The cutting ability of your lawnmower is just as important as the power your mower delivers, and getting both of these elements just right is essential to getting the perfect finish keeping your lawn healthy.
In our buying guide, we’re taking a look at what to look for in a good lawn mower blade, and the best lawn mower blades for 2024.
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Lawn Mower Blade Product Ratings
Product | Our Rating | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
1. Honda 08720-VH7-000 Mulching Blade Set | |||
2. Toro 22 Inch Recycler Mower Replacement Blade | |||
3. EGO Power+ AB2101 21-Inch Lawn Mower High Lift Blade | |||
4. Maxpower 561713XB Commercial Mulching 2-Blade Set | |||
5. MTD Genuine Parts 20-Inch Mulching Blade | |||
6. Greenworks 19-Inch Replacement Lawn Mower Blade | |||
7. Stens 335-859 2-in-1 Mulching Blades | |||
8. Husqvarna HU21462 46-Inch Premium Hi-Lift Bagging Blade | |||
9. Poulan Pro OEM42MK Mulch Kit with Blades | |||
10. Murray 492418MA 42-Inch High-Lift Blade Set for Lawn Tractors for Lawn Mowers | |||
11. Craftsman High Lift Replacement Blade |
What to Consider When Buying Lawn Mower Blades
- Model – While some replacement mower blades fit a wide range of lawn mowers, others are manufactured specifically for a certain brand or model. Be sure to check that it’s compatible with the exact model you have before you buy.
- Material – A good quality blade will cut effortlessly through grass growth and last a long time, so it’s worth paying the extra cost. The best bet is a high-grade stainless steel with an anti-rust coating.
- Length – Blade length determines the length of the trim, but longer blades are not always better. The most important thing to do is check your mower to see what size blades it takes. This will range from model to model from about 16.75 inches all the way up to 22 inches.
- Deck Size and Mower Type – Different blades have been developed for self-propelled electric lawn mowers and riding mowers, as well as mowers with different deck sizes, so it’s important to know what your current mower’s deck size is.
Learn which lawn mower would best suit your needs by reading our guide on the Types of Lawn Mowers.
Best Lawn Mower Blade Reviews
1. Honda 08720-VH7-000 Mulching Blade Set
A bit more expensive but well worth the price is this mulching blade set from Honda. These OEM parts are designed to fit perfectly onto compatible lawn mowers and provide the same quality cut as when your machine was brand new. It’s easy to install too.
Pros
- 21 inches
- Genuine Honda OEM parts
- Fits ALL HRX217 series and HRR216 series mowers
- High-quality steel
- Mulching blades
- Cuts grass like new
This is a 22-inch, high-quality steel mower replacement blade that offers great quality at a good price point. It is a tooth mulcher blade, and it comes pre-sharpened. It’s easy to swap out to the new blade, which weighs 1.76lbs.
Pros
- 22 inches
- 1-pack
- Mulching blades
- High-quality steel
- Fits selected Toro models
3. EGO Power+ AB2101 21-Inch Lawn Mower High Lift Blade
This 21-inch replacement lawn mower blade is a high-lift model that’s suited to bagging applications rather than mulching. It’s made from factory sharpened steel and designed to deliver a precise, clean cut. This blade is compatible with the 21" EGO Power+ lawn mower.
Pros
- High lift blade
- Factory sharpened steel blade
- 21 inches
- Compatible with the 21" EGO Power+ lawn mower
- Do not use with mulching plug
4. Maxpower 561713XB Commercial Mulching 2-Blade Set
These 21-inch commercial mower blades are made of high-quality steel and built to last. You’ll get two well-manufactured blades in the pack that are designed for heavy commercial use.
The blades replace certain Poulan, Husqvarna, and Craftsman blades on selected models, and are made in the USA.
Pros
- 21-inch blade
- 2-pack
- Mulching blades
- Commercial grade steel
- 5 point star center hole
- Replaces Poulan, Husqvarna, and Craftsman blades on select models
- Made in the USA
5. MTD Genuine Parts 20-Inch Mulching Blade
This OEM replacement mower blade is another good option. For genuine parts it’s priced pretty affordably, and they’re 3-in-1 blades, so they are ideal for mulching, cutting and side discharge.
They fit MTD 20" walk-behind mowers 1997 onwards, as well as MTD Gold, Yard Man, Yard Machines, Troy-Bilt, Bolens, White Outdoor and Huskee products.
Pros
- 20 inches
- 3-in-1 blades (cut, mulch and side discharge)
- Fit MTD 20" walk-behind mowers and other brands
- 1-inch star center hole
- High-grade steel
- Cuts grass like new
6. Greenworks 19-Inch Replacement Lawn Mower Blade
This 19-inch high-grade steel blade is designed for Greenworks 19-inch lawn mowers. These OEM parts are manufactured to a high quality, easy to install, and have lasting sharpness.
Pros
- 19 inches
- Coated steel blade
- Fits Greenworks and some other 19-inch mowers
- Affordably priced
- OEM part
- Easy to install
7. Stens 335-859 2-in1 Mulching Blades
6 Pack Stens 335-859 2-in-1 Mulching Blades are replacement blades for different lawn mower brands, such as the Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, MRD Mower Models, and OEM MPN.
All the blades included are made out of high-quality steel and are blanked perfectly, which means that they can all provide a cutting edge that is decent.
Pros
- Heavy duty
- Blades are compatible with most lawn mower
- Cuts grass effectively
- Maintains the lawn well-manicured
8. Husqvarna HU21462 46-Inch Premium Hi-Lift Bagging Blade
Husqvarna HU21462 46-Inch Premium Hi-Lift Bagging Blade, 2-Pack measures 23 inches in length, 7 inches in width and 2 inches in thickness.
The blade is said to be perfect for side discharge and bagging applications, and as the name says, it comes in two pack. This just means that you no longer need to purchase another set to blades for quite some time.
The Husqvarna HU21462 46-Inch Premium Hi-Lift Bagging Blade, 2-Pack will help you keep your lawn clean for an extended period of time, since the blades are made out of high-quality materials.
In fact, it can stay sharp even after eight uses. This just means that it does not require too much maintenance, that can eat up more of your time.
Pros
- Durable materials
- Heavy duty
- Stays sharp for a long period
Cons
- Can instantly bend once a stump is hit
9. Poulan 576682701 Mulch Kit with Blades
Poulan Pro OEM42MK Mulch Kit with Blades is one of the best riding lawn mower blades. It fits All popular Pro 42-Inch Riding Lawn Mowers is made out of high-quality materials, which will help you in maintaining the beauty of your lawn.
It is also high in quality, which means that it will last for an extended period. The Poulan Pro Blades measure 6 inches in length, 8.3 inches width, and 22.2 inches in thickness.
Mowing your lawn will be a breeze using these blades because of the sharpness that they have. The product comes with a manual, so you don’t need to worry about installing or reinstalling it on your lawn mower.
Pros
- Parts are high quality
- The manual comes with an installation setup
- Blades are covered in paint to prevent corrosion
10. Murray 492418MA 42-Inch High-Lift Blade Set
Murray 49241MA 42-Inch High-Lift Blade Set for Lawn Tractors for Lawn Mowers is equipped with two sets of blades. The blades are known to have high lifts for bagging and have a whole which measures .852 inches.
The good thing about these blades is that they are known to be hardened by 25 to 40% than most of the lawn mower blades on the market today.
Murray blades are also known to be sharper and can last for a long period, which means that it can help you cut your grass for a well-maintained lawn. It also has a bending resistance and a tolerance for tightness.
Pros
- Works perfectly
- Heavy duty
- High-lift blades
- Sturdy blades
11. Craftsman High Lift Replacement Blade
Craftsman Mower Blade has different blade sizes to cater to your needs. The blade sizes can range from 18 inches to 28 inches, and all the blades available are here to provide a mowing performance that is excellent.
The blade works by lifting the lawn’s grass and cutting them, which will provide you a lawn that is perfectly manicured. The Craftsman blades are known to be long-lasting, which is a good thing because this means that you no longer need to purchase another blade for an extended period.
They also can come in sets, which means that it is perfect for mowing your lawn no matter what size you currently have. Another good thing about this blade is that you don’t need to sharpen it often, which reduced your time spent on maintaining your blade.
Pros
- Sharpness lasts longer
- Blades are made out of durable materials
- Heavy duty
Cons
- Pricey
Our Top Pick for the Best Mower Blade of 2024
Our pick for the best mower blades for 2024 is the Honda 08720-VH7-000 Mulching Blade Set. Because this is a genuine OEM part, you’re getting exceptional quality and cutting performance.
The blade has mulching capabilities, is easy to install, and cuts your lawn like new! This replacement mower blade will fit all HRX217 series and HRR216 series mowers.
Importance of Sharpening Lawn Mower Blade
A lawn mower blade that is not well maintained, has the tendency to slash the grass blade's edges. This will, in turn, leave your grass torn instead of having a clean cut.
The torn part will turn brown after a few days, which will make your lawn susceptible to diseases and pests. That is why it is best to sharpen the blades of your lawn mower for your grass to get a clean cut, which will help reduce stress and damage.
How To Inspect Your Blade
At the start of the season for mowing, it is best to inspect your blades thoroughly for signs of dents, nicks, and even blends. You also need to make sure that your blades are properly balanced and correctly sharpened before you use it to work on your lawn.
Besides inspecting the blade, it would also be ideal to check the lawn for sticks, rocks and any other debris that can nick your blades, while mowing your lawn.
Balancing Your Lawn Mower Blades
While it is important to make sure that your blades are well sharpened, it is also important to ensure that your blades are balanced. You also need to ensure that your blade is well balanced because if not, it will only make the mower vibrate, which will then damage the mower’s internal parts.
To do this, you can use a balancer, which you can purchase at hardware stores or gardening centers. For people who don’t have a balancer or ones who does not want to purchase, then using a wooden dowel will do.
If you notice that the blade is tilting high, you can start filing the opposite side. You can continue filing it until the mower’s blade has already lie flat.
Here are some other tips for you to familiarize yourself with your lawn mower’s blade:
Adjusting a Lawn Mower Blade
For you to be able to change the blade, you need to find the lever which is usually located on the mower’s side. For people who have lawn mowers that can be driven, the lever will usually be found on the side where your leg is.
Once you have located the lever, you can start pulling it down for you to be able to create a cut or pull it up for it to remove lesser grass.
Changing Your Lawn Mower Blade
There will come a time, which you will need to modify the blade of your lawn mower because of particular problems. When changing the blade, you need to make sure that the mower in unplugs for it to turn on and injure you accidentally.
- Remove the old blade and as well as the bolts, since you will need the bolts for the new blade that you are going to install.
- The new blade should be slid over the mower’s spindle, once you’re done, you can put the bolt back to the pivot screw.
- Tighten it using a wrench but make sure just to tighten it enough, since you don't want to end up having a loose bolt.
Now that you know the importance of sharpening a lawn mower blade, it is now time for you to know the best lawn mower blades that you can have for your lawn mowing needs.
How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades
Now, for your lawn mower blades to be sharpened correctly, there are some tips that you need to do for you to ensure that you are doing the right thing.
The reason behind this is because not knowing how to properly do it will only cause for your blades to get damaged.
1. Disconnect the Plug and Power Source
The first thing that you need to do is to disconnect the plug and as well as the power source of your lawn mower as this can cause problems while you are working on it.
You can easily disconnect the plug by removing the wire that is prominent on the front or side of the engine’s lawn mower. Even after you have disconnected everything, you still need to wear eye protection and gloves to stay protected.
2. Remove the Lawn Mower's Spark Plug
The first thing that you need to do is to remove your lawn mower’s spark plug. This will help prevent the motor from starting accidentally, which can cause serious injuries. You can tie or tape it back so it won’t be able to flop back and come in contact with your plug.
3. Access the Blade of Your Lawn Mower
For you to be able to access the blade, turning the lawn mower to its side is ideal. Avoid haphazardly turning the mower as the oil of the engine can spill to the air filter and carburetor.
The air filter and the carburetor by most of the mowers today are located in a boxy case that is made out of plastic and is on the side. You can check the manual if you are unsure about its location.
You may also opt to pour the mower's oil in a separate container to ensure that there will be no spillage no matter how you turn it.
4. Mark the Blade's Side that is Facing Downward
To avoid making the mistake of reinstalling the blade in the wrong position, mark the blade’s downward side. Reinstalling the blade the wrong way will just make it useless.
You can mark the blade using a spray paint, but this doesn’t mean that you have to paint the entire part of the blade, a little dot will do. You can also use a pen or a single tape so that you can mark the blade.
5. Blocking and Loosening the Bolt
Now once you see the blade, you need to loosen the bolt that secures the blade. For you to easily do this, you can block the blade using wood for it to avoid moving.
In this way, you can easily remove the blade using a ratchet or a wrench. There are lawn mowers that have a threaded nut that is reverse which will help in holding the blade to the spindle.
Once you have to remove the bolt, you need to remember all the orientation and placement of the plates and washers that will come with the blade.
6. Cleaning and Sharpening the Lawn Mower Blades
Now that you have removed the blade take some time to clean it. You need to remove grime, grass clippings, rust or anything that is making the blade look dirty.
You can use a glove for your hands and a dry clean rag. But if you haven’t cleaned the blade for quite a long time, then it would be best to use soapy water and sponge to help remove any grime and materials that have accumulated. Once done, make sure to wipe dry your blade.
Sharpening with the Use of a Bench Grinder
You can start sharpening the blade on the grinder by moving it back and forth. You need to carefully maintain the blade’s angle while you are sharpening it.
You may also opt to use a hand grinder that is equipped with a metal wheel to sharpen the blade.
Sharpening with the Use of a Belt Sander
You can also sharpen the blade of your lawn mower by using a belt sander. Start rubbing the blade at the right angle against a sandpaper that is abrasive as this will sharpen the blade gradually.
Once done, you can start inverting the blade of that the belt sander is facing up, while the lock’s switch will be turned on.
Sharpening with the Use of a File
You can start sharpening the blade using a metal file by stroking from the inner edge of the blade to the outer part until it gets shiny and clean. You can repeat filing the blade on both sides until you get the desired shininess that it has.
When sharpening your blade, you also need to make sure that the file is at an angle of the blade’s bevel while you are sharpening it. Typically the angle of the blade is 40 or 45 degrees, though there are some instances that the angle is different, so it is best to check the manual.
When using a file, it would be best to use a face mask since there will always be dust that will be produced. The mask will help protect your lungs against metal particles and airborne dust.
7. Reinstalling the Blade
Before installing the bolt to the blade, it would be best to use a sealant or a lubricant to make sure that it won’t rust. Once done, you can reinstall the blade and take note of the mark that you made earlier.
Always remember that the sharp part of the blade should face the spin’s direction or the direction where the portal of the grass catcher is. Lastly, when tightening the bolt, always make sure to use a racket or a wrench, instead of a hammer.
Lawn Mower Blades Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what lawn mower blade I need?
Lawn mower blades are all sold with a unique OEM number that indicates the blade or blade type suggested by the manufacturer with each product.
Unbranded blades will often have OEM numbers listed to indicate which mowers they are compatible with.
Can you put any blade on a lawn mower?
Lawn mower blades aren’t universal and should not be used interchangeably on any lawn mower. Mower blades need to match the size of your mower, the fittings must line up, and the direction of cut will also be a factor.
Check your mower’s manual for information on what blades to use.
How long do lawn mower blades last?
Lawn mower blades can last for up to ten years with regular cleaning and sharpening if they are used properly on dry grass, and not used over scrub or heavier materials.
The best practice is to replace lawn mower blades every year, but for most domestic gardeners, sharpening your blades is sufficient.
Does it matter how I install mower blades?
Check the direction of rotation on your mower (often there are arrows stamped into the base of the mower) to make sure your blades are installed the correct way up.
The blade will be sold with washers and bolts to fit onto existing mowers, but try to keep existing fittings in their original order to make the job easier.
Enjoy the Perfect Lawn this Summer with the Best Lawn Mower Blades
Remember, when choosing replacement blades it’s essential to check that they are compatible with your current model lawn mower, that they are the correct size for your cutting deck, and that it supports the mower’s discharge and/or mulching functions.
Manufacturing quality is important for performance and a long life, so always choose a high-grade steel blade. With the best lawn mower blades in town, your lawn is going to be the envy of the neighborhood this summer!