Last Updated on June 13, 2023 by Georgie Smith
Many people believe that lawn mowers are the same both in the mode of operation and parts. This post aims to correct that notion and open your eyes to the truth. Lawnmowers are different both in parts and in action. This post is not just about the Best High-Lift Mower Blades but the most significant part of the machine – the blades.
The blade determines the quality of work and beauty of your lawn. When your blade is intact, your cut grasses will come out clean and beautiful. However, if your blade is dull, the edges of the cut grasses become jagged. After a couple of days, the rough edges will turn brown. The brown color of the grasses will produce an irregular appearance.
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- Best Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener: 2023 Reviews (Top Picks) & Guide
Dull mower blades do not cut clean instead they pull and tear grass blades. Dull blades hurt not only the grass but also the machine. When mowing with a dull blade, the grasses would curl themselves around the mower blade before tearing them apart. The curling of the grass on the mower blades causes strain on the mower.
Dull blades also prolong mowing time and reduce the efficiency of the machine. The homestead expert team recommends that every 10 hours you should inspect and sharpen your mower blade. They further said that after mowing, you should bend over and see the edge of the grass cut. If the edge of the grasses looks sharp and trimmed, then your blade is perfect.
On the other hand, if the edges of the grass look rough, ripped, and jagged then your blade is dull. As earlier said dull blades put unnecessary strain on mowers, so the solution is either you sharpen it or replace it. Determining which blade is best for your mower is not a carefree exercise, it involves considering some vital features. Read more to discover these features.
What Features to Consider?
If you need to replace your lawnmower blade, searching for the best fit could be challenging. In selecting the best, it must fit perfectly in your mower and meet your mowing need. You must know the size, material composition, number of holes, shape, number, etc. to assist your search. This knowledge prevents the stress of returning the blade after purchase.
The following are essential features you should consider when replacing your mower blade:
Size
When shopping for the best blade for your mower, you must know the size that would fit perfectly into your mower. You should check the size required by your mower before hitting the purchase button. It must not be bigger or smaller than the mower.
Shape
Blades come in different ways. There are the single blade and the three blades. While some mowers can utilize any form available, others can only use single-shaped ones. Therefore, before deciding on buying; note its shape.
Manufacturer Number
Manufacturers inscribe their numbers on mower blades. These numbers make it easy to buy similar ones that need replacing. If you wish to replace the old one, turn off and disconnect your mower entirely. After that, unscrew the blade from the mower.
After that, search for any number inscribed on it. You can use a magnifying glass to comb every inch if necessary. Copy the number and use it in your search for an identical version that will work with your mower.
Blade Holes
The idiomatic expression “square peg in a round hole” is relevant here. Confirm the number of holes in the blade that came with the mower and use it in your search. The holes are unique to each manufacturer.
One of the most straightforward methods of identifying which to buy is by measuring the diameter of the hole. Once you know the width, you can then use it in buying your replacement.
Length
To get the perfect blade, find the right length. It must not be too long or else it would not fit into the machine. On the other hand, one that is too short will not get the job done correctly. You need to have the measurement of your mower blade before taking the step of acquiring a new one.
Width
Determining the right width of a mower blade is quite challenging. You might get the right width but jeopardize the thickness. For best result, you need to ensure you stick with the measurements that came with the mower.
The Blade Types
This segment will not be complete if we do not mention the type of blade available. Besides the fact that the post is about High-Lift Mower Blades, it is not out of place to specify the types of mower blades available. Knowing the types will aid you in your buying decision too.
If you can differentiate one blade from the other, you will know which one your machine uses. You should know that different types of lawnmowers use different blade types. Since the modus operandi of mowers differs, then the required blade will also. The kind needed depends on the buyer.
There are different options available on the market. There are blades designed for bagging clippings. Others are for side discharging mowers while some are for mulching. Importantly, what should determine the choice of the blade is the task. Discussion on different types of mower blades comes up later.
Top 5 Best High-Lift Mower Blades on the Market
Lawn mowing is essential and can be tedious without adequate tools. In keeping your lawn neat and attractive, your mower should be equal to the task. Your blade must be intact for any mowing you are doing or are about to do. If your blade could not stand the challenge, then the options left for you is either you sharpen it or replace it with new ones. (you can see the best lawn mower blade sharpener here)
If you choose to buy new, we have assembled some of the best high-lift lawn mower blades below. Check out our list as reviewed by our experts to help you decide:
| Picture | Product Name | Features |
|---|---|---|
 | USA Mower Blades Standard High Lift | – Length: 21 inches – Width: 2-1/4 inches – Thickness: 0.140 inches |
 | EGO Power+ AB2101 21″ Lawn Mower High Lift Blade | – Length: 21 inches – Thickness: 0.40 inches – Center Hole: 5 Point Star |
 | Stens 340 178 Hi-Lift Lawnmower Tractor Blade | – Length: 21 inches – Width: 2¼ inches – Thickness: 0.149 inches |
 | USA Mower Blades High Lift for Windsor | – Length: 21-3/16 inches – Width: 3 inches – Thickness: 0.140 inches |
| 3 USA Mower Blades High Lift for Simplicity | – Length: 21 inches – Width: 2-1/2 inches – Thickness: 0.250 inches |
USA Mower Blades Standard High-Lift Replaces Ariens 21546095, 42” Deck
Here is a high-quality product from the stable of USA Mower Blades®. This product, made in the United States of America, a country known for top-quality products, is a leader. The blades are replacement blades for the following machines, Ariens®, AYP®, Craftman®, Husqvarna®, McCulloch®, Poulan®, and Viking® lawn mowers.
Check below for the specific replacement OEMs covered.
Special Features:
- Length: 21 inches
- Width: 2-1/4 inches
- Thickness: 0.140 inches
- Center Hole: 5 Point Star
- Structure: Straight
- Lift type: High-lift
- Number of Blades: Two blades are required for 42-inch decks
- Oregon® Number: 195-032
- Stens® Number: 340-178
OEMs covered:
- Viking Mower: 6109-004-2012
- Poulan Mower: 531307224, 532138971, PP24004
- McCulloch Mower: 532 13 89-71
- Husqvarna Mower: 532127843, 532138498, 532138971
- Craftsman Mower: 127843, 138498, 138971
- AYP Mower: 127843, 134149, 138498, 138971, 138971X431, 531307224, 532134149, 532138971, 917127843, 917131323, 917138498MS, 917532138498
- Ariens Mower: 21546095
Do you need this replacement blade? Why not click here now to get it on Amazon:
Buy from Amazon
EGO Power+AB2101 21” Lawn Mower High Lift Blade for Power+ 56V Lawn Mower Models LM2100/LM2100SP/LM2101/LM210SP
EGO Power+ 21-inch high-lift mower blade is not just for cutting grasses, but it cuts and bags efficiently. It comes from factory-sharpened steel that cuts grass excellently. It is not compatible with the mulching plug but is specifically designed for use with EGO Power+ 21″ Lawnmowers.
Special Features:
- Length: 21 inches
- Thickness: 0.40 inches
- Center Hole: 5 Point Star
- Lift type: High-lift
If your EGO Power+ 21” Lawn mower blades are dull, please click here to get a new one on Amazon:
Buy from Amazon
Stens 340 178 Hi-Lift Lawnmower Tractor Blade Pack of 2
The Stens® 340 178 Hi-Lift blade
Special Features:
- Length: 21 inches
- Width: 2¼ inches
- Thickness: 0.149 inches
- Center Hole: 5 Point Star
- Lift type: High-lift
- Number of Blades: Two blades for a 42-inch deck
OEMs covered:
- Viking Mower: 6109-004-2012
- Poulan Mower: 532 13 89-71
- McCulloch Mower: 532 13 89-71
- Husqvarna Mower: 532 12 78-43, 532 13 84-98, 532 13 89-71
- Craftsman Mower: 127843, 138498, 138971
- AYP Mower: 127843, 138498, 138971, 138971X431
- Ariens Mower: 21546095
Are you thrilled with this blade? Get now on Amazon here:
Buy from Amazon
USA Mower Blades High-Lift for Windsor 50-3945, 50-3950, 42” Deck
USA Mower Blades® are quality replacement blades from the USA Mower Blades company. The products come from the United States of America, a nation well known for quality products. The USA Mower Blades for Windsor gives efficient and clean cuts.
Special Features:
- Length: 21-3/16 inches
- Width: 3 inches
- Thickness: 0.140 inches
- Center Hole: 6 Point Star
- Structure: Straight
- Lift type: Medium Lift
- Number of Blades: Two blades are required for 42-inch decks
- Oregon® Number:198-153
- Stens® Number: 330-872
OEMs covered:
- Toro Mower: 112-0315
- MTD Mower: 742-0616, 742-0616A, 742-616A, 942-0616, 942-0616A, 942-
616A
- Cub Cadet Mower: 742-04126, 942-04126, 942-0616A (Fits Cub Cadet’s Models
RZT42, 2011 and newer)
This blade is available for purchase on Amazon here:
Buy from Amazon
USA Mower Blades High-Lift for Simplicity 5022808, 5022808SM, 61” Deck
The USA Mower Blades® High-Lift for Simplicity 5022808, 5022808SM is a perfect replacement for Simplicity, Snapper, and Ferris mowers. It comes in three packs.
Special Features:
- Length: 21 inches
- Width: 2-1/2 inches
- Thickness: 0.250 inches
- Center Hole: 5/8 inches
- Structure: Standard
- Lift type: High-Lift
- Number of Blades: Three blades required for 42-inch decks
- Oregon® Number:91-209
- Stens® Number: 315-872
OEMs covered:
- Simplicity Mower: 5022808, 5022808SM
- Snapper Mower: 1-7081, 101733, 1520842, 5020842, 7017081, 7075770, 7075770BZYP, 7075770YP
- Snapper Pro Mower: 5020842
- Ferris: 1520842, 1520842S, 5020842, 5101755
Enough reading, go to Amazon now and get yours here:
Buy from Amazon
Benefits of High-Lift Mower Blades
High-Lift mower blades like any mower blade have many benefits. High-Lift blades appearance is a curve; this shape makes them a high lift. They are arched upwards at the back edge at a sharp angle more than other blade types. The configuration creates a force that lifts grasses for a clean cut.
One easy method of differentiating high-lift blades from others is by laying them on a plain surface side by side. Of the modules, the one that prominently curves upwards from the other is the high lift.
1. They discharge clippings properly
The pressure at the deck of the mower causes the high-lift to throw out grass clippings at a force greater than a low-lift or mulching blade. For side discharge mowers, the blade pushes cuttings far away from the machine making it easy for raking.
2. They are clump-proof
The high-lift blades produce high suction pressure that throws grass clippings or twigs out or into a discharge bag. The grasses would not cluster to form clumps that might catch in the mower deck. Grass clumps get in the way of blades causing strain on the mower.
3. They make bagging seamless
After cutting grass, the hardest part is the raking and clearing of the clippings. If you leave the clippings on the lawn, it will not look neat especially when the grass begins to turn brown. The solution is to get a blade that cuts and bags – which does this better than the high-lift blades.
With high-lift blades, mowing and bagging become easy. You save time and energy and you end up with a tidy lawn using this blade.
How to Install High-Lift Mower Blades
Installing a high-lift mower blade is not tricky if you have the tools and knowledge of the task. This post will help you with the latter while you acquire the former online from the Amazon tools category here:
Supplies Required:
- Protective Gloves
- Torque Wrench or spanner
- Block of wood
Step 1: First Thing First
Before you start, park the mower safely. After that ensure you disconnect the spark plug connecting wire. Empty the gas tank and secure the oil stick.
Step 2: Tipping the mower
Tip the mower to one side until the upper handle rests on the ground.
Step 3: Under the deck
The mower blades are sharp – even a dull one can cause injury so be careful. Put on your protective gloves. Clean the deck of all debris thoroughly.
Step 4: Remove the old blades.
Put a block of wood in the way of the blade to hold them down from spinning. With the spanner or torque wrench, turn the blade bolt anticlockwise until it loosens completely. Remove the old blade and repeat the process with the second blade.
Step 5: Brand new blades
Place the first new blade in a horizontal position with all mounting hardware. Secure the blade with the blade bolt and tighten it as far as you can with your finger.
Step 6: Secure the bolt tightly
Place a block of wood in the way of the blade to prevent it from spinning around while you tighten the bolt. Turn the bolt clockwise with a torque wrench or spanner. Torque the bolt to 82N-m (60 ft-lb).
Tighten the bolt securely to prevent it from flying out when working. If you did not tighten the blade well, it can fly out and can cause serious injury to the user or others. Apply much pressure on the wrench to tighten the bolt.
Step 7: Rotate the blade
Rotate the installed blade ¼ turn until it stands vertically
Step 8: Repeat for the second blade
Repeat Steps 5 to 7 to install the second blade. After installation, the blades should stand in a perpendicular position like an inverted “T.”
Step 9: Give the two blades a 360° turn.
Hold and turn the blades a full 360° to determine if they touch each other. Please note that they must not touch, but if they do, then the installation is imperfect. Installing them in that faulty manner could damage the machine or injure the user or bystander. The solution is to start the process all over until they no longer touch each other.
Step 10: Test run
Lift the mower to its standing position. Re-connect the spark plug wire. Take the mower to the lawn, put it on, and test run it to be sure everything is well. Enjoy your new blade.
Types of Lifting Blades
In the table below, we have a summary of the types of lifting blades available for purchase. As highlighted, you can see the different models and their purposes.
| Low-lift blade | Medium-lift blade | High-lift blade |
|---|---|---|
| Low-lift blades are lifting blades that generate the lowest suction power when cutting grass. They utilize the lowest horsepower when working. If your lawn mower is the type that discharges grass from the side, a low-lift blade is your replacement blade by default. Low-lift blades are close to the ground to discharge grass clippings quickly. When mowing on sandy terrain, the sand particles sucked into your mower brush against the edge of your blade. The brushing of sand against your mower blade dulls prematurely. The low-lift blades work perfectly on sandy or dusty terrains that require less lift and less suction. Lower suction force means less sand gets into the mower; thus they are preserved. | Medium-lift blades are lifting blades that generate higher suction power compared to the low-lift blades. They utilize lower horsepower compared to high-lift blades but higher than that of low-lift blades. In appearance, the edge of the medium-lift blade is straight but bent at an angle slightly upwards at the edges. It works well with both long and short kinds of grass. Most mowers come with medium-lift blades. This blade type is useful for regular grass maintenance. | High-lift blades push grass clippings upwards instead of sideways or to the ground. The blade structure creates a suction force that drives clippings into a yard waste sack or bag. Bagging clippings make for clean looking lawn after mowing. It comes with a more pronounced angle at the corners to generate more lift. It prevents clogging of grasses in the cutting area. Out of all lifting blades, they generate the highest suction power and require the most horsepower. They are best for cutting tall and compact grasses. |
| Mower Blade Height: 3/4 inches and below | Mower Blade Height: 3/4 inches to 15/16 inches | Mower Blade Height: 1 inch to 1-3/16 inches |
| Pros: • The blade requires less power. • It generates less noise. • It produces less dust. • It increases the life of the mower. • Works best on sandy or dusty terrain | Pros: • The blade requires less horsepower than high-lift • It is a standard discharge blade that comes with many mowers. • It produces medium lift. • It works best with long and short grasses. | Pros: • The blade is fantastic with the bagging of clippings. • It prevents clogging of grass clippings. • It creates more lift than the first two lifting blades. • The blade lifts grass perfectly to give a beautiful looking lawn. • It is excellent for cutting tall or compact grasses. |
| Cons: • The blade is not suitable for cutting tall and compact grasses. | Cons: • The blade will not be effective cutting compact grasses • This blade is not suitable for sandy terrains. | Cons: • It uses up too much horsepower a problem with lower horsepower mowers • Sandy and dusty soil condition will be a problem to the blade. |
The Differences between the Blade Types
There are two blade types: Lifting blades and Mulching blades. Below, our team put both classes side by side in the summary table for a more straightforward comparison.
| Lifting Blades | Gator blades/ Mulching Blades |
|---|---|
| Lifting blades are blades with slight curves along their edges. The curves at the edge of a lighting blade create the lifting airflow that draws grasses up for cutting. These blades are perfect for bagging clippings. Also, these blades work perfectly on side discharge mowers. When buying a blade, do not ignore the blade attribute which is commonly overlooked, i.e., the lift. Lift is the ability to pull grass clippings into the deck and pushes it from the side or back. The lift affects the final cut of the mower and its effectiveness. To determine lift of a blade, you lay it on a flat surface and measure the curve at each end of the blade. Lifting blades move grasses or leaves from the mower deck quickly and efficiently. They require above par horsepower to function well. These blades are also called the standard or 2-in-1 mower blade. Lifting blades are categorized thus: • Low-Lift Blades • Medium-Lift Blades • High-Lift Blades Demerits • They are not suitable for mulching • They are not stereotyped and not multipurpose | Mulching blades cut grasses and spread the clipping around the field or lawn for mulching. Mulching is covering the soil with plant remains, e.g., leaves, grass clippings, straw, twigs, and so on. Mulching aids organisms such as bugs, earthworms, etc. to aerate and add manures to the soil. Mulching blades are similar to low-lift blades and are usually mistaken for low-lift blades. Mulching blades have low-lift and dip structured feature. The dip structure aids the clippings to be evenly spread out while cutting grasses. Mulching blades, also called 3-in-1 features a curved surface for mulching, discharging and bagging (multipurpose blade). It is structured with a medium-lift construction to afford it the ability to perform both high-lift and low-lift operation. When working, the blade pulls and cut the grasses. The mower sucks the clippings through the deck and then chopped the clippings into tinier pieces. The air pressure of the blade’s innermost curve blows out the cut pieces of grasses to nourish the soil. There are two types of mulching blades, thus: • Standard Mulching Blades • Gator Mulching Blades (G3, G5, and G6) – these blades are with angled teeth on both ends. Because the teeth design is an angle toward the center of the blade, grasses are guided to the cutting edge continuously. Demerits • They are less efficient for discharging or bagging grass clippings • They are less efficient in cutting grasses. |
FAQs about High-Lift Mower Blades
Q: How do I recognize High-Lift Mower Blade when I see one?
A: You can recognize a High-Lift Mower Blade through its more extreme upward angle at the back part of the blade. The curved appearance aids the propelling of clippings through the chute into the bag.
Q: What are the negatives of using High-Lifter Mower Blade?
A: The High-Lift Mower Blade like any other comes with both benefits and drawbacks. The blade due to its increased airflow generates dust more than other blades. When used on sandy or dusty terrain, the blade has to be sharpened intermittently because sand it sucks in dulls the blades.
Q: Why use the High-Lift Mower Blade instead of the 3-in-1 multipurpose blade?
A: High-Lift Mower Blades work best for heavy-duty mowing. Although the 3-in-1 multipurpose blades can bag like the high-lift, it has some limitations too. The re-circulating airflow of the versatile blade reduces its efficiency in discharging grass clippings. You should note that all multipurpose tools have demerits that the tools designed for specific purposes do not have.
Q: How do I know that my blade is due for replacement?
A: Check your blade from time to time, as you use the mow. Check or dent, bent or badly nicked parts. If any is visible, then replacement is inevitable.
Q: What other option is available to me apart from the replacement of my old blade if I am short on cash?
A: If you are short on cash but still want to mow with your old blade, you can use a sharpener. You can grind your blade provided it does not have dents, bent, or badly nicked parts. Remove it from the mower than with a grinding stone or file sharpen the two sides.. You can also contact the service of some shops for the sharpening of the blade.
Q: How do I calculate mower blade height?
A: To calculate your mower blade height you need to go through an easy process. First, place your lawn mower on a flat surface and position a ruler next to blade housing. Now, record the measurement from the ground to the bottom of the ruler, since blades will not cut beyond that. For instance, if the height is 2 inches, the mower probably cut grasses between 2-1/4 and 2-1/2 inches high.
Second, adjust your mower height until you get your desired height then note that measurement on your notepad.
Third, mow a patch of grass to confirm the height of the cut. Measure the height of the cut grass and compare it the uncut ones. Note, you should only cut your grass to 1/3 of the total blade height, e.g., if your blade is 3″ then after cut it should be 2″ (i.e., 1/3 or 1″ has been cut off).
Fourth, if you are not yet satisfied with the height of cut, you can further adjust it until you get your desired cutting height.
Q: I wanted to change two blades of my mower but discovered that one is still intact. What should I do?
A: In this scenario, what you can do is go ahead and replace the two. There is no point in postponing the evil day as the saying goes. If you change the two at the same time, you will preserve the machine since both will be working at optimum capacity.
Final Thoughts
Your mower is useless without a blade. What is more frustrating in buying a replacement blade is to get one that does not fit your mower. We believe with our submission, getting the best high-lift mower blade that works for you should be a stroll in the park.
We are sure that the knowledge acquired from this post is more than adequate in your ultimate search. Now that you have read this post, your choice blade must fit your mower like an Italian suit on a stylish groom on his wedding day. Anything short of that is an error.
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