To Mulch or Not to Mulch? That is not the only question you should be asking yourself when you are shopping for rotary style mower blades. In order to get the correct blade and type of blade for your mower, there are several pieces of data that you need.
• The manufacturer of the mower - is the mower by Exmark, Hustler Turf, Snapper, Cub Cadet, Toro, John Deere, etc.?
• The model of the mower - if it is an Exmark mower, is it a Vantage, Lazer Z; if a Hustler, is it a Zeon or Sport, or another model. Each manufacturer has more than one type.
• What is the size of the deck? The deck size is usually listed in inches such as 42". Decks vary in size from 21" to 72". The size determines the number of blades needed. Some mowers take only one blade where others take three.
• What is the diameter of the center hole? Some center holes range in size, others are star shaped. Certain blades have 3 holes. Note what kind you have and the diameter.
• What was the length of the blade before use. Blades can shrink in size due to use. The metal actually begins to flake off on some less expensive blades. Knowing the length of an unused blade can help you to locate the right blade faster
Once you know the answer to those questions, you can tackle what type of blade to get. Mulching and non-mulching are really the only two main types of blades. Mulching blades cut the grass off sharply and into small bits that it deposits back onto the lawn. Most people use these when they are not bagging the remains but plan to leave them on as mulch. Lift blades tear at the grass as they spin and lift the clippings into a grass catcher or shoots them back on the lawn through a side-shooter.
Beyond the question of mulching or non-mulching, there are different types of blades within those two categories.
Lift Blades
• Low Lift - Low lift blades cut closer to the ground and do not create high suction. This is the choice of those who use side-shooters for clippings or are mowing where the ground is very sandy or loose. Not as much dust is created using low lift blades. Dry and short grasses are perfect for a low lift blade.
• Medium/Standard Lift - This is the choice of most consumers and works wonders on grass with broad leaves. Often, the mowers come with standard lift blades from the manufacturer. Standard lift blades create medium vacuum to pull the clippings up and into the bag.
• High Lift - High lift blades create a lot of vacuum for clippings. This is the best choice for thinner types of grass such as rye or bluegrass.
• Super High Lift - When using a bagging system, super high lift blades use the most force and vacuum to push clippings into the bag.
• Notched blades - A notched blade is simply a lift type of blade with a notch in it to create a higher lift.
Mulching Blades
• Standard Mulching - These blades have three or more notched and tilted teeth cut into the edge of the blade. They snip off grass and cut it into several smaller clippings to be used as mulch on the lawn.
• Gator Blades - Gators are like standard mulching blades but the way they are designed, they redirect the air flow to keep the clippings directly in front of the blade edge. Because of this, the clippings are cut finer. This helps reduce bagging or raking and promotes faster decomposition.
• Ninja Blades - Designed specifically for Snapper mowers, this unique blade is like having two blades in one. Unlike other mower blades where the end terminates in a single blade, the Ninja splits into two like an elongated X.
The last consideration for buying blades is the thickness. Light duty blades are thinner than heavy duty ones and do not last as long. If you are a professional landscaper or have five to six acres of grass to mow, it is recommended that you purchase the heavy duty blades. They cost a little more, but they will last longer.
When you have decided which blade is right for you, contact your dealer with the information and they will be able to match the right blade to your needs.
Happy mowing!
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