The Best Mulching Blades For Your Lawn Mower - And Grass - in 2024

Immaculate lawns are synonymous with American homeownership pride. Lawns, believe it or not, were once a symbol of affluence.

That holds true today for some as well. For others, mowing is a weekly chore. I think both camps can agree – ease of use is important.

With our lawn’s peak growing season combating with our leisure time, do we really want to battle unloading wet, allergy-causing mower bags?

That’s where the best mulching blades for your lawn mover comes in. Our top pick are the Maxpower universal blades. They work well, aren’t too heavy and work with a wide variety of brands and models. You won’t need a chest full of tools to install these blades, either!

In this guide, we’ll investigate what mulching blades are best for your lawn mower and grass.

What Makes A Great Mulching Blade Best For Your Mower?

The first thing you need to consider about making the best mulching blade adjustment to your lawn mower is the environment you’ll be mowing.

If stock blades aren’t performing on your riding lawn mower, consider having mulching mower blades installed to accomplish two jobs in one.

Having mulching blades installed lets you chop grass and leaves into smaller particles to ensure aeration in the bagger if you opt to remove all clippings. It also lets you mulch vegetation into consumable bits for your turf to utilize.

Mulching mowers use the power of a high-speed blade and create an airlift that guides grass into the cutting mechanism. Once the blade cuts the grass on the first pass, those parts travel in a vacuum in a spin cycle and meet the mower blade many times before falling back onto the ground (or bag). This action is different from mowers that deposit the clippings into a side bag.

Mulching blades with serrated edges and pre sharpened blades are sometimes called 3-in-1 or gator blades. Serrated cutting edge blades are more costly, but they’re ideal for wet environments and perform better than other mulching blades or standard mowing blades.

The type of lawn will influence which option is best for you if you have a ton of leaves or a weed-prone patch that may determine what you need from the mulching process.

With just a socket set and maybe one other tool, a replacement blade is easy to mount to most gas-powered, self-propelled, riding, or electric mowers. With a bit of know-how, it’s easy to install a replacement blade on the correct mounting hole. However, it’s essential to understand the vast differences between what will fit what machine and the benefits or disadvantages.

The best place to understand what blades will fit your mower is to read the specs on the decal mounted on the side of your mower. (Deck or engine side.) This information will provide the blade model length.

When shopping for the best mulching blades, the key elements to consider are length, weight, material mounting options, blade count, and center hole size and shape.

Not all things are created equally. Fitting a blade that is too long is obvious. It’s possible to attach a blade that is of inappropriate length. However, this will cause your mower problems and result in damage.

Improper length:

Will slow the mower’s power capability
Cause clumping
May cause damage to the engine from overwear

A mulching mower blade that is too short will also wreak havoc on your mower and the cutting power. Each mower has a specific blade size engineered into its design.

Improper shortness:

Will increase the number of passes
Cause Wear and tear from overuse
Multi-blade decks will miss swaths and result in uneven cuts
Results in inadequate airflow in baggers

Lawn mower manufacturers understand the science behind mowing and design the cutting deck for optimum performance. Using a cutting or mulching blade that is too wide will not produce the desired effect. The blade width ranges from 1 ½” to 4 ¼” depending on the mower manufacturer, engine, and deck size.

Traditional standard lawn mower blades are lighter than mulching blades. Mulching blades work using a lift angle to help mulch grass; for this purpose, manufacturers use heavier materials.

This additional weight may cause your mower some drag, and riding mowers (especially older, well-used models) may be on the brink of stalling when mulching blades are engaged because the extra weight requires extra power.

Once the mower engages the blades, this drag should lessen, allowing the mower to function.

A mulcher blade is heavier, thicker, and more durable. This extra feature and a cutting edge make mulching blades ideal for commercial and ride-on equipment. However, smaller direct-drive mowers may suffer.

Tungsten carbide or Boron steel is ideal for deck mowers and regular blades for your mower because they’re durable materials and make blades work efficiently.

Lawncare equipment is made with industry standards and government regulations to keep us safe. The best mulching blades are made of carbon steel or other strong, lightweight materials. However, if you manipulate these elements, you may risk yourself and your equipment.

Not all mowers are the same. That’s obvious, and before shopping for mulching blades, you need to flip your mower or consult the manual to understand the mounting holes on your machine.

The most common mountings are a five-point star, six-point star, bow-tie, and universal fit. You can’t force a bow-tie onto a five-point star.

The blade attaches to the spindle beneath the mower deck, and once you have the correct mulching blade, installation isn’t complicated. Having an extra set of hands to help you tip the mower is a good idea.

Five and six-pint star mounts only typically require one bolt and are specific to the mower model.

Universal fit kits attach to any mower regardless of the original mounting and securely adapt to your particular mower model.

Types of Mounting Hole Symbols:

Center

Center Fit
Five Point Star
Six Point Star
Bow-Tie

Another key consideration is replacing like with like. Most riding mowers have more than one blade. If you’re adding a mulching blade, match the number. Although weight is a consideration, mowing with unbalanced blades will result in uneven cuts and clumping by adding an uneven distribution of blade power. In the end, it will only increase the user’s workload and frustration.

Tip: Sharp mowing and mulching blades cut grass and lawn better and prolong your mowing equipment’s life. Regular sharpening is vital. Always makes sure you tighten any bolts securely afterward.

The Best Mulching Blades of 2024 – Compared

	Maxpower 21 Inch Universal Lowest Price	Check price at
	Oregon Gator G3 Most Popular	Check price at
	USA Mower Blades 21	Check price at
	Oregon 195-021 Mulch Blade	Check price at
	Oregon G5 Mulching Blade	Check price at

The Best Mulching Blades – Individual Reviews

Now that everyone understands the basic terminology and requirements, here’s what we think are the best mulching blades and why they aren’t interchangeable with regular blades. This selection also reiterates that mulching blades, which are not expensive, are a great alternative to bagging and recycling your grass clippings.

Best Overall: Maxpower 21 Inch Universal

Check price at

MaxPower universal blades are ideal for those who want a quick solution to installing mulching blades on their 21” pushmower deck.

MaxPower 331981S Universal Gold Metal Mulching Blade mounting kit includes a cover washer, reducing washers for 3/8″, 7/16″, 9/16″, 1/2″, 5/8″, and 13/16″ holes.

The 21” blade provides a better cutting and mulching experience with precision teeth and uniform chopping distribution.

These blades are manufactured in the USA to a high standard and meet OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specs.

What’s great about the universal blade is that they fit over the mounting hole regardless of a five-point star or bow-tie shafts without much effort. These inexpensive mulching blades come with the necessary washers and fittings to make installation hassle-free.

The Maxpower universal blade has a steep lift function and sharp teeth to mulch and disperse clumps.

A downside of the durable blade is that when it hits an obstruction, like a rock or stump, the force may damage the output shaft without even knicking the blade edge.

Compatible Mowers:

Just because universal blades fit almost any mulching mower, it doesn’t mean they are the suitable mulch blades for your standard blades. Size still matters.

Pros:

Easy mount
Fits most 21” mower decks
Hardware included
High lift and precision cutting teeth

Cons:

May not be suitable for eclectic mowers
Durability may be questionable
Not mower specific

Best 54″ Riding Mower Blades: Oregon Gator G3

Check price at

The chances are that if your riding mower has a 54 “ blade, you’re cutting some heavy territory, and Oregon Gator blades are ideal for your mulching requirements.

Oregon Gator blades are renowned in the industry for their heavy-duty performance and work well with Craftsman, Arien, and Husqvarna riding mowers.

Heavy-duty Oregon Gator blades are .187” steel blades with an aggressive lift and serrated teeth that chomp clumps into spreadable or baggable mulch with ease. The 2 ¾” wide blade is durable and fits these makes and models.

Compatible Mowers:

Husqvarna:

187254
187256
33954
532187256
74292401
575938401

Craftsman/Poulan

187254
187255
532187255
532187256
539112053
574292401
575938401
575938501
582923101

Ariens:

21546235

Stens:

302-430

Usable for Ariens: 54″

Craftsman/AYP:

GT2254
GTH2654
GTB54A
LT2227

Husqvarna:

2354GXLS
2754GLS
EZ5426
GT2254
GTB54A
GTH2454T
GTH24K54
GTH24V54
GTH2654
GTH26K54T
GTH26V54
LGT24K54
LGT2554
LGT2654
LGTH2454
LGTH24V54
LGTH26V54
MZ54
MZ5424S
RZ5424
RZ5426
RZ5422
Z254
RZ4219
RZ4619
RZ4620
Z5426

The safety quality of a 3-in-1 blade requires durable metal to produce the angle lift and redirect airflow to cut grass into a fine mulch which means less bagging and raking. For those who will use the clippings as fertilizer directly on the lawn, shorter cuttings and mulched foliage decompose quicker.

Requires models 5-point star model mount, which is not suitable for all models.

Pros:

High-quality, dependable steel
High lift and serrated cutting blade
All-weather friendly

Cons:

More expensive
Not a universal fit
Difficult for beginners to install

Best 42″ Deck High Lift Blade USA Mower Blades 21″

Check price at

USA Mower Blades are a high lift alternative for 42” decks. These standard mulching blades are industry standard and do not have serrated teeth as part of this mower blade’s mulching kits. An upturned wing forged with heat-treated steel makes these blades ideal for mulching natural wild grass with a dense consistency.

Although not an OEM blade, this USA Mower blades consistently whack thick grass with an edge that remains sharp and affordable.

Another bonus to this USA-made blade is that the cut area looks immaculate after cutting. These blades are a great alternative to regular mowing blades for riding mowers.

Compatible Mowers:

USA Mower Blades (4) AYP498BP High Lift Blade Fits AYP Craftsman 127843, / 134149, / 127843, / 138498, / 532127843

Length 21” Width 2 ¼” Thickness 150” Center Hole 5 PT ST, 42” Deck

USA Mower Blades® manufactures high-quality OEM replacement lawn blades. USA Mower Blades® and produced in the United States.

Specifications: Quantity: 4 Pack Blade Type: Straight Lift: High Lift Length: 21”. Width: 2-¼” Thickness: 0.150”

Great for Walk-Behind Mowers: Oregon 195-021 Mulch Blade

Check price at

Part of the Oregon® 100 series, this 2PK mover blade pack offers ‘Ultra X-tended Cutting Length ™ technology. These genuine OEM replacement parts deliver maximized mulching power for each blade rotation.

The stand-out feature is perhaps the double bevel, which reduces overall blade noise by 1.5 decibels. Gas lawn mowers are loud enough!

Manufactured from Boron steel, these 195-021 Oregon mulcher blades are super durable and malleable to the pressures of cutting grass blades at high speed.

These inexpensive blades are ideal for walk-behind mowers or as replacement blades for standard blades for your mower.

Compatible Mowers

Compatible with AYP, Craftsman, Poulan, Husqvarna brands, and 22″ walk-behind mowers.

For mounting center hole dimensions: 5/8”, Outer Hole: 3/8”, Center to Center: 1-7/8”, Length: 21-3/4”, Width: 2.25”, Thickness: 0.134”, Offset: ½”.

Pros:

Inexpensive
Great mulching technology
Superior steel quality

Cons:

Specific mounting
Missing product information and comparables

Great for Domestic MTD Push Mowers Oregon G5 Mulching Blade

Check price at

Oregon G5 Mulching Blade is an excellent mulcher blade option for MTD- push mowers like Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Bolens. This superior quality blade is in keeping with the Oregon brand and is suitable for 21” push mowers that can sustain a blow from stumps or rocks without ruining the output shaft.

These blades shred leaves and lawn cuttings into a fine mulch to promote quick decomposition. For yards with deciduous trees or flowering plants, this blade is ideal.

Since pushmowers are typically not super powerful, attaching a powerful mulching blade-like Oregon G5 may beleaguer engine power and cause performance lag.

Compatible Mowers:

Fits the following OEM:

Cub Cadet MTD blades:

01005338
02005019
01005338P
742-04415
742-04415-XG
02005019-X
01005338P
742-04415
742-04415-X
742-04415-XG
942-04415
942-04415-X
02005019-X
01005338
02005019
942-04415
742-04415-X
942-04415-X
94204415
02005019X
LT1000
SLT1500
GT1500
17ASDALD099 (Z8600)
17BSDALD099 (Z8200)
ZHD-L60 17ANDALD897

Consult your user manual if the option is not listed.

Pros:

Compatible with most (MTD) push mowers
Withstands impact
Cuts material into a fine product

Cons:

May cause engine lag
Center hole mounting

Frequently Asked Questions

Mulching seems like a viable option to reduce compost waste and the use of cumbersome side bags. One of the benefits of mulching is that the lawn care process puts your grass clippings as sustainable fertilizer directly back into the environment.

However, there are still many concerns. Is mulching right for you?

How is mulching leaves better than bagging and composting?

When powerful blades mulch leaves and grass clippings, it helps the material decompose and become organic fertilizer. Mulching also reduces time spent on garden and lawn maintenance as it reduces raking and stuffing leaves into compostable trash bags.

Mulching is great for the ecosystem. Suppose you’re using the mower with a mulcher blade on leaves in the fall. In that case, you’re creating organic material that provides essential nutrients for your lawn and a protective blanket for your flowers and shrubs that acts as sustainable fertilizer.

Can any lawn mower be retrofitted with mulching blades?

Absolutely. Unless you own a hybrid lawn mower, most lawn mowers are adaptable to mulching blades. Mulch requires more engine torque because the edges are heavier and have a lifting action. Underpowered budget mowers may not be suitable. The average mower will be able to adapt with a universal blade or designer blade.

When is the best time to mulch?

If you don’t want the leaf and lawn cuttings on your lawn all year, you will have to switch out the blades.

If your property has many falling leaves or a thick lawn, mulching will benefit you in the fall and early spring environment. Other chores like raking or pick-up are unnecessary once you mulch leaves and grass to a satisfactory cutting.

However, switching back and forth is unnecessary if you are happy with the benefits mulching provides for your lawn.

During an individual day, you’ll want to avoid mulching when the lawn is wet. If the lawn sprinkler has just done it’s job, avoid lawn mowing or mulching.

Once the blades become dull and no longer perform, remove them for sharpening.

What is the downside to mulching?

Mulching takes frequent cutting. It requires more torque and is harder on your mower. It’s best to cut dry grass to avoid excess clumping and further engine strain.

What risk are there from mulching blades?

Belt-drive mowers work on a spindle and pulley principle. A belt connects the pulleys to the motor’s drive pulley, but when the mulching blade strikes an object on the terrain, it may knock the belt off its path. This hit may cause the mulching blade to bend without damaging the mower.

Direct-drive mowers work with blades engineered to operate without a belt or pulley and instead use a shaft output drive. This design allows smaller engines to produce more spin while compromising the safety cut-off (like in belt-drive) and damaging the standard blade when it collides with obstructions like roots, stumps, or rocks.

The problem is that a thicker mulching blade can better withstand the impact but will bend the output shaft and instantly destroy most mowers.

One way to avoid this catastrophic damage is constantly scouring the lawn for protrusions and avoiding driving the mower across those surfaces. Lifting the cutting deck is a safer way to avoid hitting those protrusions. Raising the cutting height means more frequent mowing, and taller grass hides these obstructions.

Conclusion

Mowing and mulching require precautions, and safety is always paramount when switching blades. Injuries happen. Many great mulching replacement blades are available for wet grass and produce a finer mulching material.

Our top pick are the Maxpower universal blades because of their versatility, high lift, and precision cutting teeth.

However, you may find that the other blades on this list may suit your needs more. Assess your lawn cutting surface to determines the best mulching blades for your lawn mower. This is true whether you own a John Deere, Husqvarna, or any other compatible mower.

Mulching is becoming more popular for its eco-friendly benefits, and suitable blades will help keep your lawn healthy.

The Best Mulching Blades For Your Lawn Mower – And Grass!