One can disengage the blade without turning off the engine, making it easier to remove obstacles, and the self-propelled wheels automatically modulate their speed to match the operators pace. You can raise or lower the cutting height as needed between 1.25 and 3.4 inches, which is great if you want to mow the lawn higher than usual in summer to prevent heat stress and improve grass health. Get the Troy-Bilt 21 mulching lawn mower at The Home Depot and Troy-Bilt. Even though it isnt all-wheel drive, the self-propelled feature on this mower is so powerful that you might have a hard time keeping up with it. Riding lawn mowers arent typically a great choice for those with small to medium-sized yards. In addition to its mulching option, Troy-Bilts mower also comes with a bag that has a wide opening to prevent clogs. Want to choose the best mulching lawn mower for you but dont know what youre looking for? This is the perfect quiet, easy-to-use option for small yards. Mulching lawn mowers have many benefits for your lawn, the environment, and you. LawnStarter may earn revenue from products promoted in this article. Bonus points: This all-around top performer is reasonably priced so it wont break the bank. For a visual on how this all works, check out this video from AS Motor International: There are as many different types of mulching lawn mowers as there are types of mowers in general. With a 56V battery, it has the power to handle tough grass and a run time of up to 60 minutes. Self-propelled mowers are more expensive than the push variety, and that ease-of-use comes at a cost of less maneuverability. This mower comes in at well under $200, an attractive feature for homeowners on a budget. Those willing to pay for a top-of-the-line mulching lawn mower will want to consider the Honda 21 in. With dual blades, it chops your grass into even finer pieces that take less time to break down into the soil. What is a mulching lawn mower, and how can you find the best mulching lawn mower for your yard? When a mulching lawn mower cuts your grass, it chops up the leftover clippings into tiny pieces and throws them back into the lawn. You can adjust the mowing height to six different settings, and you can choose to mulch or discharge grass clippings.
In addition to its mulching ability, this self-propelled mower also gives the user other cutting options with a bagging system and attachment for side discharging. It has a powerful 173 cc 4-stroke engine that can tackle tough turf all year long. There are lots of options to choose from when selecting a mulching lawn mower. Many mowers also have levers that make it easy to change the clipping settings from mulching to bagging to side discharge. These decks have an opening that discharges the clippings out the side of the mowing deck. This 3-in-1 discharging, bagging, and mulching mower from Craftsman is pretty standard for a gas model, both in price point and performance. This buyers guide will teach you everything you need to know about mulching mowers before picking one. When youre working on flat ground, it cuts back the power to use only what you need. While one can bag those lawn clippings to create a clean-looking yard, a smarter option is to use a mulching lawn mower. First and foremost, mow at the proper height. Other special features include a cutting height adjustment with 5 height options and an adjustable handle for user comfort. It can even be more beneficial to mulch leaves with grass since they compost faster together than they do on their own. This Troy-Bilt is the best mulching push mower at a budget price for those who dont mind supplying the power to move this mower forward. One might think that such a broad deck would have difficulty cutting clippings down to the minute size needed for mulching. The blades three cutting edges slice up the grass clippings more and more as they continue to swirl around. The result is a machine thats better able to cut clippings into tiny pieces. The best mulching lawn mower for each category is listed, including gas and electric-powered models for yards large and small. Downsides of self-propelled mowers: Rear-wheel drive mowers can be difficult to pull backward, while front-wheel-drive mowers can have poor traction. At less than 43 pounds, this is the lightest mower on our top 10 list, yet it still packs a punch via a DigiPro brushless motor. A 20-inch deck is suitable for small to medium-size yards of about acre. The first thing you need to decide is what power source you want in your mower. Gas-powered mowers are traditionally considered the most powerful option, but it comes at a price. If youre wondering how mulching can help improve the health of your yard or whether you need to equip your mower with a special blade, read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions. Different drive systems in mulching lawn mowers include: To find the best mulching lawn mowers on the market, we ranked several different models based on the following factors. The affordable and electric Greenworks MO13B00 has everything you need to mulch your lawn quickly, quietly, and with convenient ease. Gas-powered mowers get the job done, but they have starting strain. Youll have to pull the recoil cord to start them and that doesnt always happen on the first few tries. Its also about 10 pounds lighter and falls in the under $200 price range. Get the Honda mulching lawn mower at The Home Depot, Amazon, and Mowers Direct. A 140-cc gas engine provides ample power for its 21-inch cutting deck and rear-wheel drive, and its also easier to maintain thanks to an engine that never requires an oil change. The American-made Troy-Bilt 12AVAMR766s 159 cc OHV engine handle tough grass with ease. Mulched grass clippings act as a natural fertilizer, returning the nutrients in your trimmings to the soil beneath your grass. With a 200 cc 4-stroke engine, this gas-powered mulching mower from PowerSmart could be for you. Variable speed front-wheel drive Deck wash adapter for easy cleaning Front-mounted rake guard for an even cut. If, however, you decide youd rather not mess with a mulching mower and your other yard work, hire one of Lawn Loves local pros to mow and mulch your lawn for you. What do we mean? One of the best things about this mower is how lightweight it is at just 32 pounds. 3-in-1 deck allows for easy transition from mulching, to side discharging, to bagging Durable Briggs and Stratton engine Folds for convenient storage, Some assembly required Not ideal for large yards. But what should you look for when shopping for a mulching lawn mower? Backed by a total satisfaction guarantee and amazing customer support. You wont find many walk-behind lawn mowers that can cut as wide a swath of grass as Toros aptly named TimeMaster. We evaluated options from Toro to Sun Joe to find the best of the best on the market. Larger yards of up to of an acre require a mower with at least a 22-inch deck. Most lawn mowers come with blades suitable for mulching or bagging grass. self-propelled lawn mower, which is capable of mulching not only grass but leaves as well. Greenworks specializes in electric lawn equipment, so its no surprise they have another corded mower on our list of the best mulching mowers. Gas lawn mowers have engines that range from 125 cc to 230 cc, depending on the size of the mowing deck. Self-propelled 22-inch cutting width means more coverage with fewer passes Powerful 196cc engine, Height adjustments are difficult Some reviewers complain of a porous rear bag that allows dust to move through.
PowerSmart DB9422SR gas self-propelled lawn mower, 10. They are much louder, require more maintenance, can be difficult to start, and release pollutants that are both toxic and damaging to the environment. Mulching lawn mowers come with additional features that make them easier to operate. Some self-propelled mowers will automatically modulate the wheel speed to match the operators pace. Mulching your grass clippings is better for your lawns health and the environment than bagging them. You can adjust the deck to seven different cutting height positions for different times of the year and different grass types. The slimmer 17-inch cutting width makes this mower a better choice for small yards than our top pick. Theres also a dual-lever system that makes it easy to move between its seven blade height options. The Craftsman M105 is a 3-in-1 mulching mower finished at the top of the class with a 21-inch cutting width, making it ideal for mowing small to mid-sized lawns with ease. This PowerSmart mower is the heaviest mower on our list, but it has a self-propelling rear-wheel drive system to make movement easier. Electric motor is quiet and emissions-free 21-inch cutting width and 7 height positions Lightweight at just 56 pounds, Not cordless Some reviewers complain about a weak folding feature. Even though its a budget pick, the Greenworks 25012 offers a special feature typical of higher-end mowers: It has two mulching blades instead of just one. Whereas most walk-behind mowers use one blade, Honda supplies this 21-inch self-propelled gas mower with two. Just insert the battery and go. It has a 22-inch mowing deck that helps you mow and mulch large properties in less time, and the rear wheels are 11 inches high. The end result? Bonus points: LED lights, weather-resistant construction, adjustable self-propel speed, a 4-inch maximum cut height, and a 21-inch cutting width. Bonus points: This mulching lawn mower has a deck wash adapter just attach a garden hose to easily clean the inside of the deck between uses. In power and run time, this mower is comparable to our other battery-powered top pick from Greenworks. If you dont want to mulch your grass clippings all the time, this mower gives you the option to bag clippings in a 16-gallon collection bag with a hard top that wont tear like fabric. The 21-inch cutting width on this mower is nice because it lets you finish with the yard in fewer passes than with a smaller mower. Smaller yards dont require a mower with a large deck, nor do they require the power of a gas engine. Ego tops the list of battery-powered mulching lawn mowers thanks to the power and runtime its battery and motor produce. Most of the time, mulching is the best option as it returns nutrients to your lawn and doesnt create yard waste. Worx WG779 battery-powered lawn mower, Power (including run time for battery-powered). Intellicut automatically controls how much torque powers the blades as you mow. Thinking of making the switch from a regular lawn mower to one that mulches your grass clippings as you mow? Battery-powered mowers come equipped with LED lights for nighttime mowing. Some of those benefits are that they: Create free, natural fertilizer for your soil Chop up fallen leaves in fall along with the grass Keep your grass clippings out of landfills Eliminate the need to collect and bag grass clippings after mowing. The twin blades give it the ability to cut grass blades into ultra-fine pieces that are great for promoting a healthy lawn. If youre sick of grass collection bags getting in the way while you mow or large layers of thatch building up in your lawn from leaving full-size clippings in the yard, it might be time for a mulching mower. Get the Ego mulching lawn mower on Ace Hardware, Amazon, and Lowes. You maintain a mulching lawn mower the same way you do any other mower. However, the housing is made of plastic. Thats not the case with the TimeMaster, which has two blades powered by a massive 223-cc gas engine. Toro 21in Recycler/Rear Bagging Lawn Mower, Honda HRX217VKA 21" Lawn Mower, Self-Propel. To trigger the mulch function, the user simply closes the opening with a cover.
This means the power source of your mulching mower should be an important part of your decision-making process. Mulching mowers (or 3-in-1 mowers that give you the option to mulch) have specialized blades, the shape of which creates a circular air stream that keeps grass swirling around inside the cutting area for longer. The Recycler has a vent that allows air to circulate in the mowing deck, keeping the clippings airborne so the blade can cut them multiple times before returning them to the lawn. This electric mulching mower doesnt have the fumes and difficult pull-start of a gas mower, but it can still cut through thick grass with its 13-amp motor (one of the most powerful youll find in a corded electric model). Keeping the clippings trapped in the cutting deck creates a need for more power to continuously chop through the swirl of grass. Its massive 30-inch deck makes it suitable for large yards that would otherwise require the services of a riding lawn mower. Lawn Love participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Such a small cutting deck might make mowing a large yard take forever, but it makes turning the mower and working in tight spaces much easier. Electric mowers come in both corded and battery-powered models. And this model from Greenworks offers the option to mulch your grass clippings (along with a bagging option). 3-in-1 deck (mulching, side discharging, and bagging options) Powerful engine Single-lever height adjustment 10-inch rear wheels for increased maneuverability, Not self-propelled Some assembly required. For battery-powered models, we chose models with at least a 40-volt battery. We researched some two dozen lawn mowers with mulching capabilities to produce our list that shows the best mulching lawn mower for each of several categories. Other user-friendly features include a push-button start and LED headlights. Those who want cutting-edge technology to cut their lawn need look no further than this self-propelled gas lawn mower from Honda. Greenworks MO13B00 electric lawn mower, 2. These come in both battery-powered (limited run time and need to recharge) and corded (require a long and durable extension cord) options. Just remember that it weighs more than 60 pounds (also standard for a gas mower), and you have to be able to push it around your yard. The size of the yard determines what size deck is appropriate. Variable speed front-wheel drive 21-inch cutting width means more coverage with fewer passes 11-inch rear tires with zag tread make this mower easy to maneuver, Loud, hearing protection recommended Some assembly required. While most walk-behind mowers have a single blade, Honda equips this mower with two. Includes 2 batteries (4.0 Ah and 2.0 Ah) 21-inch cutting width means more coverage with fewer passes 11-inch rear tires with zag tread make it easy to maneuver, 19-inch cutting width is smaller than similarly priced mowers Some reviewers complain that battery run time diminishes over time. The gas-powered Craftsman M215s 159 cc engine has enough power for most lawns, and the auto choke feature makes for quick and easy startup. This mulching mower has a single-lever deck height adjustment system with seven positions, and the 60-volt lithium-ion battery gives you up to 70 minutes of clean and quiet run time. Its 40-volt 6-Ah battery (sold separately) and the brushless motor can power this 20-inch mower for up to 48 minutes on a single charge. Bonus points: This battery-powered mower comes with a charger and two lithium-ion batteries that are compatible with other GreenWorks power tools. Choosing the appropriate type of mower for the job and the right size deck is key to selecting the best mulching lawn mower. How your mower moves and the overall mowing experience are other factors to consider. You can use a mulching mower to create decorative stripes on your lawn. At the time of publication, its the cheapest mulching mower out of all our top picks. In yards, thatch is a layer of organic material that collects around the base of the grass blades that. A good 20-inch mulching lawn mower should be equipped with a 140-cc engine to produce the power needed to cut clippings into smaller pieces. Users typically do not need a special blade for mulching. These included mowers with technologies designed specifically for mulching, including multiple blades, special venting, or integrated rakes. Basic lawn mower maintenance includes: Clean out grass buildup from under the mower deck every few uses. Sharpen the blade once or twice during the mowing season. Winterize your mower by draining leftover gas or removing batteries before putting it away after the season. We compared and ranked our Best Mulching Mowers on power level, cutting width, number of mulching blades, whether the mower is self-propelled, weight and price range. Its easy to maneuver this small machine around the yard while you mow and mulch (or mow and bag, as this model comes with a 12-gallon grass collection bag for when you dont want to mulch your clippings). Its Tri-Cut system creates an even cut and efficient mulching. Since corded lawn mowers are tethered to a power cord, they are suitable for smaller lawns of less than acre. The 50514 model from American Lawn Mower Company might be for you. Even though it doesnt cost much, the cutting deck is made of durable alloy steel, and there are even some special features.
We offer instant, personalized quotes based on the size of your lawn, location, and requested service. Some reviewers complain of difficulty starting the mower. The PowerSmart DB2322S 3-in-1 has a powerful 196 cc gas-fueled engine and the cutting deck is deep and domed for more effective mulching capabilities. Since most owners dont mulch their lawn with every cutting, we also chose mowers that offer versatility with side-discharge and bagging cutting options. Not only does mulching eliminate the need to bag grass clippings, but it also reduces the amount of fertilizer needed to treat the yard. What is Downy Mildew and How Do I Get Rid of It? Mulching lawn mowers range in price from under $200 to $400 or more, and our top picks are all either under $200, under $300, or under $400. The GreenWorks 2500502 is a lightweight heavyweight. So, what do you get for the money with this model? Just because its light doesnt mean its flimsy. Greenworks 40V batteries take about two hours to charge fully. Theyre also more difficult to maneuver around in tight spaces. However, this mower has the added bonus of Worxs Intellicut feature. It also has dual-lever height adjustment with six different heights (maximum cutting height of 3.75 inches). Is the John Deere S130 Lawn Tractor Worth It? All gas mowers are heavy, but this PowerSmart model is relatively lightweight at about 57 pounds. Most lawn mowers last for about 10 years, although that depends on how often you use it and how well you maintain it. They have decks specially designed to cut clippings into tiny pieces before returning them to the lawn. It features a 170 cc 4-stroke engine with a forced-air cooling system that helps the engine warm up quickly and work more efficiently. There are plenty of electric models that can answer the call of duty for mulching. If you want to go with Greenworks but have a small yard or a tight budget, this could be the right mower for you. Perhaps no brand makes a mower better capable of mulching than Honda. Get the Ryobi mulching lawn mower (tool only) at The Home Depot. Is torque your main concern when shopping for a lawn mower? Its equipped with LED lights for nighttime mowing, and its cutting deck has seven height positions ranging from 1.5 inches to 4 inches. And if all this research has convinced you that youd rather relax than mulch your lawn, you can always leave it to the lawn care experts. Greenworks 25322 battery-powered lawn mower, 9. Lawn Love may earn revenue from products promoted in this article. The trusted BLACK+DECKER name and a 2-year warranty for peace of mind. 2022s Most Expensive Metro Areas to Rent. Looking for lawn mowing, fertilization, gutter cleaning, leaf removal, yard cleanup, or something else? The list below includes mowers designed for producing the fine grass clippings needed to mulch a yard. For gas lawn mowers, we selected models with at least a 140-cc engine. Its 140 cc engine is a little on the weak side, but what it lacks in power it makes up for with an auto-choke feature to make pull-starting easier. Reviewers love the electric start feature that allows you to just turn the key and mow. Lawns greater than of an acre would benefit from a riding mower that has a deck that is 28 inches or wider. Weather or other factors can make it very difficult to get your gas mower going. When you should choose to bag instead of mulch: When the grass is wet When there are weeds in your lawn that have produced seeds When fallen leaves cover more than half the lawn (bag leaves before mulching grass) When the grass is so tall that you would have to cut off more than one-third of its height to bring it to the desired height When youve recently applied herbicides, pesticides, or other chemicals to the lawn. In addition to mulching, this mower is also capable of bagging and side discharge. Bonus points: The mower folds up and can be conveniently stored vertically. Another plus of this mowers small size is that its lightweight at under 30 pounds even with the battery. With seven adjustable heights (up to 3.75 inches) you are set for any type of grass and even for those times when your lawn just needs a light trim. Powerful 60V brushless motor 5.0 Ah battery and charger included Vertical storage, Larger yards will require an additional battery Some reviewers reported difficulty charging the battery. Battery and electric-powered motors are easier to start but dont produce the same amount of power as gas-powered lawn mowers. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Decks vary in size from the 20-inch decks found on many push lawn mowers to the large 46-inch decks on riding mowers. Thats impressive given that the Power+ is equipped with a 21-inch mowing deck. Get the Toro Recycler mulching lawn mower at The Home Depot, Mowers Direct, and Toro. Mulching returns nutrients to your lawn in the form of grass clippings, which helps feed it. This mower doesnt come with a collection bag. A lever on the mowing deck makes it easy to adjust the cutting height. Do you anticipate the need to shave down tall grass and weeds on a regular basis? Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. If you need the power of a gas lawn mower to tackle thick grass and weeds and you want to mulch your grass clippings, the DB8621PR model from PowerSmart might be best for you. Again, many mowers can convert to mulching with the right part. The cutting deck is only 14 inches wide, so its great at getting into tight spaces but would make mowing a large lawn take a long time. LawnStarter is a startup making lawn care easy affordable and reliable. The mowers grass cutting settings are easy to cycle through via simple-to-use controls on the mower deck. Get the Toro TimeMaster mulching lawn mower at The Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and Tractor Supply. With adjustable cutting heights ranging from 1 inch to 3 inches, it works well for uneven yards and many different grass types. This requires a blade with multiple cutting edges and enough room in the cutting deck for clippings to circulate. Cycling through the three cutting settings on the Power+ is easy, thanks to a large ergonomic handle located on the top of the mowing deck. Here is a brief video that demonstrates a mulching mower at work: Power is important when it comes to mulching. The WG779 runs on 40 volts of power, and Worx batteries last for up to 45 minutes on one charge (depending on the conditions). Thick clumps of grass can cause unhealthy thatch so its important to use a mulching mower, or a mulching kit, and to keep your blade sharp. Each has its pros and cons. You can use these same factors to determine which of our top picks is best for you. Only cut a third of the height of the grass blade. The battery runs the mower for up to 45 minutes on one charge. can prevent new grass from growing. This mowers wide 21-inch cutting deck lets you mow large yards quickly. The cutting deck on this mower is 21 inches, which is plenty large enough to mow the typical yard in a snap. Also, its easier for a lawn mower blade to cut dry grass, so only mulch when the lawn is dry. Read on to learn about the design features found on these specialized mowers and why the models below are some of the best mulching lawn mowers on the market. Not only can this mower mulch grass clippings, but it also has a special setting for shredding leaves into fine particles. The EGO Power+ LM2100SP has a lot going for it. They make great options for homeowners with multiple acres of land, especially since riding mowers also have a much larger cutting width.Downsides of riding mowers: One problem with riding mowers is that they are bulky. This versatile mulching lawn mower is lightweight and easy to use. With the discharge opening closed, the clippings circulate inside the mowing deck, allowing the blade to cut them multiple times before they fall into the yard. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Battery-powered, or cordless mowers, use a powerful rechargeable lithium-ion battery to power the mower blade and drive wheels. The clippings then circulate in the mowers symmetrical deck, allowing the blades to cut the excess grass into smaller pieces that will break down in the lawn to serve as nutrients. The deck houses either single or double blades, depending on the size of the deck. A 140-cc gas engine powers the mowers 21-inch deck. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. With 13 amps of power, this Greenworks mower can handle even the toughest grasses. Here are the details: The Craftsman M105 has settings for mulching, bagging, or side discharging clippings and a 140 cc Briggs and Stratton engine. The mower blade typically sits lower in the bell and has multiple cutting edges to continuously cut clippings as they swirl around the bell. This one has six cutting height options. Main Photo Credit: iStock photo with text overlay. Finally, if youre mulching your grass clippings instead of bagging them, youre returning nutrients to your yard. Think a mulching lawn mower sounds right for you? Bonus points: This mower comes with a 2-year warranty and a 3-year TruStart commitment that guarantees the mower will start with just one or two pulls or LawnBoy will fix it for free. This gas mower is a little less powerful than the PowerSmart model we already highlighted, but its around the same price range. Not to mention the hassles that come with gas and oil machines. Most mulching mowers are just regular mowers that come with a special mulching attachment. By Tony Carrick | Updated Apr 28, 2022 1:04 PM. It has a TriAction cutting system that uses a front-mounted rake guard, symmetrical deck, and specialized blade for a consistently clean cut. The ALMC 50514 is easy on your wallet, too. Yes, mulching mowers can mulch leaves as well as grass clippings. Since this mower is electric, you dont have to deal with the hassle of gas and oil, or worry about the fumes and emissions from a petrol-powered mower. Riding mowers are the ease-of-mowing elite. American Lawn Mower Company 50514 electric lawn mower, 6. Variable speed front-wheel drive LED lights for early morning and late afternoon mowing 7-position, 1-handed height adjustment lever. Regular mowers lack these features and often discharge clippings out the side of the bell or into a rear bag after the first cut. Lawn mowers with mulch functions can cut grass blades into tiny bits that nourish the yard. To make up for that, it has self-propelled rear-wheel drive. Sun Joe MJ403E electric lawn mower/mulcher, 4. Toros aptly named Recycler sets itself apart from other walk-behind lawn mowers with a design that makes it ideal for producing fine grass clippings. The table below shows the weights we used to rank the best mulching mowers. In addition to its broad deck, the TimeMaster comes equipped with useful additional features.
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