Having a good sharp blade on your mower not only helps deliver a quality cut but also makes lawn mowing a lot easier. It is also important to look for a sturdy blade that lasts longer and requires less maintenance.
You need to keep in mind the Toughness & Hardness of the lawnmower blade that will help withstand higher pressure while dealing with thick grass – the sharpness is the ultimate factor.
The base material for any blade is iron, and adding carbon makes it what we call Steel, generally. The carbides make it hard. The heat treatment, later on, improves the toughness.
I’ve gathered some best ones out there to help ease your buying decision, and there’s also a buying guide at the end that mentions some important factors to look for before making your purchase.
Ensure to understand your requirements properly before putting your money for blades as there is no blade to perform all tasks efficiently.
There are mainly three types of blades depending on your needs;
- Lawn Mower Blades for Mulching
- Lawn Mower Blades for Bagging
- Lawn Mower Blades for Discharging
These have different shapes that I will explain in detail with each product.
QUICK PICKS
Here are my recommended products picked out through amazon you would be interested in depending on your budget…
10 Best Lawn Mower Blades for Thick Grass Reviews
Without further ado, let’s dig into Best Lawn Mower Blades for Thick Grass list as per our ranking;
1. MaxPower Poulan for Husqvarna & Craftsman Replaces
- Blade length: 21″
- Blade width: 2.25″
- Type of blade: High-lift
- Center hole: One 5-point star center hole
- Weight: 3.94 pounds (2 blades)
- Affordably priced and comes in a pack of 2
- Lightweight blades take less motor power
- Good for bagging
- Center hole edges have to be carved sometimes to fit
- Side edges need more sharpening
Overview
The MaxPower 561713B blades are manufactured in the USA and meet OEM specifications. They come in a pack of two, each having a length of 21″, which means the total cutting area becomes 42 inches.
There is a 5-point star hole at the center, and its tips are well-rounded. It measures 1-inch in diameter (in total), whereas the inner diameter is about half an inch.
These blades were designed to fit with Husqvarna, Poulan, and Craftsman lawnmowers with a 42″ deck. The blade’s width is 2.25″ and weighs around 1.97 pounds each, making them sturdy and smooth while using them on tough grass.
There were also some issues reported by few customers, stating that they had to scrape some material off the center hole to fit it into their Husqvarna mower. Some said that the edges needed a little bit more sharpening to get that good cut.
But overall, the reviews were positive, and these blades were classed under Amazon’s choice.
They are great for bagging leaves and grass clippings as they are high-lift blades. The blade’s inner part is a bit flat, while the outer part at the backside is curved up.
They are generally priced below some Craftsman blades, so you’ll save some money by buying these if you’re using a mower of that brand.
They can cut long grass very easily and are quite resistant to stones due to their thick metal build. You can use them on dry or wet grass without any problem.
You can deal with any kind of grass like Zoysia Grass with a high hardness of 5 out of 10.
2. 8TEN LawnRAZOR Lift Blade Set for Craftsman & Husqvarna
- Blade length: 20.875″
- Blade width: 2.25″
- Type of blade: High-lift
- Center hole: 5-point star
- Weight: 3.88 pounds (2 blades)
- Suitable of bagging and delivering a clean cut
- Easy to fix and holds up well
- Good value for money
- May not perform well in bad soil conditions
- Not well balanced
Overview
These blades also come in a pack of 2 and are priced competitively. Each of them is 21″ long and has a thickness of 0.157″ with great sharpness on both edges. They attach easily to compatible models and holds up pretty well.
They are primarily made to be compatible with Poulan, Craftsman, and Husqvarna mowers but can also be used on mowers that support 21″ blades. It has a 5-point star hole in the center with rounded points.
Being a high-lift blade, it tends to facilitate the bagging option on mowers. They have deep curves on both ends that create airflow, which helps to expel the grass clippings.
You can use them on tall or wet grass easily, but you would face some issues in loose soil conditions. They’re also not very well balanced, and you’ll feel that once the mower gets moving. But they do deliver a clean and ground-level cut and make your lawn look clean and great.
They are priced competitively on the market and offer great value for your money. Remember to sharpen these blades often to ensure that their cutting performance remains the same.
These are the best while riding a lawn mower for Zoysia Grass due to their sharpness and toughness.
3. MaxPower Heavy Duty Commercial Mulching Blade
- Blade length: 21″
- Blade width: 2.5″
- Type of blade: Mulching
- Center hole: 5-point star
- Weight: 2 pounds (1 blade)
- Great in cutting tall grass into fine clippings
- Durable blades with high-quality material
- Exceptional mulching capabilities
- A bit heavier than blades of some OEMs
- The deal includes 1 blade but was designed for 2-blade mowers
Overview
This blade from Maxpower is manufactured in the USA and is a heavy-duty mulching blade used generally in commercial applications. It is quite heavier than blades of other OEM, but it’s very tough and reliable, which makes them a viable replacement.
The blade is 21″ long and has a thickness of 0.13 inches. They are designed for 42″ cutting decks, so you would have to buy two of these if your original ones need replacement.
You can use this blade with lawnmowers made by Husqvarna, Poulan, and Craftsman that support this design. These blades are well-balanced and cut smoothly and fast.
As mentioned earlier, it has a 5-point star hole at the center, and its tips are well-rounded. It measures around 1-inch in diameter, whereas the inner diameter is about half an inch.
The blade can also cut long grass very easily and is quite resistant to stones due to its thick metal build. You can use them on dry or wet grass without any problem.
They offer great mulching capabilities with sharp teeth that can cut with precision and into small bits. The curved surface helps keep the grass clippings in circulation while the serrated design chops them into much finer bits.
You can then use it as an organic fertilizer for your lawn and save some bucks.
4. MTD Replacement Mulching Blade for Thick Grass
- Blade length: 21″
- Blade width: 2.25″
- Type of blade: Mulching
- Center hole: Bowtie
- Weight: 1.54 pounds (1 blade)
- Comes with a warranty period of 90 days
- Rust-resistant coating
- Fits perfectly in the slot and mulches good
- Blade is not too sturdy
- Requires frequent sharpening
Overview
The MTD 942-0741A is a great replacement blade for push lawnmowers belonging to the CUB Cadet 300 and CUB Cadet 900 series. But keep in mind that it isn’t compatible with those having cast aluminum decks.
The blade is 21″ in length and is made for mulching purposes. It has an increased cutting edge with more curves than elevating the clippings and keeping them in circulation. The sharp edges then turn the clippings into finer pieces.
The center hole is 0.625″ wide and shaped like a bowtie that you can use on Troy and Kohler push mowers. Some of the compatible models include Troy TB360, 12av566n711, and Kohler Courage XT7.
The blade has a coating of black paint that protects it from rust, making it a bit heavier when the mower starts spinning. You may need to sharpen it often as the material is a bit soft, as some customers report.
The manufacturer has also offered a 90 days warranty on the blade regarding any defects in its material or build. This is one of the few replacement blades that come with a limited warranty.
5. EGO Power+ Blade for EGO Lawn Mower | Best Commercial Mower Blades
- Blade length: 21″
- Blade width: 2″
- Type of blade: Mulching
- Center hole: Round
- Weight: 1.1 pounds (1 blade)
- Can be used for mulching, bagging, and side discharge
- Scissor-like precision
- Factory sharpened steel
- A bit too expensive
- May leave clumps of grass to deal with
Overview
This mower blade by EGO Power+ is made for the 21″ EGO lawnmower models. It is a 3-in-1 blade that supports mulching, bagging, and side discharge functions.
The blade is 21″ in length and has scissor-like precision with its sharp edges. It is also very durable and stays in place when the mower runs. There is a great balance on both sides, and it also mulches the grass clippings into bits pretty well.
It is a little bit expensive when comparing this blade to similar models in the market, but it’s undoubtedly lightweight, quick, and extremely sharp.
When you use it, you’ll notice that the battery life would significantly increase. It performs pretty much the same as the OEM blade and acts as a perfect replacement.
They also make a high-lift version designed primarily to suck grass clippings and bag them, but the downside is that it drains the battery quickly (around 25%). Since this blade works pretty well for bagging needs, there is no need to go for the high-lift blade.
6. Toro Mower Replacement Blade | Best Mower Blades for Leaves
- Blade length: 22″
- Blade width: 2.25″
- Type of blade: Mulching
- Center hole: Circle
- Weight: 1.76 pounds (1 blade)
- Better angle and longer than the original blade
- Affordable price point
- Easy to install and fits perfectly
- Some complaints regarding its sharpness
- Leaves a ragged cut edge on grass ends
Overview
The Toro 59534P is a long replacement blade for Toro mowers and fits perfectly with 21 to 23-inch models.
It is 22″ in length, which tends to be longer than the original blade it replaces. It also gives a better angle than the OEM, which helps create a good mulch.
The blade is priced at an affordable price point, so you won’t have to worry much if your original blade gets damaged.
They offer great mulching capabilities with sharp edges that can cut with precision and into small bits. The curved surface helps keep the grass clippings in circulation while the serrated design chops them into much finer bits. You can then use it as an organic fertilizer for your lawn and save some bucks.
It is easy & quick to install and fits perfectly well with its compatible models. Be sure to check that your mower supports a blade with a round-shaped center.
There were some issues reported by customers that included the blade losing its sharpness after a while. Some said that the blade leaves a ragged and burnt edge on grass ends when it’s spinning.
7. Oregon Replacement Gator Mulcher Lawn Mower Blade
- Blade length: 21.95″
- Blade width: 2.25″
- Type of blade: Mulching
- Center hole: 5-point star
- Weight: 1.57 pounds (1 blade)
- Cuts grass evenly and cleanly
- Significantly less clogging
- Mulches great even on high grass lawns
- May require a bit of scraping of the hole to fit
- Needs sharpening before first use
Overview
This blade by Oregon weighs 1.57 pounds and is used generally with small engine units. It has a 3-in-1 patented design that assists in mulching, better discharge, and bagging grass clippings.
The Gator teeth design helps redirect air flow beneath the deck and cuts the clippings multiple times into finer bits. You can use this as a natural fertilizer for your lawn.
You would feel that the mulching is greatly superior and offers a great cutting performance. It also takes less energy from the engine, making it efficient to use.
These blades are compatible with Craftsman 22-inch self-propelled models and Husqvarna models, including 961 43 01-08 (HU675AWD) and more. The center hole is 0.625″ in diameter and is star-shaped (5 pointed). But you would have to scrape some material off the points to fit perfectly into the mower.
This blade’s price is competitive, and you can purchase this blade separately or in packs of 2, 3, 4, or 5. Be sure to sharpen the blades before using them, as users did face some dull cuts at the start.
8. Honda HRR Blade Set | Best High Lift Mower Blades
- Blade length: 21″
- Blade width: 2.25″
- Type of blade: Mulching, High-lift
- Center hole: Round
- Weight: 1.88 pounds (2 blades)
- Double-sided blade design
- High-quality and durable blades
- Two blades; mulching and high-lift
- Noisier than original blades
- Lacks a razor sharp edge
Overview
Honda is already famous for the design and quality that it offers in its products. In a single lawnmower, these sets of 2 blades 72531-VE2-020 and 72511-VE1-020, are made to be used in Honda lawnmowers with 21″ cutting width.
The blades are 21″ long and are a great replacement for the OEM blades. It has an incredible rapid cutting action due to its thick design with flat edges.
They are compatible with Honda HRR models in which they both are placed together, one on top of the other. The blades, when used together, offer great mulching capabilities and also are great for bagging purposes. It has a double-sided blade design, which assists in this further.
There is a protective coating on the blades to protect them from corrosion and rust. You can choose to remove the coating from the edges to get a sharpened edge.
The blades are quite lightweight, making them more efficient to operate, but they lack some sharp edges. They are also a bit noisier than the original Honda blades.
9. Maxpower 3-Blade Set | Best Mower Blades for Tall Grass
- Blade length: 18.625″
- Blade width: 2.5″
- Type of blade: High-lift
- Center hole: 6-point star
- Weight: 1.86 pounds (3 blades)
- No blade tearing with clean cutting performance
- Easy to install and stays firmly in place
- Creates enormous lift; good for bagging
- Way cheaper than the OEM blade
- Needs sharpening before using them
- A bit too long; it needs some scraping from both ends
Overview
These blades were designed to fit with MTD, Cub Cadet, and Troy-Bilt mowers having a 54″ cutting deck (OEM replacement 942-05056a, 742-05056, and 742-05056a). Be sure to check that the center hole of your blade is a 6-point star so that it fits correctly.
To get an idea of how cheap they’re priced, the cub cadet blades cost $71 if you plan to purchase them from any supply store. These replacement blades cost nearly half of the OEM and also perform better than the original ones.
The blades are easy to install and stay in place firmly. These are good high-lift blades that create an enormous lift during mowing. This makes it a great choice for those that are looking to bag grass clippings.
The blades need to be scraped off a bit by both ends to fit some Cub Cadet models. One of the customers identified that when using it with Cub Cadet GTX 1054, he had to grind the edges on both sides of all three of them by 1/8″ to fit them perfectly.
When the blades arrive, be sure to sharpen them from the edges before you start mowing. Just note that the material coating may come off a bit during sharpening.
10. Oregon Replaces | Best Mower Blades for Wet Grass
- Blade length: 21.1875″
- Blade width: 3″
- Type of blade: Mulching, High-lift
- Center hole: 6-point star
- Weight: 2.83 pounds (2 blades)
- Fused with tungsten carbide for a strong exterior
- Exceptional mulching and bagging capabilities
- Affordable and offers great value for money
- Compatible with 5 different brands of mowers
- Cuts cleaner than original ones
- Needs to be sharpened before use
- Difficulty in cutting wet grass with zero-turn mowers
Overview
The Oregon Gator Fusion G5 blades are high-quality mower blades that offer exceptional mulching and bagging capabilities. The razor sharp teeth help create a good mulch, while its blade angle gives a superior lift to assist in bagging those clippings.
They are compatible with 42″ models of Bolens, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, MTD, and Troy-Bilt lawnmowers. More details regarding the OEM replacement can be found in the link below.
The blades cut cleaner and better than the original ones. They’re also affordable to purchase and offer great value for your money. However, they need a bit of sharpening before use and are not suited for mowing damp grass with zero-turn mowers.
The hole in the center is a 6-pointer star with a length of 0.625″. Be sure to check that your old blades have the same center and are of the right size.
These blades are fused with tungsten carbide on the edges to make the exterior strong. They were designed for heavy-duty use and proved to be almost indestructible even when doing rough mowing.
Buying Guide for Best Mower Blades
High-quality mower blades are the way to go for great cutting performance. It also lengthens the life of the mower and its engine.
Having different types of blades in the market that offer replacement to OEM blades, it is best to choose the right one so that the cutting quality is not compromised with the substandard ones.
So that you know, this guide has been made so that you understand the specifications and some terms that are relevant to the products. So, here are some factors that you should consider before purchasing blades for your lawnmower.
Blade Length
This is probably the first factor to consider when buying a blade. Measure the length of your existing blade, and then search for the relevant replacement.
Generally, the lengths vary between 16.75″ to 22″ depending on its OEM replacement. Sometimes people go for longer blades than their original ones in the hope of getting a wider cut. This takes away the strength while spinning, plus it tends to leave its place quite often.
So remember to go for a blade that is of adequate length and which fits firmly in place.
Blade Width
The second thing you need to know is the width of the blade. Typically, blade width varies from 2.25″ to 3,” and it’s important to choose the right one.
Having a wider blade than the OEM may damage the deck or may not even fit at all. Similarly, a narrower blade doesn’t improve the cutting performance. The best way to choose is by referring to the lawnmower manual.
Blade number
A significant factor to begin with. Find the manufacturer number mentioned on your original blade or refer to the user manual. Using this number, you can find the right replacement blade with the right-center hole, width, and length.
Type of Blade
The blades can be either used for discharge, mulching, or bagging purposes. Some blades offer a 2-in-1 or a 3-in-1 design to cater to all these functions. Get the right type of blade that is best for your lawn and your mowing needs.
Lawn Mower Blades for Bagging
These are used for getting the grass clippings from under the deck to the side or rear discharge chute. They have strong curves along the edge that create airflow, which helps lift the clippings after being cut.
It is recommended to use high-lift blades for tackling tall and dense grass, which creates a more powerful airflow but takes up more power from the engine.
Low-lift blades, on the other hand, are suited best on lawns with shorter dry grass. This helps in getting the grass without much debris and dust.
Mulching blades
These blades are made to cut grass clippings into finer pieces. They do this by keeping the clippings in circulation, which allows them to get cut several times. The mulch created can then be used to make a good natural fertilizer for your lawn as it decomposes much quicker.
They have long, curved surfaces with sharp edges and a toothed design. They are considered all-purpose and are sometimes referred to as 3-in-1 blades.
The extra effort in slicing those grass clippings draws more power than the discharge function.
Blade holes
Ensure that the blade you’re planning to purchase has the center hole of the right shape. These come in different shapes and lengths that are designed to cater to compatible models.
As you’ve seen from the list, there are star-shaped centers (5-pointed and 6-pointed) with smooth or pointy edges or round-shaped holes with diameters between 0.5″ to 1″. There are also bowtie-shaped center holes that are designed according to the relevant mower’s model.
Final Verdict
Some replacement blades are better than the original ones. They offer increased durability and strength with a cheaper price tag attached to them. But they do require sharpening before using them.
With so many mower blades in the market, it becomes extremely tricky to choose what would fit perfectly and stay in place. To assist buyers, I have managed to find the best 10 products that you can find online at the moment.
I hope that your decision to buy your replacement blade is made easier with this review’s help.
If you have any questions or want to share your suggestions with us, then comment below. We appreciate your time in reading this and giving your feedback to us!
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People Also Asked about Lawn Mowers Blades
Here are a few questions that people used to ask about these blades;
What are the Best Lawn Mower Blades for Thick Grass?
Here is a list of the Best Lawn Mower Blades for Thick Grass list as per our ranking;
- MaxPower Poulan, Husqvarna & Craftsman Replaces
- 8TEN LawnRAZOR Lift Blade Set Poulan AYP Husqvarna
- MaxPower 331713XB Heavy Duty Commercial Mulching Blade
- MTD 942-0741A Replacement Mulching Blade 21-Inch Length
- EGO Power+ AB2100 Blade for EGO 21-Inch Lawn Mower
- Toro 22″ Recycler Mower Replacement Blade
- Oregon Replacement Gator Mulcher Lawn Mower Blade
- Honda HRR Blade Set | Best High Lift Mower Blades
- Maxpower 3-Blade Set | Best Mower Blades for Tall Grass
- Oregon Mulching Blades Replaces | Best overall
How sharp should the blades be?
Having a vigorously sharp blade is the first thing that comes to mind. But they shouldn’t be as sharp as razor blades. If you can contact the blade without cutting yourself, that is the right amount of sharpness.
Normally, people make the mistake of buying extremely sharp blades to find that they chip when they contact stones or other debris.
So the right amount of sharpness is the one that can deliver a quality cut and get you speedy results without damaging itself in the process.
How to safely sharpen blades with a grinder?
Here are some safety tips that you can adopt while using a grinder to sharpen your blade.
- Choose a clean place with no sharp objects lying around.
- Place your mower blade on a leveled surface.
- If you have long hair, do tie them together properly to avoid any injury.
- Avoid wearing loose clothes to protect yourself against any contact.
- Check the grinder and ensure that it’s operating properly. There shouldn’t be any wires lying around the area where you’re going to use the grinder.
- Adjust the grinder and check the tongue cards.
How often should you sharpen your blades?
It depends on the number of times you use your lawnmower. If you’re using it to mow your backyard, you should sharpen the blades every year.
For those using it for commercial purposes or on large lawns, the rate would increase and vary from model to model. Therefore, it is best to refer to instructions issued by the relevant manufacturer.
You also get an idea by looking at your lawn condition after being done with your mowing task. If the cat is not clean and even, you need to sharpen those blades.
How to replace the blades?
Changing the mower blade is tricky if you don’t do it the right way. Remember first to unplug your mower’s spark plug cable. Empty the fuel that is left in the tank to cut off any fuel supply completely.
Unscrew the blade bolt and carefully remove the existing blade from its place. For more safety, take a piece of wood and place it between the blade and the cutting deck. Place the new blade in the slot and tighten the bolts.
What to ensure that the blades have a long life?
You can follow the below tips if you want to keep your mower blades well maintained:
- When mowing, ensure that there aren’t any stones, sticks, or hard plastic on your lawn. These tend to damage the blades’ sharpness and, in worst cases, may even chip off a part of your mower blade.
- Use a glove or clean cloth to clean the blades and wipe off excess dirt or debris.
- Lubricate the moving parts of the mower before using it for a smooth run. You can use a silicone spray such as WD-40 for doing this.
- Always check that the blades are rotating without any contact with the other blades or the cutting deck.
How to retain the blade’s sharpness?
It is always advisable to use any edible oil to coat the blades after they have been sharpened. This would act as a shield against rust and corrosion.
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