Mulching will help keep your lawn growing healthier, and has been tipped as the best mowing practice. The right blades, which this guide on the best mulching blades seeks to identify, could be a necessary addition.
Mulching is a great option for lawn mowing because it provides nutrients that will help your grass grow naturally. It can also cut down you mowing efforts, since it reduces the need for bagging and disposal of your clippings.
Unlike standard mowing blades, mulching blades will clip your grass into much smaller sizes, allowing your lawn to look neat even with your clippings still retained.
The best mulching blades will comfortably fit your mower, offer durable output and deliver even on tough grass.
This guide and review of the top products should help you find an ideal set of mulching blades for your needs.
​​8TEN LawnRAZOR Mulching Blades Review
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These are my go-to mulching blades for my self-propelled mowers. These things grind up my grass clippings to a fine mulch. I even use these in the fall to grind up leaves and any mulch that found its way into the yard over the summer. The LawnRAZOR blades have no issues with these and clean up the yard nicely. I’ve had my current ones for 3 seasons and have not had to sharpen or replace them yet.
I’d recommend getting these bad boys for your mower. Just search on Amazon below to find the ones for your mower.
Pros
- Perfect fit for a large number of mowers
- Very easy to install
- Tough and durable blade
- Value for money buy
Cons
- Increased weight might cause loss of RPM
Toro 22” 59534P replacement blade
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The Toro 22” 59534P replacement blade is a budget friendly blade that delivers great performance for mulching. This hardy blade is strengthened through an austemper treatment process, which ensures it can provide better quality service for longer than your stock blades. It also features a jagged edge that increases the cutting surface, facilitating a powerful performance even on very tough grass. The rounded mount and secure fit makes it a very easy to install option, and this blade should not offer any problems when installing. They come pre-sharpened, which means they are ready to install and use. Due to the sharp edges, we recommend that you handle the blades with gloves to ensure your safety. The blades are the heaviest on the list, but they will still deliver a great performance on mowers with the appropriate power rating.
Pros
- Perfect fit for a large number of mowers
- Very easy to install
- Tough and durable blade
- Value for money buy
Cons
- Increased weight might cause loss of RPM
Maxpower 561739 replacement mower blade
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The Maxpower 561739 replacement mower blade is our second pick for the best mulching blades on the market. This relatively well priced model is available in a set of two blades, which will ensure thorough work when mowing. You will not need to make more passes over your lawn to get the job done. These 23-inch blades are sturdy, although they are not austemper treated. They are pre-sharpened, which means they will be ready to use right out of the package. Since they are not very tough, they may not be ideal for very heavy duty use. The Maxpower replacement mulching blades will deliver an efficient performance when used on middle to smaller scale mowing tasks. They are also a great pick for people who do not mow regularly.
Pros
- Available in a set of two blades for efficient use
- Very easy to install in compatible mowers
- Pre-sharpened blades will be ready to use when bought
Cons
- Not the toughest blades we’ve featured
View price on Amazon
USA mower blades AYP340BP replacement mulching blades
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The USA mower blades AYP340BP replacement mulching blades are compatible with a large range of mowers with a 2” deck. These hardy but thin blades offer a thorough cut on different types of lawns. They will work well on dry and wet conditions, and could even come in handy when breaking down leaves. They are very thin, which means that they will not be very suited for heavy duty output, but these pre-sharpened mulching blades will be a great fit for middle to small scale patches of work. The blades are extra sharp and feature a larger cutting surface thanks to the jagged edges. They are very easy to install, and will fit securely for an optimum output. The blades are also available in a set of two for added cost efficiency.
Pros
- Compatible with many appropriate sized mowers
- Securely fitting blades
- Very easy to install
- Great quality build made in the USA
Cons
- Not the best for heavy duty work
View price on Amazon
Honda 72531-VH7000 set of replacement blades
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The Honda 72531-VH7000 set of replacement blades offer a unique design as opposed to other jagged edge feature we have encountered with other blades on this list. They offer an increased cutting surface, but make use of an ergonomic design that boosts cutting efficiency by up to 25% over the jagged edge blades. The Honda HRX replacement mulching blades will deliver a thorough cut every time. They are very easy to install, and are a lightweight pick. While they do not offer the best performance for heavy duty work, the blades will be a great pick for people who are looking for a budget friendly and durable option that delivers a satisfactory performance on average to small sized lawns.
Pros
- Very easy to install
- Secure fit for minimal RPM loss
- Powerful blades with increased cutting surface
- Durable build
Cons
- Not pre-sharpened
View price on Amazon
Maxpower 561713X commercial replacement mulching blades
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The Maxpower 561713X commercial replacement mulching blades is a standout pick for its longevity and build. The jagged edges are the best designed for any model we’ve featured, allowing your mower to cut down grass quicker and make the mulching process more efficient. These blades will provide a thorough cut, allowing you to make fewer passes every time. Customers have pointed to its compatibility with different mowers and its ideal use for heavy duty work. It will work very well on branches and leaves, which makes it suited for a variety of conditions. For new users, the 5-point mount can be a bit tough to get right. It should be securely fitting if done well, and should present no loss of RPM when in use. The Maxpower commercial mulching replacement blades are a great option for anyone looking for a solid performer with guaranteed output for all types of lawns.
Pros
- High quality build made in the USA
- Secure fit for appropriate decks
- Great for heavy duty use
Cons
- 5-point star mount can be tough to install
View price on Amazon
MTD Gator fusion 3-in-1 replacement blades
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The MTD Gator fusion 3-in-1 replacement blades, available in a set of 2, will make any mower cut like it was new. They feature a Tungsten Carbide fusion around the edges, which combines with the blades’ hardening to ensure longer life. They are very easy to install, although you should consider taking out your spark plug for safety reasons. The MTD Gator Fusion mulching blades are jagged and curved upwards, with this element of design allowing for a larger cutting surface. They are ideal for mulching because they blades will deliver a thorough cut with minimal fuss. The star mount is very secure, reducing the likelihood of any vibrations that may affect its performance. The blade may be a bit too heavy for mowers with very low power ratings.
Pros
- Hardened for durability
- Compactly fitting
- Very easy to install
- Powerful cut thanks to increased cutting surface
Cons
- Heavier than some blades featured
View price on Amazon
What are mulching blades and why do you need them?
For your lawn mower, mulching blades could be a standout option. These commonly overlooked options are very easy to install, and usually only require the right installation. Mulching blades are a great option for your lawn mower because they can make it tidy and symmetric, which is tougher with other blades.
Mulching blades cut like regular blades, but the ability to cut clippings sideways to. Unlike regular blades, mulching blades will cut your grass into much smaller clippings, which will decompose faster. If you are looking to grow a healthy lawn, this quick decomposition will help provide a natural source of fertilizer that could boost growth. It also cuts down on your mowing efforts. Instead of having to bag your clippings after mowing, you can keep them on your lawn in a tidy way and provide a regular stream of nutrients for your lawn.
The best mulching blades will ensure a healthy lawn. Your grass will be cut consistently in different weather conditions, ensuring even growth and a tidy overall appearance. The curved surface of your mulching blade increases its precision, allowing for a perfect cut. By taking advantage of the aerodynamic lift created by two parallel blades, you will be able to cut your grass instead of hacking at it. This ensures a neat output. The blades are also made of resilient materials, which deliver one of the longest performances.
How to find the best mulching blades
We’ve covered the benefits of mulching blades for your mower, but how do they compare with regular blades? Unlike standard blades which are designed to cut your grass once before either depositing it on your lawn or through a chute, mulching blades break down the clippings into mulch which is then recycled onto the lawn. There are two basic types of mulching blades. Standard mulching blades are more orthodox in terms of performance, while gator mulcher blades offer a heavy duty output thanks to the angled teeth that deliver a high lift during cutting. So how can you identify the best mulching blades for your mower? These are some of the top considerations.
It doesn’t matter if you get the mulching blades in the top price point or not, failing to accommodate for the size and shape of your mower will result in pointless effort. There are thousands of options available, and even blades that seem well suited will not offer value if they are not compatible with your mower.
Still, you have to consider high quality models. Due to the demands placed on your blades, finding a durable option will ensure you can enjoy high quality output for longer. You can choose different sized blades, as long as they are compatible with your mower. Remember, larger blades will offer more efficient performance which makes them ideal for larger lawns, but smaller blades offer detail and precision which can be perfect for the finish. Likewise, the angle of curvature will affect your efficiency and are should be taken when picking your blades.
Similarly to any purchase, your budget should also factor into your decision. There are many great quality models in every price point, which ensures you can find a value buy even if you do not have a large budget.
Top tips for finding the right mulching blades
- Quality of build warranty length and customer feedback could help you find a great pick in your price point.
- Look into trustworthy guides and sources for reviews
- Do not mix high lift and mulching blades for safety reasons
- Do not buy mulching blades that do not offer specifications about their fit
- Buy your blades from trustworthy brands and local centers only.
Final word
Mulching blades will make your lawn mowing experience much more efficient and ensure great growth across your lawn. All these mulching blades offer value for different needs. We feel that the best overall option is the MTD Gator fusion 3-in-1 replacement blades. These sturdy blades are hardened through an austempering process that increases their durability. They are also ideal for different mowers, enabling a desired fit on your model. They are also curved upwards, and offer other functions for an ideal output. Many customers have pointed to the efficiency on different types of grass and for different lawn conditions, which points to a very effective set of blades. The gator fusion blades can also be used for non-mulching needs, which ensures full value for you even when you do not want to mulch your lawn. If you are looking for a great set of mulching blades for your lawn, the MTD gator fusion replacement blades should offer great value!
