Top 7 Best Mulching Blades Of 2024 (UPDATED PICKS)
People are constantly trying to cut down on their waste by reusing and recycling to help the environment in today’s world. However, even with this ‘go green’ motto, people don’t know how to reuse the ‘greens.’
Not sure what we are talking about?
Come on, look around you! What’s the greenest thing you can find around?
Hint: It’s in your garden. Yup, you guessed it right – grass!
This brings us to our question; are you looking for a solution to efficiently eliminate those grass clippings?
Despite working hard to mow your lawn, you may have experienced ending up with unattractive clumps of chopped grass on top of that perfectly manicured blanket of green.
The best way to deal with these bothersome greens is to break them up during the cutting process. How so, you ask?
By using a mulching blade, of course! Mulching blades can aid in correctly dispersing clippings so that they break down into the soil as efficiently as possible.
These devices trim your grass into significantly smaller sizes, allowing your lawn to look nice even when your clippings are still around.
Now, you can head out into the market at any time and find a mulching blade for your garden. But if you want the best mulching blade in the market to reuse those grass clippings, you will have to do some research.
This would include reading reviews about the best mulching blades, knowing what things to consider while buying these blades and getting answers to your queries.
Don’t fret, because you won’t have to scan the web for all this! In this article, I have composed a list of the seven best mulching blades along with an ultimate buying guide to help you invest in the best.
So, let’s get started!
Things To Consider Before Purchasing The Right Mulching Blade?
Now that we have discussed the seven best mulching blades that you can buy for your garden, it is time to move on to another essential component of this article – the buying guide!
Assuming that you are one of the many homeowners who are unfamiliar with the concept of mulching blades, I will share with you a comprehensive guide to buying mulching blades.
Take a look at these points listed below to get the ultimate guide to what you should consider when buying the best mulching blades:
01. Purpose
Before heading out to the market to buy mulching blades, always ask yourself why you need them. To turn your grass into mulch, right? So, you need a mulching blade that chops the grass super fine to return valuable nutrients to your lawn.
So, keep that in mind while heading out the market to buy yourself mulching blades. This will make it much easier for you to shortlist the various brands and the best mulching blades for your lawn.
02. Size
Another thing that you must keep in mind before investing in a mulching blade is its size. Your mulching blade needs to be just the right size. If you install a small mulching blade in your lawnmower, it will take more passes resulting in an increased workload.
Moreover, you can’t buy bigger sized mulching blades to speed up the work. This is because large blades slow down the functioning of the mowers. Secondly, they may damage your mower’s body.
So, you should always check whether your mulching blades are the right size for your lawnmower or not.
Most lawnmowers indicate their cutting width in inches on the side of the mower, so you can double-check your model to determine the correct size of the blade.
If not at the side of the machine, then the ideal blade size for your mower should be listed in the owner’s manual under the replacement components section.
03. Weight
The next most important factor to consider before buying a mulching blade is its weight. You should never purchase one without first determining how heavy it is.
Why is that so? Because, unless you are purchasing a new lawnmower, it is likely that you already have one. You must ensure that it can support the additional weight of the new blades, or else it may break down completely.
Therefore, it is critical to examine the weight of your present blade and begin looking for mulching blades that are the suitable weight to avoid causing a mechanical fault.
04. Mounting Type
Nowadays, lawnmowers come with various mounting hole styles to choose from. You can find mowers that have a five-point star, six-point star, bow-tie, and universal fit styles.
The spindle (where the blade attaches) under the mower deck is designed for either of the shapes indicated above. Mowing blades that are compatible with the spindle should fit effortlessly.
You should always purchase those mulching blades that fit your mower’s mounting design. However, if you eliminate the confusion involved in determining which blade is appropriate for your particular mower, you can go for the universal kits.
They are an excellent safe-side solution because they fit mowers with all mounting types.
05. Quantity
Most lawn mowers have two or three blades to chop the grass. So, the next thing you need to consider before heading out to the market is the number of mulching blades you need.
Furthermore, if your mower demands three blades and you replace two, it will cause the machine to malfunction. This turbulence would disrupt the output, and the engine would fail to provide optimum results.
06. Durability
Unless you are fond of frequently investing in mulching blades, you would want to ensure that the ones you are buying are durable or not.
Mulching blades made of alloy and industrial steel last the longest. So, you should always check the materials used to make the mulching blades to examine their overall durability.
07. Warranty
While this isn’t a hard and fast rule, it’s usually a good idea to check the warranty on the mulching blades you are about to buy.
You must be confident that you will return the blade if you have any issues with it, which are more frequent than you might imagine. Perhaps the blade didn’t fit your lawnmower well, or the blade itself has a manufacturing flaw. Things like this do happen, and you can never be too cautious when it comes to your money.
So look for a brand that offers warranty options, so you’re not stuck with your purchase if something goes wrong.
Our Top 7 Best Mulching Blades Review
While the subject of whether to mulch or not to mulch seems to be one that many gardeners can’t seem to agree on, many lawn care enthusiasts these days are switching to mulching from bagging. Mulching your grass clippings offers numerous advantages.
To begin with, it keeps the lawn healthy by improving the soil’s nutrition supply. It is also a time and energy saver.
You may avoid having to bag grass clippings and have a better-looking lawn by purchasing the best mulching blades.
Listed below are the reviews of the seven best mulching blades that I found online.
01. Maxpower 331528B 21-inch Mulching Blade
Why It Stands Out To Us
If you have even the slightest interest in home appliances, you must know that MaxPower is dedicated primarily to manufacturing replacement components for garden and home power equipment.
You may get blades for a wide variety of popular models in their selection of items, but the MaxPower 331528B Mulching Blade is a must-try.
Our Experience with It
- We found the MaxPower 331528B Mulching Blade to be a high-quality and reasonably priced tool capable of handling heavy-duty jobs with ease.
- Moreover, we found the product a perfect size; 21 inches in length and 2.25 inches in width. The cutting edge is slightly longer than is standard for the industry. But because of this, you may cover a greater area in less time.
- Furthermore, we found the MaxPower 331528B Mulching Blade a fantastic tool because it is durable and robust metal. This means it will retain its sharpness for a highly long period. This is a fantastic feature for those who have to deal with significant amounts of debris.
- Additionally, we had no trouble installing this mulching blade because the mounting hole is intended to fit over both five-point stars and bow-tie shafts. And the best part is that all of the washers and fittings required for installation on most models are provided to make the process even easier.
What We Didn’t Like
The biggest downside of the MaxPower 331528B Mulching Blade is that this blade is strong enough to withstand a blow without bending.
Thus, it is possible that your mower’s output shaft will be damaged if you run over a stump or rock while cutting.
Who Is This Great For
We highly recommended the MaxPower 331528B Mulching Blade to anyone who has to frequently chop more than just grass and leaves but also branches, cones, and nuts.
What Could Be Improved
The manufacturers can make the stickers on the blade easy to remove. The removal requires extraordinary effort and even products, which, if ignored, can impact the mower’s performance.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Versatile mulching blade that fits many 21″ cut MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman mowers
- Measures 21″ in length and 2-1/4″ in width providing 21″ of cutting width
- Sports a bow tie center hole design that effectively connects the blade to the spindle
- Pre-sharpened blade that does not need further sharpening
- Engineered to meet or exceed all OEM specifications
Pros
- Compatible with many mowers
- Durable
- Extended cutting edge
- Pre-sharpened blades
Cons
- Stickers are hard to remove
02. Rotary Copperhead Mulching Blades
Why It Stands Out To Us
The Rotary Copperhead Mulching Blades made it to our list of seven best mulching blades because of their extraordinary features and excellent customer reviews.
In the commercial power equipment spare part supply industry, Rotary is one of the global market leaders, offering a comprehensive selection of goods mainly developed for lawnmowers.
If you think of buying anything from the company, we would blindly suggest the Rotary Copperhead Mulching Blades.
Our Experience with It
- Firstly, we were amazed by the product features. The Rotary Copperhead Mulching Blades measure 1634.4 inches in length, 212 inches in width, and a substantial.187 inch in thickness.
- Secondly, the five-point star mounting hole on this set allows it to be used with any 48-inch mower. We experienced these blades with our John Deere mower. They were a perfect fit and did an excellent job at cutting the lawn.
- Moreover, their installation was straightforward. The Rotary Copperhead Mulching Blades performed admirably in breaking down large clumps of grass into tiny particles.
- Lastly, we were amazed at how durable the Rotary Copperhead Mulching Blades are. We accidentally bumped into a brick and thought it was time to replace the blades. But to our surprise, they were undamaged.
What We Didn’t Like
We did find a weak point in the Rotary Copperfield Mulching Blades’ artillery. These mulching blades do not arrive in a very sharp state; a coating of paint covers the cutting edge that needs to be removed before they can be used.
We didn’t know of this and ended up getting disappointed in the beginning.
Who Is This Great For
This set of two mulching blades from Rotary is the perfect tool for homeowners wishing to step up their lawn mulching game.
So, if you are searching for an efficient mulching tool on a tight budget, the Rotary Copperfield might be perfect for you!
What Could Be Improved
The manufacturers could introduce a pre-sharpened upgrade to the Rotary Copperfield Mulching Blades.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Replaces OEM: AM137328, AM141033, GX22151, GY20850
- Suitable for John Deere Models D100 and LA100
- Comes with 2 sharp mulching blades
- Suitable for 42″ decks
- Provides wide cutting capability that allows you to mow your lawn faster and easier
- Durable and guarantees long term use
- Convenient to install and allows you to use your lawnmower instantly
Pros
- Durable
- Great finish
- Easy to install
- Budget-friendly design
Cons
- Blades need to be sharpened before use
READ More: Top 10 Best Leaf Picker Uppers (Reviews And Buying Guide)
03. Husqvarna 954636863 Mulching Blades
Why It Stands Out To Us
In case you are wondering why we included the Husqvarna 954636863 Mulching Blades in our list, hello! They come with a ton of unique features and a 90-day money-back guarantee!
Our Experience with It
- The blades feature a conventional 5-point star centre hole and do not have a serrated edge, as is traditional with this style. But they are effective in mulching grass, leaving only evenly scattered clippings that is difficult to notice with the naked eye.
- These blades were nice and sharp, and they managed to give us a good clean, even cut on the grass after the first use. Moreover, these blades will retain their sharpness for a lengthy period.
- We’ve had the Husqvarna 954636863 Mulching Blades on for a few months now, and they’ve been flawless in their performance. They were an excellent fit for our mower, and there were no complications with installation.
- There’s a sticker over the mounting hole that just won’t come off without a lot more elbow grease than I’m willing to put in to remove it. However, it does not appear to be a problem.
What We Didn’t Like
Their most serious drawback, as far as we could notice, is that they tend to crash into any roots or stumps that may be present in your garden and bend, so keep an eye out for these.
Who Is This Great For
The Husqvarna 954636863 Mulching Blades are an excellent choice for people who demand precision and accuracy at a reasonable price range.
What Could Be Improved
The manufacturers should improve the quality of the blades in terms of bending.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Suitable for models LT18542, LTH18542, LTH2042, and YTH1542Xp
- Comes with two dependable blades
- Features a wide cutting width of 42 inches
- Made with alloy steel which is a corrosion-resistant and strong metal
- Convenient to install
- Provides a nice clean cut on the grass
- Blades are guaranteed sturdy and can last a long time
Pros
- Compatible with various mowers
- Remains sharp for a long time
- Fine cuts
- Easy to sharpen
Cons
- Might bump into roots and rocks
04. Maxpower 331981B Mulching Blades
Why It Stands Out To Us
The Maxpower 331981B Mulching Blades made our list of the seven best mulching blades because of their outstanding features. But the one thing that made it stand out from other mulching blades is its universal compatibility.
Our Experience with It
- This 21-inch mulching blade suits any lawnmower with a similar deck size, and it effortlessly fit ours! Furthermore, we had no trouble installing this mulching blade because the mounting hole is designed to provide over both five-point stars and bow-tie shafts.
- Moreover, the Maxpower 331981B Mulching Blades didn’t clump once in the dew-covered grass, which was a miracle. Our yard does not, in any way, shape, or form, resemble a golf course in any way. Clover and crabgrass are most likely the predominant plants you’ll find on our lawn. But this monster ripped through the yard at record speed, saving us both time and money.
- Compared to the dozens of blades we tried, this one has performed far better in both mulching and bagging circumstances.
What We Didn’t Like
We had a slight issue with installing the blades to the Snapper mower, which we think was due to the blades having a rectangular end.
Who Is It Great For
The MaxPower 331981B Mulching Blades are ideal for those who neither have the time nor patience to check user manuals and part numbers to determine the exact model number of their lawnmower before they head out to buy mulching blades.
What Could Be Improved
The designers can upgrade the design of the Maxpower 331981B Mulching Blades to fit more mowing machines.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Engineered to perform efficiently, provide long term use, and cut precisely and neatly
- Made with premium-grade high carbon American steel
- Heat treated at high temperatures to ensure safety and reliability
- Pre-sharpened providing you with the finest cuts on your lawn
- Produces less vibration
- Replaces 21-inch cut mowers
- Requires 20% less power to drive
Pros
- Fuel efficient
- Sharp blades
- Sturdy design
- Satisfying whooshing sound when the blade cuts grass
- An efficient tool for mulching
Cons
- We had to sharpen the blade to knock out a hairline of paint to expose the sharp metal edge.
05. Toro Recycler Mulching Blade
Why It Stands Out To Us
We found the Toro Recycler Mulching Blade an excellent replacement blade to walk-behind mowers by the same brand.
Our Experience with It
- We found the Toro Recycler Mulching Blade the sharpest among all the seven mulching blades we reviewed. This blade mulches the daylights out of everything it touches; it has a row of teeth on the opposite side that must accomplish the mulching job.
- Another thing that we loved about the Toro Recycler Mulching Blade was that it easily attached to the lawnmower. Moreover, it operated without generating any vibration.
- Lastly, we didn’t have to make extra efforts to sharpen the blades – they come pre-sharpened to be used right out of the box.
What We Didn’t Like
We noticed that the blade got blunt faster than many of the mulching blades we tested.
Who Is It Great For
The Toro lawn mower owners would find the Toro Recycler Mulching Blade a blessing and an excellent additional part.
What Could Be Improved
The manufacturers should work on improving the blade quality.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Works as a replacement for 108-9764-03
- Toothed mulcher blade that offers good performance for discharge, bagging, and mulching
- Features a coating on the blade that dissolves when you start mowing and reveals a sharp edge
- Provides 22 inches of cutting width
- Fits all Toro models
- Convenient to install and use
Pros
- Good mulching performance
- Good in any weather
- Compatible with all Toro models
- Doesn’t leave jagged grass tips
Cons
- Needs time to sharpen
- Might miss a blade or two in between the mowing process
06. Oregon Mulching Blades Replaces MTD Cub Cadet
Why It Stands Out To Us
To strengthen its place in the home improvement industry, Oregon has introduced an excellent addition to its mulching blade product line. The Gator G5 is unquestionably built to last.
Our Experience with It
- This blade is combined with state-of-the-art sharpening technology. The blades on a lawnmower are positioned at an aggressive angle, allowing for powerful airflow and effective performance.
- Aside from that, the Gator blades are easy to operate and also conserve energy.
- The grass clippings are clean. Our mower also spreads them evenly across the grass, eliminating the need for post-mowing modifications.
What We Didn’t Like
The price factor is by far the only thing we didn’t like about the Oregon Gator G5.
Who Is This Great For
All those lawnmowers that have some experience and want to upgrade their existing blades should go for these blades.
What Could Be Improved
Apart from the price, we wouldn’t want anything to be improved.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Comes with 2 blades that measure 21-3/16″ long and 3″ wide
- Features 6 point mounting holes that securely fit the blade on MTD, Cadet, and more
- Constructed with Tungsten Carbide to allow long term use
- Convenient to install
- Unmatched strength that allows you to mow your lawn quickly and easily
- Relatively thicker compared to other mulching blades
Pros
- Effective
- Durable
- Fine cut
- Works great in all weathers
Cons
- High-end price
Also READ: Top 7 Best Mulches (ULTIMATE BUYING GUIDE)
07. Manpower 561713XB Mulching Blades
Why It Stands Out To Us
You didn’t think we would end the list without featuring another Manpower mulching blade, did you?
Our Experience with It
- These blades are 21-inch long and have a 5-pointed star-shaped hole. They also assure a tight fit and keep the mower’s optimal speed when the blades are mounted.
- The cutting edge design chops even the thickest grass. Furthermore, weather conditions are the last thing you need to worry about with the Manpower 561713XB.
- Lastly, we found the Manpower 561713XB an excellent part because it spared us a lot of passes, thanks to its efficient speed.
What We Didn’t Like
These blades are difficult to handle for beginner mowers.
Who Is This Great For
This item is excellent for anyone who wants a heavy-duty mulching solution at a budget range.
What Could Be Improved
While we didn’t experience anything of the sort, some customers complained about the chute clogging. So, maybe the company can look into the issue.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Provides 42″ of cutting width
- Comes with 2 reliable mulching blades
- Functions as a replacement blade for Poulan, Husqvarna, and Craftsman models
- Designed with a 5 point star center hole that connects the blade to the spindle effectively
- Engineered to meet or exceed all OEM specifications
- Creates maximum lift for a professional cut
Pros
- Durable
- Heavy-duty operation
- Perfect for all weather conditions
- Great speed
Cons
- Difficult to install
FAQs Regarding Mulching Blades
Considering that it is your first time investing in a mulching blade, I believe you must have some unanswered queries. And guess what?
This article covers it all! I have listed some of the most frequently asked questions related to mulching blades below.
So, go through these FAQs and clear your mind of all doubts regarding whether or not to purchase mulching blades.
Q: What blades are best for mulching?
A: The market is diverse when it comes to mulching blades. You can find mulching blades in a variety of materials, quality and sizes.
However, not all of them are worth buying, are they?
But the blades that we have listed above are the best ones overall for mulching in terms of performance, price and quality.
Q: What is the difference between standard blades and mulching blades?
A: By making grass clippings disappear rather than throwing them onto the lawn or into a collecting bag, mulching blades in lawnmowers appear to be pulling some sort of magic trick.
However, when mulching the grass clippings is not an option, people consider standard blades the best choice. So, what is the difference between the two?
Blade Shape
One of the most significant differences between a mulching blade and a standard blade is its shape. A mulching blade often has a more curved design than a conventional blade, and it also contains cutting edges along a larger portion of its surface area than standard blades.
As a result of these design variations, a mulching blade can keep grass clippings stirring under the mower deck, allowing the blade to cut the clippings into smaller and smaller pieces continuously.
Aerodynamics
Standard blades are frequently referred to as “high-lift” blades because they are designed to generate aerodynamic lift. They lift grass clippings upward and into the discharge chute.
As opposed to standard blades’ single-directional lift, a mulching blade provides an air stream that drives clippings back toward the blade after they’ve been cut,
Discharge Issues
Mulching blades hold clippings under the mower deck rather than sending them out immediately, so they are less efficient in discharge or bagging mode than standard blades.
Performance
Regular lawnmower blades are frequently referred to as 2-in-1 blades because of their dual functionality. They can release grass clippings through the mower’s side-discharge chute or toss them into a clipping collection bag.
On the other hand, Mulching blades are referred to as 3-in-1 blades to emphasize their increased versatility. These blades can accomplish three tasks instead of simply two with one blade.
They can discharge or bag clippings, chop them into a fine mulch, and spread them throughout the grass.
Q: Do mulching blades need to be sharp?
A: Mulching blades need to be sharpened at least twice every season. A dull blade may cause your grass edges to strain and tear, resulting in jagged tips. The grass is agitated by the blunt blade, and the damaged grass tips turn yellow.
Nevertheless, a sharp blade will cut smoothly, which is better for the grass, easier on you, and more efficient for your mower motor.
Q: Are Gator blades better than mulching blades?
A: Gator blades are undoubtedly better than regular mulching blades in both durability and performance.
In contrast to other mulching blades, which push the grass down, the high lift on Gator blades lifts the grass. This results in a clean, even cut every time.
Because of the fantastic high lift, you can even employ Gator Blades in bagging operations.
Q: Will mulching blades cut grass?
A: Yes! Mulching blades can also be used for cutting grass, in addition to turning grass clippings into mulch. Mulching blades are three-in-one blades that offer cut, discharging and spread functions.
Q: Can you sharpen mower blades with a grinder?
A: There are various effective methods for sharpening lawnmower blades, but one of the quickest and most straightforward is to use an angle grinder.
Using hand-held equipment like a grinder is a relatively inexpensive and flexible option to sharpen mulching blades.
To End The Note
Mulching blades are an excellent alternative to standard blades for lawn mowing since they give the nutrients that will stimulate your grass to grow naturally. They can also reduce your mowing efforts because they eliminate the necessity of bagging and disposing of your clippings after mowing your grass.
However, you must familiarize yourself with the various options available in the market to ensure that you get a product compatible with your lawnmower.
With that said, you can go through our list of the seven best mulching blades at any time and select the mulching blades that best suit your preferences. Happy mulching!
