I had always been lazy when it came to mulching lawns. After all, I didn’t have much time for mulching with so much going on in my garden. This was my situation before my friend introduced me to a mulching lawn mower, and then all of my problems suddenly disappeared.
Mulching is an essential technique to protect the soil by adding organic matter. In most cases, mulching can be done using compost or, more efficiently, using leaves from your lawn. A mulching lawn mower works by shredding leaves into thin strips that are spread over the soil.
The fine particles of leaves are known to decompose into the lawn quickly while providing necessary nutrients for growth. However, without a mulching lawn mower, things can get complicated. But you guys don’t have to worry anymore! In this article, I will share my 10 favorite mulching lawnmowers with you so you can easily decide.
By the end, I will also provide helpful tips to help you decide on the best mulching lawn mower. So, without further ado, let’s dig into these machines one by one.
Table of Contents
Best Mulching Lawn Mowers
1. Overall Best Mulching Lawn Mower: Craftsman M105
Specifications
- Power Source: Gas
- Engine: 140cc
- Cutting Width: 21 inches
- Weight: 65 lbs
First, I will share my favorite mulching lawn mower with you, the Craftsman M105. This is the best mulching lawn mower I have ever encountered during my entire gardening life. What I loved here was the 21 inches cutting width that was perfect for my medium-sized lawn.
The mower also came with a sturdy bag to discharge clippings. So, on the days when mulching wasn’t on my list, I had a good time collecting the clips. The plus point of this mulching lawn mower was its dual-lever height adjustment feature. I could adjust it to six varying heights that expanded the cutting height to 3.75 inches.
However, this isn’t the mower I suggest getting for larger yards. If you have a spacious lawn to take care of, then look at our review of the Pulsar PTG1221 below.
Pros
- 3 in 1 deck
- Durable Stratton engine
- Easy to store
Cons
- Not suitable for large yards
2. Best Mulching Lawn Mower for Large Yards: Pulsar PTG1221
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Ive had no problems with this mower. Once a year i change the air filter and oil, and thats it. I grew up with various push mowers, and it always took hundreds of pulls to get them started or starter fluid sprays. Not so with this machine. After all these years mine ALWAYS starts on first or second pull.”
Caleb A Temple
Specifications
- Power Source: Gas
- Engine: 173cc
- Cutting Width: 21 inches
- Weight: 77lbs
For those of my readers with a large lawn who want the best mulching lawn mower, Pulsar PTG1221 is the ultimate option. This is a complete package that comes with efficiency, strength, and affordability. Its powerful 173cc engine tackled all the tough turf in my yard. It went straight through the hard and soft soil in my yard.
I like how it came with a 3-in-1 cutting deck. With this one, I came across a rear discharge baggage and a side discharge bag for grass clippings. Also, I had an easier hand adjusting the height to seven levels.
One thing that I didn’t like here was how the machine used way too much fuel. To save on energy, I suggest looking at the review of the Lawn-Boy 17734 below.
Pros
- Single lever for height adjustment
- Powerful engine
- Awesome maneuverability
Cons
- Not self-propelled
3. Best Mulching Lawn Mower Value Pick: Greenworks Mo13b00
Specifications
- Power Source: Electric
- Electric Power: 13 amps
- Cutting Width: 21 inches
- Weight: 56 lbs
If you live in a residential area and want to mulch your lawn, using a gas-powered mower might not be ideal. For noise-free mulching, I recommend the Greenworks Mo13b00. I used it for several hours, and no unusual noises came from the machine.
While using it, I learned how the heights could be adjusted to 7 different lengths, making it the best value mulching lawn mower. Apart from the adjustments, the plus point for me was how light this mower was. This further helped me mow the lawn with more ease.
The mower wasn’t cordless, which bothered me a bit, but I guess we can all compensate for that with its efficiency and durability.
Pros
- Noise-free operation
- Light-in-weight machine
- 7 different adjustable height options
Cons
- Not cordless
Related Post: Best Electric Lawn Mowers for Your Garden
4. Best Heavy Duty Mulching Lawn Mower: Craftsman M215
Specifications
- Power Source: Gas
- Engine: 159cc
- Cutting Width: 21 inches
- Weight: 82 lbs
I found the Craftsman M215 as the best heavy-duty mulching lawn mower. After using it for a long time, I concluded that this mower could tackle any terrain. I had no issues assembling the machine, and I am sure beginners would excel too. I found the auto choke feature as the highlight of this mower. Because of this reason operating the mower was a piece of cake for me.
However, the unit was a bit heavier for me, but then it can tackle commercial-grade lawn without any issue, so I am up for it. I would also like to thank its front-wheel drive with variable speeds, which made the load feel lighter.
Pros
- It comes with variable speeds
- Great coverage
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- Noisy operation
5. Best Mulching Lawn Mower Beginner Friendly Pick: Troy-Bilt 12ava2mr766
Specifications
- Power Source: Gas
- Engine: 159 cc
- Cutting Width: 21 inches
- Weight: 90 lbs
Mulching lawnmowers can often be extremely complicated and challenging to operate. However, with the Troy-Bilt 12ava2mr766, you never have to worry about anything. This is the best mulching lawn mower on our list for those just beginning with gardening. I used it on the hard and soft grass on my lawn, and it was able to cut through almost everything without any problem.
It can handle tough grass because of its 159cc powerful engine. While using this mower, I got a clean and consistent cut in my lawn. All thanks to its TriAction cutting system that uses a symmetrical deck and sharp blades. I absolutely loved the deck washer adapter on this mower. Using this adapter, I could clean the inside of the deck while using it on the lawn.
Pros
- Front wheels have variable speed
- Easy to wash deck
- Supports even cuttings
Cons
- None
6. Best Mulching Lawn Mower Powerful Pick: Powersmart db2322s 3-In-1
Specifications
- Power Source: Gas
- Engine: 196cc
- Cutting Width: 22 inches
- Weight: 103 lbs
With a 196cc engine, I found the Powersmart db2322s 3-In-1, the best mulching lawn mower to tackle as huge land as 2 acres. Its width was incredible! I used it to mulch my lawn; trust me, it took half the time it used to take using other mowers. Its deep and domed setup made it ideal for mulching.
Now there was a drawback to this mower. This one was hefty to move from one place to another. Even though I found the self-propelling rear wheel on this mower still, the movement was slow and steady.
Pros
- Self-propelled mechanism
- Leveled and efficient mulching
- Spacious storing capacity
Cons
- Height adjustment is a bit tricky
7. Best Mulching Lawn Mower Portable Pick: Powerworks 60V Mo60l513pw
Specifications
- Power Source: Battery
- Battery Power: 60 volts
- Cutting Width: 21 inches
- Weight: 78 lbs
The Powerworks 60V Mo60l513pw is the best mulching lawn mower that can easily store without worrying about space. I just had to use one hand to fold this lawn mower to store it in my garage. It was very easy to adjust the height on this one. Using the lever, I could adjust the height among the 7 available levels.
Now let’s talk about the battery part. So I used this one for about 70 minutes on my lawn, and it lasted well. Even after all this, some charge was still left by the end. But the most significant plus point for me on this mower was its quiet operation. It gave the best results without making any noise or fumes.
Pros
- More coverage with few passes
- Powerful engine
- Self-propelling mechanism
Cons
- Height adjustment is tricky
Related Post: What is a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, and How Does it Work? Types and Tips Explained
8. Best Mulching Lawn Mower Premium Pick: Greenworks 40V Lawn Mower 2500502
Specifications
- Power Source: Battery
- Battery Power: 40 volts
- Cutting Width: 19 inches
- Weight: 42.5 lbs
Okay, so first, let me praise how light in weight the Greenworks 40V Lawn Mower was. Honestly, this is the best mulching lawn mower that did the job well but was extremely light in weight, weighing less than 43 lbs.
The brushless motor on this one was superb! It operated without making noise and reached even the jam-packed areas in my yard. Upon unboxing, I found that it came with two lithium-ion batteries and a charger. I had it run in my yard for mulching, lasting about 60 minutes.
Pros
- It comes with two additional batteries
- A lot of coverage allowance at once
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- A bit expensive
9. Best Mulching Lawn Mower with Lights: Ego Power+ Lm2100sp
Specifications
- Power Source: Battery
- Battery Power: 56 volts
- Cutting Width: 21 inches
- Weight: 67 lbs
On days when the sky is cloudy or you just want to mow your lawn at dusk, the Ego Power+ Lm2100sp can be your best friend. This was the best mulching lawn mower, it comes with lights with a lot of power, even when it weighed 67 lbs. While using this mower, adjusting speed and height was extremely easy. I am sure that even beginners would have no issue while doing so.
I used this lawn for about an hour on my lawn, and the battery lasted well. During this time, I mulched a lot of hard and soft leaves on the lawn. Another amazing thing about this mulching lawn mower was that it was effortless to store. I folded the mower vertically and placed it in my garage.
Pros
- It comes with LED lights
- Variable speed
- Easy to adjust the height
Cons
- Battery and charger aren’t included
Factors to Consider To Buy The Best Mulching Lawn Mower
When I first went to buy a mulching lawn mower, I couldn’t understand what to look for in them. However, after a lot of research, I understood there are several things that you need to consider while purchasing the best mulching lawn mower. Below I will share everything in detail so you can easily find one.
Deck Size and Cutting Width
The first thing you must consider before getting a mulching lawn mower is its deck size and cutting width. this is an important feature, and before deciding on that, you should be aware of your lawn’s size.
Deck size is the mower’s cutting deck width. It can range from 21 to 60 inches, but you can find a mower with a wider deck size than that. On the other hand, cutting width is the width of the cutting blade. Don’t mix it up with the deck size, as it is usually smaller than the deck size.
If you have a larger lawn to take care of, invest in a mulching lawn mower with a large deck size and cutting width. After all, this is the only way to cover a lot of space in less time.
But then, if you have a compact lawn, I would not advise investing in a large deck size and cutting width. Because remember, a larger deck size and cutting width comes with more horsepower that would eventually use a lot of fuel.
Power Source and Performance
In terms of power sources, you can find mulching lawn mowers either gas-powered or electricity powered. I found both types of mowers pretty powerful, but a gas-powered mower is the best option if you want to squeeze more power out of the machine.
Both of the mowers come with their own pros and cons. In my experience, a gas-powered mulching lawn mower was powerful, but I hated how it emitted harmful pollutants. On the other hand, electric-powered mulching lawnmowers were suitable only for smaller lawns and were green for the environment.
Now, which one to get? If you live in a commercial area, I suggest getting a gas-powered mulching lawn mower if you live in a commercial area. However, if you live in a residential area, avoid getting a gas-powered mulching lawn mower, as it can be pretty noisy.
Mulching Blade Design
Look out if the mulching blades on the mowers are sharp enough to get through even the toughest grass. Make sure the edges of the mower are equal and serrated. Because if you end up with low-quality mulching blades, your lawn will suffer by spreading larger clippings on the soil that could create a messy look.
Related Post: Do I Need to Change the Lawnmower Blades?
Height Adjustment Options
I am sure no one wants to get tangled with levers and tacky configurations when it comes to adjusting the height. For this reason, make sure the mulching lawn mower you are getting has easy-to-reach levers to adjust the height. Also, a good option is to look for various height levels in a mower. The more height levels the mulching lawn mower has, the more versatile it will be.
Ease of Use and Maneuverability
Ease of use is another important factor to consider before purchasing the best mulching lawn mower. Choose a mower that is easy to use and has plenty of easy-to-adjust height and cutting settings. Also, ensure that the start and stop buttons are easy to adjust without any hassle.
If you have a lawn with tight spaces or obstacles, a mower with high maneuverability is required. For this, you need to check whether the mower is easy to relocate and has swivel wheels that would make it easier to pass through shrubs and trees.
Noise Levels
Gas-powered mulching lawnmowers can be extremely noisy and problematic if you live in an area with noise restrictions. For this reason, it is advised to check the noise levels before purchasing a mower. Electric mowers can also be a good option as they are quiet and do not produce any kind of fumes.
Safety Features
Mulching lawn mowers can be safe to use, but they are machines, and we need to be extra careful around them. However, if you purchase a mulching lawn mower with the right safety features, you will never have to worry about anything.
Ensure that the mulching lawn mower you are getting has a protective shield at the front. This will guard you against the dirt and clippings coming toward you. Also, check if the pedal system is robust or not.
Maintenance Tips for Mulching Lawnmowers
No one would want to spend too much on lawnmowers occasionally. To have your mulching lawn mower last long, you must maintain it using the right tips. I have compiled a list of maintenance tips that helped me keep my mulching lawn mower in the best shape even after using it for a long time. Read here to learn about How Long Do Zero Turn Lawn Mowers Last?
Blade Sharpening and Replacement: Dull or damaged blades can negatively affect the performance of your mulching lawn mower. With time blades on your mower can wear out and might need replacement or sharpening. Inspect these blades regularly and sharpen or replace them as required.
Related Post: How to Sharpen Your Mower Blade? | 6 Easy & Safe Steps
Cleaning and Storage: After using a mulching lawn mower, clean it thoroughly by removing dirt, debris, and grass clippings. You can use a wire brush for this purpose. Later on, store the mower in a dry and shady area to prevent corrosion or damage.
Related Post: How to Winterize Your Lawn Mower in 10 Easy Steps?
Battery Care For Cordless Mowers: Don’t let your cordless mower sit uncharged for long periods of time. On the other hand, it is also not advised to leave a mulching lawn mower on charge for an extended time.
Regular Inspection and Servicing: Regularly inspect if there is any change in the mulching lawn mower. Check for loose bolts, nuts, and other signs of wear and tear. Make sure to address these issues ASAP to avoid any sort of mishap.
How Did We Test the Mulching Lawn Mowers?
Every mulching lawn mower mentioned here has been through rigorous tests. I have tried each mower to its fullest potential and checked how each performed. I have a huge lawn, so I divided it into various portions to try the mower on every terrain.
First, I checked how the mowers with smaller deck sizes and shorter cutting widths performed. I checked how fast and slow they were and could get through the obstacles and tight spaces. After this, I tried the mowers with longer decks and wider cutting blades to check how long they took to cover a specific space.
Next, I checked the blades on each mower to see how sharp they were. For this purpose, I had each mower run through hard and soft grass to see if they could cut through. I also ensured that the blades were sharp to get the clippings into thinner strips in less time.
I had each gas-powered mulching lawn mower run for 2 hours to see its fuel efficiency. And for the battery-powered ones, I tried operating them until they were left with no charge. This allowed me to compare the time span each mower could run for.
A height adjustment feature was another important feature I looked for on the mowers. I ensured that all of them were light to move and compact to store in any space.
The last thing that I checked the lawnmowers for was noise. I had each of them running for about 15 minutes to see if the noise remained constant or was reduced later. This allowed me to decide which mower was unbearably loud and which was acceptable.
Conclusion
Hopefully, I have provided you with enough options to choose from. Of course, if you want the mulching lawn mower works best, you need to shop for it carefully. Still, trying to decide which best mulching lawn mower to go for? Let me share my favorites with you.
- Best Buy Pick: Craftsman M105
- Best Budget Pick: Lawn-Boy 17734
- Beginner Friendly Pick: Troy-Bilt 12ava2mr766
To remain safer, use the proper protective gear and preventive measures before operating a mulching lawn mower.
FAQs
Are Electric Mulching Lawn Mowers as Effective as Gas-Powered Ones?
Yes, electric mulching lawnmowers are as effective as gas-powered ones. They come with a brushless motor that is efficient and quieter. Additionally, there is no need to worry about fuel or gas, so the operation is smooth.
How Often Should I Mow My Lawn With a Mulching Mower for the Best Results?
You should mow your lawn with a mulching mower for the best results every five to seven days. While doing so, make sure you slow down while reaching toward the overgrown areas. The best tip is to avoid mulching when the grass is wet.
Can I Use a Mulching Lawn Mower on Uneven Terrain or Slopes?
Yes, you can use a mulching lawn mower on uneven terrain or slopes. For this purpose, raise the height of the mower deck to get the best results. Also, starting the mower slowly and gradually on such terrains is advised.
How Do I Determine the Optimal Cutting Height for Mulching My Lawn?
The optimal cutting height for mulching lawns is 4 to 5 cm. A good rule of thumb is to cut the grass when it reaches 8 cm. This way, you can eliminate outgrown weeds or leaves without getting rid of too much grass.
How Do Corded and Cordless Electric Mulching Mowers Compare in Terms of Performance and Convenience?
Corded and cordless electric mulching mowers are more convenient and eco-friendly. They are efficient and powerful in terms of performance because most of them come with a brushless motor. As for convenience, they are super easy to carry and are most often light in weight.
Can a Mulching Lawn Mower Handle Tall Grass or Overgrown Lawns?
No, a mulching lawn mower cannot handle tall grass or overgrown lawns that are more than 8 cm in length. Even if a mulcher does so, the clippings will clog the area under the deck. Mulchers are better for cutting regular-length grass, and they might perform poorly for longer ones.
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