Having a high-end lawn mower will certainly give you extra power in managing your lawn, but this is not possible without the right lawn mower blade.

Blades are a major part of lawn mowers that directly perform the cutting action. They have a wide variety and it includes gator blades, mulching blades, low-lift blades, standard blades, and high-lift blades.

According to the Power Equipment Parts World Channel, these lawn mower blades differ when it comes to the degree of lift that is created by the angled parts behind the cutting edge. If you want to have a great amount of vacuum to assure the grass will be cut efficiently, a high-lift blade like EGO Power+ AB2101 will certainly benefit you. Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean that a low-lift blade is less preferable. Low-lift types can also be beneficial as they won’t disturb too much dirt that can cause the cutting edge of the blade to dull faster. One good example is the Craftsman CMXGZAM110182.

Lawn mower blades differ when it comes to the degree of lift that is created by the angled parts behind the cutting edge.

Power Equipment Parts World Channel

Nonetheless, the type of blade is not the only thing you need to consider since mower units have specific requirements for blade hole configurations and measurements. That is why it is important to get a good look first at the blade compatibility and properties before your purchase. The good thing is, there are available innovative options now that are compatible with most units like the 8TEN LawnRAZOR Standard Blade.

There are also other considerations that need to be pondered about such as the material of the blade, cutting width of the blade, quality, and brand. Some of the most famous brands that offer the best lawn mower blades are 8TEN, Maxpower, Oregon, EGO, and Craftsman.

To give a more detailed look at the lawn mower blade models by the said brands, here is a comprehensive review we conducted after personally testing and comparing them. We also ranked them based on their performance to help you spot the best opinions right away. Here are our top 5 best lawn mower blades perfect for any kind of lawns this 2021:

Best Lawn Mower Blades Comparison & Rating

Lawn Mower Blades

Features

Oregon 92-616 G3 Gator Blades (Set of 3)
  • set of 3 gator blades
  • blades for John Deere
  • redirects the air flow to keep the clipping directly in front of the cutting edge; mulch and mow at the same speed as mowing
EGO Power+ AB2101 21-Inch Lawn Mower High Lift Blade for EGO 56V 21-Inch Lawn Mower Models LM2101/LM2100/LM2102SP/LM2100SP/LM2142SP
  • high-lift blade type
  • for 21" EGO Power+ lawn mower
  • best suction power
Maxpower 561714B Mower Blades, Replaces 134149, 532134149, 532 13 41-49, 594892701, yellow
  • measures 21" long by 2-1/4" wide and has a 5 point star center hole diameter
  • 3-in-1 action to produce fine cuts of grass
  • 2 blades for a 42" cut Craftsman, Husqvarna, and Poulan front engine rider
8TEN LawnRAZOR Blade for MTD 942-05052A Cub Cadet RZT S50 XT1 GT50 LT50 XT2 Troy Bilt Medium Lift 50 inch Deck 3 Pack
  • compatible with a wide variety of mower models
  • medium-lift type
  • bags, mulches, and discharges grass
Craftsman CMXGZAM110182 50-Inch Low-Lift Sand Lawn Mower Blade Set OE# 05052-L
  • set of 3 blades
  • low-lift type
  • for CRAFTSMAN 50” riding mowers and zero-turn mowers

1. Oregon 92-616 G3 Gator Blades

Oregon 92-616 G3 Gator Blades (Set of 3)
Specifications:
98% Overall

Brand

Oregon

Type

Gator

Item Weight

6.25 pounds (Set of 3)

Compatibility

John Deere; replaces AM137757, AM137758, AM141035, AM141036, GX21784, GX21785, GX21786, and GY20852

98%
performance
97%
durability & quality
99%
convenience
98%
value for money
Pros:
  • Comes in a set of 3 gator blades for John Deere.
  • Delivers incredible upward pulling action.
  • Uses a 7-point star hole.
  • The cuts are more precise and finer.
  • Capable of a fast-action performance; mows and mulches at the same time.
  • The cuts are neat and uniform.
  • Great cutting action; the grass is reduced to fine pieces that are perfect for fertilizing the soil.
  • Made of hardened steel that is austempered heat-treated.
Cons:
  • One of the known issues among gator blades is that they dull easily compared to the other types of mower blades.
Final Take:

In terms of fertilizing the soil, this gator blade from Oregon is a top choice. Each part of the blade is ergonomically designed to get the optimum results in cutting blades that will benefit both the user and the soil.

Oregon 92-616 G3 produces maximum suction on the grass that allows to pull it efficiently upward. The teeth are specifically angled to encourage the pulling action and precise cutting of the grass. The angle of the blade is very effective in promoting the continuous vacuum-like effect in the mower that leads the grass towards the cutting edge. With this, even with just a few passes, the grass will be cut repeatedly resulting in finely mulched grass clippings.

During the test, Oregon 92-616 G3 is one the best blades that was able to cut a considerable amount of grass in just a few passes. The result was so overwhelming and compared to other types of blades, the Oregon 92-616 G3 was the one able to deliver the most uniform performance from start to end. 

Moreover, the quality of the blade is phenomenal which makes it possible to last for an extended period of time compared to other gator blade models. It is 17-1/16" long, 2.5" wide, and .187" thick. It also employs 7 point star hole which makes it steady and perform vigorously.

2. EGO Power+ AB2101 Lawn Mower High-Lift Blade

EGO Power+ AB2101 21-Inch Lawn Mower High Lift Blade for EGO 56V 21-Inch Lawn Mower Models LM2101/LM2100/LM2102SP/LM2100SP/LM2142SP
Specifications:
98% Overall

Brand

EGO Power+

Type

High-lift

Item Weight

1.75 pounds

Compatibility

EGO Power+ 21" Lawn Mowers

98%
performance
98%
durability & quality
97%
convenience
97%
value for money
Pros:
  • Perfect for EGO Power+ 21" lawnmowers.
  • Has the best suction power.
  • The grass can be effectively straightened and be prepared for the cutting action of the blades.
  • The cuts are astounding; very precise and uniform.
  • Fast-cutting blade.
Cons:
  • Not recommended for use with the mulching plug.
  • Not ideal for sandy or dusty lawns.
Final Take:

In terms of performance, this EGO Power+ AB2101 high-lift blade is close to perfection. Compare to other blades, it offers the best suction force to straighten and pull the grass. With this, the precision of the cuts is unbeatable.

The EGO Power+ AB2101 has vertical angles on the edges that encourage maximum airflow and powerful suction. Its performance can be compared to the Oregon 92-616 G3’s which will give you smooth cuts and finish.

When tested for tall, dense grass, it managed to create cuts without struggles. The sound was flawless which reflected its effortless cutting action and there was no accumulation of grass in the chute. No blockage at all. Just unceasing performance that improves bagging efficiency and side discharge of the mower unit.

3. Maxpower 561714B Mulching Mower Blade

Maxpower 561714B Mower Blades, Replaces 134149, 532134149, 532 13 41-49, 594892701, yellow
Specifications:
98% Overall

Brand

Maxpower

Type

Mulching

Item Weight

3.39 pounds (Pack of 2)

Compatibility

OEM #: Craftsman, Poulan, Husqvarna 134149, 532134149, 532 13 41-49, and 594892701.

98%
performance
97%
durability & quality
98%
convenience
97%
value for money
Pros:
  • Comes with 2 blades for a 42" cut Craftsman, Husqvarna, and Poulan front engine rider.
  • Utilizes a 5-point star center hole.
  • Performs 3-in-1 action to produce fine cuts of grass.
  • Has a wider cutting edge which makes it possible to cut grass faster.
Cons:
  • Using it in an area with very dense grass can cause clogging of the deck.
Final Take:

This 21" x 2-1/4" Maxpower 561714B is another solution to have if you both need pristine beauty and nutrients for your lawn. It comes as another great alternative for gator blades as its edges are also fashioned to effectively mulch grass into fine pieces.

The Maxpower 561714B has very distinct curved edges resulting in a more pronounced and wider cutting edge. It creates less suction power compared to the Oregon 92-616 G3, but it is still capable of pulling the grass to trim them into uniform lengths.

Furthermore, the curves are very helpful in transferring the trimmed grass to the deck, allowing for a continuous cutting process to occur. The generation of pressurized air is also sufficient to allow the clippings to escape and settle on the ground. The result is mulched grass clippings that are not far from the products of Oregon 92-616 G3.

4. 8TEN LawnRAZOR Standard Blade

8TEN LawnRAZOR Blade for MTD 942-05052A Cub Cadet RZT S50 XT1 GT50 LT50 XT2 Troy Bilt Medium Lift 50 inch Deck 3 Pack
Specifications:
96% Overall

Brand

8TEN

Type

Medium-lift

Item Weight

5.6 pounds (Pack of 3)

Compatibility

MTD G8200, G8300, ZS6700, Z550, T260, CYT5023SE, M155-34, RZT 34, ZT-L50 KH; Troy Bilt Super Bronco 50 Hydro, TB2350, Super Bronco 50 XP Hydro, Super Bronco 50 XP, Super Bronco 50, Mustang XP 50 FAB, Mustang Fit 34, Mustang 50 XP, TB2350 Hydro; Cub Cadet RZT-LX50 KW FAB, RZT-L34, RZT-L50 KH, RZT-LX 50 KW FAB, RZT-S50, RZT-S50 KH, RZT-SX 50 KH FAB, XT1-GT50 KH, XT1-GT50, XT1-LT50 KH, XT1-LT50, XT2-LX50, ZT1-50 KW Fab, ZT2-50

96%
performance
97%
durability & quality
96%
convenience
96%
value for money
Pros:
  • Can replace OEM part numbers: Cub Cadet 942-05052A, MTD 942-05052A, and Troy Bilt 942-05052A.
  • Compatible with a wide variety of mower models from other brands.
  • Sports 6-point star center hole.
  • Can manage lawns with thick grass.
Cons:
  • Not ideal for lawns with a light clump of grass.
Final Take:

Due to its compatibility with most standard lawn mowers, this 17 5/16" x 2 3/88” TEN LawnRAZOR standard blade is one of the well-known models on the market. 

It has slightly curved edges on both ends that create a suction force that drives the grass upward. Since the curves are just ‘standard,’ the pulling power is not that strong but still decent enough to create precise cuts.

When used in the right environment couple with few essential factors, this 8TEN LawnRAZOR medium-lift blade can be a reliable mowing tool. It can work incredibly in thick patches of grass and send the cuttings into the bags without problems. This is the reason why this is preferred by most users dealing with dense grass in neglected areas. In this kind of setting, its suction force is just enough to pull the grass and deliver uniform cuts. However, this might be a challenge for areas with a smaller mass of grass. With this, it is a must to assess your lawn and make sure that this type of blade is the best choice.

5. Craftsman CMXGZAM110182 Low-Lift Lawn Mower Blade Set

Craftsman CMXGZAM110182 50-Inch Low-Lift Sand Lawn Mower Blade Set OE# 05052-L
Specifications:
96% Overall

Brand

Craftsman

Type

Low-lift

Item Weight

5.34 pounds (Pack of 3)

Compatibility

CRAFTSMAN 50” Riding Mowers and Zero-turn Mowers

95%
performance
97%
durability & quality
95%
convenience
96%
value for money
Pros:
  • Comes in a set of 3 blades that compliments CRAFTSMAN 50” riding mowers and zero-turn mowers.
  • Uses a 6-point star center hole pattern.
  • Has a low-noise performance.
  • Great for sandy lawns; doesn’t cause too much dust circulation in the air.
  • Long product life span.
  • Safe for mower units, even in the long run.
Cons:
  • The cutting is not as satisfactory as other blade types.
Final Take:

Despite having that ‘low-lift’ property, the Craftsman CMXGZAM110182 can still be beneficial in a lot of ways.

Compared to the EGO Power+ AB2101 high-lift blade and the 8TEN LawnRAZOR medium-lift blade, it has less pronounced curved edges. It won’t create much vertical pulling action in the grass, but it also means that discharging the grass sideways is easier. The cuts are also fair enough to give your lawn a clean look.

Moreover, due to its low-lift capacity, it is perfect even for dusty lawns as it won’t create too much air circulation that could disturb particles on the surface. This translates to the longevity of your mower unit as the possibility of dust settling into the deck is less likely to happen. Also, its quality won’t deteriorate fast compared to the blades with high-lift capabilities.

Best Lawn Mower Blades - Buyer's Guide

compatibility

Make sure to check the compatibility of the blade to your lawn mower unit. Each mower has specific requirements that will only accept specific measurements and hole configurations. With this, it is important to check your mower unit first. You can also look for the descriptions of the blades and the OEM number that will directly tell you the models that complement them. One blade that is recommended for various brands is the 8TEN LawnRAZOR Standard Blade. It can fit the mowers from various companies like Cub Cadet, Stens, MTD, and Troy Bilt.

purpose

Also, it is important to consider the type of blade you really need as it will reflect your main purpose. For instance, if your bag or side discharge, a high-lift blade is more ideal. If you will use such kind of blade for mulching, the vacuum will hold the clippings in the deck longer. This can result in clogging which will slow down the cutting speed and process as you need to push the mower a bit slower than normal to achieve that perfect cut you are looking for. Hence, it’s all about choosing the right blade and using it for the specific purpose they are meant for.

lawn

The environment in your lawn is also a big consideration to have when choosing a lawn mower blade. Finding blades that can manage dense grass is not a problem as most models can handle such tasks. However, there are certain conditions of lawns that would require specific kinds of blades. For instance, if you have a dusty lawn, it is more ideal to settle for a low-lift blade as it is less likely to disturb dust that can affect your health. Low-lift blades are also capable of preventing problems in mower units as they discourse the accumulation of dust in the deck.

quality and price

While it is great to explore other brands, it is better to stick with the ones with well-established reputations. Most of them can guarantee you the best quality and reliable materials that will last longer. Also, check for the price. There are some deals that offer sets of at least 2 to 3 blades. Having them will save you more, especially if the brand is trusted in terms of product longevity and performance.

Best Lawn Mower Blades - FAQs

Can I just use any other kind of blade to my mower?

No. It is not a good thing to use just any other kind of blade to your mower as it will affect the performance of the unit. Also, all lawn mower units have specific requirements that you should also check. They are not universal.

When is it time to change lawn mower blades?

When you notice that the blades can’t trim the grass precisely anymore to the extent that you need to give the lawn another pass, it is probably time to change the blade. Dull blades produce jagged tips that turn yellow.

How often should I sharpen my lawn mower blades?

Ideally, lawn mower blades should be sharpened at least after 20 to 25 hours of use. Nonetheless, this depends on the quality, material, and cutting edge retention of the blade.

Do brand new mower blades need sharpening?

Lawn mower blades usually come sharpened so there is almost no need for additional sharpening.

Author

Jessie is a landscape artist famous among folks in Los Angeles who are obsessed with keeping their lawns pristine and divine. He worked for BrightView Holdings, Inc. back in 2015 and now owns a brick-and-mortar business that offers all kinds of gardening tools and machines. Ask him all you need to know about your mower or your fertilizer, and he will answer you while sipping a cup of coffee.