Searching for the best mulching blades for leaves? If you’re in search of the finest mulching blades for leaves, know that there are plenty of top-notch options available. Mulching blades excel in effortlessly cutting through leaves, leaving your lawn immaculate. On top of that, the 3-in-1 blade reduces leaf clutter and promotes a well-maintained yard.
In this article, we will explore some options and delve into the features and benefits of these high-quality mulching blades. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a homeowner looking to upgrade your lawn care equipment, these reviews will guide you toward the best mulching blades for leaves.
Best Mulching Blades for Leaves Comparison
| # | Image | Mulching Blade Name | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Maxpower 561713XB 2-Blade Set for Leaves | Superior cutting quality | Check |
| 2 |  | Oregon 598-629 Gator G5 21-3/16″ Leaves Mulching Blade | Sharp Cutting Edge | Check |
| 3 |  | 8TEN LawnRAZOR Mower Blade Set for Leaves | Good lift | Check |
| 4 |  | Maxpower 331981B 21-Inch Leaves Mulching Blade | Universal Compatibility | Check |
| 5 |  | Rotary 12733 PK3 Copperhead Leaves Mulching Blade | Value for Money | Check |
Best Mulching Blades for Leaves
1. Maxpower 561713XB 2-Blade Set for Leaves
Best Feature
Superior cutting quality
Reason Why it is Better Than Others
Maxpower is trusted by landscapers for their quality and affordability. In comparison to 331981B, it is preferred by lawncare enthusiasts as they can get a 2-blade set at nearly the same price. Getting a pair of blades is often recommended, one can be kept as a backup.
My Experience After Using
I have been using Maxpower blades for quite a while now. However, I bought the 561713XB with the intention to save money and to keep one as a backup. Well, I was not expecting superior cutting quality considering the price but it surprised me with its mulching capabilities.
Design – It has a conventional mulching blade design with not much innovation. In my opinion, its strength and sharpness give it an edge over other blades available at similar price points.
The sharp curvy teeth convert leaves into mulch in no time. Leaves are mulched into tiny pieces to be used as a natural fertilizer. It works well for mowers with various settings to cut grass and leaves.
Function – These powerful blades repeatedly cut the grass and leaves by circulating clippings in the cutting deck. This way, tall grasses, and leaves are cut into finer mulch to easily decompose into the lawn.
Easy to Install – The blade has a five-star hole which makes it easier to install. Additionally, the said hole design makes it compatible with numerous lawnmowers.
- Manufactured in the USA
- Made from premium stainless steel material
- Cuts grass and leaves finely
- Sharp cutting wings
- Easy to install
- Low lifting capabilities
Features
- A set of two blades measuring 21″ long and 2 ½” wide
- Meets all OEM specifications
- The heat-treated manufacturing process for sturdiness and durability
- Equipped with a 5-star center hole
Compatibility
Mowers – Fits Poulan, Craftsman, and Husqvarna. It is compatible with the Craftsman model created by Husqvarna (not MTD)
Replacement Numbers – Replaces Craftsman 134149, 138971, 138498, 127843, PP24003, AYP7143A79, AYP7158A49, AYP9149A69, DPR20H42STA, TS14H42C, 2P4B9A, 9169A99, and 9178B99.
Final Results of Maxpower 561713XB
Check out the before and after look of my lawn from image below:
2. Oregon 598-629 Gator G5 21-3/16″ Leaves Mulching Blade
Best Feature
Sharp Cutting Edge
Reason Why it is Better Than Others
Oregon mulching blades are known for their extra sharpness and durability. This is a more heavy-duty version of the Oregon G3 Gator blade, offering supreme performance and improved mulching capabilities.
My Experience After Using
It cuts like a dream and I have to never pass the same area twice. It is equipped with all the weapons to combat thick grasses, weeds, and leaves. I would definitely recommend using this mower blade if your lawn is surrounded by trees.
Cutting Edge – Since cutting weed and leaves need extra power and sharpness, it would be the right fit to mulch leaves. Oregon has added another layer of sharpness with an ultra-hard tungsten carbide layer.
This blade ensures thinner cuts and increases the time between sharpenings. Plus, the cutting edge is extended than normal to allow more coverage of the cutting area.
Sharpness – These mower blades are sharper than most of their counterparts. It can cut leaves, weeds, thick grass, and shoots coming its way. Usually, it takes two passes to mulch leaves and one pass to cut grass.
Durability – Another thing that makes it a top choice for landscapers is durability. It is made of thick, high-grade metal for longer wear and to prevent bending and breaking.
- Tungsten Carbide layer in the cutting edge for long-lasting sharpness
- Extended cutting-edge surface
- Durable and sturdy
- Cuts leaves and weeds efficiently
- A bit heavy
Main Features
- Features a 6-point mounting hole
- Sturdy construction with Fusion Tungsten Carbide layer for extended lifespan
- The high-quality metal build makes them resistant to bending
- Works well for thick grass field
Compatibility
Replacement – It replaces MTD, Cub Cadet, 942-0616, 742-04126
3. 8TEN LawnRAZOR Mower Blade Set for Leaves
Best Feature
Good lift
Reason Why it is Better Than Others
8TEN LawnRAZOR is a perfect fit if you want to switch blades on your Cub Cadet and MTD. This aggressive mulcher makes mulching less of a chore and is designed for a 46″ deck size.
My Experience After Using
I do not find this the most heavy-duty blade, however, it has a RPM speed similar to a standard blade which creates a powerful airflow and an aggressive lift. Like every other mulch blade set, it has its pros and cons.
High Lifting Capabilities – It generates a stronger airflow to suck up grass. As a result, clippings are cut and tossed into the bagger with great force. Besides the aggressive lifting, it has a sharp, curved cutting edge to make mulching easier.
Cutting Edge – It has an extended cutting edge with sharp teeth to cut grass, leaves, and anything that it comes across.
Mounting Option – The blade has a 6-point star center hole which makes the installation and removal easier.
Durable – It has sturdy, long teeth and is painted with a high-temp green powder coat to prevent rusting. Sturdy construction significantly increases the usable lifespan of the blades.
- Compatible with nearly all 46″ Cub Cadet decks
- Sturdy material finished with high-temp powder coat
- Similar RPM speed as regular blades
- Creates good lift
- Not thick enough (0.157″)
Compatibility
Mower – Fits certain models of Cub Cadet and MTD
OEM Part Numbers – 942-04290-X, 742-04244, 942-04244, 942-04244A, 742-04290, 942-04290
4. Maxpower 331981B 21-Inch Leaves Mulching Blade
Best Feature
Universal Compatibility
Reason Why it is Better Than Others
Maxpower has eliminated the hassle of going through the user manual to find the part number. With this universal blade, you can pair any push mower with a 21″ deck. It is a more advanced version of 561739XB with greater mulching capacity. Importantly, it does a good job of cutting leaves.
My Experience After Using
I have to say using the Maxpower Mulching blade was a game-changer for me. It effortlessly cut through leaves, leaving my lawn looking clean and well-maintained. It made the whole mowing process much easier and more efficient.
Cutting Quality – This sturdy Maxpower mulching blade guarantees deeper cuts and low-clumping action. Be it leaves or thick grass, it effectively cuts through them. It is considered more of a commercial-grade blade and works well in damp, dry, and sandy mowing conditions.
Functionality – Not only does it mulch leaves, but it also ensures even cuts and redistribution. After mulching leaves into finer pieces, it pushes clippings to the topsoil with the centrifugal lift.
Design – This sturdy blade has sharp teeth and a 45-degree body curve which lifts the grass efficiently and leaves no clumps behind. Moreover, it is equipped with a cover washer and 6 reducing washers to fit most mower models.
- Universal compatibility
- Work on most mowing conditions
- Sharp and sturdy
- Precisely cuts leaves and weeds
- Made in the USA
- Thick and require more mower vibration
Main Features
- It is recommended to be used on gas-powered mowers
- Commercial-grade blade for cutting leaves and thick grass
- Comes with a cover washer and six reducing washers
Compatibility
Fits most mowers with a 21″ deck
Video Review
5. Rotary 12733 PK3 Copperhead Leaves Mulching Blade
Best Feature
Value for Money
Reason Why it is Better Than Others
Rotary mower blades enjoy a good reputation for sturdiness and durability. The brand keeps improving its designs and introducing new ones to the landscapers. Similarly, this is a more improved version of the 6294 copperhead mulching blades by Rotary.
My Experience After Using
After using the rotary mulching blade, I was impressed by its cutting power and efficiency. They effortlessly trimmed my lawn, leaving it looking neat and tidy. It was a smooth and hassle-free experience, making mowing tasks a breeze. However, these Rotary blades do need frequent sharpening.
Grass Types – These sturdy mowing blades work well on taller grasses, leaves, and weeds. Rotary blades are designed to mulch thick leaves and grasses into finer cuts.
Design – It has a straight profile with a sharp cutting edge and curved flaps. These curved flaps repeatedly cut clippings to produce finer mulch. It cuts precisely and distributes the cuttings evenly onto the lawn.
Material – These are not made from the sturdiest material. Crafted from steel, it will only last a few seasons before needing replacement.
No Clogging – It is designed to not clog the mower deck or leave clumps of cuttings behind. These blades effectively discharge clippings without clogging the mower.
- Sturdy cutting edge and curved flaps
- Boosts mower efficiency
- Cuts leaves and redistributes evenly
- Efficient chopping potential
- Require frequent sharpening
Main Features
- Comes in a pack of 3
- Fits mowers of 54″ deck
- Easy to install
- Thick and heavy-duty blades
Compatibility
Fitment – Hustler Z and XR7 SUPER Z
OEM – Hustler 797704, 797712
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Mulching Blades for Leaves
Professional landscapers are familiar with the factors that need to be considered when selecting a mulching blade. If you are new to the world of lawn care equipment, here are some things to look for
Functionality – Since you’re looking for a blade to mulch leaves, make sure the one you have selected can do the job right. Not all blades are meant to cut leaves, weeds, and thick grasses. Therefore, it is better to check if the blade is apt for the task at hand.
There are plenty of mulching blades specifically designed to cut leaves. These mower blades are sharp and made from superior-quality material to prevent breaking.
Length – The length of the blade and the mower deck size should match for optimal performance. Mower components are designed with a specific length, so the blade should be of a compatible size. Using a mulching blade that is smaller than the recommended size for your mower may not give you the best results. It is important to install the right-sized blade for optimal performance.
Installing an inappropriate-sized blade would result in a smaller cutting area, uneven cuts, and a lack of airflow. Hence, get a blade that fits snugly under the deck. A 21″ long mower blade would be the perfect match for a mower with a 21″ deck size. Check the mower’s manual to figure out the appropriate length of the blade.
Installation – Ease of installation is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a mulching blade. Fitment and mounting options would determine how easily it would be installed. Universal fit, bow-tie, 5-point star, and 6-point star are the most common mounting options.
The spindle or blade adapter of the mower under the deck is where the blade is attached. It is designed with one of the shapes of the mounting options listed above. Generally, 5-point and 6-point stars are easier to install and remove.
Durability – Material, design, and thickness determine the durability of the blade. It is better to opt for blades with appropriate thickness and metal construction for longer wear. Heavy-duty blades last many seasons and do not need to be sharpened and replaced frequently.
FAQs
Can you use mulching blades with a bagger for leaves?
Yes, you can use mulching blades with a bagger for leaves. However, it’s important to note that mulching blades may not push the leaf pieces into the bag as effectively as regular blades do, as their design is primarily for cutting leaves or grass into smaller pieces and redistributing them into the lawn’s topsoil.
Do mulched leaves make good fertilizer?
Yes, mulched leaves make excellent fertilizer as they are organic and contain essential nutrients. After decomposing, mulched leaves contribute nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are vital elements for the health of the grass.
How do you mulch leaves on a riding mower?
To mulch leaves with a riding mower, you should install the appropriate mulching blade designed for riding mowers. Various mulching blades for riding mowers are available and can be found in resources like Mulchpedia.
What height should a mower be when mulching leaves?
A mower height of 3 inches is ideal for mulching leaves that are on the grass.
Do you need mulching blades to mulch?
Yes, to create mulch, all mowers require the installation of mulching blades. Standard mower blades cannot effectively produce mulch.
Should you mow over leaves?
Mowing over leaves is advisable, but it’s most effective if your mower is equipped with mulching blades. Mulching blades are designed to reduce leaves into small pieces, benefiting your lawn.
Does mulching leaves cause thatch?
No, mulching leaves do not contribute to thatch buildup in the soil. In fact, they can be beneficial, as decomposing leaves provide valuable nutrients to the soil, promoting the health of the grass.
How do you mulch leaves with a zero turn mower?
To mulch leaves with a zero-turn mower, replace the standard mower blade with a mulching blade. The mulching blade will perform more efficiently than regular blades and produce finer mulch from the leaves.
Do mulching blades work on leaves?
Yes, mulching blades are effective for chopping leaves into small pieces (mulch) when mowing, making them an efficient option for leaf management.
Is it better to rake or mulch leaves?
Mulching leaves is a superior option to raking. It eliminates the need to gather and remove piles of leaves, and it adds valuable nutrients to the soil, promoting healthier grass.
Wrapping it Up
In conclusion, when it comes to the best mulching blades for leaves, the Maxpower and Oregon blades are top contenders. These blades have effortless leaf-cutting ability, leaving the lawn looking flawless. With that said, you do not have to pick between these two options, get one that suits your requirements.