There’s no exaggeration in saying that a lawn mower is a machine whose performance is dependant on different standards –a blade is the most important one.
If you’re owning a lawn mower or want to give it a try for the first time, a question comes to mind that either we should go for standard blades or mulching ones.
Even though both blades are for cutting the grass, there are significant differences in their size, shape, sharpness, and performance that make them stand poles apart.
You know what? A mulching blade has to deal with some ‘magic trick’ because it just makes the grass trappings disappear instead of scattering them on the ground –all thanks to its shape.
If you’re on the verge of choosing between these two, let’s cut to the chase and explore the subtle similarities and differences between them.
Let’s get right into the business!
Regular Blade (2-in-1) vs. Mulching Blade (3-in-1)
You might be wondering why the regular lawnmower blades are called 2-in-1 blades? Actually, these blades release the grass trappings using the mower’s chute cling on the side or toss them into the collection bag.
As these blades perform these two functions, they are called 2-in-1 blades.
On the other hand, mulching blades are known as 3-in-1 blades to prove their versatility as they perform three functions unlike the regular blades.
Along with discharging the clippings, these blades chop them into a mulch and can also leave them in the ground.
The Shape of Blades
Here’s the major difference between a mulching and a regular blade that makes them stand on two opposite poles.
With a much more curved profile, a mulching blade has typically honed and modified cutting edges that runs along more of its entire surface –that’s the secret of it.
Moreover, this curved design isn’t merely for aesthetics, but it aids the grass trappings to move in a circular motion and directly into a mower deck –ultimately vanishes them.
Surprisingly enough, you get a continual cutting experience because the blade continues cutting the trappings repeatedly into smaller and smaller.
On the other hand, a standard lawnmower blade comes with a straight aesthetics that cuts the grass and finally expel the clippings out from the deck.
What about Aerodynamics?
The standard lawnmowers are actually known as ‘high-lift’ blades. But why? Let’s explore the reason.
The ‘high-lift’ aerodynamics of these regular blades allow them to pull the grass trappings in the upward direction and finally throw them into the discharge-chute to the way outward.
On the other hand, the intelligent and smart aerodynamics of a mulching blades produce a circulating air stream. This air stream targets the grass clippings back towards the blade when they are cut.
Unlike the standard blades’ one-directional lift, the mulching blades feature a much practical approach towards the most efficient grass cutting.
Mulching and Regular - Discharge Process!
When it comes to the lawnmower’s clipping discharge process, the standard blades win the round. You know why?
Mulching blades are actually meant and engineered to keep the grass trappings inside the mower deck instead of flinging them out. So the discharge or bagging mode doesn’t work well with them just like it does with regular ones.
According to the Authenticpick.com, the regular blades don’t go for chopping the grass clippings just like the mulching ones do. And that’s the reason they aren’t compatible with mulching mowers or the mulching-kit installed regular mowers.
You know what happens next? Sadly, the inappropriately chopped grass trappings try their best to clog the the regular blades –the major downfall.
The Dispersal Process
If we compare these two lawnmower blades, both of them had a quite different and unique approach for dispersing the clippings.
A regular lawnmower deals with glass trappings in two ways –either target them into the dispersion bag on the mower or discharge through a side chute. It’s not meant for a mulching duty.
On the other hand, the mulching blades has to do nothing to discharge the clippings –they are meant to be kept inside the mower deck.
What about the Recirculation?
Here’s the secret behind the mulching magic of a mulching lawnmower blade –its enhanced recirculating ability.
The curved and bended design of a mulching blade creates a recirculating airflow that ensures the grass clippings are moving across the blade continuously.
On the other hand, the high-lift blade of a standard lawnmower has no concept of recirculating the airflow. And the process ends right where the blade throws the grass clippings out of the mower deck.
Let's Talk about Deck's Aesthetics
You know what adds a little more to the recirculating power? The mulching mower’s deck design actually aids the grass trappings circulating around the blade and get the job done more effectively.
Some deck designs are deeply arched and higher than the regular ones –aiding the clippings get more room for enhanced airflow.
Moreover, there are baffles that are present in some mulching mower decks that target the grass trappings to get optimal airflow circulation within the decks.
You’ll even discover a fascinating thing in a baffle in some models in the market –their adjustability. It makes the machine switch between discharge and mulching modes.
The choice is all yours!
What about the Blade's Cutting Portions?
Here’s another feature that is quite different in both blades. A regular lawnmower blade features cutting surfaces on at the tips.
However, a mulching blade features cutting surface on its entire length –an adaptation to great effectiveness.
The numerous sharp edges of a mulching blade makes it chop the grass and prevent the clippings scatter around everwhere and finally letting them safely into the mower deck.
The Bottom Line
Mulching lawnmower blades are an ideal choice for those who crave for mowing the gardens or patios every three to four days. Plus, mulching is the best eco-friendly way to deal with grass clippings.
The amazing thing is that you can use the mulched grass as a natural fertilizer to nourish your plants –returning the essential nutrients back to use.
Both blades have their significant advantages and a few drawbacks. In some aspects, mulching mower blades win the round; however, in some aspects they lag behind the standard blades.
The choice is yours! Choose the one that suits best to your needs.