Sharp mower blades make a huge difference in how your lawn looks and how hard your mower works. The right replacement blade gives cleaner cuts, healthier grass, and fewer passes across the yard.
This guide highlights five standout options that fit many popular walk‑behind and riding mowers. From mulching to bagging, these blades are built to sharpen every cut with less hassle and more durability.
| 21″ Mulching Blade for Troy-Bilt & Craftsman Mowers |
| Versatile Mulching | Blade Length: 21 inches | Compatibility / Fitment: Fits Troy-Bilt & Craftsman 21″ mower models (Bow Tie center) | Function / Cutting Type: 3-in-1 — mulching, bagging, side discharge | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| MaxPower Mulching Mower Blade for 22″ Toro |
| Commercial-Grade | Blade Length: 21-11/16 inches (measured) | Compatibility / Fitment: Fits many 22″ Toro Recycler mowers (OEM numbers listed) | Function / Cutting Type: Mulching (commercial mulching blade) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| MaxPower 3-Blade Set for 54″ Mowers |
| Three-Blade Kit | Blade Length: 18-1/2 inches (each blade) | Compatibility / Fitment: Fits many 54″ Craftsman/Husqvarna/Poulan mowers (replaces OEM 187256/532187256) | Function / Cutting Type: Standard replacement blades (cutting for 54″ decks — general mowing) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Maxpower Mulching Blade 21″ for MTD/Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt |
| OEM-Compatible | Blade Length: 21 inches | Compatibility / Fitment: Fits MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman 21″ models (Bow Tie center) | Function / Cutting Type: Mulching (mulching blade) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| EGO POWER+ 21″ Replacement Blade AB2100 for Mowers |
| Genuine Fit | Blade Length: 21 inches | Compatibility / Fitment: Fits EGO POWER+ LM2100 series mowers | Function / Cutting Type: 3-in-1 — mulching, bagging, side discharge | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
21″ Mulching Blade for Troy-Bilt & Craftsman Mowers
In case you own a 21 inch Troy-Bilt or Craftsman mower and want cleaner cuts plus faster bagging, this mulching blade is a great choice for you. You’ll fit it provided your spindle has the Bow Tie center hole. It measures 21 inches long, 2-1/4 inches wide, and is 9/64 inches thick. You’ll see a curved, high-lift shape that mulches, bags, and side discharges at once. You’ll get stronger airflow, 50% more bagging, and finely shredded clippings that feed your lawn. You’ll also appreciate rust-resistant painted edges, sharpenability, and rigorous quality testing for durable performance.
- Blade Length:21 inches
- Compatibility / Fitment:Fits Troy-Bilt & Craftsman 21″ mower models (Bow Tie center)
- Function / Cutting Type:3-in-1 — mulching, bagging, side discharge
- Sharpened / Edge Condition:Sharpenable; cutting edges painted (paint wears off)
- Center Hole / Mounting Detail:Bow Tie center hole pattern
- Coating / Finish:Painted cutting edges (prevents rust; paint wears off)
- Additional Feature:High-lift increases bagging
- Additional Feature:Rockwell hardness tested
- Additional Feature:Bow-tie center only
MaxPower Mulching Mower Blade for 22″ Toro
Should you own a 22 inch Toro Recycler and want a reliable, sharp replacement that mulches well, the MaxPower 331376XB is made for you. You’ll notice it fits common Toro OEM numbers, but verify your mower before buying. It measures about 21 11/16 inches long, 2 1/4 inches wide, with a 7/16 inch center hole, and it weighs just under two pounds. Made in the USA, it arrives factory sharpened and powder coated for rust protection, though the coating wears off on initial use. You can request a warranty and report lower prices should you find them.
- Blade Length:21-11/16 inches (measured)
- Compatibility / Fitment:Fits many 22″ Toro Recycler mowers (OEM numbers listed)
- Function / Cutting Type:Mulching (commercial mulching blade)
- Sharpened / Edge Condition:Sharpened during manufacturing (precision edge)
- Center Hole / Mounting Detail:7/16 inch center hole diameter
- Coating / Finish:Powder-coated finish (wears off during first cut)
- Additional Feature:Made in USA
- Additional Feature:Powder-coated finish
- Additional Feature:Factory-sharpened edge
MaxPower 3-Blade Set for 54″ Mowers
You’ll want the MaxPower 3-Blade Set for 54″ mowers should you need a reliable replacement that matches OEM fit and performance for many Craftsman, Husqvarna, and Poulan decks. You’ll get three 18-1/2 through 2-1/2 inch blades with a 5-point star center hole designed to swap in where OEM 187256 or 532187256 fit. You’ll appreciate that these blades meet or exceed OEM specs, so cutting stays even and clean. Take into account that they fit Craftsman units made for Husqvarna but won’t fit Craftsman models made for MTD. You’ll find installation straightforward and replacement parts easy to source.
- Blade Length:18-1/2 inches (each blade)
- Compatibility / Fitment:Fits many 54″ Craftsman/Husqvarna/Poulan mowers (replaces OEM 187256/532187256)
- Function / Cutting Type:Standard replacement blades (cutting for 54″ decks — general mowing)
- Sharpened / Edge Condition:Manufactured to meet/exceed OEM (implied ready-to-use/sharp)
- Center Hole / Mounting Detail:5-point star center hole
- Coating / Finish:(Meets OEM) factory finish — manufactured to OEM spec (implied protective finish)
- Additional Feature:Includes three blades
- Additional Feature:5-point star center
- Additional Feature:Replaces OEM 187256
Maxpower Mulching Blade 21″ for MTD/Cub Cadet/Troy-Bilt
Provided you want a reliable mulching blade that fits many MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Craftsman decks, the MaxPower 331528B makes a smart choice. You’ll like that it’s 21 inches long, 2-1/4 inches wide, and uses a bow tie center hole with 5/16 inch outside holes and 2.5 inch center spacing. It replaces many OEM numbers and fits a wide range of CC, SC, S series and Troy-Bilt models. Made in the USA, it meets OEM specs, ships sharpened and powder coated, and the coating clears on first cut to reveal a sharp edge. It’s light at 1.6 pounds and highly rated.
- Blade Length:21 inches
- Compatibility / Fitment:Fits MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman 21″ models (Bow Tie center)
- Function / Cutting Type:Mulching (mulching blade)
- Sharpened / Edge Condition:Sharpened during production (powder coated; coating wears off)
- Center Hole / Mounting Detail:Bow Tie center hole; outside hole Ø 5/16″, center-to-center 2.5″
- Coating / Finish:Powder-coated for protection (coating removes with first cut)
- Additional Feature:Powder-coated, sharpened
- Additional Feature:Outside hole 5/16″
- Additional Feature:Discontinued by manufacturer
EGO POWER+ 21″ Replacement Blade AB2100 for Mowers
Should you want a reliable replacement blade that fits EGO POWER+ LM2100 series mowers and keeps your lawn looking its best, the 21″ AB2100 is a smart pick. You’ll find it matches models like LM2101, LM2100, LM2102SP, LM2100SP, and LM2142SP. It’s a genuine EGO part, so you won’t guess about fit or quality. The factory-sharpened steel blade gives excellent cutting performance and supports lawn health with clean cuts. Its 3-in-1 design lets you mulch, bag, or side discharge without swapping blades. You’ll get more mowing versatility and reliable results every time.
- Blade Length:21 inches
- Compatibility / Fitment:Fits EGO POWER+ LM2100 series mowers
- Function / Cutting Type:3-in-1 — mulching, bagging, side discharge
- Sharpened / Edge Condition:Factory-sharpened steel blade
- Center Hole / Mounting Detail:Designed for EGO-specific mounting (for LM2100 series)
- Coating / Finish:Factory-sharpened steel (implies standard protective finish)
- Additional Feature:Genuine EGO part
- Additional Feature:Factory-sharpened steel
- Additional Feature:Designed for LM2100 series
Factors to Consider When Choosing Lawn Mower Replacement Blades
Choosing the right replacement blade starts with matching blade type and material to the user’s lawn and mower so cutting performance and durability meet expectations. Attention to blade size, mounting hole pattern, and the blade’s hardness guarantees a proper fit and safe operation. Finally, considering lift and airflow ties the selection together affecting grass discharge and the quality of the cut.
Blade Type Selection
Upon deciding on the right blade type, a homeowner wants clear guidance that matches lawn conditions and mowing habits. Mulching blades suit those who like returning fine clippings to feed grass; their curved, high lift design chops repeatedly so bagging drops. High lift blades work whenever airflow and bagging matter most, especially for tall or dense grass, as they move clippings efficiently.
Low lift or standard blades are better in sandy or gravelly yards because they cut down on lift, dust, and thrown stones. 3-in-1 blades add flexibility whenever one wants to mulch most days but bag or side discharge sometimes. For rough, overgrown areas, reinforced commercial grade blades offer thicker construction and impact resistance so sharpening and wear last longer.
Material & Hardness
Material matters while a homeowner picks replacement blades because it shapes how long the blade stays sharp, how it handles impacts, and how it weathers the yard’s conditions. High carbon and alloy steels are common choices, and higher carbon content usually holds an edge longer. Experts aim for a Rockwell C hardness in the mid to high 40s RC to keep a balance between toughness and sharpenability.
Should a blade be too hard, it can chip or crack. Were it to be too soft, it dulls fast. Heat treatment and tempering set that balance so the blade resists bends from hits yet can be resharpened. Corrosion resistant coatings protect against rust, preserving performance without changing hardness. Homeowners benefit from choosing properly treated steel.
Blade Size Fit
For a smooth fit and reliable cut, the right blade size matters more than many homeowners expect. Measure blade length across the cutting edge and match it to the mower deck size, such as 21″, 22″, or 54″, so the blade covers the deck and spreads clippings evenly. Also check blade width and thickness, typically about 2 to 2.5 inches wide and 3 to 4 mm thick, so the blade slides into the slot and clears the deck without rubbing.
Verify the center mounting hole shape and dimensions to fit the spindle or adapter and avoid installation trouble. Match lift height and profile to deck airflow for mulching, bagging, or discharge. For multi-blade decks, use identical lengths and balance ratings to prevent vibration.
Mounting Hole Pattern
Upon inspecting mounting hole patterns, a careful look at the spindle and blade holes saves time and prevents costly damage. A mower owner should initially verify the exact center hole shape and number of holes on the spindle. Common patterns include single round, bow-tie or figure-eight, and 5-point star.
Measure the center hole diameter and any secondary hole spacing precisely because a few millimeters can stop proper installation or cause vibration. Match the blade hole pattern to the spindle rather than forcing adaptation with washers or shims, since improper fit can shear bolts or harm the spindle. Some patterns also index blade orientation, so check for keyed placement. For multi-blade decks, keep all blades identical to preserve balance and reduce vibration.
Lift & Airflow
After checking the mounting hole pattern, the next thing to take into account is how the blade moves air. Lift and airflow determine how well grass stands up for a clean cut and how clippings are handled. Higher lift blades have a taller profile, about 1 to 1¼ inch, and pull grass upward for neater bagging and cleaner cuts.
Medium lift blades offer a balance, giving decent bagging and mulching without overworking smaller engines. Low lift blades make less suction, which helps in sandy or dusty yards through keeping debris out of the deck and catcher. Keep in mind that strong airflow can suspend clippings however might increase engine load and scatter light debris in dry conditions. Match lift to deck design, engine power, and typical yard conditions.
Sharpened Vs Unsharpened
Considering whether to buy a blade that arrives ready to cut or one that needs a tune up initially? A factory-sharpened blade gives immediate, precise bevels and saves time. It lets the mower cut cleanly from the outset and reduces worry about tearing grass. An unsharpened blade asks for a sharpening step.
That step can be done professionally or at home, but the correct 30 to 45 degree edge matters. In the event the angle or edge radius is wrong, grass can tear, engines work harder, and fuel use rises. Even pre-sharpened blades need resharpening after 10 to 25 hours or after hitting debris. Consider convenience, confidence in sharpening skill, and willingness to monitor edge wear when choosing between them.
Corrosion Protection Coating
Having chosen between a factory-sharpened blade and one that needs an initial-time tune up, the next practical question is how well that blade will resist rust and wear over time. Corrosion protection coatings like powder coat, paint, or electroplating keep blades from rusting whenever wet or whenever grass acids attack the metal.
Buyers should know coatings often rub off at the cutting edge after a few uses, so many makers mean storage protection more than permanent edge shielding. A good finish resists pitting and staining, which helps balance and delays replacement compared with bare steel. Ask whether the coating is cosmetic only or specified by thickness or process, since zinc plating or thicker powder coats last longer. Even coated blades benefit whenever users clean clippings, dry parts, and apply light oil.
Maintenance & Sharpening
For someone who cares about a clean, even lawn, routine maintenance and careful sharpening of replacement blades make a big difference in performance and safety. Inspect blades after every 5 to 10 hours of mowing for nicks, bends, and uneven wear, and replace any blade with cracks or more than 1/8 inch or 3 mm of metal loss at the cutting edge.
Sharpen blades every 10 to 25 hours of use or at least once per season, keeping the factory bevel angle and removing no more than one pass per side to keep balance. Remove and clean blades before sharpening, dry them, and apply light oil for storage. Always balance blades on a nail or balancer and reinstall with correct torque and rotation to avoid vibration and poor cuts.