Ever look at your lawn after mowing and wish the grass clippings just vanished? You are not alone! Those piles of clippings can look messy and often take extra time to rake up. Many people struggle to find a lawn mower blade that truly handles those clippings well, leaving behind clumps that smother your healthy grass.
Choosing the correct mulching blade makes a huge difference. A poor blade just chops the grass a little, leaving big pieces everywhere. A great mulching blade, however, chops the clippings into tiny bits. These tiny bits fall back into your lawn, feeding it natural nutrients. It saves you time raking and makes your grass greener!
This post will cut through the confusion. We will explain exactly what makes a good mulching blade work and how to pick the perfect one for your mower. Get ready to learn the secrets to a cleaner cut and a healthier lawn without all the extra work.
Top Mulching Lawn Mower Blade Recommendations
- 21 Inch Troy Bilt Mower Blade Replace number Troy Bilt MTD 942-0741A 942-0741 742-0741 742-0741A 742-04100 490-100-C089 742-04276 742-04276S 942-04276 942-04276S CC-742-0741 OEM-742-0741
- 942-0741A Mulching Blade Compatible with Troy-Bilt TB110 TB240 TB230 TB130 TB200 TB160 TB210 TB280ES TB320 TB115 TB220 TB360 TB105 TB120 TB125 TB130XP TB140 TB160XP TB270ES TB270XP TB290ES TB330 TB360ES TB370 21" Deck Walk Behind Push Mower
- BLADE SPECIFICATION: Length: 20 7/8″(531.5mm), Width: 2-1/4"(57mm), Thickness: 9/64"(3.4mm), Center Hole Shape: Bow Tie, For Deck Size: 21", Lift: 1-1/8"(28mm), Mower Blade Type: Mulching Blade.
- FIT TOUGH MOWING TASKS: The blade is very suitable for cutting overgrown weeds or clearing rugged terrain. You can sharpen the blade if you want to maintain a neat, even cut for normal lawns. The cutting edges are painted to prevent rust and protect your hands during installation. The paint will wear off as you mow the grass.
- 3-IN-1 BLADE: Serves 3 purposes (mulching, bagging, and side discharging) at the same time. Featuring numerous curves that cuts and re-cuts grass to smaller pieces, and recycles them back into the soil as nutrients to promote healthy lawn growth. Additionally, its high-lift increases the bagging capacity by 50%.
- Includes 1 mulching blade for many 21 in. cut MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman mowers. Must Match Current Blade OEM Number to insure exact fit.
- Replaces OEM #'s: 742-0741, 742-0741A ,742-04276, 742-04276S, 942-0641, 942-0741, 942-0741A 942-04276, 942-04276S, CC-742-0741; Craftsman CMXGZAM100067
- Fits Cub Cadet Models: CC Series- CC 46M, CC 46MZ, CC 46ES, CC 439, CC 469, CC 949, CC 94M, CC 98M, CC 98H, CC 98K, CC 99M, CC 989, CC 997ES, CC 999ES; SC Series- SC 100, SC 100 H, SC 100 HW, SC 300, SC 300 E, SC 300e, SC 300 HW, SC 500 EZ, SC 500 EQ, SC 500 HW, SC 500 Z, SC 700E, and SC 700 H; S/SR/SRC/SRE Series: S 621, S 621 SS, SR 621, SRC 621, SRE 621, SC 621, SC 621 E; and other models- MTD 214 IP, 214 KW, and PR 521.
- Fits Troy-Bilt Models: TB 105, TB 110, TB 115, TB 120, TB 125, TB 130, TB 130 XP, TB 140, TB 160, TB 160 XP, TB 200, TB 210, TB 220, TB 230, TB 240, TB 270 ES, TB 270 XP, TB 280 ES, TB 290 ES, TB 320, TB 330, TB 360, TB 360 ES, TB 370, TB 370 XP, TB 380 ES, TB 380 XP, TB 400 XP, TB 430 XP, TB 450 XP, TB449E, TB 490 XP; Tru-Cut- 100, 110; Tuff Cut- 200, 210, 220, 230; Pro-Cut- 300, 310, 320.
- CENTER HOLE: Bow Tie Center Hole Pattern. Diameter of Outside Hole is 5/16". Center to Center of outside Hole is 2.5"
- Fits MTD 20" walk-behind mowers 1997 and after
- Also fits MTD Gold, Yard Man, Yard Machines, Troy-Bilt, Bolens, White Outdoor and Huskee products
- 3-in-1 blade mulches
- 1" star center hole
- Replaces O.E. # 742-0740 and 942-0740
- Blades Mounting Pattern Compatibility Notice: CUB CADET ZT1-42 XT1-42 XT2-42 RZT42 Mower Uses Two Different Mounting Pattern. Our Blades Have a 6-Point Star Mounting Pattern.They Will NOT fit Mounting Pattern with an “S” Shaped (MPN 742P05177 742-05177). Please Check Your Original Blade's Mounting Pattern Before Ordering a Replacement!
- Mulching Blades Replace MPN 942-04308-X, 942-04308 ,942-04126, 742-04126, 942-04126-x, Windsor 51-4440，942-04308-X, MTD 942-04308-X, Troy Bilt 942-04308-X.
- 942-04308-X 942-04308 Mulching Blades For Cub Cade 42 Inch Riding Tractor Zero Turn Mower, model # LTX1040, LTX1042KW, RZT-L42, RZT-L42 KH, RZT-S42, RZT-S42 KH, RZT-SX 42, RZT-SX 42 KH, XT1-LT42, XT1-LT42C, XT1-LT42 KH, XT2-LX42, XT2-LX42 KH, XT2-LX42 KW, ZT1-42 KH
- 942-04308-X 942-04308 Mulching Blades For Troy Bilt TB42, TB42 7-Speed, TB42 Hydro, Pony 42X, Horse 42 Hydro, Super Bronco 42 Hydro, Bronco 42 Auto, TB1942, TB2142, Mustang Z42, Mustang 42, Mustang XP 42 with 42-Inch Riding Tractor Zero Turn Mower
- BLADE SPECIFICATION: Length: 21-1/4"(540mm), Width: 2-3/8"(60mm), Thickness: 5/32"(4mm), Center Hole Shape: 6 Point Star(5/8"), For Deck Size: 42", Lift: 1-1/8"(28mm), Mower Blade Type: Toothed Mulching Blade.
- ✅ 【Replaces OEM Part Numbers】 Arie ns 21546095;for A YP 127843, 134149, 138498, 138971, 138971X431, 139775, 532134149, 532138971, 532139775, HU22004, for Crafts man 127843, 134149, 138498; Hus qvarna 113312X, 521981601, 532127843, 532134149, 532138498, 532138971, 532139775, 532188971, 777134149; Pou lan 42 inch mower blade, for ariens 42 inch mower blades, ariens 42 mulching blades, for craftsman 42” blades
- ✅【Blades Specification】 Length: 20 7/8", Width: 2 1/2", Thickness: 1/5", Center Hole: 5 Point Star, For Deck Size: 42", blade material: iron 42 '' ,42 inch Lawn Mower Blades.
- ✅ 【Compatible With】42" Decks for Pou lan: PB155G42, PB15542LT, PB17542LT, PB195A46LT, PB195H42LT, PB20H42YT, PB22H42YT, PO14542LT, PO15542LT, PO17542LT, PXT175G42, PP155G42, PP155H42, PP175G42, PP19A42; mower 42" Decks.
- ✅ 【Compatible With】 42" Decks for Hus qvarna: 2042LS, LT125, LT130, LT152, LT16542, LT18542, LT1942, LTH125, LTH130, LTH140, LTH145, LTH1542, LTH1742, LTH18542, LTH2042, LTH152, LTH174, LTH1842, LTH2142 for Husqvarna 42 inch Mulching Mower Blades.
- ✅ 【After-Sales Service】Professional manufacturing and strict quality control make us confident in our Products, Our replacement parts are built to meet or exceed OEM standards; If you have any quality or installation issues, please contact us at any time.
- Includes (1) 21 in. universal gold metal commercial mulching blade
- Measures 21 in. L x 2-1/4 in. W with a 1 in. center hole diameter
- Includes a cover washer and 6 reducing washers in the following sizes: 3/8 in., 7/16 in., 9/16 in., 1/2 in., 5/8 in., and 3/16 in
- Fits MOST 21" cut mowers
- Recommended for gas powered mowers - not battery powered or electric mowers
- Includes 1 commercial mulching blade for many 22 in. cut Toro recyclers
- Replaces OEM #'s 104-8697-03, 108-9764-04, 131-4547-03
- Measures: 21-11/16 in. L and 2-1/4 in. W
- 7/16 in. center hole diameter
- Manufactured to meet or exceed all OEM specifications. All MaxPower blades are sharpened during the manufacturing process and then powder coated for your protection. This coating will come off during the first cut to reveal a precision sharpened blade.
- Fits For Troy Bilt Tb110 Blade, Replace number Troy Bilt Cub Cade Craftsman MTD 942-0741A 942-0741 742-0741 742-0741A 742-04100 490-100-C089 742-04276 742-04276S 942-04276 942-04276S CC-742-0741 CMXGZAM100067 OEM-742-0741.
- Fits For Troy Bilt 21 Inch Mower Blade, Compatible with Troy-Bilt TB110 TB240 TB230 TB130 TB200 TB160 TB210 TB280ES TB320 TB115 TB220 TB360 TB105 TB120 TB125 TB130XP TB140 TB160XP TB270ES TB270XP TB290ES TB330 TB360ES TB370; Craftsman M250 M110 M230 M140 M210 M100 M260 M105 M270 M115 M320 M310 Lawn Mower.
- AVOID MISTAKES: This 942-0741A blade is ONLY compatible with a Bow Tie spindle. Please check that your center hole pattern matches before purchasing to avoid installation issues.
- BLADE SPECIFICATION: Length: 21"(533mm), Width: 2-1/4"(57mm), Thickness: 9/64"(3.4mm), Center Hole Shape: Bow Tie, For Deck Size: 21", Lift: 1-1/8"(28mm), Mower Blade Type: Mulching Blade.
- FIT TOUGH MOWING TASKS: The blade is very suitable for cutting overgrown weeds or clearing rugged terrain. You can sharpen the blade if you want to maintain a neat, even cut for normal lawns. The cutting edges are painted to prevent rust and protect your hands during installation. The paint will wear off as you mow the grass.
Choosing the Right Mulching Lawn Mower Blade: Your Ultimate Buying Guide
A mulching lawn mower blade is a special tool that helps your mower cut grass into tiny pieces. These small pieces fall back onto your lawn. They act like natural fertilizer. This keeps your grass healthy and green. Buying the right blade makes a big difference in how your lawn looks and how easy your job is. This guide will help you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look for in a Mulching Blade
When you shop, check these important features:
- Curvature and Shape: Good mulching blades have a specific curve. This curve lifts the grass up high. It keeps the grass in the cutting area longer. This lets the blade cut the clippings multiple times. Look for blades with more aggressive curves or “wings.”
- Cutting Edges: A quality blade has sharp edges. Some blades have multiple cutting surfaces. These surfaces help chop the grass finer.
- Center Hole Shape: The hole in the middle must match your mower exactly. Common shapes are star-shaped, bowtie, or round. Check your owner’s manual to find the right fit. A bad fit is dangerous and won’t work well.
Important Materials for Durability
The metal used to make the blade is very important. It affects how long the blade lasts and how well it cuts.
High-Quality Steel is Best
- Hardened Steel: Most good blades use high-carbon, hardened steel. This material resists bending and chipping. It also holds a sharp edge longer.
- Powder Coating or Finish: Some blades have a special coating. This coating helps stop rust. Rust weakens the blade over time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Blade Quality
Not all blades perform the same way. Certain design choices boost performance, while others lower it.
What Makes a Blade Better?
- Thickness: Thicker blades handle tough grass better. They resist bending when they hit small sticks or rocks. Thin blades wear out faster.
- Balance: A well-balanced blade spins smoothly. An unbalanced blade causes strong vibrations. These vibrations shake your mower and can damage the engine over time. Good manufacturers test their blades for balance.
What to Avoid
- Cheap, soft metal blades break easily.
- Blades that are too light may not lift the grass properly for mulching.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about your lawn when you choose a blade. Your experience will change based on what you need the blade to do.
When is a Mulching Blade Needed?
- Frequent Mowing: If you mow often, a mulching blade is perfect. It handles short clippings easily, returning nutrients to the soil.
- Thick or Tall Grass: For thicker grass, you need a heavy-duty, high-lift blade. This blade works harder to keep the clippings suspended until they are fine enough.
- Lawn Health: Users who want a “no-bagging” experience choose these blades. They save time and feed the lawn naturally.
If you have a very large yard or frequently cut very long, wet grass, you might need two blades. Some people use a standard “high-lift” blade for the first tough cut, then switch to a dedicated mulching blade for the second, finishing pass.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Mulching Mower Blades
Q: What is the main difference between a standard blade and a mulching blade?
A: A mulching blade has more curves and angles. These curves keep the grass clippings airborne longer so the blade can cut them into tiny pieces multiple times.
Q: Do I need a special mower for a mulching blade?
A: Not always. Many modern mowers come with a mulching setting or deck design. You often just need to buy the correct blade type for your mower model to enable mulching.
Q: How often should I sharpen my mulching blade?
A: You should sharpen it at least once per season. If you mow often or hit debris, sharpen it more frequently. Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly.
Q: Can I use a mulching blade if I want to bag my clippings sometimes?
A: Yes, most mulching blades still move air well enough to bag clippings. However, they are less efficient at vacuuming than dedicated bagging blades.
Q: What does “high-lift” mean on a blade?
A: High-lift refers to the wings or curves on the back edge of the blade. These create strong airflow to lift the grass up for a clean cut and push clippings around for mulching.
Q: Will a cheap blade work just as well?
A: A cheap, thin blade often lacks the correct balance and hardness. It will wear out fast and might vibrate too much, leading to poor mulching results.
Q: How do I know the center hole size is correct?
A: You must check your mower’s manual. If the hole does not match the spindle bolt perfectly, the blade will wobble, which is very dangerous.
Q: Should I buy an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) blade or an aftermarket one?
A: OEM blades are guaranteed to fit and work perfectly. Good aftermarket blades can save money, but always check reviews to ensure they use quality steel.
Q: Does blade material affect noise?
A: Yes. Thicker, heavier blades made of quality steel often create a smoother sound than very thin, light blades that tend to vibrate more.
Q: When should I replace the blade instead of sharpening it?
A: Replace the blade if it has deep nicks, bends, or if the metal near the center hole becomes worn out or cracked. Sharpening can only fix the cutting edge.