflow. Many mulching blades also have teeth that slice through grass clumps, dispersing cut grass into the bagger or onto the ground so they can make their way back into the soil.

Adding mulching blades to an existing mower is a snap for any DIYer with a socket set. And while most are made for gas-powered mowers, you can find mulching blades to suit an electric model, as well. Keep reading to learn more about this mower accessory and see top picks for the best mulching blades available.

• BEST OVERALL:Rotary Blades for Deck/Craftsman/Poulan/Husqvarna
• BEST VALUE:MaxPower 21-Inch Universal Mulching Mower Blade
• UPGRADE PICK:8Ten LawnRAZOR Mulching Blades for MTD Cub Cadet
• BEST FOR RIDING MOWER:Oregon G3 Gator Mulching Blade Set
• BEST FOR LEAVES:Oregon Mulching Blade Gator G5 21-Inch for MTD Mowers
• BEST FOR ZERO-TURN MOWERS:8TEN LawnRAZOR Set for Gravely, Scag and
• BEST UNIVERSAL BLADE:MaxPower 21-Inch Universal Mulching Blade
• BEST FOR ELECTRIC MOWERS:EGO Power 21-Inch Lawn Mower High Lift Blade

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Mulching Blades

While professional landscapers are familiar with these hopped-up grass-shredders, mulching blades will likely be a new concept for many. Here are some things to consider before buying a mulching blade for your push or riding mower.

Length

Long story short: Having the right length mulching blade for your mower is crucial. Mowers and all of their components are designed specifically for a certain length of the blade. Installing a too-small mulching blade will provide less than optimum results in three ways:

• You’ll make more passes (i.e., work harder), as the cutting area your mower can cover is now smaller.
• For multi-blade mower decks, you’ll be missing small strips of grass altogether, leaving the lawn looking like a mosh pit with multiple Mohawk haircuts.
• Your bagger will be ineffective due to the lack of airflow that a smaller blade provides.

Lawn mower blades that are too large will slow your mower down considerably if they even fit under the deck. As well, you’re likely to cause more clumping due to the slower speed and the lack of space under the deck that the larger blade creates. Plus, a blade that is too long can be a hazard, potentially striking the mower’s body or another blade in a double- or triple-blade mower deck.

Most lawnmowers display their cut size on the side of the mower (22-inch, 48-inch, etc.), so check your model to find the appropriate length. If it’s not there, refer to the owner’s manual under the replacement parts section.

Weight

Mulching blades are considerably heavier than standard lawn mower blades. They’re thicker, and the design of the more aggressive lift angle requires more material by default. Because of this, they may cause your mower to run slower. Users with older riding mowers may find that their mower wants to stall when engaging the deck. The increased inertia of the mulching blades provides more resistance than the mower was designed for.

While this is a necessary evil in the mulching process, you may avoid blade-induced bogging if you stop the mower before engaging the cutting deck. This will reduce the amount of strain on the engine and once the blades are up to speed, the machine should be able to function without complaint or sputter.

Number of Pieces

If you’re looking to upgrade the grass blades on your riding mower, you’ll want to purchase a kit with the correct number of blades. Most riding mowers have two or three blades, and all should be replaced with matching blades for optimum mulching performance.

Replacing only one mulching blade is a bad idea for two reasons:

• You probably won’t see the benefit of better airflow or mulching, as the standard blades will still cause clumping.
• Since mulching blades are much heavier than standard blades, installing differently weighted blades will disrupt the mower’s output, as one blade will run slower than the other. This can result in turbulent mowing and a less enjoyable experience for the user.

Fitment and Mounting Options

There are several different mounting hole styles on today’s mowers; most commonly, five-point star, six-point star, bow-tie, and universal fit. The spindle (where the blade attaches) under the mower deck is designed for one of the shapes listed above, and blades matching the spindle should install with ease.

The easiest installation methods tend to be the five-point and six-point stars, as they only require the user to remove one bolt. Universal kits are not always the best option since they’re not designed specifically for any specific mower, but they do take the guesswork out of which blade is right for your mower.

Durability

Mulching blades are more durable than standard mowing blades due to their thickness and design. That’s an asset for mulching riding lawn mowers and commercial machines with belt-driven decks. For push-mowers with direct-drive shafts, however, this durability can be a problem. Here’s why:

• For belt-driven decks, blades are attached to spindles, which are then attached to pulleys. A belt connects all the pulleys while also being attached to the drive pulley on the motor. When a thick mulching blade hits an object (like a stump or rock), it will most likely slip a bit on the belt— a built-in fail-safe. The blade may bend, but the mower itself won’t be damaged (aside from maybe shortening the lifespan of the belt by a small margin).
• For direct-drive mowers, like standard push mowers, blades are attached directly to the mower’s output shaft without a belt or pulley. This allows the smaller motor to spin the blade very quickly, but it doesn’t provide any fail-safe capability. A standard blade will bend if it hits a stump or rock, most likely leaving the mower intact. A thick mulching blade won’t give as easily and can quickly result in a bent output shaft—fatal for most push lawn mowers.

Ideally, regardless of mower style, try to give your lawn a quick check before you start mowing to remove any obstructions or make a mental note of immovable impediments. Lifting the deck height a bit will also avoid issues; however, you’ll need to cut the lawn more often.

Our Top Picks

The following mulching blades for push-style, riding, and commercial lawn mowers are durable, heavy-duty, and are sure to do an excellent job of breaking up ugly grass clumps that standard mulch blades leave behind.

Rotary Blades for Deck/Craftsman/Poulan/Husqvarna

For those looking to level-up their grass mulching game, this set of three mulching blades from Rotary could be just the ticket. This set is designed for any 48-inch mower from Craftsman, Poulan, and Husqvarna, thanks to its five-point star mounting hole.

These replacement blades are 16¾ inches long, 2½ inches wide, and a hefty.204 inches thick. The serrated cutting edge at the back of the lift will direct the cut grass easily into a bagger, keeping clippings off your lawn. But if you skip the bagger, these blades are likely to leave a few clumps that might require raking.

Product Specs

• Size: 48 ¼ by 2 ½ by.204 inches
• Weight: 6 pounds
• Mounting Compatibility: Five-point star
• Compatible with most 48-inch mowers
• Comes with 3 blades
• Works with or without a bagger

MaxPower 21-Inch Universal Mulching Mower Blade

MaxPower knows that not everyone has the time or patience to consult user manuals and part numbers to find the exact model number of their mulching mower. So they designed their nicely priced 21-Inch Universal Mulching Mower Blade to fit any push mower with a 21-inch deck. The mounting hole is designed to fit over both five-point stars and bow-tie shafts, so users can install this mulching blade easily.

To make the process even smoother, all washers and fittings required for mounting on most models are included. This 4-inch wide blade has a steep lift and more importantly for mulching, seriously aggressive teeth for crushing clumps. One caveat: this blade is durable enough to take a hit without bending, which means your mulching mower’s output shaft could get damaged if you go over a stump or rock.

Product Specs

• Compatible with most 21-inch mowers
• All mounting hardware included
• Steep lift and sturdy teeth
• Not as durable as some comparable models
• May not be suitable for use with electric mowers

8Ten LawnRAZOR Mulching Blades for MTD Cub Cadet

If you’re looking to upgrade the blades on a Cub Cadet or other MTD-made riding mower, the LawnRAZOR Mulching Blade Set is designed to fit 46-inch Cub Cadet decks, with aggressive lift and teeth to help make mulching an easy endeavor. These blades are 23¼ inches long, 2⅜ inches wide, and.157-inches thick, and their high-temp powder-coat paint will bolster their usable lifespan.

The LawnRAZOR set isn’t the thickest or most heavy-duty set on the list—and that comes with pros and cons. On the plus side, the blades will match the RPM speed of a standard blade more closely, great for creating airflow under the direct and tossing clippings into a bagger. The trade-off is that these blades may bend if they hit a stump or rock.

Product Specs

• Size: 46 by 23 ¼ by 2 ⅜ inches
• Weight: 4.5 pounds
• Mounting Compatibility: Six-point star
• Designed to fit most 46-inch Cub Cadet decks
• High-temp powder-coat paint for durability
• Compatible with the RPM speed of a standard blade
• Long, sturdy teeth
• Pricey
• May bend if they collide with a solid object
• Not as thick as comparable options

Oregon G3 Gator Mulching Blade Set

If you’re ready to replace the blades on your 54-inch Craftsman, Ariens, or Husqvarna riding mower, get this set of Gator blades from Oregon, the best-known company in the mulching blade market. The blade set is extremely heavy-duty and durable, thanks to 2¾-inch width and.187-inch thickness. They have an aggressive lift and a set of serrated teeth to break clumps up quickly and efficiently.

Though they aren’t universal, if these Gator blades do fit your model, swapping them in is easy via the five-point star mounting hole. In fact, fully research your model number to ensure that these blades will fit—a common complaint is that they don’t fit all 54-inch decks from the intended manufacturers.

Product Specs

• Size: 54 by 2 ¾ by.187 inches
• Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Mounting Compatibility: Five-point star mount
• Extremely heavy-duty
• Sturdy lift and serrated cutting edge
• Easy to replace or change

Oregon Mulching Blade Gator G5 21-Inch for MTD Mowers

Oregon’s G5 Mulching Blade, designed for MTD-made push mowers (such as Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, and Bolens), boasts the quality and durability of the company’s other products. This 21-inch model is ideal for push mowers, as its 2 ¼-inch width and.125-inch thickness mean striking a stump or rock might not ruin the output shaft.

This particular model shreds leaves into tiny pieces quickly, allowing them to break down on the lawn—a great choice if your yard has deciduous trees. However, if your 21-inch MTD mower is older or underpowered (like an off-the-shelf big-box model might be), this blade might bog the engine down a bit, despite its reduced size and heft.

Product Specs

• Size: 21 by 2 ¼ by.125 inches
• Weight: 5 pounds
• Mounting Compatibility: Six-point star mount
• Comes with 2 blades
• Compatible with most MTD-made push mowers
• Can withstand an impact with solid objects
• Cuts leaves into small pieces; minimal aftercare

8TEN LawnRAZOR Set for Gravely, Scag and

For home users and landscapers with zero-turn mowers, this set of mulching blades from 8Ten might be the perfect upgrade. These blades are designed to fit 48-inch decks from such manufacturers as Gravely, Scag, Hustler, Toro, and John Deere. They’re designed with durability in mind, at 2½-inches wide, with a massive.197-inch thickness.

These blades will rip through the grass on a high-speed zero-turn and mulch clippings with ease. Plus, the powder-coated finish will keep them in great shape through years of use. Keep in mind, though, that due to the 8Ten’s extremely efficient design, it can create extremely small particles that are bound to turn into useless pulp if the grass is wet.

These blades work best in dry grass, so they aren’t ideal for early morning landscaping jobs or post-rain cuts.

Product Specs

• Size: 48 by 2 ½ by.197 inches
• Weight: 6 pounds
• Mounting Compatibility: Universal
• Suitable for use on zero-turn mowers
• Compatible with many mower models
• Powder-coated finish
• Pricey
• Small particles may be left behind on the grass
• Not suitable for use on wet grass

MaxPower 21-Inch Universal Mulching Blade

This universal model from MaxPower takes most of the guesswork out of choosing the best mulching blade for your 21-inch push mower. It’s all about easy installation and includes all the washers and fittings needed to work on most mowers.

It’s a high-lift blade, meant to send clippings directly into a bagger, and at 2¼ inches thick wide, it’s light enough to work for most 21-inch mowers without issue. The blade lacks serrated teeth, so it works best with a bagger, not for leaves or for letting grass clippings settle in the soil.

Product Specs

• Size: 21 inches by 2 ¼ inches
• Weight: 2.17 pounds
• Mounting Compatibility: Universal
• Easy to install
• 2 high-lift blades included
• All washers and fittings included; multiple options available
• Suitable for use with a bagger

EGO Power 21-Inch Lawn Mower High Lift Blade

While most mulching blades are designed for gas-powered mowers, this high-lift blade from EGO Power is intended for use on their 21-inch push electric mower. This model, although light-duty in design, is meant to create enough lift to send clippings into the bagger on the back of the mower. It’s lighter than a typical mulching model, as the extra weight would quickly drain the life of a battery-powered model.

Though this blade is marketed as model-specific, a local power equipment shop might be able to make it work for an electric or battery-powered mower of another brand by replacing the mower’s spindle, or by drilling out the blade to fit. Beware, however, that modifying the blade will throw the warranty out the window.

Product Specs

• Size: 21 by 3.15 by 2.7 inches
• Weight: 1.75 pounds
• Mounting Compatibility: Universal
• Factory-sharpened steel blade
• Suitable for light-duty work
• Works in tandem with a bagger
• Not recommended for use with a mulching plug
• Only 1 blade included
• May require some work to install on some models

Our Verdict

Selecting the best mulching blade for your mower can be difficult with so many options currently available. One of the best options overall are the Rotary Blades for their five-point star mounting holes, compatibility with most 48-inch mowers, and 3 blades included. Alternatively, the MaxPower blades have a lightweight 2-pound construction, universal mounting hole, and are compatible with most 21-inch mowers.

How We Chose the Best Mulching Blades

We researched the most sought-after options in their respective categories and discovered that the best mulching blades are determined by their size, weight, mounting type, compatibility with multiple mowers, and other special features included by select brands.

Our top picks range from 21-inch to 54-inch blades with varying thicknesses to tackle small or large outdoor projects and work with multiple mulching lawn mowers available. While some have thin constructions that are meant for grass clippings and leaves, others are made thick to withstand collisions with stumps or rocks and have powder-coated steel finishes for long lifespans. This also coincides with the weight of each mulching blade as some are lightweight for small jobs or mowers while the heavier options are suitable for mowers that come with ample torque.

From universal, bow-tie, five-star, and six-star mounting holes, many of the above picks have serrated teeth and high lift for leaves or dry to wet grass clippings, making them compatible with baggers. Finally, select picks come with multiple blades included to keep your grass and lawn in good shape for years to come.

FAQs

Mulching blades are likely a new concept to folks who do their own yard work. Here are some answers to common questions.

Q: Is mulching better than bagging leaves?

Mulching allows leaves to break down into organic fertilizer much faster, and it’s less work whoever is mowing. For those who hate raking and bagging leaves in the fall, mulching is undoubtedly the better solution. If you use a bagger, you’ll be able to dump leaf litter in a garden bed for organic matter, or past the woodline where they can break down into the ecosystem.

Another option is to simply shred the leaves into leaf litter and leave them on the lawn. This looks a little messier than bagging but can enrich the soil over the course of the winter. As the small leaf particles work their way between the blades of grass, they’ll break down and leech nutrients into the soil.

Q: Can you install mulching blades on any lawn mower?

There are mulching blades available for most mowers, but not all mowers should have mulching blades installed. Underpowered models may not have the horsepower to spin a heavy mulching blade at an effective speed, providing mixed results when cutting and mulching.

Q: How often should I mulch my lawn?

You can use your mulching blade year-round. Most people that install mulching blades don’t bother changing them until they become too dull to cut effectively, in which case they’ll have them sharpened.