Classifying various mower blade types will narrow down your selection to regular blades and mulching blades, including Gator blades.
High lift blades are the same as regular blades, while Gator blades are a type of mulching blade. Each of them has their unique application and purpose, and maximizing their use involves you knowing what works best for your lawn.
Gator Blades vs High Lift Blades – Comparison table
| Gator Blades | High Lift Blades | |
|---|---|---|
| What they are best for | Mulching | Bagging and discharging |
| What they produce | Mulch, which you will use to fertilize the lawn | Grass clippings, which you will remove or pile from your lawn |
| Where you can use them | Best for small grasses (less than 3 inches high) | Best for tall grasses (more than 4 inches high) |
| Design | They have teeth and curves | Straight edges |
| Air stream | Produce less air streams | Produce more air streams |
| What to do with the discharge | You can leave the clippings on the top soil without throwing away the grass | You will need to throw away the clippings |
Gator Blades vs High Lift Blades – How they compare
The main difference between these blades is their functionality. A High Lift blade aims to lift the grass, cut it, then push the clippings either to the discharge area for the mower to push them out, or to the lawnmower’s bag. They are good options if you want to achieve an even, neat, and clean cut on your lawn, as well as if you plan to do discharging or bagging.
On the other hand, Gator blades can be of various types, but the OEM types are the high lift blades. OEM blades are unique from most lawnmower blades, as they use a type of Oregon technology, and will have some design improvements that make them best for mulching.
Gator Blades vs High Lift Blades – A comparison review
Gator Blades
Pros
- These are very good for mulching leaves, aside from grass clippings
- It saves time and effort when handling taller grasses
Cons
- Not good at discharging grass clippings
High Lift Blades
Pros
- Perfect choices for bagging
- They handle wet and taller grasses very well
Cons
- Inefficient choices for mulching
- They can strain the engine if you use them too frequently
Verdict: So, which is better? Gator Blades or High Lift Blades?
Gator blades are the winner here, as they are the best option for a landscaper who wants to mulch their lawns. They are also multipurpose blades, so you can use them as frequently as you would like to maintain your lawn space.
FAQs
Can I mulch my grass clippings while using a high lift blade?
No, you cannot, as high lift blades lack a mulching function due to their design. They will only allow you to discharge or bag the clippings, which is why they are commonly known as 2-in-1 blades as well.
Can I side discharge using Gator blades?
Yes, you can do so, as Gator blades are meant to handle superior performance.