Does your lawn look less like a green carpet and more like a shaggy mess after you mow? You might think your mower is the problem, but often, the real secret to a perfect cut lies in something smaller: the blade.
Choosing the right lawnmower blade can feel like a chore. Should you go for high-lift, mulching, or standard? A dull or wrong blade tears grass instead of slicing it cleanly. This leaves your lawn looking brown and stressed, inviting disease. It’s frustrating when you put in the time but don’t get the beautiful results you expect.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the different types of blades and explain exactly what each one does for your grass. By the end, you will know how to select the perfect blade for your mower and your yard’s specific needs.
Ready to transform your mowing experience and achieve that professional, crisp finish? Let’s dive into the world of lawnmower blades and sharpen your knowledge!
Top Lawnmower Blades Recommendations
- Includes 2 blades that fit many 46 in. cut Craftsman, Husqvarna and Poulan mowers. Must Match Current Blade OEM Number
- Replaces OEM #'s 405380, 594892801, 532405380, PP21011, CMXGZAM110147
- 5 point star center hole
- Each blade measures 23 in. L and 2-3/4 in. W
- MATCH OEM NUMBER OF CURRENT BLADE: Check your owner's manual to verify that the OEM number of the blade being replaced matches one of the OEM numbers provided for this item
- Includes 2 blades that fits many 42-in cut Poulan, Husqvarna, and Craftsman mowers - Please Match Current Blade OEM Number to Confirm it fits your Mower
- Replaces OEM numbers 127843, 138498, 138971, 138971X431, 532138971, 532127843, 532138498, CMXGZAM110136
- BLADE SIZE: Each blade measures 21 in. L and 2-1/4 in. W
- 5 point star center hole.
- PROUDLY MADE IN USA
- Includes 3 blades for many 54 in. cut Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan mowers
- Replaces OEM #'s 187256 and 532187256
- Each blade measures 18-1/2 in. L and 2-1/2 in. W
- 5 point star center hole
- Manufactured to meet or exceed all OEM specifications
- 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"
- SKINSAFE TECHNOLOGY: The Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra’s SkinSafe technology* doubles down on comfort with a built-in metal guard that acts like a comb. Thoughtfully designed at a precise distance from the guard to help reduce nicks and cuts. *SkinSafe technology does not guarantee cut protection.
- SNAP-IN BLADE MODULE: The snap-in ceramic blade module is compatible with all The Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra. When replaced every three months, you can keep your trimmer running smoothly and efficiently. Because it’s light years beyond other trimmers, The Lawn Mower 5.0 snap-in blade module creates grooming experience like no other.
- HOW TO USE: To replace the trimmer blade on The Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra, push the bottom of the blade head with your thumb in the direction of the arrow to snap it out. Then, insert the lug of the new blade head into the slot in the top of the trimmer. Then, press it back until it snaps in place.
- WHY WE CREATED THE REPLACEABLE BLADE: Who wants rusty, dirty blades that can overheat? No one. Which is why we created the snap-in ceramic blade module. Its superiority and ease of use over outdated trimmer blades is clear. Just snap the old one off and snap the new one in, giving you a brand new trimming experience every single time you use it. It couldn’t be easier.
- ENGINEERED TO PERFORM: Ceramic blades are waterproof. Rust, shock, slipping and the other common water problems that plague electric trimmers are a non-issue. Ceramics are much more resistant to heat than steel, so when the trimmer works its impressive feat, heat won’t affect your skin. Each blade comes pre-lubricated to run smoothly, reducing wear and tear while helping you maintain RPMs.
- 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%.
- Blades Mounting Pattern Compatibility Notice: CUB CADET XT1-46 XT2-46 ZT1-46 Mower Uses Two Different Mounting Pattern. Our Blades Have a 6-Point Star Mounting Pattern.They Will NOT fit Mounting Pattern with an “S” Shaped (MPN 742-05510 742P05510). Please Check Your Original Blade’s Mounting Pattern Before Ordering a Replacement!
- Mower 6 Star Shaped Blades Replace number Cub Cadet/MTD/Troy Bilt 742-04290 742-04290A 942-04290 742-04244 742-04244A 942-04244 942-04244A OCC-742-04244
- Compatible with Cub Cade XT1 and XT2 Enduro Series LT46 LX46 Lawn Trctor, Cub Cadet ZT1 and ZT2 Ultima Series 46 KH Zero Turn Mower,LTX1045 LTX1046 RZT46 46 inch Mower
- Compatible with Troy-Bilt Horse XP, Bronco 46T Auto, Super Bronco 46 Auto, Super Bronco 46 Hydro, Horse 46 Hydro, Horse 46 Auto, Horse 46 XP Hydro, TB46, LT FAB46, TB2246, Thouroghbred, Mustang XP 46, Mustang Pivot S 46, Mustang Pivot 46, Mustang XP Pivot S 46
- BLADE SPECIFICATION: Length: 23-1/4"(590mm), Width: 3-1/32"(77mm), Thickness: 9/64"(3.6mm), Center Hole Shape: 6 Point Star(5/8"), For Deck Size: 46", Lift: 1-3/8"(35mm), Mower Blade Type: High Lift Blade.
- Stop the guesswork! CRAFTSMAN T110 LT1000 LT2000 model uses two different blade types.Before ordering our blades,identify your current blade's center hole.Our blade's center hole is 5 Point Star Center Hole.If your blade's center hole is 6 Point Star Center Hole,Use MPN 942-0616A 942-04308 to order your correct blades elsewhere
- Mower Blades with 5 Star Hole Replace for Craftsman Poulan Pro Husqvarna 138971 138498 532127843 532138971 532138498 CMXGZAM110136
- Mower Blades with 5 Star Hole Compatible with Craftsman 42 inch deck riding mower lawn tractor,model: LT1000 LT2000 T110 DLT3000 T210 T2200 YT3000 YTS3000 T3000 T130 YS4500
- Mower Blades Compatible with Poulan Pro 42 inch deck riding mower lawn tractor,model:PP19A42
- Mower Blades Compatible with Husqvarna 42" inch deck riding mower lawn tractor,model:YTH18542
The Ultimate Lawnmower Blade Buying Guide
Your lawnmower blade is the engine of a beautiful yard. A dull or wrong blade makes mowing hard work and leaves your grass looking ragged. This guide helps you choose the right blade for a perfect cut every time.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, several features make a big difference in how well a blade works.
1. Blade Type and Shape
- Standard/High-Lift Blades: These are the most common. High-lift blades have curved ends that throw grass clippings up high, which is great for bagging or bagging thick grass.
- Mulching Blades: These blades have more curves or “sweeps.” They cut the grass multiple times, chopping it into fine pieces that fall back into the lawn as natural fertilizer.
- Straight/Bagging Blades: These focus on moving the cut grass out of the deck efficiently, best for lawns you collect clippings from.
2. Center Hole Pattern (Mounting Style)
This is crucial! The blade must fit your mower exactly. Check the center hole shape—it could be a star shape, a bow tie, or a simple circle. Measure the distance between the mounting holes if your mower uses multiple bolts.
3. Blade Length
The length must match your mower deck size. A blade that is too short leaves uncut strips. A blade that is too long might hit the sides of the deck, causing damage.
Important Materials Matter
The material determines how long the blade stays sharp and how tough it is against small stones.
Steel Quality
- Standard Carbon Steel: This is affordable and common. It cuts well initially but dulls faster than harder steels.
- Hardened Steel Alloys: These blades last much longer between sharpenings. They resist bending when they hit something hard. Look for blades that mention high carbon content for better durability.
Thickness and Gauge
Thicker blades (higher gauge number means thinner, lower gauge means thicker) resist bending and chipping better. A thicker blade generally signals a higher quality, longer-lasting product.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the metal; it’s about how the blade is made.
Sharpening Angle and Edge Retention
A good blade has a precise cutting angle. Blades that are factory sharpened well hold their edge longer. Poorly made blades might look sharp but dull after just one mowing session.
Balancing
Every quality blade is balanced. An unbalanced blade causes severe vibrations in the mower deck. These vibrations wear out the engine bearings and make the ride uncomfortable. Always choose blades explicitly labeled as “balanced.”
Coatings and Finishes
Some blades have special coatings (like paint or powder coating). These coatings help prevent rust when the blade is not in use. Rust weakens the steel over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your lawn type dictates the best blade choice.
Thick, Tall Grass (Heavy Duty Use)
If you often mow tall, thick grass or use a riding mower for large properties, you need a **high-lift or heavy-duty mulching blade**. These are designed to move large volumes of grass without bogging down the engine.
Fine, Manicured Lawns
For a golf-course look, use a **straight, very sharp blade**. These provide a clean, scissor-like cut. You will need to sharpen these more often.
Stony or Rough Terrain
If your yard has hidden rocks or debris, prioritize **thicker, hardened steel blades**. While they might cost more upfront, they resist breaking and chipping better than thin, cheaper alternatives.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawnmower Blades
Q: How often should I replace my lawnmower blade?
A: You should replace your blade yearly, or every 50 hours of use. Always replace it if you notice deep nicks or bends.
Q: Can I use a mulching blade if I bag my clippings?
A: Yes, you can. Mulching blades cut the grass finely, but the high-lift design still moves the clippings toward the bagger reasonably well.
Q: What is the main difference between a standard blade and a low-lift blade?
A: A low-lift blade creates less vacuum. These are better for dry, dusty conditions or mowing in enclosures where too much air movement is bad.
Q: How do I know if my blade is unbalanced?
A: If your mower vibrates heavily, makes unusual noises, or the handlebars shake, your blade is likely unbalanced or damaged.
Q: Is it better to sharpen or replace the blade?
A: Sharpening is cheaper. However, if the blade has many deep nicks or has been sharpened too many times (making it too thin), replacement is much safer.
Q: What does “OEM” mean when buying a blade?
A: OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer. These blades are made by the same company that made your mower, ensuring a perfect fit and original quality.
Q: Will a longer blade cut faster?
A: No. Using a blade longer than recommended can damage your mower deck. Stick to the length specified for your mower model.
Q: Should I clean my blade after every use?
A: Yes, clearing caked-on grass prevents rust and ensures the blade stays balanced for the next use.
Q: What is the safest way to handle a blade for sharpening?
A: Always disconnect the spark plug wire before touching the blade. Wear thick gloves, as the edges are extremely sharp.
Q: Do coatings like titanium really make a difference?
A: Coatings can offer some extra rust protection and might slightly extend the time before the edge dulls, but the quality of the base steel is the most important factor.