It is vital to use mulching blades when mowing since it assists individuals who seek to maintain a good-looking lawn. These divergent blades are intended to cut grass clippings into fine pieces that can be left on the lawn as natural fertilizer. This practice is commonly known as mulching and it has the following merits. It diminishes the amount of lawn waste that has to be disposed of while at the same time enriching the soil.
In the subsequent sections, each blade will be discussed in detail, drawing attention to its strengths and selling points so as to assist the reader in making the right purchasing decision regarding their lawns.
Best Mulching Blades
We have taken our time and have conducted research on each product that will be of relevant and useful to you. Well, with that disclaimer out of the way, let’s get right into what we believe are the best mulching blades.
1. MaxPower 561714B 2 Blade Mulching Set
The MaxPower 561714B 2 Blade Mulching Set for 42” Cut Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan Mowers is one of the best mulching sets available on the market today. It comes with high-quality features and is relatively cheap; this mulching set is particularly beneficial for any homeowner who desires to have a healthy lawn.
Pros
Cons
The blades shaved the grass neatly and gave the lawn an impressive, well-trimmed look. They do not take long to fit and this can be done within twenty minutes with the fitting of both blades. It is equipped with two blades, which is rather advantageous in terms of affordability.
However, one drawback that we realized is that cutting blades can make some sounds while in operation. They can also have difficulty with wide strips of grass, causing the mower to become bogged down. Another potential downside: Several customers said that they received the wrong size blades, so be careful when ordering.
All in all, we can state that the MaxPower 561714B 2 Blade Mulching Set is one of the best products that can meet the needs of homeowners who need high-quality and cheap blades that will help them maintain perfect lawns.
2. Maxpower 561735XB 3 Blade Commercial Mulching Set
Maxpower 561735XB is an ideal choice if you suffer from a shortage of time and want to invest in a worthy mulching blade set.
Pros
Cons
These blades were easy to install and the fit was perfect for our fans. The process of mulching improved dramatically and the grass was more even, and after mowing, the yard appeared cleaner.
Some of the most appealing aspects of these blades are the larger surface area, allowing more grass to be cut in a single swipe and the reduced number of passes required to mow the yard. Moreover, the riffing cutting teeth also gave a prompt and clean cut even on thicker strands of grass.
Additional benefits are the centrifugal air lift design that guarantees the grass to be chopped Neat and in equal Humps with no clumps or any uneven patches.
Some of the customers mentioned that they faced some problems with the fit, but we have not encountered any problems with the Craftsman mower. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult the owner’s manual to ensure that the OEM number of the blade to be replaced falls under one of the OEM numbers given for this product.
In summary, we endorse the Maxpower 561735XB blade set for anyone in need of a quality and efficient mulching solution for their Craftsman, Husqvarna, or Poulan mower.
3. Maxpower 561713XB Commercial Mulching 2-Blade Set
- Includes 2 commercial mulching blades for a 42" cut.Fits Craftsman models...
- Replaces Poulan, Husqvarna, Craftsman 134149, 138971, 138498, 127843,...
- Each measures 21" long by 2-1/2" wide
This makes it an ideal choice for anyone in need of a durable and cheap mulching blade set for rider PTR Husqvarna, Craftsman, or Poulan.
Pros
Cons
Maxpower 561713XB blades suit the mower appropriately and shave the grass well, giving a neat and professional appearance. We also liked the sturdiness and the longevity of the blades as observed from the blades after several uses.
But there was some evidence that suggested that after a long period the blade may need to be honed again to get the best out of it. Furthermore, it is also important to note that these blades may not fit every Craftsman model, so make sure to consult the compatibility of your specific mower model. Lastly, some reviewers pointed out that the blades are best used on most kinds of grass but might cause problems when used on thick or wet grass.
In conclusion, we shall recommend the Maxpower 561713XB for anyone who is in search of an affordable and quality mulching blade set for their Poulan, Husqvarna, or Craftsman rider.
4. MaxPower 561811XB 2 Blade Commercial Mulching Set
- Includes 2 commercial mulching blades for many 42 in. cut John Deere mowers
- Replaces OEM #'s GX22151, AM137328, AM141033, GY20850, UC21583
- Each blade is 21-3/8 in. L and 2-1/2 in. W
MaxPower 561811XB is a strong mulching blade set that can be recommended to any John Deere mower owner seeking for efficiency.
Pros
Cons
MaxPower 561811XB blades offer easy installation and appropriately complement our John Deere mower. Yes, the commercial mulching blades do make a difference when it comes to grass clippings as it is evident that it provides a cleaner and more polished look. The cutting teeth have also been refined to offer a clean cut within a short time frame while the centrifugal air lift enhances the chopping distribution process. However, the blades are somewhat lightweight and this may affect it’s durability in the long-run. Also, on instances where the grass grows tall, it can build up in the mower deck, and some users noted that the mulching is not as efficient as they expected.
In conclusion, the MaxPower 561811XB is an ideal option for those using John Deere mowers and in search of an efficient mulching blade set. Of course, there are some possible pitfalls that need to be mentioned: Nevertheless, the advantages of these blades clearly outperform the list of disadvantages.
5. MTD Genuine Parts (490-100-M067 Mulching Blades
- Fits 21" mowers, 1995 and after
- For Troy-Bilt, MTD, Yard-Man, Yard Machines, Huskee and Bolens mowers
- 3-in-1 blade: mulch, bag and side discharge
If you are in search of a mulching blade for your 21-inch MTD mower, then the MTD Genuine Parts 490-100-M067 model can be a good recommendation.
Pros
Cons
As for its versatility, the 3-in-1 feature ensured that I was able to always change the mode of operation from mulching, bagging, to side discharging effortlessly. I will also note that due to the presence of the star center hole, installation was a very easy process as well.
A demerit that we observed was that the blade was dull and required honing before it could be used; however, this is a common occurrence with new blades. Also, we noticed that it is easily damaged and needed to exercise a lot of caution when cutting on uneven surfaces.
In conclusion, for hummer performance and efficiency and for its compatibility with several mower brands, the MTD Genuine Parts (490-100-M067) mulching blade is likely the best option on the market. Just make sure that it is 21 inches or below in size before buying the mower to keep yourself safe.
6. Craftsman Lawn Mower Mulching Kit
- For Craftsman lawn Tractors using part #942-04268/ 742-04268
- 6 point star center hole pattern
- Kit includes 2 mulching blades, 1 molded plug and mounting hardware
If you need clippings to returned to the soil to fertilize the lawn and to provide nutrients to the grass, you can try out the Craftsman Lawn Mower Mulching Kit. Overall this product is versatile in terms of compatibility, comes with a complete kit, and the blades are sharp.
Pros
Cons
Craftsman Lawn Mower Mulching Kit is easy to install and fit our Craftsman riding mower perfectly. The sharp-edged blades cut grass cleanly and made their way through grass more efficiently, reducing overall mowing time and effort. The molded plug and mounting hardware were also easy to use and provided a secure fit.
One of the biggest benefits of using this mulching kit is that it saves time by replacing the need for raking, bagging, and hauling away leaves and clippings. Measuring 8.5" x 4.75" x 26.25", the kit is also compact and easy to store when not in use. However, we do recommend inspecting and sharpening or replacing the blades every season for proper operation.
In conclusion, if you own a Craftsman riding mower or tractor and want to create biodegradable clippings to help fertilize your lawn, the Craftsman Lawn Mower Mulching Kit is a great investment. It is versatile, easy to use, and provides excellent results.
7. Maxpower 331528B Mulching Blade
- Includes 1 mulching blade for many 21 in. cut MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt,...
- Replaces OEM #'s CC-742-0741, 742-0741, 742-0741A, 942-0741, 942-0741A
- Also fits Craftsman CMXGZAM100067
For an affordable mulching blade, the Maxpower 331528B is a great buy if you want a quality product that does not cost too much.
Pros
Cons
The blade was easy to put on and the fit was exact, and we saw the difference in the quality of the lawn right away. This specific design of the blade has center holes to fit a bow tie and it is recommended to check the owner’s manual to confirm that the OEM number of the blade to be replaced matches one of the OEM numbers on this item.
The Maxpower 331528B is not among the most durable mulching blades in the market; nevertheless, for those in need of a cheap product that offer quality results, the Maxpower 331528B can well serve that purpose. We understand that this blade comes in to replace many OEM numbers, which makes it a very useful blade for many different types of mowers. In conclusion, we would endorse the Maxpower 331528B to anyone requiring an inexpensive mulching blade.
Buying Guide
Some of the things you should look at when searching for the right mulching blades include the following:
Blade Compatibility
The first thing to consider is whether the blade is compatible with your mower. Not all blades are universal, so it's important to check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure that the blade will fit your mower.
Blade Material
The material of the blade is also important, as it will determine the durability and longevity of the product. Blades made from high-quality steel or hardened steel are generally more durable and long-lasting than those made from other materials.
Blade Design
The design of the blade will also affect its performance. Mulching blades are designed to cut grass into smaller pieces, which are then left on the lawn to decompose. Look for blades with a curved or angled design, as these will create a better airflow and cut the grass more efficiently.
Blade Size
The size of the blade is also a factor that is likely going to affect how well the cricket bat performs. Cuts and covers more grass area in a shorter time due to their size but may not be appropriate for small lawns and mowers. The size of the blade also has to be selected depending on the size of your mower and the area you want to cover.
Blade Quality
Last but not the least, the quality of the blade needs to be taken into consideration as well. Make sure the blade is well constructed and is sourced from a reputable manufacturer as far as quality and reliability are concerned. A friend’s experience may also be useful for understanding whether a specific blade is worth using or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using mulching blades?
Mulching blades are designed to chop grass clippings into finer pieces and distribute them evenly across the lawn. This process helps to fertilize the grass and reduce the amount of debris left on the lawn. Mulching blades also help to improve the overall appearance of the lawn by creating a more uniform cut.
Which brand makes the best mulching blades for zero turn mowers?
Some of the leading manufacturers of mulching blades for zero turn mowers are Oregon, Maxpower, and Arnold brands. All brands offer their own characteristics and advantages, so it is better to compare all the available brands and choose the one that you need.
What is the difference between Gator blades and mulching blades?
Gator blades are a type of mulching blade that feature serrated edges that are designed to cut grass clippings into even finer pieces. This helps to create a more uniform appearance on the lawn. Mulching blades, on the other hand, are designed to chop grass clippings into smaller pieces and distribute them evenly across the lawn.
Are toothed mulching blades more effective than regular mulching blades?
Toothed mulching blades are designed to cut grass clippings into even finer pieces than regular mulching blades. This can help to create a more uniform appearance on the lawn and improve the overall health of the grass. However, toothed mulching blades can be more expensive than regular mulching blades.
What is the best mulching blade for Craftsman 46?
The best mulching blade for Craftsman 46 will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some popular options include the Oregon Gator Mulcher 3-N-1 Blade, the Maxpower 331528S Mulching Blade, and the Arnold 490-110-0140 Mulching Blade.
Can a low lift blade be used for mulching or is a specific mulching blade required?
While low lift blades can be used for mulching, they are not as effective as specific mulching blades. Mulching blades are designed with special features, such as curved edges and unique cutting angles, that make them more effective at chopping grass clippings into finer pieces and distributing them evenly across the lawn.
