Mulching blades vs regular blades? Choosing the right type of blade for a lawn mower is essential to maintaining a beautiful and lush lawn. Using the correct blade will make mowing less of a chore and improve the appearance of the lawn significantly. Currently, mulching blades and regular blades are the most commonly used mower blades. Mulching blades vs standard blades is a common topic of discussion among gardeners. Lawn care enthusiasts often debate the pros and cons of each type of blade to determine the right option for them
The main difference between mulching and regular blades is the functionality. Moreover, these blades differ from each other in terms of shape, use, length, energy consumption, and lifting capabilities. Let’s delve deep and know about the mulching and regular blades to understand their differences better.
Mulching Blade vs Regular Blades
Here are the key features of mulching blades and regular blades covered in the table:
| Features | Mulching Blades | Regular Blades |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Mulching Blades are designed with more curves and extended cutting edge | Regular blades generally have more of a straight-style cutting edge |
| Lifting Capacity | Generates a medium lift | Aerodynamically designed blades to ensure a good lift |
| Discharging | Not efficient at discharging cuttings | Angular design guarantees high lifting and discharging power |
| Energy Consumption | Mulching blades require high energy consumption, leading to increased electricity bill | Regular blades need less power to function, a better option to save electricity |
| Type of Grass Cuttings | Perfect for medium-sized grasses and lawns that need mowing every 3-4 days | Better-suited for tall, thick, or overgrown grasses and lawns that need mowing every 10-14 days |
| Grass Handlings | Mulching blades perform three tasks (cutting, bagging, and discharging) in one go | Regular or 2-in-1 blades are designed for bagging and discharging clippings |
| Durability | Promises higher durability with sturdy build | Not as durable and sturdy as mulching blades |
| Compatibility | Generally compatible with new and more advanced mower units | Universally compatible with nearly all lawnmower models |
| Lawn Fertilizing | Produces a natural fertilizer to return natural and organic nutrients back to the soil | Does not naturally fertilizes the lawn |
Before delving deep, know about the mulching and regular blades to understand their differences better.
Mulching Blades
Mulching or 3-in-1 blades cut, bag, and discharge grass clippings. This multifunctional blade has a more curved profile and an increased cutting edge for superior efficiency.
Mulching blade works by sucking up the overgrown grass like a vacuum pump and pushing it to the cutting deck. It is cut into smaller pieces in the cutting deck and then redistributed onto the lawn.
There are many characteristics that set mulching blades apart from other mowing blades
Curvy Design: These blades have a curvy design on the edge, which allows more contact with the grass. The curved blade edge cuts the grass more efficiently and has finer chopping capabilities.
Multifunctional: The all-purpose design saves time and effort with its 3-in-1 functionality. This versatile single blade is capable of chopping, bagging, and discharging clippings without any additional tools.
Produces Natural Fertilizer: It repetitively cuts clippings into finer pieces. The grass cuttings are then distributed onto the lawn. These clippings act as a natural fertilizer by providing essential nutrients (nitrogen and Phosphate) to the lawn.
Regular Blades
Regular blades are also called traditional, standard, or 2-in-1 blades. It utilizes a one-swipe motion to cut and discharge grass clippings.
They have an aerodynamic design to generate a powerful lift and redistribute cuttings. These blades do not do a good job at mulching, therefore, it is not possible to achieve a precisely-cut lawn.
Angular Design: Unlike mulch blades, they have an angular design that helps generate a powerful lift. The angular body helps with high lift and discharging grass with more force.
Large Metal Flaps: It is equipped with extended metal flaps to cut grass in one go. It does not repetitively cut grass, instead, it chops it in one rotation.
Good at Discharging Grass: These blades are more powerful at discharging cuttings than chopping grass. It generates a stronger airflow, throwing grass clippings out in no time.
Difference Between Mulching and Regular Blades
Now that you know all about these mower blades, it would be easier to understand the difference between regular and mulching blades
Shape
One of the primary differences between mulching and standard blades is the shape.
Mulching blades have more surface area and a curved cutting edge. The curved surface of the cutting edge cut the grass finely.
A curved angle also creates a powerful vacuum effect to circulate the grass in the cutting deck and cut it repeatedly.
The curved edge of the mulch blade either has serrated teeth or flat edges. A serrated tooth edge is more efficient at generating powerful airflow and lifting grass.
On the other hand, regular blades have straight cutting edges. Some designs may have a slight curvature at the end of the edge, but mostly the cutting edge is flat.
While its straight design is not good at cutting grass, it creates a powerful airflow for lifting and discharging grass clippings.
Lifting Capacity
The lifting ability of the blade depends heavily on its shape.
While mulch blades precisely cut grass, they do not generate a powerful lift as compared to regular blades. Their lifting capability is low because it sends the grass to the cutting deck multiple times for finer cuts.
In comparison, regular blades create unobstructed airflow and work uni-directional. It means these blades cut clippings in one rotation and discharge them onto the lawn or mower bag.
Discharging
3-in-1 blades Keep the grass clippings in the deck for longer before discharging. It only discharges cuttings when they are chopped into thinner cuts. They do not lift or discharge clippings with much force as the design focuses more on finer chopping.
Comparably, 2-in-1 blades are designed primarily for bagging and discharging. They cut the grass in one rotation and discharged it with force. However, using these blades on old or standard mowers does increase the risk of clogging.
Energy Consumption
It is a no-brainer that mulching blades consume more electricity as these are more efficient and multifunctional.
Mulch blades require more horsepower from the mower to cut efficiently as well as bag and discharge clippings onto the ground.
In contrast, regular blades do not require a lot of electricity to function. These mower blades have lower energy consumption, therefore, the best option if you want to save on the electricity bill.
Type of Grass Cuttings
Mulching blades are better suited for small to medium-sized lawn that needs to be mowed every 3 to 4 days, therefore their types vary according to usage.
On the contrary, regular blades work best for larger lawns with overgrown grass. It works best for lawns that are mowed every 10 to 14 days.
Grass Handling
A single mulch blade performs three functions to make mowing easier. Grass handling is definitely easier and less time-consuming with mulch blades.
In contrast, you may have to manually bag and throw the grass clippings with standard blades. It takes a lot of time, and the whole process of mowing is more labor-intensive.
Durability
Mulching blades are more advanced and have a solid build. These blades last long and need less maintenance to function correctly.
However, you can not expect the same durability from regular blades. Regular blades are usually not as sturdy and durable as mulch blades.
Compatibility
With mulching blades, you have to check compatibility before buying. These blades are generally compatible with newer lawnmowers.
As opposed to mulch blades, a user does not have to worry much about compatibility with regular blades. They work and fit seamlessly with nearly all mower models.
Lawn Fertilizing
Mulching blades are a nutrient-rich mowing option as they produce natural fertilizer. The finely cut grass clippings are evenly spread onto the lawn and provide essential nutrients.
On the other hand, regular blades do not contribute much when it comes to lawn mowing. These give uneven, larger cuts, so the clippings have to be thrown away.
Mulching vs. Standard Blades: Which Blade is Right for You?
Well, it depends on the mower you use, the length of grass, and your personal preferences. Both blades have their own pros and cons, and it is difficult to choose one. However, regular blades are better suited for old mower models, large lawns, and overgrown grasses.
In comparison, mulching blades are apt for advanced mowers and shorter grasses. These are more efficient and save time and effort when it comes to mowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better mulching blade or regular one?
There are benefits and drawbacks to using mulching and regular blades. Mulch blades cut grass more efficiently and produce natural fertilizer. Contrarily, regular blades are good at lifting and discharging grass.
What is the difference between a mulching blade and a standard blade?
Mulching and standard blades are different in many aspects. For instance, shape, durability, function, grass handling, energy consumption, use, and more.
Conclusion
As stated earlier, both blades have certain benefits and drawbacks. The decision to choose one depends on the mower you own, the area of the lawn, the type of grass, and other requirements.