While this is a necessary evil in the mulching process, you may avoid blade-induced bogging if you stop the mower before engaging the cutting deck. This will reduce the amount of strain on the engine and once the blades are up to speed, the machine should be able to function without complaint or sputter.
Most riding mowers have two or three blades, and all should be replaced with matching blades for optimum mulching performance. The spindle where the blade attaches under the mower deck is designed for one of the shapes listed above, and blades matching the spindle should install with ease.
The easiest installation methods tend to be the five-point and six-point stars, as they only require the user to remove one bolt. Mulching blades are more durable than standard mowing blades due to their thickness and design. For push-mowers with direct-drive shafts, however, this durability can be a problem.
For belt-driven decks, blades are attached to spindles, which are then attached to pulleys. A belt connects all the pulleys while also being attached to the drive pulley on the motor. When a thick mulching blade hits an object like a stump or rock , it will most likely slip a bit on the belt—a built-in fail-safe. A standard blade will bend if it hits a stump or rock, most likely leaving the mower intact. Ideally, regardless of mower style, try to give your lawn a quick check before you start mowing to remove any obstructions or make a mental note of immovable impediments.
For homeowners looking to level-up their grass mulching game, this set of three mulching blades from Rotary could be just the ticket. This set is designed for any inch mower from Craftsman, Poulan, and Husqvarna, thanks to its five-point star mounting hole. The serrated teeth at the back of the lift will direct the cut grass easily into a bagger, keeping clippings off your lawn. But if you skip the bagger, these blades are likely to leave a few clumps that might require raking.
Bagging is also a wise option for lawns that do not receive a frequent mowing. Over-grown grass can clog under the mower deck and leave unsightly clumps of grass on the freshly mowed lawn. Mulching blades, also known as 3-in-1 blades, can be used to bag, discharge, or mulch grass clippings.
Mulching blades feature more curves and an increased cutting edge. The curved surface and increased cutting edge allows the blade to cut the grass and bring it into the deck where it is cut several more times before falling back onto the lawn in much smaller pieces. Too much leaf litter and grass mulched into the lawn at one time can damage the grass. The short answer is no, cut grass clippings do not contribute to thatch in your lawn.
Thatch is a layer of organic matter living and dead that accumulates between living, growing vegetation grass and the soil. As long as the thatch is less than about a half inch, your lawn is fine. If it gets above that level, depending on your grass type, you may want to consider dethatching or aerating which will inevitably remove some of the thatch.
Note: Aeration is when you pull plugs from the soil to help air, water, and nutrients circulate better throughout. This helps roots grow deeper and stronger, and you have a greener, healthier lawn as a result. Sarah is a writer who has previously worked in the lawn care industry.
In her spare time, she likes to garden, raise chickens, and mow the grass with her battery-powered lawn mower. Your email address will not be published.
Lawn Care Blog Lawn Love. Learn more about:. What is a mulching lawn mower? How does a mulching mower work? How to use a mulching mower Mulching matters FAQ. Are there any times I should not mulch in my clippings?
Other benefits of using a mulching mower: — No cumbersome bag to deal with on the lawn mower — No concerns about how to dispose of your grass clippings — Fertilize and mow at the same time — Avoid putting valuable nutrients and moisture into the landfill. Will the clippings contribute to the thatch in my lawn? Essentially there are only TWO basic styles of mowing blades used or approved for use on our current products:.
As with most all-purpose tools, there is some give and take as opposed to using a tool designed for a more specific purpose. The type of blade installed on a new mower is a decision the retailer makes for each model of mower, based on the expected needs of most customers. If you're unsure of which blade is on a particular model, inspect the blade.
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