Over time, your lawnmower’s blade will wear down with constant cutting of the lawn and mulch for your garden. In a situation like this, it is best to replace it with another blade to get back the good old performance or even better performance than the OEM blades! That is why I have looked through the market and found the 9 best mulching blades for zero-turn mowers that you can use for your lawn and gardening needs!
Top 10 Best Mulching Blades For Zero Turn Mowers In 2023
| Image | Product Name | Price On Amazon |
|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall Bad Boy Zero Turn Mower | Check Price |
 | Best After-Sell Service XHT 2 USA Blades | Check Price |
 | Best Quality Control 8TEN LawnRAZOR Mower Blade | Check Price |
 | Best Easy To Install Maxpower Blade Set | Check Price |
 | Best Value for Money Rotary Set of 2 Mulching Blades Replaces Oregon | Check Price |
 | Best Long-Term Durability Terre Products Lawn Mower Blades | Check Price |
 | Best Fit For All Conditions Oregon Mower Blades | Check Price |
 | Best Professional Finish MTD Genuine Blade | Check Price |
 | Best Easy to Use Ariens Blade Set and Mulching Blades | Check Price |
 | Best for Commercial Mulching Maxpower Commercial Blade | Check Price |
1. Best Overall – Bad Boy Zero Turn Mower 54” Deck Blades
Specification
- Deck: 54”
- Length: 18-3/4″
- Center Hole Diameter: 5/8″
- Width: 2-1/2″
- Thickness: 0.2040″
Description
Get ready for your zero-turn mower try on the Bad Boy Zero Turn Mower 54” Deck Blades for all your mulching needs!
Features
- Perfect fit: fits zero-turn lawnmowers with ease.
- Made in USA: made for American mowing and mulching needs.
- Sturdy and lightweight: cuts very efficiently, even while turning.
How to use
Using the Bad Boy Zero Turn Mower 54” Deck Blades is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for efficient and effective lawn mowing:
- Turn off the mower or disconnect from the power source.
- Attach the washer and bolt to your new lawn mulching blade.
- Lift the machine to expose the blades at the bottom.
- Position the blade with the cutting edge and teeth facing up towards the bottom of the deck.
- Tighten the bolt with your finger until the blade can hang on its own.
- After installing the new blade, check its balance. Then use a torque wrench and tighten the blades further.
- Once the blade is installed and balanced, flip the mower back to its normal position and reconnect it to the power source.
- Depending on your lawn’s condition, adjust the cutting height of the mower to achieve the desired grass length.
Expert Verdict
The Bad Boy Zero Turn Mower 54” Deck Blades is one of those blades that might not seem like much but it is way better than most original replacement blades for zero-turn mowers out there! The blade itself is of exceptional quality and helps to cut and mulch very easily. It also fits multiple models of lawnmower out there so you can be sure that you are getting the perfect fit for the blade you are buying. But the reason I put this on the top of the list is how easy it was to install! You only need a torque wrench to tighten the blade, nothing else is needed. With its many fits, you can be guaranteed a perfect zero-turn lawnmower blade replacement.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Good mulching and cutting capacity. | |
| Fits multiple different zero-turn lawnmowers. | |
| Easiest installation. |
2. Best After-Sell Service – XHT 2 USA Blades for KUBOTA 42″ Zero Turn MOWERS Z122R
Specification
- Deck: 42”
- Length: Length: 21-1/2″
- Center Hole Diameter: Center hole: .712″
- Width: Width: 2.5″
- Thickness: .250″
Description
The XHT 2 USA Blades for KUBOTA 42″ Zero Turn MOWERS Z122R has one of the greatest after-sell services that you can get for replacement lawnmowers!
Features
- Marbain steel: patented steel heating process making this tough and sharp.
- For Kubota: replacement blades for Kubota zero-turn lawnmowers.
How to use
Using the XHT 2 USA Blades for KUBOTA 42″ Zero Turn MOWERS Z122R is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for efficient and effective lawn mowing:
- Turn off the mower or disconnect from the power source.
- Attach the washer and bolt to your new lawn mulching blade.
- Lift the machine to expose the blades at the bottom.
- Position the blade with the cutting edge and teeth facing up towards the bottom of the deck.
- Tighten the bolt with your finger until the blade can hang on its own.
- After installing the new blade, check its balance. Then use a torque wrench and tighten the blades further.
- Once the blade is installed and balanced, flip the mower back to its normal position and reconnect it to the power source.
- Depending on your lawn’s condition, adjust the cutting height of the mower to achieve the desired grass length.
Expert Verdict
The XHT 2 USA Blades for KUBOTA 42″ Zero Turn MOWERS Z122R is a great blade for your lawnmower. It is sturdy and cuts really when. All your mulching needs will also be satisfied with these blades on your Kubota lawnmowers. The only problem that you might find is that this blade was made specifically for Kubota lawnmowers and similar designs. So if you have another lawnmower, you might need to look for something else. However, Kubota is the way to go because of their friendly customer care services after selling the product and how quick and prompt they are at service which more than made up for the great lawnmower!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Great blade for cutting and mulching. | Specifically made for Kubota lawnmowers. |
| Sturdy Marbain metal. | |
| Best customer care services. |
3. Best Quality Control – 8TEN LawnRAZOR Mower Blade for Ariens 34-inch Decks Zoom Zero Turn Mowers
Specification
- Deck: 34”
- Length: 17 5/16″
- Center Hole Diameter: 5/8”
- Width: 2 ¼”
- Thickness: 0.1875″
Description
Get the quality control for your lawn and garden you need with the 8TEN LawnRAZOR Mower Blade for Ariens 34-inch Decks Zoom Zero Turn Mowers!
Features
- Super thin: for precise cuts on your grass for mulching needs for garden.
- Mulching blades: for thick mowing conditions.
How to use
Using the 8TEN LawnRAZOR Mower Blade for Ariens 34-inch Decks Zoom Zero Turn Mowers is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for efficient and effective lawn mowing:
- Turn off the mower or disconnect from the power source.
- Attach the washer and bolt to your new lawn mulching blade.
- Lift the machine to expose the blades at the bottom.
- Position the blade with the cutting edge and teeth facing up towards the bottom of the deck.
- Tighten the bolt with your finger until the blade can hang on its own.
- After installing the new blade, check its balance. Then use a torque wrench and tighten the blades further.
- Once the blade is installed and balanced, flip the mower back to its normal position and reconnect it to the power source.
- Depending on your lawn’s condition, adjust the cutting height of the mower to achieve the desired grass length.
Expert Verdict
The 8TEN LawnRAZOR Mower Blade for Ariens 34-inch Decks Zoom Zero Turn Mowers is the perfect lawnmower blade for getting the precise cut you need for your garden! It also helps because they have specific blades for specific cutting needs, which includes a mulching blade as well! This mulching blade alone is good at clearing thicker lawns and separates them with ease. It might not be the best in wet conditions such as after a rain but it is great for getting even cuts all across your garden and backyard!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Specific blades for specific cutting. | Not great in wet conditions. |
| Thin blades for cutting consistency. | |
| Great for thick grass in your garden. |
4. Best Easy To Install – Maxpower 561822B 2 Blade Set for 42″ Cut John Deere Zero Turn Mowers
Specification
- Deck: 42”
- Length: 21-3/8 in.
- Center Hole Diameter: 0.80 in.
- Width: 3”
- Thickness: 0.62 inches
Description
Get an easy-to-install lawnmower blade with the Maxpower 561822B 2 Blade Set for 42″ Cut John Deere Zero Turn Mowers!
Features
- High carbon steel: heated at high temps for a sturdier build.
- Less vibration and sound: makes for a peaceful mowing experience in your garden.
- More efficient: keeps cost down with much better cutting efficiency.
How to use
Using the Maxpower 561822B 2 Blade Set for 42″ Cut John Deere Zero Turn Mowers is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for efficient and effective lawn mowing:
- Turn off the mower or disconnect from the power source.
- Attach the washer and bolt to your new lawn mulching blade.
- Lift the machine to expose the blades at the bottom.
- Position the blade with the cutting edge and teeth facing up towards the bottom of the deck.
- Tighten the bolt with your finger until the blade can hang on its own.
- After installing the new blade, check its balance. Then use a torque wrench and tighten the blades further.
- Once the blade is installed and balanced, flip the mower back to its normal position and reconnect it to the power source.
- Depending on your lawn’s condition, adjust the cutting height of the mower to achieve the desired grass length.
Expert Verdict
When you want a product that does everything quite well, then the Maxpower 561822B 2 Blade Set for 42″ Cut John Deere Zero Turn Mowers is the lawnmower blade you are looking for in your garden! It works great and I absolutely loved how much less vibration this one caused over the other blades. It makes for a perfect afternoon in your garden with some much-needed gardening in peace and quiet. The high carbon steel blades are also great at cutting the lawn but you need to make sure you buy the right blade for your lawnmower. From what I understand this does not have a return policy so make sure that you are getting a blade that is compatible with your lawnmower. Check the OEM number on your lawnmower and match it with the ones in the list of compatibility for this blade.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Less vibration and sound. | No return policy. |
| High carbon steel for durability. | |
| Efficient cutting. |
5. Best Value for Money – Rotary Set of 2 Mulching Blades Replaces Oregon
Specification
- Deck: 42”
- Length: 21-5/8″
- Center Hole Diameter: 5/8″
- Width: 2-1/2″
- Thickness: .160″
Description
Get the best value for money for your garden with the great mulching provided by Rotary Set of 2 Mulching Blades Replaces Oregon!
Features
- Straight blades: easier to take care of and sharpen
- Sturdy: can take hits from rocks and dirt and still remain sharp
- Much thicker: to help with mulching needs
How to use
Using the Rotary Set of 2 Mulching Blades Replaces Oregon is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for efficient and effective lawn mowing:
- Turn off the mower or disconnect from the power source.
- Attach the washer and bolt to your new lawn mulching blade.
- Lift the machine to expose the blades at the bottom.
- Position the blade with the cutting edge and teeth facing up towards the bottom of the deck.
- Tighten the bolt with your finger until the blade can hang on its own.
- After installing the new blade, check its balance. Then use a torque wrench and tighten the blades further.
- Once the blade is installed and balanced, flip the mower back to its normal position and reconnect it to the power source.
- Depending on your lawn’s condition, adjust the cutting height of the mower to achieve the desired grass length.
Expert Verdict
I was skeptical of the price since it was so cheap. But I gave the Rotary Set of 2 Mulching Blades Replaces Oregon a shot and I am glad I did! It cuts great even though you might want to grind it down a bit to get it sharp enough to cut everything in one go. The clippings are very evenly cut and are geared towards being added to mulch for your garden. In fact, the straight blade is better than the original and is much easier to take care of. Not to mention that the mulching was miles better with this blade. Even if you need to go over twice, it is worth it for a blade at this price point which is a great performance!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Better than original. | Need to go over twice in the same area. |
| Easier to maintain. | |
| Far better mulching than OEM blades. |
6. Best Long-Term Durability – Terre Products, 3 Pack High Lift Lawn Mower Blades
Specification
- Deck: 48”
- Length: 16-1/8”
- Center Hole Diameter: 5/8″
- Width: 2-1/2”
- Thickness: .197”
Description
Get a blade for your zero-turn lawnmower that will last a while with the Terre Products, 3 Pack High Lift Lawn Mower Blades!
Features
- Variety of blades: for all different pieces
- Heavy-duty blades: meant to last a long time
- Rust-proof: no problems with rusting
How to use
Using the Terre Products, 3 Pack High Lift Lawn Mower Blades is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for efficient and effective lawn mowing:
- Turn off the mower or disconnect from the power source.
- Attach the washer and bolt to your new lawn mulching blade.
- Lift the machine to expose the blades at the bottom.
- Position the blade with the cutting edge and teeth facing up towards the bottom of the deck.
- Tighten the bolt with your finger until the blade can hang on its own.
- After installing the new blade, check its balance. Then use a torque wrench and tighten the blades further.
- Once the blade is installed and balanced, flip the mower back to its normal position and reconnect it to the power source.
- Depending on your lawn’s condition, adjust the cutting height of the mower to achieve the desired grass length.
Expert Verdict
What ends up happening from time to time is that lawnmower blades, especially mulching blades, wear out very quickly. But that is something you don’t need to be concerned with the Terre Products, 3 Pack High Lift Lawn Mower Blades! It is a heavy-duty lawnmower blade that will not wear down without a fight. It is hard and tough, with a sharp blade that can cut and mulch with great efficiency. They are also a perfect fit for most zero-turn mowers but you will need to make sure that it is right for your mower since its compatibility is very limited.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Heavy duty blade. | Limited compatibility with mowers. |
| Great mulching blade. | |
| Great efficiency cutting. |
7. Best Fit For All Conditions – Oregon Mower Blades, Gator G3 Mulching Lawnmower Replacement Blades
Specification
- Deck: 54”
- Length: 18-4/9″
- Center Hole Diameter: 5 Point Star
- Width: 2-1/2″
- Thickness: 0.187″
Description
Built to talk about the toughest conditions, the Oregon Mower Blades, Gator G3 Mulching Lawnmower Replacement Blades will be the right blade for you!
Features
- For all conditions: wet, dry, or cold, this blade will cut any lawn or garden.
- Perfect 54” deck: compatible with many different models.
- Pack of 3: 3 replacement blades for your convenience.
How to use
Using the Oregon Mower Blades, Gator G3 Mulching Lawnmower Replacement Blades is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for efficient and effective lawn mowing:
- Turn off the mower or disconnect from the power source.
- Attach the washer and bolt to your new lawn mulching blade.
- Lift the machine to expose the blades at the bottom.
- Position the blade with the cutting edge and teeth facing up towards the bottom of the deck.
- Tighten the bolt with your finger until the blade can hang on its own.
- After installing the new blade, check its balance. Then use a torque wrench and tighten the blades further.
- Once the blade is installed and balanced, flip the mower back to its normal position and reconnect it to the power source.
- Depending on your lawn’s condition, adjust the cutting height of the mower to achieve the desired grass length.
Expert Verdict
Even under the most terrible conditions, the Oregon Mower Blades, Gator G3 Mulching Lawnmower Replacement Blades hold up on their own and fit best for all conditions! Cold, wet, or dry lawns are very easily mowed with clean cuts all over. It also has many make and model that it is compatible with so you don’t have to worry about it not fitting for your 54” deck for mulching. And the fact that you get 3 blades for the price, it is a hard bargain to not take. But you got to watch out for Craftsman zero-turn lawnmowers since most are not compatible even though they are listed as are.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Compatible with many makes and models of lawnmowers. | Be careful with Craftsman zero-turn lawnmower since not all of them are compatible. |
| Clean cuts in harsh mowing conditions. | |
| 3 for 1 price. |
8. Best Professional Finish – MTD Genuine Parts (942-0741A) Replacement Part Mulching Blade
Specification
- Deck: 48”
- Length: 18-3/4″
- Center Hole Diameter: 5/8″
- Width: 2-1/2″
- Thickness: 0.2040″
Description
Get a professional finish done on your garden with the MTD Genuine Parts (942-0741A) Replacement Part Mulching Blade!
Features
- Compatibility with: Troy-Bilt, MTD, Craftsman, MTD Gold, Bolens, White Outdoor, Murray, Snapper, Yard Machines, Yard-Man, and Huskee zero-turn lawnmower.
- Star-shaped center hole: for perfect fitting in most lawnmowers.
How to use
Using the MTD Genuine Parts (942-0741A) Replacement Part Mulching Blade is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for efficient and effective lawn mowing:
- Turn off the mower or disconnect from the power source.
- Attach the washer and bolt to your new lawn mulching blade.
- Lift the machine to expose the blades at the bottom.
- Position the blade with the cutting edge and teeth facing up towards the bottom of the deck.
- Tighten the bolt with your finger until the blade can hang on its own.
- After installing the new blade, check its balance. Then use a torque wrench and tighten the blades further.
- Once the blade is installed and balanced, flip the mower back to its normal position and reconnect it to the power source.
- Depending on your lawn’s condition, adjust the cutting height of the mower to achieve the desired grass length.
Expert Verdict
When you want to make it look like your garden is mowed by a professional, then look no further than the MTD Genuine Parts Replacement Part Mulching Blade! It provides a sharpened edge that is great for cutting your lawn and garden while also mulching with no extra clipping laying around! It also has a high amount of compatibility due to the star-shaped center hole. However, after a few use, you might need to do the actual sharpening yourself. The paint hangs on the edge which diminishes after a few use. So you will need to grind that out to get the perfect sharpness. A little bit of sharpening can go a long way! I have been using it for a couple of seasons now with no problem after sharpening it myself.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Sharp edges. | Need to resharpen to make it last a long time. |
| No extra clippings, all mulched uniformly. | |
| Great compatibility. |
9. Best Easy to Use – Ariens Blade Set and Mulching Blades for 52-Inch Zero Turn Mowers
Specification
- Deck: 52”
- Length: 18″
- Center Hole Diameter: 5/8″
- Width: 2-1/4″
- Thickness: 0.2040″
Description
Have fun using the Ariens Blade Set and Mulching Blades for 52-Inch Zero Turn Mowers for your Ariens lawnmower with smoother operation!
Features
- OEM blades: for Ariens lawnmowers.
- Thin blades: for perfect cutting.
- Smoother operation: very easy to use with a smoother operation.
How to use
Using the Ariens Blade Set and Mulching Blades for 52-Inch Zero Turn Mowers is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for efficient and effective lawn mowing:
- Turn off the mower or disconnect from the power source.
- Attach the washer and bolt to your new lawn mulching blade.
- Lift the machine to expose the blades at the bottom.
- Position the blade with the cutting edge and teeth facing up towards the bottom of the deck.
- Tighten the bolt with your finger until the blade can hang on its own.
- After installing the new blade, check its balance. Then use a torque wrench and tighten the blades further.
- Once the blade is installed and balanced, flip the mower back to its normal position and reconnect it to the power source.
- Depending on your lawn’s condition, adjust the cutting height of the mower to achieve the desired grass length.
Expert Verdict
The Ariens Blade Set and Mulching Blades for 52-Inch Zero Turn Mowers is a great blade for your Ariens and Gravely lawnmowers! It is great for mulching does it with no hassle and is very easy to use. This is because the blades provide a better cutting with the thin blade with reduced vibration and better rotation on the blades. It is much easier to use than the original lawnmower blade that you buy but the one sad part is that it is made to fit either Ariens or Gravely. I tried it on other models of 54” deck to no avail.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Thin blade with greater cutting power. | Only great if you have Ariens or Gravely lawnmower. |
| Reduced vibration. | |
| Improved rotation on the blade. |
10. Best for Commercial Mulching – Maxpower 561713XB Commercial Mulching 2-Blade Set
Specification
- Deck: 42”
- Length: 21″
- Center Hole Diameter: 5-point star
- Width: 2-1/2″
- Thickness: 0.75″
Description
Get a mulching blade that was made for commercial mulching needs with the Maxpower 561713XB Commercial Mulching 2-Blade Set
Features
- Commercial blades: includes 2 commercial mulching blades for a 42″ cut.
- Husqvarna fitting: fits Craftsman models manufactured by Husqvarna.
How to use
Using the Maxpower 561713XB Commercial Mulching 2-Blade Set is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for efficient and effective lawn mowing:
- Turn off the mower or disconnect from the power source.
- Attach the washer and bolt to your new lawn mulching blade.
- Lift the machine to expose the blades at the bottom.
- Position the blade with the cutting edge and teeth facing up towards the bottom of the deck.
- Tighten the bolt with your finger until the blade can hang on its own.
- After installing the new blade, check its balance. Then use a torque wrench and tighten the blades further.
- Once the blade is installed and balanced, flip the mower back to its normal position and reconnect it to the power source.
- Depending on your lawn’s condition, adjust the cutting height of the mower to achieve the desired grass length.
Expert Verdict
If you have a Husqvarna lawnmower in your garage and need a perfect replacement for it, then the Maxpower 561713XB Commercial Mulching 2-Blade Set is exactly the blade set you are looking for! They are thicker and stronger than most other mulching blades on the market and work really well for zero-turn lawnmowers. They are in fact very strong and are able to clear a lot of grass at once, which is exactly what you are looking for in a commercial-grade mulching blade. The blades might wear down rather quickly but I firmly believe that the blade are good enough for how long they last. And sharpening them is very easy to do!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Commercial-grade lawn clippings. | Blades wear out quickly; need to be resharpened. |
| Easy to mulch with. | |
| Clears a wide range of area. |
A Guide To Mulching Blades Replacement
With there being so many types of lawnmower blades out there, finding one to mulch for your garden can be quite a challenge. That is why I have decided to give you a guide for mulching blades so you know exactly what to look for when you will go out and buy a replacement one!
The first thing that you need to know is that there are two mulching blades. The normal blades have a curved surface on the ends to help lift the grass up and then the other side has the cutting side which helps to cut the grass. The other type is very similar. It is called the gator blade where the curved edges are on one side to allow for more suction of the grass into a mulching bad. While you can buy both of them, the gator blades are better for thicker grass while the normal ones are great for sandy soil.
How do I know which mower blade to buy?
The next thing that you need to watch out for is that the mulching blade matches your lawnmower. The last thing you want is to get a mulching blade that was for 52” instead of your 42” deck. So make sure that you know the stamp number, model number, sticker, or etched words on the blade. Then you need to search if that matches your number for your lawnmower to see the compatibility. If they match, then you are good to go!
Finally, it is essential to know if you need to buy a replacement or just need a resharpen of your blades. A lot of the times I have seen that people end up buying a new one when all they needed to do was to sharpen their old blades and they were good to go. You only need a new blade for mulching blades when you notice that the curved teeth on the ends are damaged. They need to be at a precise angle so that they are able to mulch the smaller clippings of grass. If you also notice that the blades are wobbling, then you just need to readjust the tension of the bolt so that it remains steady while you are cutting away the grass on your lawn.
FAQs
Mulching blades can cut equally if not better than straight blades. They also help return the small clippings back to form mulch on the ground.
The only difference is that mulching blades take the small clippings for topsoil mulching while straight blades discharge it into a bag or outside. Regular mowing blades aren’t the trapping type because they don’t have the curves to get the airstream necessary to do so.
Mulching blades aren’t really better than high-lift blades because they do two different things. Mulching blades cut the grass to produce mulch while high-lift blades lift the grass and then cut it into a collection bag.
Yes, you can! Just make sure that the position of the blade is towards you while the curved teeth or edges are pointing towards the deck.
Gator blades are a bit better than regular mulching blades because it is a combination of high-lift blades and mulching blades in one. The gator both raises the grass and cuts it efficiently while also mulching it at the same time.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the 10 best mulching blades that you can find for zero-turn mowers! While there might be some compatibility issues for some of the blades due to the size and length, you will need to make sure they match the ones for your lawnmower. It was great busting out the old lawnmowers and using them to mulch both my lawn and garden. Most notably, I have found that the Bad Boy Zero Turn Mower for the 54” decks, Maxpower 561713XB Commercial Mulching 2-Blade Set for the 42” decks, and the 8TEN LawnRAZOR Mower Blade for Ariens 34-inch Decks Zoom Zero Turn Mowers for the smaller 34” deck. I hope one of these blades is the one that you are looking for to replace the OEM blades on your lawnmower. So get to mulching your garden and grow those fresh summer veggies to perfection!