Types of riding mower blades video

Hi, Wayne here from Sears PartsDirect. Today we're going to talk about the types of riding mower blades and when you should use each one.

Standard-issue blades

Your riding mower probably came with one of these common types of blades when you bought it.

Your owner's manual may list optional blades available for your mower. Not all of the blades that we cover in this video are compatible with your mower, so check your manual regarding blade use to avoid problems.

High-lift blade

Here's a high-lift blade, which some manufacturers call a bagging or 2-in-1 blade. The curved tips lift the grass clippings and help blow them through the side discharge chute or into the bag if you have one attached.

Mulching blade

The second type is the mulching blade. It has a contoured shape that swirls the grass clippings around inside the deck. Long cutting edges repeatedly recut the grass clippings into mulch.

To make the mulch drop rather than go through the discharge chute, you have to cover the discharge port. You can buy a mulching kit that includes mulching blades and a plug for the discharge opening. If your mower came with blades that mulch, it probably also came with a plug for the discharge port. Once you have the mulching plug, you just have to replace the mulching blades when they wear out.

3-in-1 blade

Next, we’ve got the 3-in-1 blade, which combines the features of the high-lift blade and mulching blade. You can use it for side discharge, bagging or mulching.

When the riding mower uses a standard-issue 3-in-1 blade, use the optional mulching plug to cover the deck's discharge port for mulching.

Ninja blade

Some riding mowers use a Ninja blade that has 6 cutting surfaces designed to finely cut grass clippings into mulch. Ninja blades also help lift grass clippings when bagging.

Although this blade looks cool, you can't use it on every mower. It's designed for use only on compatible Snapper Ninja mowers.

Specialty blades

If you want a blade that is a cut above what came with your mower or has a unique function, one of these blades might be just what you’re looking for.

Check your owner's manual for blade use guidelines before choosing a specialty blade. Not all specialty blades are compatible with every mower, so make sure that the one you’ve got your eye on will work on your riding mower.

Slotted blade

Some after-market manufacturers offer specialty 3-in-1 and mulching blades with slots on the side that face up, away from the ground. The slots help control airflow under the mower so grass clipping are recut more often—making finer mulch.

Sand blade

The sand blade is for mowing lawns on sandy soil. It has low-lift fins that help move grass and sand out the side discharge chute. Sand blades help prevent mower deck wear when mowing over sandy ground.

Maintenance tips

Now for some maintenance tips.

• Remember to keep your mower blades clean and sharp, and replace them often.

• To make blade replacement easier, use this universal blade removal tool that holds the blade in place when removing and replacing the blade bolt. Using this tool is easier and safer than using a block of wood or your hand to hold the blade.

• Also, keep your mower deck clean and use a deck lubricant like Mo-Deck spray for the best mulching and discharge.

We hope this video helps you out today. Thanks for watching and subscribe to see new videos when we post them.