Does your lawn look patchy after you mow, leaving behind clumps of grass that just won’t disappear? You are not alone! Many homeowners face the frustration of a messy yard, even after putting in the hard work of cutting the grass. The secret to a neat, healthy lawn often lies not just in the mower, but in the blade you use.
Choosing the correct mulching lawn mower blade can feel confusing. Should you pick a curved blade, a straight one, or something specialized? The wrong blade means you waste time raking up clippings, and your lawn misses out on natural fertilizer. It is a small part with a huge impact on your yard’s health and your weekend chores.
Inside this guide, we cut through the confusion. You will learn exactly what makes a mulching blade effective, how to match the blade to your mower, and the simple steps to keep your lawn looking sharp all season long. Get ready to transform your mowing routine from a chore into a simple path to a greener yard.
Top Mulching Lawn Mower Blades Recommendations
- Includes 2 commercial mulching blades for a 42" cut. Fits Craftsman models manufactured by Husqvarna. Does not fit Craftsman models manufactured by MTD
- Replaces OEM #'s 127843, 138498, 138971, 134149, 138971X431, 532138971, 532127843, 532138498 and CMXGZAM110136
- Each blade measures 21" long x 2-1/2" wide with a 5-point star center hole
- 5-point star center hole
- All MaxPower blades are sharpened during the manufacturing process and then powder coated for your protection. This coating will come off during the first cut to reveal a precision sharpened blade
- Includes 1 mulching blade for many 21 in. cut MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman mowers. Must Match Current Blade OEM Number to insure exact fit.
- Replaces OEM #'s: 742-0741, 742-0741A ,742-04276, 742-04276S, 942-0641, 942-0741, 942-0741A 942-04276, 942-04276S, CC-742-0741; Craftsman CMXGZAM100067
- Fits Cub Cadet Models: CC Series- CC 46M, CC 46MZ, CC 46ES, CC 439, CC 469, CC 949, CC 94M, CC 98M, CC 98H, CC 98K, CC 99M, CC 989, CC 997ES, CC 999ES; SC Series- SC 100, SC 100 H, SC 100 HW, SC 300, SC 300 E, SC 300e, SC 300 HW, SC 500 EZ, SC 500 EQ, SC 500 HW, SC 500 Z, SC 700E, and SC 700 H; S/SR/SRC/SRE Series: S 621, S 621 SS, SR 621, SRC 621, SRE 621, SC 621, SC 621 E; and other models- MTD 214 IP, 214 KW, and PR 521.
- Fits Troy-Bilt Models: TB 105, TB 110, TB 115, TB 120, TB 125, TB 130, TB 130 XP, TB 140, TB 160, TB 160 XP, TB 200, TB 210, TB 220, TB 230, TB 240, TB 270 ES, TB 270 XP, TB 280 ES, TB 290 ES, TB 320, TB 330, TB 360, TB 360 ES, TB 370, TB 370 XP, TB 380 ES, TB 380 XP, TB 400 XP, TB 430 XP, TB 450 XP, TB449E, TB 490 XP; Tru-Cut- 100, 110; Tuff Cut- 200, 210, 220, 230; Pro-Cut- 300, 310, 320.
- CENTER HOLE: Bow Tie Center Hole Pattern. Diameter of Outside Hole is 5/16". Center to Center of outside Hole is 2.5"
- 21 Inch Troy Bilt Mower Blade Replace number Troy Bilt MTD 942-0741A 942-0741 742-0741 742-0741A 742-04100 490-100-C089 742-04276 742-04276S 942-04276 942-04276S CC-742-0741 OEM-742-0741
- 942-0741A Mulching Blade Compatible with Troy-Bilt TB110 TB240 TB230 TB130 TB200 TB160 TB210 TB280ES TB320 TB115 TB220 TB360 TB105 TB120 TB125 TB130XP TB140 TB160XP TB270ES TB270XP TB290ES TB330 TB360ES TB370 21" Deck Walk Behind Push Mower
- BLADE SPECIFICATION: Length: 21"(533mm), Width: 2-1/4"(57mm), Thickness: 9/64"(3.4mm), Center Hole Shape: Bow Tie, For Deck Size: 21", Lift: 1-1/8"(28mm), Mower Blade Type: Mulching Blade.
- FIT TOUGH MOWING TASKS: The blade is very suitable for cutting overgrown weeds or clearing rugged terrain. You can sharpen the blade if you want to maintain a neat, even cut for normal lawns. The cutting edges are painted to prevent rust and protect your hands during installation. The paint will wear off as you mow the grass.
- 3-IN-1 BLADE: Serves 3 purposes (mulching, bagging, and side discharging) at the same time. Featuring numerous curves that cuts and re-cuts grass to smaller pieces, and recycles them back into the soil as nutrients to promote healthy lawn growth. Additionally, its high-lift increases the bagging capacity by 50%.
- Includes (1) 21 in. universal gold metal commercial mulching blade
- Measures 21 in. L x 2-1/4 in. W with a 1 in. center hole diameter
- Includes a cover washer and 6 reducing washers in the following sizes: 3/8 in., 7/16 in., 9/16 in., 1/2 in., 5/8 in., and 3/16 in
- Fits MOST 21" cut mowers
- Recommended for gas powered mowers - not battery powered or electric mowers
- Dimensions: Length 21", Width 2-1/4", Thickness 0.126", Center Hole Bow-Tie, Side Hole 5/16", Center to Center Outside Hole 2-1/2", Air Lift 1-7/64", Cutting Edge Length 6-7/64", Compatible Deck Size 21". The length of the blade is measured diagonally from one end to the other
- Replaces OEM Part: MTD, Troy Bilt 942-0741A, 742-0741, 742-0741A, 742-04100, 942-0741, 942-04276S, 942-04276, 742-04276S, 742-04276, 01002810, 490-100-C089, 490-100-M084, 942-0641, CC-742-0741, OEM-742-0741, DXGX100084, Craftsman CMXGZAM100067
- Long-Term Durability: Made from premium, high-strength steel that keeps the cutting edge sharp and stable, ensuring long-lasting performance and extended blade life even under heavy use.
- 942-0741A Troy Bilt 21 Inch Mower Blades Compatible with TB100, TB105, TB105B, TB110, TB115, TB120, TB120B, TB125, TB125B, TB130, TB130XP, TB140, TB160, TB160XP, TB200, TB210, TB210B, TB220, TB220BXP, TB230, TB230XP, TB230BXP, TB240, TB240KXP, TB270ES, TB270XP, TB280ES, TB290ES, TB320, TB320XP, TB330, TB330XP, TB360, TB360XP, TB360ES, TB370, TB370XP. Please confirm the complete model number to ensure a proper fit. For a more detailed list of compatible models, check the description below
- 942-0741A Troy Bilt 21 Inch Mower Blades Compatible with TB380, TB380ES, TB380XP, TB400XP, TB430XP, TB450XP, TB490XP, TB449E, Tru-Cut 100, Tru-Cut 110, Tuff-Cut 200, Tuff-Cut 210, Tuff-Cut 220, Tuff-Cut 230, Pro-Cut 300, Pro-Cut 310, Pro-Cut 320, 12ALC35S766, 12ALC35S711, 12ALC35S066, 12AKD3AQ766, 12AKC35U711, 12AI869G211, 12AI869F066, 12AI869F011, 12AI832Q766, 12AI832Q711, 11A-54K3066, 11A-549C766, 11A-546N711, 11A-426A066, 12A-446A066, 11A-426A011, 11A-426A711, 11A-426C211, 11A-426C266
- Includes 3 commercial mulching blades for 54 in. Craftsman, Husqvarna, and Poulan mowers
- Replace OEM #'s 187254, 187255, 187256, 594892901, 532187255, 532187256
- Each blade measures 18-1/2 in. L and 3 in. W
- 5 point star center hole
- Manufactured to meet or exceed all OEM specifications
- ✅ 【Replaces OEM Part Numbers】 Arie ns 21546095;for A YP 127843, 134149, 138498, 138971, 138971X431, 139775, 532134149, 532138971, 532139775, HU22004, for Crafts man 127843, 134149, 138498; Hus qvarna 113312X, 521981601, 532127843, 532134149, 532138498, 532138971, 532139775, 532188971, 777134149; Pou lan 42 inch mower blade, for ariens 42 inch mower blades, ariens 42 mulching blades, for craftsman 42” blades
- ✅【Blades Specification】 Length: 20 7/8", Width: 2 1/2", Thickness: 1/5", Center Hole: 5 Point Star, For Deck Size: 42", blade material: iron 42 '' ,42 inch Lawn Mower Blades.
- ✅ 【Compatible With】42" Decks for Pou lan: PB155G42, PB15542LT, PB17542LT, PB195A46LT, PB195H42LT, PB20H42YT, PB22H42YT, PO14542LT, PO15542LT, PO17542LT, PXT175G42, PP155G42, PP155H42, PP175G42, PP19A42; mower 42" Decks.
- ✅ 【Compatible With】 42" Decks for Hus qvarna: 2042LS, LT125, LT130, LT152, LT16542, LT18542, LT1942, LTH125, LTH130, LTH140, LTH145, LTH1542, LTH1742, LTH18542, LTH2042, LTH152, LTH174, LTH1842, LTH2142 for Husqvarna 42 inch Mulching Mower Blades.
- ✅ 【After-Sales Service】Professional manufacturing and strict quality control make us confident in our Products, Our replacement parts are built to meet or exceed OEM standards; If you have any quality or installation issues, please feel free to contact us at any time.
- Includes (3) 3-N-1 commercial style mulching blades for 48 in. John Deere mowers
- Replaces OEM #'s GX21784, GX21786 and GY20852
- Each blade measures 17 in. L and 2-3/4 in. W
- 7 point star center hole
- Manufactured to meet or exceed all OEM specifications
Choosing the Right Mulching Lawn Mower Blades: A Buyer’s Guide
Mulching mower blades are special blades that chop grass clippings into tiny pieces. These small pieces fall back onto your lawn. They act like natural fertilizer. This keeps your lawn healthy and green. But not all blades are the same. This guide will help you pick the best one for your mower and yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at these important features:
- Blade Shape: Mulching blades have curved or “high-lift” ends. This design keeps the clippings airborne longer so the blades can cut them multiple times.
- Cutting Edge Thickness: Thicker blades stay sharp longer. They handle tough grass better.
- Number of Lugs/Baffles: These are the bumps or wings on the blade. More baffles usually mean better recirculation of the grass for finer mulching.
- Compatibility: Always check the length and mounting hole size. The blade must match your specific mower deck exactly.
Important Materials Matter
The material the blade is made from greatly affects its life and performance.
Steel Quality
- Standard Steel: These are the most common and affordable. They work well for light mowing.
- High Carbon Steel: This material is much stronger. It resists bending and dulling when you hit small sticks or tough patches. This is often the best choice for homeowners.
- Hardened Edges: Some premium blades have edges treated with extra heat (hardened). This keeps the cutting edge sharp for a much longer time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a blade great or just okay?
Quality Boosters
- Precision Balancing: A well-balanced blade reduces vibration. Less vibration means a smoother cut and less wear on your mower engine.
- Coating: Some blades receive special coatings (like non-stick or rust-resistant finishes). These coatings help grass slide off, preventing buildup that slows down cutting.
Quality Reducers
- Thin Metal: Very thin blades bend easily. They dull quickly, especially in thick or damp grass.
- Poor Fit: If the blade does not fit perfectly on the spindle, it can cause wobbling. Wobbling damages your mower over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you use your lawn mower.
When to Use Mulching Blades
- Routine Mowing: These blades shine when you mow frequently (every 3-5 days). They handle the light load easily, returning nutrients to the soil.
- Dry Conditions: Mulching works best when the grass is relatively dry. Wet grass tends to clump and may not get chopped finely enough.
The Experience
A good mulching blade provides a “clean cut.” You should not see long trails of clippings left behind after you pass. Instead, you see fine green dust settling into the turf. If you constantly see clumps, your blade might be dull or the wrong type for your grass height.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Mulching Blades
Q: Can I use a mulching blade to bag clippings?
A: Yes, you can. However, mulching blades are designed to keep grass cycling below the deck. If you need to bag heavy loads often, you might want a “3-in-1” blade, which balances mulching and bagging better.
Q: How often should I sharpen my mulching blades?
A: Sharpen them at least twice per mowing season, or whenever you notice the cut quality dropping. Check them after hitting any hard objects.
Q: Are mulching blades more expensive than standard blades?
A: Usually, yes. The specialized shape and often higher-quality steel make them cost a little more than basic, straight blades.
Q: What size blade do I need?
A: You must measure the length from tip to tip, or check your mower’s owner manual. Always buy the exact length specified by the manufacturer.
Q: Will a mulching blade work on my old push mower?
A: If your mower is designed to mulch (it has a closed deck design), then yes. If it is an older side-discharge-only model, a dedicated mulching blade might not work as well.
Q: How do I know if my current blade is dull?
A: Look at the edge of the grass after you mow. If the tips look shredded or brown a day later, the blade is dull and tearing the grass instead of slicing it cleanly.
Q: Do I need to replace both blades on a dual-blade mower at the same time?
A: Yes, always replace both blades together. Using one new and one old blade creates an imbalance. This imbalance causes excessive vibration and engine stress.
Q: Can I sharpen a mulching blade myself?
A: Yes, you can sharpen them using a metal file or a grinder. Remember to maintain the correct angle on the cutting edge for best results.
Q: What is “high-lift”?
A: High-lift refers to the angle of the wing or baffle on the blade. This angle creates strong airflow, pulling the grass up straight so it gets cut cleanly multiple times before falling.
Q: Are these blades safe for all types of grass?
A: Mulching blades work well for most common lawn grasses like Fescue and Bermuda. They are excellent for recycling clippings, which benefits nearly all turf types.