Answers
The lawn mower I already have is a plain push mower. It doesn't have a side chute. So, if I keep the bagging chute closed and install a mulching blade, will it function as a mulching mower?
Or is there a lot more to mulching than simply having a mulching blade and keeping the chute closed?
Thanks!
Your bog standard push mower is no good for mulching. You'll have to get a new one with a mulch chute.
How to sharpen a lawn mower blade, step by step.
I accidentally bought one while looking for a replacement for my bent lawnmower blade. It is a universal kit, so it seems like it would fit on okay. But, some people are telling me that it isn't as good as a regular blade and is generally used by farmers etc. Would this blade be better than my old blade? Be able to cut high grass etc.? Can I basically do everything I wanted to do with it or should I just go buy a new one? I understand that mulching cuts down on waste somehow, and is good for the soil. This seems a good thing, but I don't want to sacrifice anything in the process.
Mulching blades basically chop up the grass into really small pieces so that raking is not necessary.
In terms of how well it cuts your grass or it's ability to be a good replacement for your old blade, it should work great, plus you get the benefit of not having to rake if your mower doesn't have a bag. If your mower does have a bag and you have the option of not using it, you might try it without the bag just to save you the hassle of not having to empty it.
just for the referance this is my mower..
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605 _07137103000P?vName=Lawn+%26+Garden& cName=Walk-Behind+Lawn+Mowers&sName= Self-Propelled+Lawn+Mowers#descriptionAn chor
I use a Craftsman 17HP 42" blade and I recently bought mulching blades for it. My lawn cuts unevenly now.Mulch blades may cut differently as they are designed to shred the grass repeatedly into small pieces as opposed to cutting it cleanly.
Depending on what type of grass you have or how long it is kept, the lawn may need to be cut at a different speed. And you may need to cut more frequently and when you are certain the grass is dry. Otherwise you may get clumping of the cut grass which could cover and pack down your lawn is spots and lead to an uneven cut.
Some models are not designed to work with mulching blades at all and others may require additions along with the mulch blades such as a mulch plate or block or baffle or skirt. Decks not designed for mulching or without the recommended additions might not be creating the correct lift and flow of air to properly shred and disperse the cut grass. Again, that can lead to clumping and pack down your lawn.
Your Owner's Manual or the Sears PartsDirect site should note if your model is intended for mulching or if any other items should be added along with mulch blades.
It sounds like you may have a riding mower, which means the issue could be also be related to the deck settings. Since mulch blades cut differently than regular ones some experimenting with the rake, or angle, of the deck might also improve the overall cut when trying to mulch.
After receiving affirmative answers to a different question I asked about whether I can mulch with a regular lawn mower by installing a mulching blade on it, I researched mulching blades...
I read in a couple places that mulching blades aren't really necessary, and that if you simply keep the mower chutes closed and keep the regular mower blade sharp, it will do the same job as if you had a special mulching blade.
Do you think this is true, or do you think I need a mulching blade?
Thanks!
No.
Underneath!! Just kidding. It depends on if it is a riding mower or push mower. I did this just the other day on my push mower. It took me about 20 minutes once I realized it would be easier to turn it on it's side rather than have my very impatient daughter prop it up for me. Good luck.
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...News
Get out of the usual lawn mowing rut by rethinking how to cut the grassKansas City Star - May 19, 2011
Make sure the mower blade is very sharp. quot;A dull blade leaves grass looking ragged and encourages disease or lawn problems,quot; Christopher says. Set the mower level higher. quot;Most people set their lawn mowers way too short,quot; he says, noting too close a and morenbsp;raquo;Reading Eagle - May 08, 2011
Safety around lawn mowers anything but child#39;s playIn the adjoining yard, a neighbor was mulching leaves with a riding mower. Suddenly two of the children ran out in front of the mower. Conner jumped off the glider where he was sitting to try to run after them, but he slipped. The mower blade caught and morenbsp;raquo;Times and Transcript - May 17, 2011
Waterbury Republican American (blog)The head was severed from the shaft in one swift blow as it was run over by the lawnmower a few seasons ago. It was caught by the spinning blade and decapitated, then spun around and around with the blade inside the mower, clunking and banging like a Life Skill #428: Smarter lawn mowingall 3 news articlesnbsp;raquo;
Press-Register - al.com (blog) - May 13, 2011
A mulching lawnmower may help the clippings break down a smidgen faster. But in this climate, I can#39;t imagine that a mulching blade or lawnmower will make that much difference, as long as the grass clippings are spread evenly.
NorthJersey.com - May 13, 2011
Mower blades should be sharpened annually to ensure a clean cut that achieves better aesthetic and healthful results. Finally, keep your lawn naturally fertilized by using a mulching mower to leave grass clippings on the lawn – the nitrogen contained Nice lawn means redefining weedsall 7 news articlesnbsp;raquo;Roseville Press Tribune - May 18, 2011
This will allow your lawn to have a larger and deeper root system — a stronger defense against weeds, diseases and drought. • Leave the clippings on the lawn. Use a sharp mower blade or a mulching mower. A sharp blade will mean finer clippings that
The Daily News Online - May 09, 2011
You can also boost the effectiveness of mowing by leaving grass clippings on your lawn to break down and recycle nutrients in the grass cuttings right back into the soil. In the fall, use your lawnmower to quot;mulchquot; leaves into dime-sized pieces, and morenbsp;raquo;
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