Yes, you can put mulching blades on just about any mower, provided that the blade will fit your mower’s deck and that there is also room to install the restriction deck needed to control the flow of the grass. Just keep in mind that performance may vary based on your mower model and overall horsepower.
Today we’ve collected some of the most common questions about the installation and use of mulching blades with your mower. We’ll cover subjects like which side of the blade should face down, whether or not Gator mulching blades are superior, and more.
Let’s take a look at what you need to know about mulching blades!
Is there a difference between mulching blades and regular?
Mulching blades will have an extended cutting edge as well as more curvature to the blades, which allow them to be used for mulching, bagging, or simply discharging cut grass. Regular blades can only cut, discharging the clippings out of the side of the mower onto the lawn or into a bag.
Thus, mulching blades are considered 3-in-1, while standards are only 2-in-1 in regards to functionality.
How can you tell a mulching blade from a regular blade?
Mulching blades are easy to identify, once you know what to look for. When compared to a standard blade, you will notice that the mulching blade has more edges for finer cutting along the blade length and you will also see that they are more curved than your standard blades.
Can you put mulching blades on a zero turn mower?
Actually, you shouldn’t need to. As long as you can keep the grass leaves below the deck and if the chute close off, then your sero turn mower is already quite capable of mulching for you. If you’d still like to install a mulching blade, then a ‘mulch and click’ mulching kit may be purchased and installed on your zero turn mower.
Can I fit a mulching blade to my mower?
You can add mulching blades to just about any mower out there, all that is required is a mulching conversion kit. These are available for most gas or electric models, just be sure to check with the vendor to ensure that the kit you select is compatible with your specific mower.
Do mulching blades face up or down?
Your blades are actually marked so that you will know at a glance which side needs to be down. Check for either a model number engraved on the blades or the word ‘bottom’. When you install the blade, just make sure that the side with the engraved numbers or the word ‘bottom’ are facing the ground and they will function perfectly.
Can I use mulching blades with side discharge?
Yes, you can. Mulching blades aren’t so very different from your standard blades, with the exception that they have the extra functionality of mulching. They can also be used to discharge or bag the clippings, it’s all up to you.
Which way do mulching blades go on a riding mower?
The side that is labelled ‘bottom’ or which has the model number visible is going to be the side that needs to face down. Check your manual for your riding mower, however, as many riders already have mulching functionality built in. If your does not, then you can easily remedy this with a compatible mulching conversion kit.
Do you sharpen mulching blades?
Yes, you should sharpen your mulching blades from time to time in order to ensure efficient performance. A good general rule for this is that for every 20 to 25 hours of use, your mulching blade should be sharpened
Only sharpen the 3 -4 inch working edge of the blade and don’t oversharpen it – ideally it should be as sharp as a butter knife. If you sharpen it too much, then the blades will be too thin and prone to breakage.
Can you use mulching blades with a bagging system?
While you can, this is not recommended. A bagging system incorporates a blade that is bent and is designed to maximize airflow to the bag, so when the bagging blade is replaced with mulching blades you get a reduced airflow. This results in bags that are only half to ¾ full instead of densely packed.
Do you have to mow slower when mulching?
You can mow slowly so that you ‘mulch as you go’ or another method is to mow at normal speed for one pass, then to return and mow at a right angle so that the clippings are then thoroughly mulched right back into the grass in this fashion. Either method is going to be fine.
Will mulching blades cut grass?
Yes. Mulching blades can simply cut the grass into clippings for bagging or discharge, much like a standard mowing blade, but they have the added functionality of mulching if you would like to do that. They can still be used for standard mowing if you like.
Which is better mulching blade or high lift?
It depends on the height of the grass. High lift blades are designed for grass and weeds that are dense, tall, or both! They also require a bit more horsepower in order to function, but high lift blades are simply designed to cut high and dense grass – they do not mulch.
Mulching blades are not a good choice for very high and dense weeds or grass, but if the yard isn’t densely overgrown then they are a better choice than the high lift blades.
Are Gator blades better than mulching blades?
Gator blades are better than average mulching blades because of their innovative design. While standard mulching blades push the grass down, Gator blades employ a high-lift blade design that draws the grass upwards for a very even, clean cut.
What is the purpose of a mulching lawn mower?
A mulching lawn mower is designed to finely chop grass and to deposit these leavings as you mow. These leavings don’t need to raked up, but may be left where they fall as they will not harm the grass, but actually promote healthy growth.
Can you mulch with a regular lawn mower?
A regular lawn mower will not cut the grass finely enough to mulch, unless you get a mulching conversion kit. These kits typically consist of a restriction plate to control the flow of the grass clippings and a mulching blade to ensure a finer cut of the grass. They’re easy to install and after this, your regular lawn mower will have mulching capability.
Hi, I’m John Stephens, chief editor and writer for Totalgardener.com. I’ve been gardening and raising animals for over 15 years starting with a small backyard plot in Northern Virginia where I grew corn, potatoes, squash, and using a high mulch technique called the Ruth Stout Method. I also raised ducks and small mammals for meat and eggs in a movable pen similar to the ones used by Joel Salatin. I later moved to Colorado where I experimented with growing greens using aquaponics inside. I eventually added a microgreens setup and home sprouting operation. I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned plus more from the other local gardening and animal raising experts I know.
