Lawn mower blade upgrade. Lawn Mower Blades: The Ultimate Guide (Types, Measuring, and More)

Lawn Mower Blades: The Ultimate Guide (Types, Measuring, and )

Purchasing replacement blades for your lawn mower is a relatively easy task if you know your lawn mower blade’s part number. If you have your lawn mower’s model and serial number, referencing that mower’s model and serial number parts diagram is another fool-proof way to purchase the correct blade.

But, what if you don’t have any of these part numbers to reference? How do you determine which blades will fit your mower?

By the time you are finished reading our Ultimate Guide to Lawn Mower Blades article, you should have all the info you need to purchase a blade that will work perfectly with your lawn mower.

How to measure lawn mower blades

We’ll get into the various types of lawn mower blades further into the article (skip to view types of lawn mower blades). First, we will walk you through measuring the blade on your lawn mower to determine which size blade you need.

Measure mower blades diagonally

The most common mistake we see when people are attempting to measure their lawn mower blade is measuring straight across the blade. This is going to give you an inaccurate measurement!

To properly measure a lawn mower blade, measure the blade diagonally.

Center hole diameter

The next measurement you will need is the diameter of the center hole of your lawn mower blade.

If your mower blade has 3 holes, make sure you are measuring the center hole!

To measure the diameter, measure straight across.

If your mower blade does not have a circle for the center hole, you will need to determine what the shape in referred to. on mower blades without circle-shaped holes in just a second.

If your mower blade has outside holes

If you notice 2 holes on either side of the center hole in your lawn mower blade, you will also need to take some measurements here.

Many push lawn mowers and some other types of mowers utilize these outer holes to ensure the blades do not hit each other while in use. Many commercial lawn mowers use 2 or 3 blades, not just 1 blade.

A perfect example of this is the Exmark Commercial 30. This is an oversized 30 wide commercial push mower that utilizes the center holes to ensure each blade is mounted in the correct position.

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Once again, you will want to measure the diameter of these holes.

You will also need to measure the distance between the center of these 2 outside holes. This measurement is referred to as center to center.

Lawn mower blade center hole types

Most lawn mower blades have circles as the center hole shape. If your blade does not, here is a quick reference of other possible mower blade center hole types.

Less common but not pictured center hole types include a square and a 7-point star center hole.

Measuring your mower blades width

The width of a lawn mower blade is usually not relevant to the fitment of the blade but we wanted to make sure you knew where to measure if this is applicable to your mower.

To accurately measure the width, make sure you are measuring straight across and measuring at the widest section of your blade.

Right-hand cut vs left-hand cut blades

Believe it or not, the cutting edge is not on the same side for all lawn mower blades.

Right-hand cut lawn mower blades are overwhelmingly the most common type.

Left-hand cut blades can be found on some mower’s manufactured by Kubota, Woods, Walker, and others.

Lawn Mower Blade Thickness

It is recommended to stick with the specs of the blade that came stock on your lawn mower. If for whatever reason you cannot determine the OEM blade part number, don’t stress about the thickness of the blade. It is not a huge deal, although using a blade that is too thick could lower the RPMs to a point where cut quality is lost.

As you might expect, blade thickness is measured by measuring the top of the blade to the bottom.

If you are bending a lot of blades, you may want to purchase a thicker lawn mower blade or just stop hitting rocks! Believe me, I’ve had 100 employees in my lawn care business over the years and completely understand if you are not sure if your employees are looking at what they are cutting as they are working!

Types of lawn mower blades

Now that you understand how to measure lawn mower blades properly and the various types of center holes you may find, let’s take a look at the different types of lawn mower blades and when you may want to consider each type.

We should mention you may see standard blade in the description of some lawn mower blades. This is basically the middle ground between high lift and low lift lawn mower blades. It is pretty suitable for any type of cutting.

High lift lawn mower blades

High lift lawn mower blades create a lot of lift due to the exaggerated fin on the non-cutting edge side of the blade.

When to use high lift lawn mower blades:

  • When you are cutting tall grass ( Grass over 3 tall )
  • When you are cutting flimsy grass such as turf-type tall fescue

When not to use high lift lawn mower blades:

Low lift lawn mower blades

Low lift lawn mower blades c reate little lift due to the exaggerated fin on the non-cutting edge side of the blade.

When to use low lift lawn mower blades:

  • When you are cutting short grass (Grass under 3 tall)
  • When you are cutting rigid grass such as Bermudagrass
  • In sandy soil conditions (see flat blades too)

When not to use low lift lawn mower blades:

Gator blades

Gator blades are also referred to as 3-in-1. Gator blades are often used by professional mowing companies in the fall to shred leaves as they mow. S ome companies run gator blades all year long.

Gator blades also shred longer grass blades before being discharged from the mower’s deck. Gator blades do create some lift.

When to use gator blades:

When not to use gator blades:

Mulching blades

Mulching blades mulch the grass clippings to allow for returning the grass clippings to the soil as natural nutrients.

It is important to note, you can certainly discharge the clippings from the mower’s deck back into the lawn without mulching blades as long as you are cutting your grass on a frequent enough basis.

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When to use mulching blades:

  • When you are not discharging the clippings or bagging
  • When you are following the 1/3 rule (only remove 1/3 or less of the grass blade each time you mow)

When not to use mulching blades:

Flat lawn mower blades

Flat lawn mower blades create zero lift due to the blade being completely flat.

When to use flat lawn mower blades:

When not to use flat lawn mower blades:

  • Most of the time! Only use flat lawn mower blades when in extremely sandy soil conditions and cutting a rigid grass type

Self-sharpening lawn mower blades

To ensure this article covers all the bases, we wanted to include a new option when it comes to lawn mower blades.

Self-sharpening blades use patented technology to literally sharpen themselves as you mow. The early adopters seem to agree that these blades do in fact sharpen themselves.

Of course, these blades come with a hefty price tag as far as lawn mower blades are concerned. It will be for you to determine if they are worth the investment.

When to sharpen lawn mower blades

Factors such as how much use, what type of grass you are cutting, the length of grass you are cutting, soil conditions, and other factors will determine how often you will need to sharpen your lawn mower blades.

After finishing this article, check out our guide on sharpening lawn mower blades.

The best way to determine when you need to sharpen your lawn mower blades is by simply looking at the cut quality. This refers to the sharpness of the cut you are getting out of your blades. In the picture above you can clearly see the blades on the lawn mower that cut this grass need to be sharpened as they are tearing the grass instead of cutting it.

How to tell if a mower blade has been sharpened too many times

If you read the manuals, most lawn mower blade manufacturers recommend replacing the blades when there is 1/2 left between the cutting edge and the fin, sail, or lift. The fin, sail, or lift is referring to the part of the blade that is angled up.

If you continue to mow with less than 1/2 of material left, you are putting yourself and others in danger as there is a great possibility this blade could fail and send a piece of the blade flying from your mower. Please take this recommendation seriously!

Even if no one is hurt if this occurs, you very well could be on the hook for property damage costs.

When to replace lawn mower blades

At some point, lawn mower blades can no longer be sharpened and will need to be replaced.

You may need to replace your lawn mower blades because you have sharpened them too many times and have removed too much material from the blade.

Other reasons you may need to replace your lawn mower blades are much more obvious.

For example, if you bend your lawn mower blade, it should be replaced. Please do not attempt to bend it back to being straight once again. The integrity of the blade was lost as soon as it was bent.

Other reasons to replace your lawn mower blades include large chunks missing due to hitting an obstacle or hairline fractures. You should always inspect your lawn mower blades when sharpening or if you know you just hit an object you shouldn’t have!

OEM vs Universal Lawn Mower Blades

Something worth noting about lawn mower blades is that you do not have to stick with the OEM blades that came with your lawn mower!

Some stock blades simply do not provide a great cut quality. The 2 most important factors when purchasing aftermarket blades is that you purchase blades with the same length and center hole diameter. If your blade has the additional outer holes, you need to account for these specs as well.

Above is an example of a universal replacement blade that has an elongated hole instead of a circle. You will often see this on universal blades that account for outer holes because they want the blade to fit as many makes and models of mowers as possible.

Where to purchase lawn mower blades?

Great question. You are in the right place!

iGoPro Lawn Supply has over 900 lawn mower blades in stock.

We more than likely have the blade you need and have the best price you will find online.

Go ahead and shop lawn mower blades now. We recommend searching for the blade you need by part number, but by now you are fully prepared to measure your blades and purchase the perfect replacement blade.

Lawn Mower Blade Conclusion

To wrap this up, let’s just summarize the most important information we covered.

The 2 most important things to note when purchasing lawn mower blades is the length of the blade and the center hole diameter.

Make sure you purchase a blade with the appropriate outer holes as well if your mower requires them.

Use high lift blades if you are mowing cool-season grasses.

Use low lift blades if you are mowing warm-season grasses.

Try gator blades if you are mowing long grass or would like to shred leaves as you mow.

Mulching blades should only be used with a mulching lawn mower or a lawn mower with a mulching kit installed.

Ryan Sciamanna

Ryan is the owner and founder of Lawn Crack, LLC the parent company of iGoPro Lawn Supply. He has worked in almost every capacity within the lawn and landscape industry for small local companies, nationwide companies, and of course, owning his own lawn landscape business which he sold in 2018 before starting selling lawn and garden products online. Learn more about Ryan by subscribing to the LawnCrack YouTube Channel.

The LawnmowerBlade that cuts itself sharp

Any landscaping professional knows that sharper mower blades make for sharper-looking lawns, but blades that maintain their sharpness can also improve a lawn-care business’s on-site efficiency and cut its maintenance costs.

Mowing lawns with LaserEdge® Eversharp™ blades means minimal maintenance and downtime associated with blade sharpening, increasing overall uptime and profits.

Redefining the Cutting Edge

High-quality, hardened steel blades equipped with the LaserEdge® Eversharp™ technology on their cutting edges have demonstrated their toughness and durability in field tests, even in the most abrasive conditions.

In one test, the LaserEdge® Eversharp™ cutting edge withstood 30 hours in severe sand conditions and became sharper during use. In a highly controlled durability test, the blade’s advanced technology performed remarkably, enduring multiple impacts from a 1-inch steel stake traveling at more than 200 mph.

Hours of Toughness

In an intense 50-hour field test in central Florida, mower blades with LaserEdge® Eversharp™ technology proved they “cut themselves sharp” when a new cutting edge emerged as the blade wore down.

In the test, a brand-new mower blade had LaserEdge technology applied on one cutting edge and was left untreated on the other edge. After putting the blade to work for 50 hours, the results were clear. The LaserEdge cutting edge was still sharp, and the untreated side was dulled and worn away.

Results will vary based on grass type, soil type and condition, and geographical region.

Cutting Costs, Boosting Bottom Lines

Increased Fuel Efficiency

Dull blades produce resistance, putting strain on the mower deck and making it difficult to maintain speed and efficiency. Mowing with a dull blade can reduce fuel economy by as much as 22 percent, which increases operating costs and reduces productivity.

Healthier, Greener Lawns

A dull blade shreds and tears grass, leaving it vulnerable to dehydration, browning, and disease. LaserEdge® blades cut grass cleanly, making it easier to deliver high-quality lawn care and in-demand enhancements such as lawn striping.

Blades Stay Sharp Longer

In abrasive conditions, a blade can get dull in as little as four hours, and lawn-care operations can go through dozens of blades a week, resulting in downtime and lost revenue. No matter the environment, a LaserEdge blade “cuts itself sharp,” reducing time spent sharpening.

Less Mower Maintenance

Blade replacement can be a dangerous undertaking. Attacking a dulled edge with a makeshift sharpening tool can irreversibly damage a blade and put workers in danger. LaserEdge blades dramatically reduce the frequency and risk of blade sharpening.

D.H. Steinegger, R.C. Shearman, T.P. Riordan and E.J. Kinbacher, “Mower Blade Sharpness Effects on Turf,” in Agronomy Journal 75 (1983): 479–480.

Savings Calculator

See how much you can save with LaserEdge® Eversharp™ lawnmower blades.

  • 432 Saved on Fuel Cost
  • 1575 Saved on Blade Sharpenings
  • 2625 Additional Revenue Opportunity
  • ( 960 ) Premium Spent on LaserEdge Blades

Calculations above are based off the following: type of lawn mower: 3-blade, 60-inch cut, gas-powered. Average gas price: 2.38. Lawn mower blade pricing: standard blade is 16. Average cost of sharpening: 5 per blade. Fuel savings: 11%. Blade removal and re-installation time: 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does LaserEdge ® Eversharp™ maintain a cutting edge that “cuts itself sharp”?

The LaserEdge Eversharp technology is applied to the underside of the cutting edge. As the blade cuts grass, the original blade material begins to wear away and exposes a new LaserEdge cutting edge, which is even sharper than the blade’s original sharpness.

Will I need to sharpen my LaserEdge ® Eversharp™ lawnmower blades?

LaserEdge blades “cut themselves sharp” and require minimal sharpening, but you should monitor cutting-edge wear. Sharpening is only needed if the new LaserEdge cutting edge is not presenting itself.

If I find the need to sharpen my LaserEdge ® Eversharp™ mower blades, how do I do so?

If you choose to re-sharpen your LaserEdge blade, do so in a safe, controlled setting with the proper equipment. Remember to prep the machine and remove the spark plug before removing the blade. Secure the blade to a work surface with a vise or clamp, and sharpen the blade with a file, bench grinder, or professional blade grinder. Ensure the blade is evenly sharpened and balanced before remounting on the mower deck.

How often will I need to change my LaserEdge Eversharp™ lawnmower blades?

The LaserEdge blade is designed to “cut itself sharp” and requires minimal sharpening over its life. The overall life of the blade will vary due to conditions, but its lifespan should be at least as long as a standard blade’s. In several of our tests, we found LaserEdge blades had longer lives.

How do LaserEdge ® Eversharp™ lawn mower blades perform in abusive mowing conditions?

The LaserEdge technology is an extremely hard, wear-resistant material. If you mow in conditions that regularly include rocks, curbs, out-cropping stones, and other hard objects, LaserEdge lawn mower blades may not be suitable for your operation.

A good test to see if LaserEdge is right for your operation is to inspect your worn blades. Worn blades that show excessive gouging, deep gashes, or large scraps may not see all the benefits of LaserEdge.

How long will it take for LaserEdge ® Eversharp™ to take effect?

This is highly dependent on geography, soil type, and cutting conditions. The magic of LaserEdge happens when the base blade material wears away at a faster rate than the harder, more wear-resistant LaserEdge material. In highly abrasive soil conditions (like sand), we have experienced standard blades wearing out in as few as 50 hours with blade sharpenings occurring as frequently as every 4 to 8 hours. In these areas, LaserEdge began exhibiting self-sharpening in as little as 5 to 10 hours. When using LaserEdge, these blades required no sharpening over the entire life of the blade. In less abrasive conditions, LaserEdge technology will take effect but over a longer time period.

How much do LaserEdge ® Eversharp™ lawn mower blades cost?

The price of LaserEdge blades will vary depending on the OEM and blade configuration. Although the LaserEdge will typically be more expensive than a standard blade, the benefits of consistently having a sharp cutting edge and increased uptime surpass the increase in blade price (see Savings Calculator).

Where can I purchase LaserEdge ® Eversharp™ lawnmower blades?

Most lawn mower Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are currently in the process of adding LaserEdge to their product line-ups. Be sure to talk to your local dealer about LaserEdge.

How do I get more information on LaserEdge ® Eversharp™ blades?

Fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page, and Fisher Barton will email you updates on product availability and news.

Get LaserEdge® For Your Business

Ready to bring this cost-effective, state-of-the-art mower blade technology to your lawn-care business? LaserEdge blades are currently available through select OEMs.

Available for the following brands through their independent dealers: (Click on the logo for information on available part numbers)

Connect With An Expert

We’re here to help and would love the opportunity to discuss your technical questions or application challenges.

Top 5 Best Lawn Mower Blades For Thick Grass (2023 Review)

Having a thick grassy lawn is something most people work toward. It’s great to see that all your hard work maintaining your lawn is starting to pay off!

That doesn’t mean that your work is over though.

Only the best lawn mower blades for thick grass can offer the durability and cutting power you need for the healthiest and thickest lawns.

Of course, if you really want a healthy lawn you also need to know how to mow your lawn to promote better health. I’ve got you covered with a guide showing you how to mow your lawn like a pro.

Don’t worry, choosing a great lawn mower blade for thick grass isn’t difficult, you just have to know what to look for. I’ve got that covered, and I’ve included a list of some of the best lawn mower blades for thick grass to help you choose a great option.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • Why thick grass needs a high quality lawn mower blade
  • Which features matter most for your lawn mower’s blade
  • And Much !

Below is a quick list of my favorite lawn mower blades for thick grass. Keep scrolling to learn more of my top tips to choose and use the best lawn mower blades.

  • Durable design
  • Easy to install
  • Heat hardened blade
  • Durable design
  • Easy to install
  • Heat hardened blade
  • High Carbon Steel
  • 54 cutting radius
  • Suitable for a wide range of lawn mowers
  • High Carbon Steel
  • 54 cutting radius
  • Suitable for a wide range of lawn mowers
  • Affordable
  • Bow-tie attachment
  • Made in the USA
  • Affordable
  • Bow-tie attachment
  • Made in the USA
  • Aggressive
  • Mulching Blade
  • Durable metal
  • Aggressive
  • Mulching Blade
  • Durable metal
  • Heat treated blade
  • Easy install
  • Long mulching blade
  • Heat treated blade
  • Easy install
  • Long mulching blade
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My Overall Top #1 Pick: MaxPower 561713B 2-Blade Set for 42″ Cut Poulan/Husqvarna/Craftsman

One of the things I really love about the MaxPower line of lawn mower blades is that they are manufactured in the United States. It’s great to be able to get a high quality product that’s made in the United States without having to pay an arm and a leg for it.

Plus, I’ve noticed that these blades tend to hold up a little longer and are a little more durable than most alternatives, which is one reason so many of the blades on this list are from MaxPower.

These blades are designed for Husqvarna, Poulan, and Craftsman lawn mowers. That doesn’t mean they won’t work if you have a different model of lawn mower, but you should check compatibility before you invest in these blades.

This model features 42-inch heat treated blades that are very durable and work well in even the thickest roughest varieties of grass. This blade maintains sharpness well, and provides good cutting power for thick lawns.

Top 5 Best Lawn Mower Blades For Thick Grass

In a hurry? Check out our top 5 picks below! Keep reading to learn more about these top lawn mower blades for thick grass.

  • MaxPower 561713B 2-Blade Set for 42″ Cut Poulan/Husqvarna/Craftsman (My Top Pick)
  • High Lift Replacement Blade For Craftsman, Poulan, Husqvarna (Best High-End)
  • Maxpower 331528B Mulching Blade for 21 Inch Cut (Top Contender)
  • Oregon 95-621 AYP/Sears/Husqvarna/Poulan Gator Mulcher G3 Replacement Lawn Mower Blade 21 in (Most Aggressive Blade)
  • Maxpower 561713XB Commercial Mulching 2-Blade Set for 42 (Best Large Mulching Blade)

Why Do You Need a High-Quality Lawn Mower Blade For Thick Grass?

Thick grass might be the goal of your lawn keeping efforts, but it does come with its own challenges. Most importantly, it can be difficult to maintain your thick lawn if you don’t have a lawn mower blade that can handle the extra stress.

Why do you need a high quality lawn mower blade for thick grass? Mostly because thicker grass will dull the blade more quickly. If the blade is too dull it will start tearing through your grass instead of cutting it.

Not only is torn grass less healthy than cut grass, it looks worse. Torn clippings can also lead to more jams and clogging in your lawn mower since they stick together more than cut crass and smaller pieces of grass.

High quality lawn mower blades also generally last longer than cheaper versions. They’re easier to sharpen and more durable against mowing stress. High quality lawn mower blades are also easier to sharpen, and less likely to bend and warp if you run over any branches or hit a rock.

Not sure how to replace your lawn mower’s blade? This short video will teach you the basics and works for pretty much all push lawn mowers.

Durability

Durability is also critical when it comes to lawn mower blades. Most manufacturers don’t include a ton of detail about the kinds of metal they are using though, which can make it more challenging to find a durable steel blade.

Instead of looking at metal quality, you’ll need to look at other signs of high quality metal.

Heat-treated metal is one way of looking for better durability in your lawn mower blade. The attachment point is also a good indicator. High quality manufacturers will usually use a grippier kind of attachment point like a star-shaped connector or a bow-tie connection. Those connections are a good sign of durability because they decrease the stress on the center of your blade while also improving grip and torque for better cutting.

Another way to identity durable lawn mower blades are words like professional grade, or contractor-ready, in the description. Manufacturers don’t add those words as buzzwords because if a bunch of professional lawn care companies buy the blades and then rate them poorly they’ll struggle to get new business.

Lastly I like to look at reviews and see how the blade holds up in two critical areas: sharpness and bend-ability. A blade that doesn’t hold an edge, or bends the first time you mow over an obstacle, isn’t the blade for me, or for you. Look for blades that consistently offer good performance and that are able to handle a wide variety of terrain.

Just like I recommend matching your lawn mower to your terrain if you have uneven ground, the same is true if you have hilly ground, you’ll need a lawn mower designed to handle hills.

Walk-Behind Lawn Mower. Types of blades and their uses

My Reviews of Lawn Mower Blades for Thick Grass

Blade Features:

  • Made in the USA
  • 2 21 inch blades
  • Designed to meet or exceed OEM requirements for compatible lawn mowers
  • 5 point star stable connection design
  • heat treated steel

These 2 21-inch blades might be my top pick, but any of the lengths in this model line will work just as well as these. Just make sure you’re matching your blade’s length to the needs of your lawn mower and you’ll be in good shape.

The star-shaped attachment point is particularly secure, and a good option for all compatible lawn mowers.

Like most cut-only blades, this design is a little simpler than a mulching blade. however, its heat treated steel and hardened edges still perform better than most other alternatives. This design also helps maintain directional control of your grass, which helps avoid clogging.

These blades are compatible with both side- and rear- grass ejection options, and work equally well for spreading your grass clippings and for bagging them.

Blade Features:

  • High Carbon Steel
  • Durable 5 point star connection
  • Good blade design
  • 3 18.5″ blades
  • Protective coating to help prevent corrosion

This set of 3 blades is designed for the larger lawn mowers and riding lawn mowers that have a very wide cutting deck. This set will work for 54″ cutting decks, which means it’s perfect for large properties with a lot of thick wild grass.

The high lift design on these blades, combined with the high carbon steel materials, makes these blades incredibly effective. Compared with most other lawn mower blades this design uses significantly higher quality materials. Because the metal itself is a lot more durable, so are these blades.

The blades also use other high-quality adaptations like 5 point attachments to further increase the durability. That’s one big reason these blades are compatible with higher quality brands like John Deere and Husqvarna that are consistently longer lasting and more effective than cheaper lawn mower alternatives.

This high lift design isn’t a direct replacement for the OEM parts, but they work just as well as the original blade for compatible models. Having a high lift design does change the look and finish of your lawn slightly, but usually for the better.

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Blade Features:

Different Types Of Mower Bar Blades for Different Kinds of Applications

  • 21 inch cutting radius
  • heat-treated steel blade
  • Suitable for some models of Poulan, Husqvarna, and Craftsman lawn mowers

If you’re looking for a slightly more affordable option, this MaxPower blade is another good choice.

It’s only a single blade, which is part of why this option is more affordable. It’s also designed to fit a different line of lawn mowers, which is why it doesn’t have a star attachment.

This blade is meant to work with Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, and Craftsman lawn mowers. That said, it’s still important to check your model numbers to make sure it’s a match.

This blade has a similar cutting design that’s somewhere between a straight cutting edge and a mulching blade. It’s design will cut the grass a little smaller than a standard blade, but it won’t get the small particles of a mulcher.

This blade design is also particularly easy to install, which makes it a lot easier to take this blade off if you need to sharpen it. It also makes it easier to replace after it’s been dulled by your thick grass.

Blade Features:

  • Gator/mulching blade
  • Aggressive design continues chopping clippings as long as they stay in front of the cutting area
  • 3/4″ lift
  • 21″ long
  • 2.5″ wide
  • High consistency cutting

This design is probably the most aggressive option on my list, which means it’s great for the thickest grass.

The lifted gator teeth on this mulching blade are great at reducing your grass clippings to small sections, perfect for composting, mulching, or just storing more grass clippings in your collection bag.

The attachment point isn’t great though, a round center hole offers less traction, which means more stress for the other two connection points. That means that the center of this blade might wear out a little faster, which means you probably can’t sharpen this blade as many times.

Blade Features:

  • 21″ Long
  • 2-1/2″ Wide
  • 3/4″ lift
  • 5 Point Star Center Hole
  • 5.20 pounds in weight
  • 2-blade commercial mulching blade set for a 42″ cut
  • Manufactured in the USA

For the last blade set I recommend, these large mulching blades are perfect for larger lawn mowers and the biggest lawns.

These are marketed as commercial blades because they are large enough and powerful enough for commercial use.

The 5-pointed star connection also provides superior grip and torque. But, it would have been nice to also get secondary connection points.

Like all MaxPower lawn mower blades, these mulching blades are heat-treated for added durability. They also hold their edge well, and the teeth are surprisingly easy to re-sharpen for a mulching blade.

My Top Pick: MaxPower 561713B 2-Blade Set for 42″ Cut Poulan/Husqvarna/Craftsman

Despite these blades being designed as simple cutting blades instead of mulching blades, I still think this model (and other sizes of the same design) are some of the best lawn mower blades you can get.

This design is simple, easy to install, and incredibly durable. Its heat-treated blades are long-lasting, and work well for cutting thick lawns smoothly.

While all the blades on this list work well for thick grass, this design is also one of the most versatile. It’s good for thick grass lawns, overgrown grass that’s being cut and trimmed, and even some light brush mowing.

Final Thoughts On The Best Lawn Mower Blades For Thick Grass

Having one of the best lawn mower blades for thick grass is critical if you want to keep your grass thick and healthy. Hopefully this list will help you choose a great blade for your lawn mower, even if your model isn’t compatible with any of the blades I’ve listed here.

Of course other maintenance like proper fertilization, aeration, and other garden tasks are just as critical for keeping your lawn lush and beautiful. Now that you’ve gotten your dream lawn the work might be different, but it’s still important.

Now, enjoy your thick grassy lawn, and enjoy easier mowing with these high quality lawn mower blades.

Ultimate Guide for Lawn Mower Blades with Expert Guidance

The blades are the most essential part of a lawn mower as it is responsible for cutting the grass efficiently and accurately.

A wrong choice can lead to irregular cuttings which ruin the look of your landscape. If you are wondering whether all the blades are same then you are wrong.

Lawn mower blades come in different types, choosing the right one among them is quite challenging, especially if you don’t understand the differences.

We have created this guide to help people make an informed decision while purchasing lawn mower blades. In this article, you can see in-depth differences between lawn mower blade types

Types of Lawn Mower Blades

In-depth Description of Each Lawn Mower Blade

Below is a clear analysis and description of each law mower blade along with its merits and drawbacks. Read the information thoroughly to understand which one suits your lawn mower better.

Standard or Straight Blades

They are known as medium-lift or standard mower blades. They are commonly found on regular lawnmowers, or ones that spin horizontally. Lawnmowers that release debris from the side are often fitted with this mower blade type. Though they’re referred to as straight blades, these generally have a small curvature on the ends.

A reason behind the small curve along edge is that it helps create an uninterrupted flow of air when the blade turns and creates an action of cutting and sucking. Suction is created by the soil that pulls grass up and allows for accurate cut. But straight blades produce a small amount of suction because their edges are inclined. This leads to a tiny quantity of air moving across blade.

Before deciding on blade type, be aware of the kind of lawn you will be cutting. While many people choose straight blades because of their superior efficiency on dry and damp surfaces however, they’re only suitable for areas with large grass patches. The advantage of these blades is swiftly cutting the grass that is dense, and send it to the bagging process effortlessly.

However, one of the disadvantages of the blades might not be capable of cutting through smaller bunches of grass, which could result in a sloppy cutting process. In this regard it is recommended to choose a different type of blade in the event that your yard is shady areas of grass. Another disadvantage of straight blades is the small suction power which cannot be sufficient to push grass debris out of the bag. This could create a blockage within chute.

Benefits of Standard Lawnmower Blades

  • The slightly curled ends aid in suction.
  • It can cut through thick grass patches easily.
  • Ideal for all kinds of soil.
  • Cuts both dry and damp surfaces with great efficiency.

Drawbacks of Standard Lawnmower Blades

  • The tendency to blockage in chute and restricts storage space in bag.
  • Might not be capable of cutting small clumps creating uneven lawns.

Low-Lift Blades

They are designed to mowing soil that is sandy due to low suction capacity. The blades’ edges are also less curly than standard ones.

The suction is low, which doesn’t allow grass to get up too high. This keeps the grass well-anchored for cutting and then discharged to the side. In the same way, this doesn’t allow dust to pick up with it. Therefore, it settles on ground without being blown around in the air that you breathe.

The blades that are low-lift are typically about 3-4 inches long and demand less energy for the engine of your lawnmowers. Because they don’t burden the engine to much it is given a longer life span.

Blades that have more suction will deteriorate more quickly than blades that have low lift. The dust can settle into the deck, causing blades to wear away prior to the expiration date they were originally scheduled for.

Thus, if you depend on durability over time, blades with this type of design are a suitable choice. Blades with low lift are also suited because of their capacity to operate quietly. They don’t produce much noise since they don’t require any power to work effectively.

Benefits of low-lift Blades

  • Needs more power for function
  • Ensures effective yet silent mowing
  • Perfect for mowing sandy terrains
  • Comes with durability and longevity

The High Lift Blades

It is easy to distinguish High-lift blades from their distinct vertical angles along the edges. This allows for maximum airflow through the blades and results in a suction vertical like none other.

The Rapid circular movement of the blades keeps the grass straight in preparation for the accurate trimming. It lets you cut your lawn with more accuracy and give it a clean and clean look.

High-lift blades are available from the length between 1 – 21 inches and are suitable to yards that have tall grass. The suction force is strong and ensures that there isn’t an accumulation of grass inside the chute, thereby preventing obstruction. This is why people who like bagging tend to lean toward such blades.

However, this feature renders it unsuitable for mowing on sand-covered terrains. Due to the high flow of air through the mower, it is possible that blades can be prone to pull in sand and dust as well as the grass.

As we all know dust may settle on the mower’s deck. This can cause it to wear away in a short time. In addition, the quick and continuous rotation of the blades requires more power to generate more suction. Additionally, this could lead to damage to the lawn mower sooner than anticipated.

Benefits of high-lift Blades

  • Provides elegant finish
  • Capable of sucking out and storing the leftover remains
  • Perfect for clipping tall-grass clippings

Drawbacks of high-lift Blades

  • The power drains out quickly
  • Not suitable for using on sandy soil conditions
  • They wear out quickly

Mulching Blades

They are also called a multi-purpose blade. They have a curved surface which permits it to work in different ways. The blade first raises grass and precisely cuts it into pieces. The cuttings or clippings will be taken towards the deck, which is where they will be cut into small pieces. Then, the inside curvature of blade generates the pressure of air that blows away the tiny pieces of clippings.

You can use them to fertilize the soil. Finer grass fragments are better as they will absorb nutrients by the soil.

The sharper and more curvier edges, along with cutting edges generally let mulching blades chop grass in smaller bits and then to expel them back into the ground. While mulching blades create lesser suction but lift the tall grass and straighten them enough to cut it.

If you’re looking the lawn to appear beautiful and also help to fertilize your landscape parallelly using mulching blade, it’s the perfect choice. Indeed, it is the best way to get rid of mowing debris that is not needed anymore.

Benefits of Mulching Blades

  • Can work for different purposes at same time
  • Comes with numerous curves which allow accurate cutting
  • Ensures soil enrichment
  • Perfect when you are not clearing clippings

Drawbacks of Mulching Blades

  • Cutting dense grass can lead to blockage or clogging
  • Has low suction which can make it unfit for cutting dense and tall grass

Gator Blades

Just like mulching blades similar to mulching blades, blades of gator are ideal to fertilize the soil. In reality the gator blades have been modified to accomplish the job more effectively.

The blades are specifically designed to generate maximum suction over the grass, pulling it upwards. This is due to an exact angle of those teeth on the mulching blade. It is an inferior blade that pulls grass upwards so that the grass will be cut with precision.

Unique angle that the gator’s teeth have will push the grass towards its sharp edge while the mower moves. This allows smaller grass pieces to cut again and again. It is possible to cut tall grasses into small pieces using this blade with ease.

To maximize the benefits of this method, put a mulching tool on the blade. The mulching kit can help spread the fine pieces grass so that they settle on the soil in a uniform way.

Finely cut grass adds essential fertilizers to soil. This will greatly increase the yield when you’re trying to plant fruit and flowers in your backyard.

It is also possible to collect all of the pieces that have been chopped into the grass collector bag. This can save you your time as well as effort taking care of the yard. It also helps in making your garden look attractive. Therefore, you’ll benefit by both sides.

Benefits of Gator Blades

  • Curved teeth lift the grass upwards
  • Suitable for fertilizing soil
  • Ideal for mulching leaves
  • Precise cutting job

Some Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all lawn mower blades are the same. Each type of lawn mower has its own specific blade type that is designed to work best with that particular mower. For example, a riding lawn mower will have a different blade than a push lawn mower. The blade on a riding lawn mower is designed to be able to cut through thicker grass and will be much sharper than a push lawn mower blade.

is the best way to locate replacement lawn mower blades. The OEM number refers to the manufacturer’s numerical part number for the blade. Most cases, you will only need to enter this number and the manufacturer name into an online search engine or store to get some promising results.

The length of the mower blade and the center hole size are the two most important factors to consider when buying lawn mower blades. If your mower requires it, make sure to get a blade that has the correct outer holes. If you’re mowing cool-season grasses, use high-lift blades.

The great thing about it is that many standard lawnmowers are capable of being modified for mulching. For best results, it is important to follow the steps below: Install a suitable mulching mower blade; and. You will also need to install a restriction plate.

If your grass tips are becoming ragged and brown, you will know it is time to sharpen your lawn mower blades. This can cause your grass to lose its ability to store water and make it more susceptible for disease. Some manuals for lawn mowers recommend sharpening or changing blades every 25 hours.

Some people believe that replacement blades should not be sharpened until they are used. This is because of the powder-coated finish that is applied by the manufacturer to most blades. This coating is thicker around the blade’s cutting edge, and can feel dull to the touch.

A good rule of thumb for homeowners is to replace their mower blades every year. Regularly sharpening your mower blades will extend the life of your blades. If you decide to sharpen your mower blades at home, make sure you wear protective gear and disconnect spark plugs.

A dull lawnmower blade can cause your lawn to look yellow, brown or raggedy. A dull lawnmower blade can pull up parts of your grass, as it pulls on the whole plant rather than cutting through the grass blades cleanly.

A new, sharp blade will give you a clean, neat shave. Your grass will experience the same effect. Sharp cutting blades make your lawn look great, and keep it healthy. The mower blades that are too dull or damaged can cause a bruising to the edge of your grass blade. This will leave a ragged end and not a clean cut.

Most mower blades will last 100 to 200 hours in normal conditions. If you purchase high-quality blades, the number of hours could be up to 400. You can use a grinder or a metallic file to sharpen your blades if they become dull. However, this will only work for about 2 to 3 times.

Mower blades today are made of low-carbon alloy steel. Most of the latest mower blades are rigid in nature but softening makes them bendable if they strike a rock or piece of wood. Because these blades are designed for being soft, it makes lawn mowing safer.The blades made from a harder steel alloy do not bend, but instead break. This can lead to steel bits flying around, especially when the blades spin at very high RPMs.

Design-wise, almost all of the lawnmower blades are interchangeable between single-blade and multi-blade lawnmowers. The dimensions of the blades are the only thing that will vary. Multi-blade mowers require that the blades overlap slightly to achieve consistent and clean cuts.This means that the two-blade mower blades may be slightly shorter than the single-blade blades. If the lawnmower mounts and blade match, the different types of lawnmower blades can be interchanged.The best one for you depends on your personal preferences and lawn conditions. Depending on what type of mower you use, certain blades might perform poorly. A mulching blade, for example, can be attached to a regular mower. However, it must be equipped with additional accessories to ensure that it does a good job of mulching.

Mower blades may vary in their dimensions, shape, and type of mounts. These are important details when it comes to lawnmower blades. Not all blades will fit into every lawnmower.The blades’ diagonal length can range from 6 to 32 inches. The width of the slit can vary from 1.5 to 4.25 inches. The blade’s thickness can vary from 0.01 to 0.33 inches.There are two options for the number of holes in the blade: one or three. They can also come in different shapes. Blades with two outer holes may require a blade adapter. A blade with only one center hole will work fine.

Few Words to Wrap Up…

The efficiency and quality of cutting depends mostly of the blades of lawn mower blades. Having a wrong blade can mess the look of your beautiful landscape. To help you figure out the right one, we have compiled a list of the lawn mower blades and detail description along with it. Consider the tips to find out which one is suitable for your grass cutting requirements.

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