Ah, fall! Cool days, cold nights and the glorious color of changing leaves… Which then fall off of the trees and need to be dealt with. Leaving them on the lawn might be good for small animals, but it isn’t good for the grass.
Of course, one could get out a rake and some lawn bags to tackle this problem, but that takes a lot of time and effort. Why not use the lawnmower or tractor to tackle this problem? Both will save time and effort.
Mulching leaves and/or grass takes a different blade than a mowing blade. While a mulching blade can cut grass it usually doesn’t do it as well. Also, the blades need to be replaced occasionally. Many customers reported hitting a rock, which damaged the blades.
Best Mulching Blades Reviews
MaxPower 331737B Mulching Blade for 21″
Review
This got mostly five-star reviews as a replacement for the original mulching blade.
For many, it is one of the best mulching blades available. A few reviewers spent quite a bit of time explaining both how much he liked it and how some of the other reviewers might have made a mistake in installation.
Some reviewers claim that the blade is dull. However, mulching blades don’t come with directions, arrows or any way of telling which side is the cutting side. It isn’t as obvious as one might think, although the cutting side should be sharper.
Arnold 490-110-0140 42-Inch Xtreme Blade Set for John Deere Tractors
Review
Lawnmowers aren’t the only pieces of equipment that can mulch grass and leaves. Tractors can be used as well. However, the likelihood of hitting a stump or rock is greater.
That was the issue with most of those who had to purchase this replacement blade. For those that had a good fit, this was one of the best mulching blades on the market. In fact, one reviewer stated that it was stronger than the original blade.
One reviewer commented that he needed to use washers when installing, due to a thinner bit of metal. That was the only complaint of that nature noticed. A few complained that they were dull, though not as many as for the previous mulching blade.
Another reviewer told a story about the blade which shows how strong it is. When using this mulching blade he hit a six-inch stump. After that, he noticed that the center of the swath was scalping the grass, which isn’t good for it.
When he inspected the blade, it was fine as were the other parts of the mulching equipment. However, the mower deck was bent. If stumps and rocks are a possibility, keep that in mind before purchase.
Longer Life 596-900 Gator Fusion G5 3-In-1 Mulching Blades to Replace MTD Blades
Review
Want an upgrade from stock? Here’s your blade. These blades are stronger and cut better than the stock blades on many mowers and tractors. The only four-star review was from someone who probably doesn’t even give five stars to anything. All of them commented on how well they worked.
A reviewer stated that he was able to do his front yard in two swaths. That is high praise when it comes to leaves. If I was choosing, and I had the right machine, this would be my blade of choice.
8TEN Mulching Blade Set for AYP Husqvarna Craftsman
Review
While the familiar complaints of “not sharp” are in a few of the reviews, by now it seems clear that most of the time that complaint will rear up.
Most of the people who ordered this product loved it. One reviewer said that he had sharpened his old blades so many times that they were becoming unsafe. He found these replacement blades worked well and were easy to install.
There is a section on Amazon sales pages where customers can ask questions. Due to the one complaint that the blades didn’t fit properly, it is wise to check that section. Post the machine make, model and if important, year and someone will say whether or not it will fit.
As with the previous mulching blades, it was noted that these blades are strong; possibly stronger than the original blades on other machines. They do fit some other machines; Husqvarna isn’t the only type.
MaxPower 331749X Commercial Mower Blades for 22 Inch Cut Poulan, Husqvarna, Craftsman
Review
While a majority of the people who reviewed this blade gave it five stars, there were quite a few who did not.
The biggest problem is that while there is a MaxPower sticker on them, peel it off and you will see a Copperhead sticker underneath. They are both in the same corporate umbrella, but several people felt like it was false advertising.
The other complaint was about fit. These mulching blades may not fit all machines. Some indicate that they can be made to fit by drilling holes, but many were very disappointed. That said, even those who complained pointed out that they were good blades.
Oregon 95-621 AYP/Sears/Husqvarna/Poulan Gator Mulcher G3 Replacement Lawn Mower Blade 21″
Review
Want a blade with no complaints about being dull? This maybe your blade. All of the reviews I read did not mention a dull blade. Perhaps it’s because it was easier to tell which side was the cutting side.
The only two-star review was because the cutting section is only four inches on each side. That may not matter to most people. In fact, most people stated that this blade was awesome. Several said it cut better than the stock mulching blade.
Reviewer Michael Bolton had my favorite: “This blade is amazing. I’ve always thought a blade is a blade. Some might have a little more style but they all cut the same. But when I tried this blade I was amazed. Nice even cut and the suction was crazy! I will be ordering at least one more.”
Maxpower 561735XB Commercial Mulching Blade Set for 48″ Cut Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan
Review
For a little over thirty dollars, there are three blades for your mower. Most of the reviewers say that these are better than OEM.
One of the reasons it is better, per multiple reviews, is that it is quieter. Mowers and tractors are noisy; add the mulching blades to them and it goes up in level. Anything that reduces the noise factor is going to be highly praised.
One reviewer uses these blades on acres of ground. He stated that these blades can even mulch small sticks and (small) roots… without bending anything. Other reviewers pointed out that they had much less grass to clean up.
None of the reviews I saw were negative. All of them pointed out that the blades were sharp. In fact, they hold an edge well, only needing a bit of touch up grinding in one review. That was the same reviewer that takes on sticks and roots.
Oregon Blade MTD Gator G5 21″
Review
Like the other Oregon mulching blade, most reviewers put this into the class of best mulching blade ever made. It outperforms the OEM blade; many said it was better than the original.
Most of those who reviewed it stated that it was an upgrade from the stock blade. It is very heavy and one reviewer noted that it increased fuel use due to the weight. However, the cutting ability of the blade made up for that increase.
Another reviewer noted that this blade was “mowing like an Apache rotor.” This is another top pick and one I might choose if I was in the market for a mulching blade.
The only negative review had to do with it not being an exact fit for the mower it was attached to. This may have been a glitch in the manufacture rather than a problem for all mowers. That reviewer took the blade off and got a different brand.
Poulan Pro 42-Inch Mulching Lawn Mower Blade (2 Pack) PP24003
Review
These blades got a whopping ninety five percent five and four-star reviews. Eighty-three percent were five stars. While no one considered them an upgrade, that’s a pretty good statement.
That said, keep in mind that some forty-two-inch mowers use two twenty-one inch mulching blades. That’s why this comes as a two-pack. If you need a forty-two-inch mulching blade, this isn’t the product for you.
While these are designed for Poulan products, they do fit other mowers. One reviewer installed them in a Craftsman mower and reported that they fit fine. With the only negative review being from someone who didn’t get the right blades, this is a good product.
Maxpower 331981B 21-Inch Universal Gold Metal Mulching Lawn Mower Blade
Review
This mulching blade probably wouldn’t be on my to-buy list. It still had sixty percent five-star reviews, but the issue that is the turnoff is that it kills the battery.
Two reviewers reported that the speed of the blade was too high, and it overheated the battery. One trimmed it down slightly so it wouldn’t but did not recommend the purchase. That said there were plenty of people who liked it and said it worked perfectly for them.
Honda HRR216 Blade KIT
Review
While these blades are not universal they are good for the Honda mowers that are listed. In fact, there were no one or two-star reviews and very few three and four.
The only person who had anything negative to say stated that they didn’t get the right blades when they ordered. Everyone else said they were an exact fit and exactly like the blades they were replacing. If you have a Honda of the right type, these are good blades.
8TEN LawnRAZOR Mulching Blade 21″
Review
If no negative reviews are what help you make a purchase, these blades will do it. There were only five reviewers. The four-star review is probably because they were exactly the same.
That said there isn’t anything wrong with that. Sometimes it isn’t necessary to fix something that isn’t broken and a blade that works is a good thing. There are no cons to this product.
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Accessories And Tools
Many people mentioned sharpening the blades of their mulching equipment and a few have mentioned other things that needed to be done to get them into top working order. Having these items in advance could be beneficial.
SHARPAL 103N All-in-1 Knife, Lawn Mower Blade, Axe, Machete, Pruner Shear Scissors Multi-Sharpener & Garden Tool Sharpener
. A properly balanced blade is important.
Many people commented on this because the balance of the blade affects more than the grass it is mulching. It can have an effect on the motor and other parts of the mower. Having a way to balance the blade is essential.
It is also wise to have the proper tools for sharpening the blades. After a few dozen acres of mowing, most blades need to be sharpened. While it can be done with standard tools having the right tool for the job is always better.
Good Vibrations 130 Clean Machine Nonstick Mower Protectant
: There are five-star reviews and one-star reviews of this product. It can do what it says for some people, but it doesn’t work for everyone. In fact, it is not something I would buy.
The problem is that it has to dry for a minimum of thirty minutes and it may need more than one coat to do the job. It is another example of why reading both reviews and the instructions are extremely important.
For one of the five-star reviews it wasn’t used on a mower. It is apparently fine on snowblowers and snowmobiles. That’s great, but it doesn’t help those with grass on their lawnmowers or riding tractors.
John Deere Original Equipment Full Maintenance Kit – LG265 + (3) M143520 Blades
: Maintenance is an important part of owning any equipment. The oil needs changed, the blades need sharpened and various other things need to be done.
This kit provides everything that is needed to do a full maintenance job on the John Deere equipment. It provides the right weight of oil, and even new mulcher blades. When looking for the best mulcher blades on the market, consider this product as well.
There was only one reviewer of this product and he reported that it worked great and that everything fit as it should where it should. He gave it five stars.
Zero Turn Mower Trailer Hitch 5
: Some mowers are towed behind rather than under the equipment. For those, a tow hitch is required. While this isn’t a universal fit, it can be made to fit just about any mowing equipment.
Some of those who purchased the hitch had to drill holes in it. That is one way of getting it to fit and it shouldn’t pose a problem in weakening the metal. Everyone who posted about the strength of the hitch had positive things to say.
The only negative review was one where the hitch didn’t fit. The reviewer had a Cub Cadet RZTS and it didn’t fit. Whether drilling would have resolved the problem is not known, though it probably would have.
Conclusion
It is very important to do thorough research before ordering any product online, whether it’s for a mower or for anything else. The things to look for are the ratings, the reviews and the questions asked about the product.
A lot of returns can be reduced if there is knowledge of what the product will fit and whether or not it will do the job needing to be done. Some blades aren’t designed to cut high; others aren’t designed to be used in tall grass.
Many mulching blades aren’t strong enough to handle brush, branches, and roots. Others can handle these items but the machines themselves can’t. Read the instruction guide for the mower before using it to make sure what it can and can’t do.
The instruction guide will also have information about maintenance when to change the oil and so forth. Some information about mulching blades can be found, especially the part numbers and dimensions.
When ordering, be aware that there may be product defects. That isn’t so much the fault of the seller and most sellers are happy to exchange bad parts for ones that work. Manufacturers try to maintain good quality control but things do slip through.
Also, be aware of the packaging. One reviewer of a product mentioned the economical packaging. That can be a big help for the environment; less waste and landfill usage.
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