If you want to maintain a lush, well-aerated, and fertile lawn, you need to consider mulching lawn mowing.
With a mulching lawnmower, you’re relieved of the pressure of raking since the mower ensures that the grass clippings are small enough to dry, decay, and get absorbed by the soil in the shortest time possible.
However, choosing the best mulching mower that suits your need can be a bit challenging since there are several options on the market.
If you’re looking for a high-quality mulching lawnmower but don’t know what to look for, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we have listed the 5 best mulching lawnmowers along with a handy guide that will help you choose the right product.
| Lawn Mower | Power Source | Cutting Width | Bagging | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craftsman M105 | Gas Powered | 21″ | Yes | View |
| PowerSmart DB2321PR | Gas Powered | 21″ | Yes | View |
| Greenworks MO13B00 | Corded Electric | 21″ | Yes | View |
| PowerSmart DB2322S | Gas Powered | 22″ | Yes | View |
| Craftsman M215 | Gas Powered | 21″ | Yes | View |
Best Mulching Lawn Mower Reviews
Lawn-Boy 17734 21-Inch 6.5 Gross Torque Kohler Electric Start
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The Lawn-Boy 17734 is an affordable lawnmower designed to create even cut and efficient mulching, thanks to its high-quality features. It comes with an electric start feature that allows you to just turn the key and start mowing. It is equipped with a durable 21-inch steel deck that gives an outstanding cut and is backed up by the best warranty terms.
Features
- Kohler XTX OHV engine
- Electric start
- Tri-cut cutting system
- 21-inch steel deck
Pros
- 2-year full coverage warranty
- Self-propelled
- Large bag capacity
- Affordable
Cons
- The height adjustment system is hard to use
Craftsman M105 140cc 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower
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If you’re looking for a high-quality mulching mower that’s ideal for mowing small to mid-sized lawns with ease, this is a great choice. It has a 21-inch cutting width making it a great choice for small to mid-sized yards. This machine has 3-in-1 capabilities and can side discharge, rear discharge, and mulch.
Features
- 21-inch cutting width
- 140cc gas-powered engine
- 3.75” max cutting height and 1.25” min cutting height
Pros
- Powerful engine
- 3-in-1 capability
- Durable design
- Folds for convenient storage
Cons
- Some assembly required
Greenworks 13 Amp 21-Inch Electric Lawn Mower
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The Greenworks 13 Amp 21-Inch Electric Lawn Mower comes with everything you need to mulch your lawn easily, quietly, and quickly. Since it is an electric mulching mower, you’ll not have to deal with the hassles of oil and gas or worry about emissions or fumes. This mulching mower comes with a 21-inch steel cutting deck that helps you to trim your grass efficiently and quickly. It is powered by a 13 amp electric motor that provides sufficient power to trim even the toughest grass.
Features
- 7 position height adjustment
- 13 amp electric motor
- 56lbs weight
- 21-inch cutting deck
Pros
- Durable design
- Powerful motor
- Lightweight and compact
- Quiet operations
Cons
- It’s corded
PowerSmart DB2322S 22″ 3-in-1 196cc Gas Self Propelled Lawn Mower
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The PowerSmart DB2322S self-propelled mower comes with a powerful 196cc gas-powered engine that delivers sufficient power to mow tough grass in a lightweight and compact package. It has 3-in-1 capabilities that help you to slice grass into tiny pieces, thus returning crucial nutrients to the soil.
Features
- 199cc engine
- 11.5-inch rear wheels
- 5-position height adjustment
- 3-in-1 bag
- Gas-powered
Pros
- 2 years limited warranty
- Self-propelled
- Powerful engine
- Wide cutting width
Cons
- The height adjustment system is hard
Craftsman M215 Self-Propelled Gas Powered Lawn Mower with Bagger
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The Craftsman M215 mulching lawnmower comes complete with a 159 cc engine with sufficient power to cut any type of grass on your lawn. This self-propelled mulching lawnmower allows you to maneuver easily in your yard at the speed of your choice. It has a dual-lever adjustable cutting height that allows you to choose 6 different height settings to suit your mowing needs.
Features
- 156cc OHV gas engine
- 11-inch rear tires
- 6 different height settings
- Recoil and auto choke
Pros
- Wide tires
- Wide cutting width
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- Some assembly required
What is Mulch Mowing?
Mulching mowing is a type of mowing that needs an effective system in place and a mulching mower. The mulching mower cuts the grass to your preferred size and slices the moist grass clippings into tiny pieces. This method is a cheaper way of fertilizing your lawn and reducing the need for raking after mowing. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about soil erosion or layers of thatched grass since the grass clippings hold the soil together and act as a landfill.
Types of Mulching Mowers
Push Mulch Lawn Mowers
These lawnmowers are the simplest and the most maneuverable option. Push mowers are either electric or gas-powered. Nowadays, most of them are being designed with 3-in-1 capabilities, meaning that they can bag, mulch, and side-discharge. They are usually affordable but are hard to operate on hilly or large yards.
Self-propelled Mulch Mowers
Self-propelled mowers are also called walk-behind mowers and are equipped with motors to propel themselves forward. These mowers are more expensive than the push mowers and are easy to ride. Walk-behind mowers are either gas or electric-powered and have great mulching capabilities.
Lawn Tractors
Lawn tractors are well-known for their comfort while mowing. They are ideal for mowing several acres of land because they have a larger cutting width. However, these mowers are bulky, won’t fit in a standard fence gate, and need more storage space. They are ideal for small to mid-sized yards.
Zero-Turn Radius Ride-ons
This is a high-cost mulch lawnmower that offers great maneuverability and control. Most zero-turn radius mowers come with mulching capabilities.
FAQs
Is it Better to Mulch or Bag Your Grass?
Mulching grass clippings is the best method to maintain a healthy lawn. Mulched grass clippings act as a natural fertilizer and return nutrients to the soil. Tall and thick grass can lead to unhealthy thatch, so it’s crucial to use a mulching mower to trim your lawn.
Can Mulching Mowers Mulch Leaves?
Absolutely! Mulching lawnmowers can effectively mulch grass clippings and leaves. A combination of leaves and grass will form a more beneficial fertilizer because they decompose fast together.
Can I Use a Mulching Mower on Wet Grass?
Yes, but not frequently. Using a mulching mower on wet grass can lead to the malfunctioning of the appliance. Therefore, it’s advisable to use a mulching lawnmower on dry grass.
Is it Easy to Store a Lawnmower?
Yes, it is quite easy to store a lawnmower. Most models come with a foldable handle which allows you to fold it easily after mowing. Electric mowers are easy to store than gas mowers. They can be stored vertically or horizontally since they fit in small spaces.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right mulching lawnmower from the available options can be tricky. Fortunately, we’ve listed some key factors you should consider before making a purchase.
Power Type
Different mulching lawnmowers are powered by various power sources. There are electric models powered by batteries or corded. The most common batteries are lithium-ion batteries. If you own a large yard, a gas-powered mulching lawnmower is the best choice.
Battery Life
Always check the battery life of a battery-powered mower before making a purchase. You can find lawnmowers with options like 2.0 Ah or 4.0 Ah batteries. A 4.0 Ah battery will offer a better and longer battery life than a 2.0 Ah.
Blade Width
The blade width of a mower helps you to know how wide the blade can cut and how many passes you’ll need to complete mowing your lawn. Always go for special blades that are meant for mulching rather than traditional ones. A mulching lawn mower comes with two cutting blades on each side that finely cut the grass to the desired height. However, you should consider the size of your yard before making a purchase.
Cutting Height
Always check the cutting height range before making a purchase because the cutting height of a mower will determine the height or length of the grass your trim. You should go for a mower that has a wide range of cutting heights because you’ll give your grass a more precise cut.
Mulching Technology
There are some diverse differences in grass-cutting techniques among several mower models. Most brands design their mower’s back and deck in such a way that clippings are stirred up and cut easily before getting back to the soil.
Noise Levels
The noise level of a mower is mainly determined by its power source. If you don’t like a noisy machine, go for an electric mulching mower with lower noise levels. If your lawnmower has a noise level of over 80 decibels, you need hearing protection. Additionally, go for a mower with high-quality blades and good decks for silent operations.
Wheels
Go for a mower equipped with wheels with bearings to minimize friction and increase its efficiency. Therefore, the best mulching lawnmower is the one that comes with big rear wheels and small front wheels. This will offer easy movement all around the yard.
Price
This is a crucial factor to consider before making a purchase. Never go for the cheapest options because you may spend more on its repairs and running costs. Therefore, choose a high-quality mower with all the necessary features you need for perfect mulching at a reasonable price.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a mulching lawnmower that’s comfortable and powerful to use, a mulching lawnmower lawn mower is a great choice. If you don’t know the product to choose, the above-reviewed products have everything you need for your mowing and mulching needs.
Happy shopping!
