Are your John Deere (JD) blades not performing well? Are you facing balancing and fitment issues on John Deere? Well, it’s not difficult as it sounds like falling in between many choices and finally lay on some blade so you may get rid of grass clumping, uneven cuts, and grass stripes on the lawn.
To choose among the best mulching blades for John Deere, my best choice will always be a rotary copperhead mulching blade. Though some Gator blades also work well for John Deere, you can also try one of these if compatible.
Quick List
- Rotary Copperhead Mulching Blade
- Arnold Xtreme Mulching Blades
- MaxPower Commercial Mulching Blades
- John Deere Original Equipment Mower Blade Kit
- Oregon 596-354 Gator G5 Mulching Blades
- Oregon Longer Life Gator Fusion G5 3-in-1 Blades
- 8TEN LawnRAZOR Mulching Blades
- Oregon 92-615 Gator G3, 3-in-1 purpose Mulching Blade
- MaxPower 561815B Mulching Blades
Details on Best Mulching blades for John Deere
Rotary Copperhead Mulching Blade
Set of 2 | For 42-inch Deck mowers
On the top of my list is a rotary copperhead blade; as the name indicates, it has a head that makes it a premium grade high carbon steel blade.
Mounting on a 42-inch deck engine gives 50% more airflow at discharge, it consumes less engine power, offers less engine vibration, and comes with the finest vertical-edged teeth design for better mulching.
Additionally, It’s endurable and optimally hard, which I realized in the lawn when mowing. The manual states that it is manufactured in the USA, keeping all quality standards, including ISO 9000 and Rockwell Hardness Standards.
Moreover, its perfect mounting compatibility owing to the 7-star hole makes it an excellent upgrade for John Deere as it gives less grass stripes, clumps, and engine breakage.
Though it carries some weight of 4.49 pounds which is a bit more for an old mower, well, if your John Deere is new, you can go for it with any regrets.
- It consumes less engine power
- Less engine vibrations, Less wear and tears
- 50% more airflow, which produces a finer mulch
- Less clumping underneath the deck
- Longer life and enhanced quality with high carbon made steel
- Copper head that cuts grass right
- A bit heavy (4.49 pounds) which infer it needs a well-maintained engine to work with
CompatibilityCheck in your lawn mower manual; if it says the replacements OEM (original equipment manufacturer) number for the blade is GX22151 or GY208050, it is the right fit for your mower.
Arnold Xtreme Mulching Blades
Set of 2 | Fit 42-inch decks Tractors including x300
Built with superior quality material Arnold corporations bring the right fit for JD.
Its aerodynamic design, greater width (60% more than regular), sharp edges, and solid construction material make it the best blade on the budget.
Additionally, it offers 50% greater grass cutting and less engine vibration.
Keeping in view of ideal weight and length, it fits perfectly with John Deere models following the installation guide. After testing for fitment, safety, and endurability, this blade also works well on sandy soil than standard blades.
Not to mention, it also provides a lot of lift which results in more even grass cuts. Also, being a little thicker, they can bear the stress of hitting something if you accidentally hit your mower with something hard.
- Better aerodynamic design with serrated flaps
- 60% wider than standard blades
- Gives 50% greater grass cutting due to better compatibility
- Fitment, safety and endurability is great
- Also works on sandy soil
- Nothing to mention it works fine for me
CompatibilityIt universally fits 42-inch deck John Deere. It works fine with models numbers: 102, 115, 125, 135, D105, D110, D130, E100, E130, JD S120, LA100, LA105, LA110, LA115, LA120, LA125, LX266, x300, x304, S240, z225.
MaxPower Commercial Mulching Blades
Set of 2 | For 42″ Tractors
Manufactured by the USA’s competitor brand “Maxpower”, these blades show great endurability and rigidity. Their endurability refers to the quality control environment and high carbon steel they are built with.
More to add, these blades have serrated teeth vertically designed so more air can pass through them when they move and give quality mulch after cutting grass, leaves, or weeds.
It might seem expensive to you, but it’s not when you compare buying the original John Deere blades.
They are also thick and a bit wide, which makes them a tougher one.
Admiringly, they are easy to install and require less torque to mount them on the more. And no need to sharpen these blades as they already come sharp inbox.
- Made in USA
- High Carbon Steel Material
- Create a vacuum to cut the grass due to their design
- Compatible with many models
- Works well on grass, leaves, and weeds
- Less expensive than the original parts
- Nothing to mention, the best blade I have ever experienced using
CompatibilityWith perfect 21-3/8 inch length and 2-1/2 inch width, these blades replace OEM (original equipment manufacturer) GX22151. This number is assigned to each blade by the manufacturers so that you can check the compatibility of this blade with your mower. You can find it in your manual in the blade replacement section. Also, it fits the John Deere E series, D102, D110, D115, D125, D130, and D135 and D140 riders (mowing tractors).
John Deere Original Equipment Mower Blade Kit
Kit Number AM141033 | Fit 42-inch Decks
Compare to the above mentions; these blades are genuine and original replacements. These are made for landscapers that face compatibility or fitting issues.
More importantly, these are sharp and 3-in-1 purpose (Cutting, Mulching, Discharging or Bagging) blades. Also, they come with lock nuts which makes the mounting on the shaft easy and reliable.
They are original parts, which means they have an old flat design that a regular mower already has.
But if your old blades are wearing out, then it’s time to use original equipment manufacturer steel grade blades. Steel material comprises carbon and boron to provide optimum hardness to the blade for longer life.
Moreover, these blades are 7 pounds, making them heavy to rotate under the mower’s deck. You will need more horsepower from the mower to operate with this blade set.
Last but not least, these blades are a bit expensive compared to other manufacturers, but if you are looking for the original classy blades, then here it is.
- Genuine and original replacement
- Perfect fitting
- Easy installation
- 3-in-1 purpose blade
- Endurable
- Heavy which means consume more engine power
- Expensive item
CompatibilityIt bears the number #AM141033, which tells that it will replace blades bearing that number, which you can find in your manual. Mowers that are compatible with these blades are 102, 115, 125, 135, D100, D105, D110, D120, D125, D130, E100, E110, E120, E130, LA105, LA115, LA120, LA125, LA135, LT160, LT180, S240, SST15, SST16, X110, X120, X300, X304, X310, Z225, Z235.
Oregon 596-354 Gator G5 Mulching Blades
Set of 3 | For 48″ Decks
These are another classy Gator blades by Oregon.
The main thing that differentiates these blades from others is their long-lasting performance. It lasts many seasons because of the tungsten carbide material they are built with.
That’s why they are called fused blades because manufacturers make it with fusion process by fusing tungsten carbide to the edge.
More to mention, these blades are durable, compatible with many mowers (sizing 48-inch), rigid, and easily installable.
The perfect design of serrated teeth makes finer mulch by allowing air to flow through them.
On observation, I learned these consume less energy, fewer mower RPMs, and produce sound output.
Additionally, these blades are heavier and rugged; you don’t have to bother picking up any sticks in the yard because they mulch everything they encounter.
Lastly, you may need to sharpen them occasionally after heavy mulching, but that doesn’t mean they are dull.
- Long-lasting, tungsten carbide material
- Universally fit 48-inch decks
- Made in USA
- Serrated teeth, uplifted flaps
- Heavier and Rugged blade
- Need frequent sharpening
CompatibilityThey feature 16-15/16″ Long, 3″ Wide, .203″ Thick, and 13/16″ Mounting holes, making them compatible with 48-inch john deer mowers, including M127500, M127673, and M145476. These are the part number that you can find in the John Deere manual.
Oregon Longer Life Gator Fusion G5 3-in-1 Blades
Set of 3 | For 48-inch Decks
It’s another Gator blade which is one of the best in the lot. Gator always makes fusion blades of carbide material which exhibits high performance and quality.
The new thing about these Gator blades is they work well on sandy or semi sandy soil and works for landscapers who hate raking.
Another fact about these blades is their easy mounting and adjustability with the chute block of the mower, which results in mulching leaves or grass in less than two passes.
Also, if leaves surround your grass, these blades are the best leaves mulching blades.
Unlike other factory blades, these blades also work on high settings, let’s say 4-inch.
You can also use the mulching blade adapter with them, so everything stays within under the deck but does work small grass.
It might not fit universally to all models, so better check before purchasing these Gators.
- Tungsten carbide material makes them qualitative
- Great leaves mulcher
- Easy installation
- Works on sandy or semi sandy soils
- Works well with blade adaptors
- Also works on high settings
- Not a universal fit
CompatibilityWith 7-star mounting hole, these blades fit John Deere 48-inch models bearing part numbers gy20852, gx21784, and gx21785. Check-in manual before making the purchase.
8TEN LawnRAZOR Mulching Blades
Set of 3 | For Gravely Scag Hustler John Deere 48-inch Decks
8Ten is the rising brand providing all types of blades, including mulching, hi-lifts, medium lifts, and low lifts.
These blades are created explicitly for Gravely Scag Hustler John Deere 48 inch Deck. Though there are many models mentioned below owing to their compatibility status.
Regarding their performance, they are toothed mulching blades which makes them ideal for thick mowing conditions.
Additionally, the compatible length of 16 ½ inches makes them different many manufacturers don’t make such length. This way, it fits right and mulches everything in one pass.
The downside is they need sharpening, which depends on the condition of your lawn; usually, thick grass requires sharpening.
These blades mulch so fine that you will never get worried about the cost of filling grass cans, so your yard looks cleaner.
- Universally fit many models
- Great grass and leaves mulcher
- Less clumping and piles of grass
- Perfect dimensions, especially length
- It needs sharpening after several passes
CompatibilityIt shows high compatibility with John Deere and notable brands like Bad Boy, Bunton, Great Dane, Hustler, Lesco, Scag, Snapper, Toro, Wright Mfg., Exmark and Z-Master Pro-Stance Pro-Walk. Check for the OEM numbers of each mower in the product description before you make a final decision.
Oregon 92-615 Gator G3, 3-in-1 Purpose Mulching Blade
For 42-inch decks
Another Gator blade noteworthy to mention here is Oregon 92-615.
As the name indicates, they are 3 in 1, which means they serve three functions: mulching, discharging and bagging.
You can easily bag the clipping if you are using a bagger to mow your lawn. That’s the main thing about these blades.
Moreover, these blades have sharpened tips that don’t fade away over many passes. They are hard, strong, and non-bending.
The balance of these blades is near to perfect, which means efficient mounting and mulching on John Deere.
Its extended cutting length makes it a 2x cutting blade during each rotation.
The downside is they don’t work well on tall grass.
- One pass perfection
- No collection and grass disposal.
- Recirculation airflow cuts grass repeatedly.
- Smaller clippings which provide nutrients to the lawn
- May leave grass clumping over the tall grass
CompatibilityIt is compatible with many models, including John Deere, Tractor Supply, Sunbelt, Stens, Rural King, Rotary, Home Depot, and Arnold. Noteworthy mentions for John Deere models are M154062, M154061, M149422, GY20850, GX22151, AM141033, AM141031, AM141034, AM141032, AM137329, AM137333, AM137330, AM137328, and AM137327.
MaxPower 561815B Mulching Blades
Set of 2 | For 38″ Decks
Manufactured by Maxpower, these blades measure 19-1/2 inches in length and 2-1/2 inches in width, making the perfect fit for 38-inch John Deere.
It is also the best choice for an old model like JD160 as it fits right and creates a good vacuum without using too much horsepower from the engine. For the best blades for the John Deere D110 click here!
It requires some grinding (sharpening) to operate after some passes.
It works well on low settings, and the classy thing is, it is a quitter blade.
Not to mention, these blades are not the universal fit which means you can face balancing and fitment issues. So, do match your OEM replacements number before making the final decision.
- Perfect fitting
- Compatible with old models
- Good vacuum and qualitative mulching
- Quitter blade & consumes less engine power
- Not universal fit
- Needs some frequent grinding for edges
CompatibilityThese blades replace OEM #’s AM141040, M112991, M154158 and 50-2270. Make sure to match as you can face balancing and fitment issues.
What to Look Before Buying Mulching Blades for John Deere
The main things I always check before making my final decision is enlisted below
Compatibility: Check the length, width, and mounting hole of your blade for proper fitment. You can also check the suitable compatibility via OEM numbers mentioned in the manual of John Deere mowers.
Material: The building material of blades directly affects their durability.
Weight: Weight will tell you how much horsepower the mulching blade will take from John Deere’s engine.
Design: The design of blades affects the vacuum creation under the deck of the mower and the overall mulching process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are John Deere Gator blades?
Gator is a brand that manufactures mulching blades for John Deere. There are different types of Gator blades like G3, G5, and G6. Each blade fits a John Deere mower according to its compatibility with the mower.
What does a John Deere mulching blade look like?
Unlike regular or standard blades, the John Deere mulching blade has serrated teeth and uplifted flaps if you look closely. Due to their unique design, they provide more cutting of clippings again and again to produce a finer mulch.
Are Gator blades better than regular blades?
Gator blades have sharp edges and teeth, which let the airflow pass when they move under the mower’s deck. This design is made to produce mulch (a nutritious ingredient for soil). So, if you are thinking of creating mulch, then Gator blades are a much better option than regular blades, as regular blades don’t have such a design.
Do Gator blades cut better?
The design of Gator blades has extended cutting edge, lifted angle, and proper airflow through them, which makes them the best cutting blade for any mower If you are planning to do mulching.
Are Gator blades better than mulching blades?
Sometimes it gets confusing because the word “Gator” is the brand name that produces the mulching blades. Gator Blades are basically mulching blades. So, there is no comparison exists between Gator vs mulching blades as both are the same.
