Are Gator Blades Better than Mulching Blades?

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Several mowers are designed to use a certain blade that fits the specific measurements and holes for a particular lawn mower. 

Most mowing machines are compatible with diverse blade-type options that provide a wide range of lift and mulching options.

But the main question is, are gator blades better than mulching blades? Yes, they are.

They have unique angled teeth that repeatedly force the grass clippings towards the sharp cutting edge, cutting them into tiny pieces. 

They also ensure a clean and even mulching result while their high lift feature is a great option for bagging.

What are Gator Blades?

Gator-blade

Gator blades have distinctive angled teeth for more suction on the grass which helps to pull the grass in an upward form.

With this, grass clippings are cut into finer pieces while mowing your lawn. They have a serrated design at the blade edges, making the blades easy to spot.

Gator blades can be used for high lift mulching. These blades fuse low, medium, high, and mulching features into their grass cutting technique. These are some of the best lawn mower blades for sandy soil.

What are The Benefits of Using Gator Blades?

Gator-blades

Here are some benefits of using gator blades:

  • Gator blades are easy to clean and install.
  • They are less noisy and you can also use them on a wide variety of lawn mowers.
  • Gator blades have raised teeth that push the grass upward while the other blades push the grass down for a clean and even cut.
  • These blades have a unique design that enables you to mulch grass properly and cut grass without blocking your mower deck.
  • They improve the bagging option and promote quicker decomposition.

What Are Mulching Blades?

Mulching blades are also known as 3-in-1 blades. They have edges that can cut the grass clippings into the deck until it turns into smaller pieces. This is usually done to restore nutrients such as nitrogen to the soil.

They have curvier and more distinct edges that create less suction. They can help to straighten the grass and trim it. 

The outer and curved inner surfaces of the blade push the trimmed grass into the mower deck to cut it into finer pieces while the inner surfaces allow the grass to fall to the ground.

Mulching blades aren’t the best for cutting dense and tall grass because they have low suction power. 

They are good for mulching, bagging and can even side discharge tall grasses. Here are the three functions of mulching blades:

  • They lift and pull the grass up to cut it.
  • They push grass clippings into the cutting deck and cut them into smaller pieces.
  • The inner curves of the mulching blades draw in air that pushes the grass clippings to the ground.

What Are The Benefits of Using Mulching Blades?

Mulching-blade

Here are some benefits of using mulching blades?

  • They feature a mulching kit that includes hardware for installation and a plug that ensures the closure of the discharge opening for the grass to be cut into finer pieces.
  • The best mulching blades can side discharge, bag and mulch your grass clippings.
  • They restore vital nutrients such as nitrogen to the soil.
  • Mulching blades enable the clippings to decompose quickly.

Conclusion

To keep a beautiful and well-manicured lawn, it is essential to mow your lawn frequently. Since the grass grows very fast, you need to get the right blades for your lawn mower to ensure optimal cutting performance.

The high lift of gator blades provides even and clean cuts compared to mulching blades that push the grass in a downward form.

This high lift feature makes gator blades a great fit for bagging, reducing the clippings greatly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Does My Mulching Mower Leave Clumps of Grass?

This could mean two things: either you are mowing your grass when it is too tall or you are mowing it when it is wet. Mow the lawn frequently to keep the grass from becoming too tall. Ensure that you mow 1/3 of the grass blades in a single cut.

Can You Use Mulching Blades Without a Mulching Kit?

Yes, you can use them without a mulching kit. You just need to attach the blade with the cutting blade in the deck to mulch grass clippings.

What Angle Do You Sharpen Gator Blades?

The best angle to sharpen your blades is 35 degrees.