Best Mulching Blades Reviews & Buying Guide

Cutting grass can be one hell of a chore, especially the part when you need to clean up afterward. Luckily, the technology in the lawn mower department has progressed so much that you have numerous tools at your disposal to properly address the situation – we’re mainly talking about mulching blades, which are synonymous with the most efficient cutting and mulching tools.

One of the main reasons why it’s so important to you to educate yourself in terms of understanding mulching blades is because there are so many models on the market that it might make your head spin.

What is a mulching blade?

Mulching blades stand for the most versatile grass-cutting tools equipped to a lawn mower. As opposed to standard 2 in 1 blade, mulching blades are famous for their 3 in 1 function – they can bag, mulch, and discharge the grass clippings with the same amount of efficacy. So it is essential tools to cut the grass on lawn like a sprinkler for watering.

It’s fairly easy to tell mulching blades apart from standard ones as they have a curved surface, the cutting edge is slightly sharper, and they’re usually outfitted with a number of serrated edges (although it mainly depends on the model – for example, Oregon’s G5 blade has a single serrated-edge side while Rotary’s Copperhead has both sides).

Model	Preview	Rating	Price
#1 MAXPOWER 561713 2-Blade Set for 42 Inch Cut			Check Price
#2 MTD 942-0741A Replacement Mulching Blade 21-Inch Length			Check Price
#3 Oregon 598-629 G5 Gator Blades, Pack of 2			Check Price
#4 Set OF 3, Mulching Blades			Check Price
#5 High Lift Replacement Blade For Craftsman, Poulan, Husqvarna Blade			Check Price
#6 Rotary Copperhead Mulching Mower Blades			Check Price

Top 6 Best Mulching Blades – Expert’s Picks

Each and every model is very different and brings different benefits to the table. Some blades work faster, others mulch better, and some, which we characterize with having an all-around performance, are actually are the ones that could bear the title of the ‘best lawn mower mulching blades’. Without any further ado, let’s get straight to it.

#1 MAXPOWER 561713 2-Blade Set for 42 Inch Cut

Our first mulching blade is Maxpower’s 561713 – a two-blade set that’s tailor-made for 42-inch Poulan, Husqvarna, and Craftsman models. Both blades are 21 inch long and 2,25 inches wide, which basically means that they’re average in terms of design and specifications.

Though they’re perhaps not exactly exemplary in terms of versatility, one of the strongest points of this blade set is the fact that they’re sturdy as nails. They won’t bend unless you really put your mind in deliberately destroying them, and they were built to numerous mowing sessions.

Most people emphasize the fact that they’re the perfect fit for aforementioned models, but is such a reassurance really necessary? It most certainly is. Namely, there’s a huge difference between a perfect fit and being compatible with certain models, and a boast which belongs to the former bears a lot of credence in this case.

Others point out that these blades were, in fact, more than adequately sharp at the moment they arrived. Of course, sharpening them up on your own shouldn’t be too much of a problem, but the fact that they’re ready for use straight out of the box is still a substantial benefit.

Our Verdict

In short, Maxpower 561713 mulching blades are your go to blades. They’re great if you don’t want to experiment too much and when you’re looking for reliable blades. They boast a perfect fit for three popular brands and a massive level of sturdiness.

#2 MTD 942-0741A Replacement Mulching Blade 21-Inch Length

Next up is MTD’s 942 0741A, a standard issue replacement blade with average specifications. This blade is 21-inch long and has a star in its center, meaning that in terms of performance it neither excels or lacks in certain departments. What’s so good about it is the fact that it comes available at a very cheap price.

Although it’s relatively basic in terms of pretty much everything, from design, over features, to performance, the fact that it does the job reliably and that it comes so affordable is enough to declare it as one of the best mulching blades out there – or at least, one of the best budget mulching blade models.

Offering a smooth bevel and the ability to retain its keen edge and sharpness over a multitude of mowing processes, the MTD’s 942 0741A is beyond ‘great’ for the money. However, this blade does not come pre-sharpened, meaning that you might not be able to mow your grass down on the same day it arrives.

On a slightly brighter note, MTD’s 942 0741A is incredibly light. This usually doesn’t contribute much to the performance of a mulching blade, but since it’s a solo replacement blade, it means that you won’t overburden your mower unnecessarily.

Our Verdict

In essence, the reason why MTD’s 942 0741A is such a good mulching blade is that it offers the benefits of simplicity. It does the job and doesn’t cost a fortune – these are the main reasons why you should consider it. There are times when simplicity beats unnecessary flair, and this is such a scenario without any doubt.

#3 Oregon 598-629 G5 Gator Blades, Pack of 2

Here we have Oregon’s 598 629 G5 – a pack of two Gator blades. After sifting through a plethora of gator blade reviews, we’ve come to an understanding that finding a well-balanced model feels pretty hard to most folks. Luckily, such a model exists, and we’ve picked not one, but a set of two of them.

In essence, these mulching blades are the closest to being called ‘hybrids’ so far. Namely, they borrow certain elements from standard and mulching blade types, blending them in a very mulch-efficient mix. They have a 1-inch airlift positioning and a blade angle most similar to that of standard blades, meaning that they’re great for mulching, cutting, and bagging.

On top of it all, they’re fused with a special form of carbide, meaning that they’re incredibly tough and resilient on the outside. This is also the first blade set which comes with serrated edges which only means one thing – mulching and mowing your lawn with it will be easier when compared to using any other set of similarly priced blades.

Sadly, their versatility has its price – they don’t offer such a perfect fit as our previous two models. Certain mowers will operate with decreased efficiency due to the angled blade design.

Our Verdict

Oregon blades are pretty much everything you need for your mulching machine – they’re sturdy, mulch and bag extremely fast, and they have an enhanced cutting exterior.

#4 Set OF 3, Mulching Blades

The set of 3 blades is another best mulching blades for riding mower that act as replacements for Craftsman, Poulan, and Husqvarna models. The particular models that these blades serve as replacements for 180054, 173921, and 193920. So you can use the blades for replacement of these brands.

Now, there are a couple of differences between these mulching blades and the set we’ve just reviewed. They cost almost exactly the same as the previous set, even though this one has three blades instead of two.

First and foremost, the edges seem to be designed in a very similar fashion, although this time around they’re curved. The second most important difference is that these blades are not for John Deere mowers, rather they’re for Craftsman, Poulan, and Husqvarna mowers that have a 48-inch deck.

Overall, Rotary’s mulching blades have time and time again proven to be very reliable, and this set is not an exception. We highly recommend you check them out as they’re very durable, incredibly sharp, sport serrated and curved edges.

Our Verdict

Though it might not be the most essential thing in the world, they actually don’t even cost much. Great value for the cash and that’s an understatement.

#5 High Lift Replacement Blade For Craftsman, Poulan, Husqvarna Blade

Next up we have Husqvarna’s high lift replacement blades – a set of three extremely durable mulching blades made by one of the most famous brands in this segment of the industry. Moreover, the sheer fact that Husqvarna manufactured them means a lot – they’re reliable, fit perfectly on Husqvarna models, but what’s even better is the fact that they perfectly fit on Poulan and Craftsman models as well.

Another benefit they bring to the table is durability. These blades are made of remarkably robust and rigid high-carbon steel materials which are certain to withstand all sorts and forms of physical abuse.

They’re a bit smaller than standard-issue mulching blades since they’re only 18.5 inches long, but they’re also a bit thicker with 0.204 inches in that respect. A perfect fit is promised in terms of models 187254, 532187254, 532187256, and 187256, although the list of models compatible with it is even longer.

The only thing people didn’t seem to like too much about this replacement mulching blade set is that it’s expensive. However, there are three blades in the package, and the total price pretty much beats the scenario where you intend to purchase them standalone.

Our Verdict

Objectively speaking, Husqvarna’s replacement blades don’t cost a fortune, but it’s true that they’re not a bargain. Some of the main benefits they provide are excellent reliability, durability, and very solid performance.

#6 Rotary Copperhead Mulching Mower Blades

We’re closing up our review with another model from Rotary. It is Rotary’s Copperhead mulching mower blade set. Simply put, this is another great mulching blades for John Deere models, and there are several facts to support such a bold statement.

First of all, these blades are incredibly sharp, and by that, we mean really, really sharp. The dual serrated edges mulch and cut grass with such efficacy that you’ll be surprised with what you’ve been doing with any other blades so far.

They were tailor-made for OEM AM137328, GY20850, GX22151, and AM141033 models, as well as most, if not all John Deere mower models (only those compatible with 42-inch decks, though).

Sturdy and unapologetic in terms of performance, these mulching blades excel in virtually every aspect of performance. Cost wise, though, they are a bit more expensive than what you’d bargain for.

Our Verdict

Sharp, sturdy, and pretty amazing overall would be the words that best describe Rotary’s copperhead mulching blades in a nutshell. It’s true that their design is a bit sharper. So, you’ll have to pay some extra attention so that your kids don’t get a hang of it, but they’re worth every cent in terms of performance.

Standard Blades vs Mulching Blades

Ever since the mower blades were invented, the term ‘standard’ came to be. People simply referred to the latter as ‘lawn mower blades’, as due to the lack of other types, there was nothing ‘standard’ nor ‘special’ about them.

However, this might lead you to believe that mulching blades are totally different in comparison to mulching blades. That’s not necessarily true – there are many differences between the two, but there are also many similarities that bring them quite close together. In terms of what’s relatively the same about standard and mulching blades, we could point out the following:

Same purpose

Although the method of operation is different, both standard and mulching blades are used to mow your lawn. A layman would never be able to spot the difference because aesthetically these two blade types look pretty much alike.

Mulching blades aren’t specialized neither are standard blades inferior

There are people that get the notion that mulching blades are special blades whereas standard blades are mediocre ones, blades that are average in performance. It’s quite important to note that that’s not the case.

Basically, standard and mulching blades are used for different types of lawn, for different types of mowers, and generally, they give a relatively different end result. However, neither type is special and won’t grant you some magical benefits that are otherwise unattainable with a regular set of blades.

In terms of differences, these are the most obvious ones:

Versatility

Generally speaking, mulching blades differ from standard-issue ones. First and foremost, it’s quite clear that mulching blades are superior in terms of versatility. While regular blades discharge clippings through the discharge chute, mulching blades, obviously, mulch them up, significantly reducing the time needed for the cleanup process.

Shape

Secondly, mulching blades differ from regular ones in terms of shape.  The mulching model is strikingly more curved in comparison to standard ones and often comes with serrated edges. In short, design wise the mulching blade looks and performs differently – they perform a series of smaller cuts, resulting in petite, mulched clipping pieces.

Method of operation

There are more differences, and the next one is the way these cutting processes are executed. Namely, regular blades are specifically designed to pull the clippings up after which they’d fling them via the discharger. On another hand, mulching blades form spirals of air streams, directing the clippings toward the mulching blade.

Method of discharge

One of the most obvious and vital differences between mulching blades and standard blades is that they’re not compatible with certain types of mowers. Firstly, mulching blades were designed to store the clippings below the mower – mulching blades are nowhere near efficient when it comes for discharging.

Standard blades, on another hand, aren’t well suited for mulching mowers, as well as for those that have mulching hardware installed.

Final word

We’ve found some of them for riding mower models, as well as some of them for mulching mowers. These mulching blades are well made and very popular for cutting the grass. After long research, We picked MAXPOWER 561713 2-Blade Set as the best mulching blades, but it’s your job actually to choose the model that will suit your purposes.

The blades you’ll see in our reviews are all of impeccable quality, but each and every one of them is suited for a different kind of job, as well as for different types of mowers. We hope that you liked our selection and wish you all the best luck in finding what you’re after.