Nothing beats the look and feel of a well-manicured lawn. As such, the difference between a neat and beautiful garden and a bushy, unkempt yard is highly determined by the choice of lawn mower blades used. Even with a good lawnmower, you will not achieve quality trim if your blades are not quality.
The blades of a lawnmower have a sharp cutting edge that directly cuts the grass. For this reason, the best lawn mower blades will give you a clean, quality and professional trim. There are many lawn mower blades on the market. Choosing which one to buy may be seemingly tasking. We have rounded up the best lawn mower blades below and things to consider before buying replacement lawn mower blades.
5 Best Lawn Mower Blades
1. Maxpower 561557B 3-Blade Set
- Includes 3 blade for many 54 in. cut MTD, Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt mowers
- Replaces OEM #'s 942-05056A, 742-05056 and 742-05056A
- Also fits Craftsman CMXGZAM110183, CMXGZAM110143 and CMXGZAM110179
- Each blade in this set measures 18-5/8 in. L with 2-1/2 in W
- 6 point star center hole
The Maxpower blade has a set of 3 blades. The blades are designed to fit many types of mowers such as MTD, Cub Cadet and Tory-Bilt mowers(OEM replacement 942-05056A, 742-05056 and 742-05056A). In addition, the cutting deck is 54 inches.
The Maxpower 561557B mower blades are high-lift blades and can be used if you're looking for grass clippings bagging option. Additionally, these blades are easy to install and also fit Craftsman lawn mowers such as CMXGZAM110183, CMXGZAM110143 and CMXGZAM110179.
The Maxpower replacement blades have a 6 point star center hole. The holes help the blade to remain firm on the mower. It is important to check this against your current blade before buying.
2. Toro 22" Recycler Mower Replacement Blade
- Toro tooth mulcher blade
- Replaces 108-9764-03
- Tooth mulcher blade
- WIDTH: 2-1/4" , C. H. DIA: 7/16" , THICKNESS: 0.1500" , LENGTH: 21-11/16", DIAMETER OF OUTSIDE HOLES: 0.3820"
The Toro 59534P Blade is a 22" mulching blade for Toro lawn mowers. This blade replaces OEM 108-9764-03.
Since it is a mulcher, the Toro mower cuts small pieces of grass and litters them over your lawn. The grass pieces act as fertilizer and provide nutrients to the lawn.
The upside of this replacement lawn mower blade is that it can easily cut wet grass. In addition, it is easy to add bagging to the blades regardless 0of them being specifically for mulching. However, one of the challenges with using this blade is that it is difficult to take out the original blade from the mower.
3. MaxPower 561545B 3-Blade Set
- Replaces Cub Cadet 742-04053A, 742-04053B, 742-04053C, 742-04056, 742-04056A, 742-04056B, 742-04056C,...
- Also replaces TORO: 112-0316
- Also replaces Windsor: 50-2138
- Fits some 50” cut RZT models
- 6 point star center hole
The Maxpower 561545B comes as a set of 3 blades. In addition, the blades are designed to replace lawnmowers like MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt models and Windsor 50-2138.
The Maxpower blades fit a deck size of 50". Additionally, the center hole is specifically designed to fit MTD 6 Point star center hole to make it firm.
These lawnmower blades have a 3-in-1 technique that enhances their efficiency and durability, especially when cutting grass of different sizes. For this reason, these mower blades are more suitable for professional purposes.
4. EGO Power+ AB2101 21-Inch Blade
- Enhance the bagging efficiency of your 21" EGO Power+ lawn mower
- Specifically designed for use while bagging clippings with EGO Power+ 21" Lawnmowers
- Not recommended for use with the mulching plug
- Factory sharpened steel blade for excellent cutting performance
- Delivers a clean cut to promote lawn health
The EGO Power+ AB2101 is a 21-inch high lift blade. As such, it is ideal for thick and fast-growing grass. The blade's edges are vertically designed to maximize airflow. In addition, the design of the blade is specifically for use while bagging clippings with EGO Power+ 21" Lawnmowers.
The AB2101 steel blade is pre-sharpened to enable excellent cutting performance. As a result, the blade gives a clean cut that, in turn, promotes lawn health.
In addition this
5. MaxPower 561713XB Commercial Mulching 2-Blade Set
The Maxpower commercial blade set offers a replacement for 42" blades. Examples of lawnmowers compatible with this blade include Poulan and Husqvarna lawnmowers. In addition, this blade fits Craftsman lawn mowers with model numbers 134149, 138971, 138498, 127843, PP24003, AYP7143A79, AYP7158A49, AYP9149A69, DPR20H42STA, TS14H42C, 2P4B9A, 9169A99 and 9178B99.
The replacement mower blades have a 5 Point Star Center Hole that adds firmness and grip to the mower. In addition, the edges of the blade are serrated to increase the mulching power.
Factors to Consider Before Buying A Lawn Mower Blade
Having the right blade for your lawnmower will determine the quality and length of your trim. As such, below are important considerations to make before buying mower blades.
1. Length of the Blade
Blade length is the most important thing to look for in a blade. Normally, mower blades have varying lengths between 16.75" and 22". The best blade for your mower is one that fits properly and is of adequate length.
A shorter blade does not make wider cuts and often moves position during spinning. In addition, a wider blade may not easily fit. To get the right length of the replacement blade, measure your current blade and use the estimated length when making an order.
2. Width of the Blade
Similar to the length, a wider blade may not fit into the deck and, in turn, could damage the mower. A narrow blade results in poor quality cuts. The typical width range is between 2.25" and 3.5". Always make sure to choose a blade with the right width to improve the quality of your cuts.
3. Build Material
The material used to make the blade highly influences its performance. A stainless steel blade lasts longer and cuts your grass compared to a blade made of lower metal. While you may want to save on costs, getting a low-quality blade will have you putting in more work than you had anticipated.
Checking the type of painting done on your blade will also determine its durability. A blade with a poor paint job rusts easily.
4. Deck Size
The deck size relates to the length and width of the blade in that the size of your lawnmower determines it. Most mowers have a deck size that falls between 16" and 30". If you are not sure about your deck size, your lawn mower user manual is a good place to start.
5. Number of Blades
The total number of blades required is based on the type of mower that you own. For example, a riding lawn mower allows for multiple blades to achieve a better cut. For this reason, it is best to purchase a mower blade set that matches the width of your deck.
Other types of lawnmowers, such as handheld mowers, require more than one blade setting. However, they can still function using a single blade.
6. The Shape of the Blade
While not mandatory, checking the shape of your current blade will help you choose which one to buy. Some blades are perpendicularly shaped, while others are parallel. You can either opt to match the shape of your current blade or explore a different shape.
7. Blade Holes
It is important to purchase a blade whose center matches your current blade. Blade holes latch and grab on the opening of the mower. Some blades have a 5-point opening, while others have a 6-point opening. The type of mower you are using will determine which blade to purchase will and its model.
Types of Lawn Mower Blades
Generally, the best lawn mower blade to purchase is determined by the type of mower that you have. However, this is not always the case. Each type of blade has distinct features that set it apart from another type. Below are the best lawn mower blades type available on the market.
1. Low-Lift Blade
Low-lift blades are more suitable for lawns with dry short grass and soil that is sandy. For this reason, they are mostly used by walk-behind mowers.
In addition, low-lift blades have less sanction and hence collect a significantly low amount of debris and airborne dust. This is because the airflow in the blades is not as powerful compared to a high-lift blade. For this reason, the low-lift mower blade frequently clogs.
2. Medium-Lift Blade
This blade has an upward curvature to generate more airflow. In addition, it is slightly bigger than the low lift blade and can perform more difficult tasks, such as plucking weeds and thicker grass. As a result, the medium-lift blade can be used for residential and commercial purposes.
The downside of using a medium-lift blade is that it leaves clumped grass clippings at random. In addition, its chance of clogging compared to a high-lift blade is higher. The reason for this is that the medium-lift is not adequate to transfer debris to the chute and bag.
3. High-Lift Mower Blade
High-lift blades are also known as 2-in-1 or regular blades. They have vertically angled edges to maximize the airflow pattern. For this reason, high-lift blades effectively move clippings through the chute and to the bag without causing any clogs.
High-lift mower blades are ideal, especially if the grass on your lawn grows thick and fast. The reason for this is that the blade cuts and lifts more grass clippings in one go. Consequently, this mower blade is suitable for commercial use, especially in riding mowers.
4. Mulching Blade
Mulching blades are commonly used in push mowers and riding lawnmowers. They are also known as all-purpose blades. The design of a mulching blade has a curved surface for optimum functionality.
Mulching blades work by dragging and cutting the grass and then sucking the clippings into the deck. Next, the clippings are chopped into small pieces, blown out by the air pressure from the innermost blade.
The small grass clippings can be left to decompose on the lawn and provide nutrients to it. The downside of using mulching blades is that they do not move the clippings through the chute as fast as high-lift mower blades. In addition, mulching blades are not effective at cutting long grass into small chippings.
5. Gator Blade
Gator blades are also known as 3-in-1 blades. This is because they combine the low and high lift with the mulching property to make one best lawnmower blade. For this reason, gator lown mower blades are more effective because of the 3-in-1 grass cutting technique.
In addition, gator blades have a saw-edged design on one end of the blade. Overall, these lawn mower blades are designed to cater to all aspects of grass cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) On Lawn Mower Blades
1. What is the Best Lawn Mower Blade to Buy?
Ideally, the choice of lawnmower blade to buy depends on your lawn and purpose. For example, if you have a dusty lawn, then a low-lift blade is more convenient. The same logic applies to if you have thick grass or light grass.
Similarly, a regular blade is suitable for residential purposes, while a mulching or gator blade is ideal for commercial purposes. Checking lawn mower blades reviews before making a purchase will also help in decision making.
2. How Often Should You Replace Your Lawn Mower Blade?
The best lawn mower blades give a clean, fresh-cut. As such, if the result of the cut is not desirable, this is your first sign of changing lawn mower blades. Another factor that determines the frequency of replacement is the rate and extent of mowing. For example, homeowners need to replace their blades maybe once every year or two. However, commercial lawn mowers, such as landscapers, get replacement blades frequently.
3. Are Gator Blades Better Than Regular Blades?
Gator blades use of three techniques in one by incorporating the low and high lift and mulching feature to make one blade. As such, gator blades are the best lawn mower blades compared to regular blades.
