Cheap Lawn Mower Blades: 5 Budget Picks Compared (2026)
Five cheap lawn mower blades for walk-behind and riding mowers, with deck size, blade length, center hole pattern and warranty compared, plus who should skip each.
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Top picks at a glance
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- 1
Best OverallMaxPower 561713B9.5/10View on Amazon - 2
Best for 21-Inch MowersGrasscool 942-0741A9.5/10View on Amazon - 3
Best for 30-Inch MowersUDC Parts 116-6358-039.4/10View on Amazon - 4
Best ValueMaxpower 331528B9.4/10View on Amazon - 5
Best for Electric MowersGreenworks 295129.3/10View on Amazon - 6
138971 42 Inch Lawn Mower Mulching BladesView on Amazon - 7
EGO POWER+ 21" Mulching Blades for Electric Lawn MowersView on Amazon - 8
532138971 Mower Blades for Craftsman/HU/Pou LAN 42" LawnView on Amazon - 9
3 Pack 532180054 Lawn Mower Blades with 532193003 BoltsView on Amazon - 10
Hipa 532405380 46 Inch Mower Blades Replace for 405380View on Amazon - 11
532187256 54 Inch Lawn Mower Mulching BladesView on Amazon
Finding dependable cheap lawn mower blades is the most practical way to maintain a clean cut without paying OEM dealer premiums. Whether you need a 21-inch mulching blade for a walk-behind mower, a matched two-blade set for a 42-inch lawn tractor, or specialty blades for a 30-inch deck, replacement blades must match your deck size and spindle hole pattern precisely. Below, we compare five budget replacement blades from MaxPower, Grasscool, UDC Parts and Greenworks, examining stated dimensions, center hole patterns, materials and warranties.
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Quick picks
- Best Overall MaxPower 561713B: Highest Acre Score here: two-blade set for 42 in decks, made in USA with a 5-point star center hole Check price on Amazon
- Best for 21-Inch Mowers Grasscool 942-0741A: 40MnB alloy steel, 3-in-1 mulching and bagging design with 1-1/8 in lift and a bow tie mount Check price on Amazon
- Best for 30-Inch Mowers UDC Parts 116-6358-03: Two-blade pack for 30 in Toro and Exmark decks with 25/32 in air lift and a 5/8 in center hole Check price on Amazon
- Best Value Maxpower 331528B: Made in USA 21 in mulching blade with a bow tie mount for MTD, Troy-Bilt and Cub Cadet mowers Check price on Amazon
- Best for Electric Mowers Greenworks 29512: One-piece forged alloy steel replacement blade measuring 15.75 in for 16 in Greenworks corded mowers Check price on Amazon
Our acreage picks
MaxPower 561713B 42 in 2-Blade Set for Poulan, Husqvarna and Craftsman
Two-blade set for 42 inch riding mowers, made in USA with a 5-point star mount and powder-coated edges.
Who it's for: owners of 42-inch lawn tractors with 5-point star spindles needing a matched two-blade set.
Who should skip it: anyone with a 6-point star or round spindle shaft.
Read the full review
The 561713B listing provides two blades for 42 in cut Poulan, Husqvarna and Craftsman riding mowers. Each blade measures 21 in long and 2-1/4 in wide with a 5-point star center hole, replacing OEM numbers including 138498 and 532138498. The maker states the blades are made in USA, sharpened and powder coated for edge protection during shipping. The spec table lists the department erroneously as Unisex-Adult, and weight is 3.9 lb for the pair. No warranty term is stated.
Pros
- Includes 2 blades to cover a full 42 in riding mower cutting deck
- Made in USA per the listing
- Pre-sharpened and powder coated during manufacturing
- Fits multiple Poulan, Husqvarna and Craftsman mowers with 5-point star spindles
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Listing spec table lists department erroneously as Unisex-Adult
- Fits only 5-point star center hole spindles
- Listing does not state steel grade or blade thickness
Grasscool 942-0741A 21 in Mulching Blade for Troy-Bilt, MTD and Craftsman
Mulching blade for 21 inch walk-behind mowers, forged from 40MnB steel with a bow tie mount and 1-1/8 inch lift.
Who it's for: homeowners with 21-inch MTD or Troy-Bilt push or self-propelled mowers wanting a heavy-gauge mulching blade.
Who should skip it: owners whose mowers use round center holes.
Read the full review
The 942-0741A listing describes a 3-in-1 replacement blade for 21 in walk-behind mowers from Troy-Bilt, MTD and Craftsman. Stated specifications give a length of 20 7/8 in (531.5 mm), width of 2-1/4 in, thickness of 9/64 in (3.4 mm) and 1-1/8 in lift, manufactured from 40MnB steel with a bow tie center hole. The listing text contains a contradiction, calling it a 3-in-1 mulching blade while also claiming high-lift weed removal in the bullets. Weight is 1.75 lb. No warranty term is stated.
Pros
- Made from 40MnB steel with a stated thickness of 9/64 in
- Stated 3-in-1 design for mulching, bagging and side discharge
- Provides 1-1/8 in lift with a bow tie center hole pattern
- Painted cutting edges to reduce rust during storage
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Listing text confuses 3-in-1 mulching and high-lift blade descriptions
- Weight is 1.75 lb for a single walk-behind blade
- Fits only 21 in decks with a bow tie spindle mount
UDC Parts 116-6358-03 30 in Blades 2-Pack for Toro TimeMaster and Exmark
Two-pack of mulching blades for 30 inch Toro TimeMaster and Exmark mowers, featuring 25/32 inch air lift.
Who it's for: owners of 30-inch dual-blade Toro or Exmark commercial and residential walk-behind mowers.
Who should skip it: owners of standard single-blade 21-inch mowers.
Read the full review
The 116-6358-03 listing provides a 2-pack of mulching blades for 30 in decks on Toro TimeMaster, TurfMaster and Exmark mowers. Dimensions are stated as 15-3/8 in length measured diagonally, 2-3/4 in width, a 5/8 in center hole circle, 5/16 in side holes, 1-1/4 in center-to-center hole spacing and 25/32 in air lift. The maker describes high-strength steel with protective safety paint that wears off during use. The pair weighs 2.7 lb. No warranty term is stated.
Pros
- Includes 2 blades to fit 30 in Toro TimeMaster, TurfMaster and Exmark decks
- Stated 25/32 in air lift and 3-15/16 in cutting edge length
- Pre-sharpened cutting edge with protective safety paint
- Made from high-strength steel with 5/8 in center hole and 5/16 in side holes
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Specific fit limited to 30 in twin-blade walk-behind mowers
- Listing does not state steel alloy grade
- Weight is 2.7 lb for the pair
Maxpower 331528B 21 in Mulching Blade for MTD, Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt
Made in USA 21 inch mulching blade with a bow tie mount, replacing OEM numbers for MTD and Troy-Bilt mowers.
Who it's for: homeowners with 21-inch walk-behind mowers needing a single bow-tie replacement blade.
Who should skip it: owners who need a blade with a star or circle center hole.
Read the full review
The 331528B listing details a single 21 in cut mulching blade for MTD, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt and Craftsman mowers. It features a bow tie center hole pattern with 5/16 in outside holes spaced 2.5 in center to center, replacing OEM numbers including 742-0741 and 942-0741. The listing states it is made in USA with a powder-coated edge. A contradiction appears in the spec table, which lists product dimensions of 23 x 4 x 2 inches for a 21 in cut blade; we trust the title and bullets for deck fit. Weight is 1.6 lb and no warranty term is stated.
Pros
- Made in USA per the listing
- Pre-sharpened and powder coated during manufacturing
- Replaces multiple OEM numbers for 21 in MTD, Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt mowers
- Uses a bow tie center hole with 2.5 in outside hole spacing
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Spec table contradicts title and bullets with 23 x 4 x 2 in package dimensions
- Listing does not state blade width or thickness
- Fits only 21 in decks with a bow tie spindle mount
Greenworks 29512 16 in Replacement Blade for 25322 and 25242 Mowers
Alloy steel 15.75 inch replacement blade designed specifically for Greenworks 16 inch corded electric mowers.
Who it's for: owners of Greenworks 16-inch corded electric mowers 25322 and 25242 needing a factory replacement.
Who should skip it: anyone with a 20-inch or 21-inch mower or a gas unit.
Read the full review
The 29512 listing describes a replacement blade for Greenworks 16 in corded electric mowers, specifically models 25322 and 25242. The actual blade length is 15.75 in, width is 1.97 in and height is 0.71 in, forged from a single piece of alloy steel. The title contains a clear typographical contradiction, writing 16' (16 feet) before clarifying 16 inch in the subtitle and bullets. Weight is 11.04 ounces. No warranty term or center hole dimensions are stated.
Pros
- One-piece forged alloy steel construction
- Precise 15.75 in blade length engineered for 16 in Greenworks corded mowers
- Lightweight at 11.04 oz
- Fits Greenworks 25322 and 25242 corded electric models
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Listing title contains a typo listing 16 foot mower instead of 16 inches
- Fits only two 16 in corded electric mower models
- Listing does not state center hole pattern or blade thickness
Other machines to compare
138971 42 Inch Lawn Mower Mulching BladesCheck price on Amazon
EGO POWER+ 21" Mulching Blades for Electric Lawn MowersCheck price on Amazon
532138971 Mower Blades for Craftsman/HU/Pou LAN 42" LawnCheck price on Amazon
3 Pack 532180054 Lawn Mower Blades with 532193003 BoltsCheck price on Amazon
Hipa 532405380 46 Inch Mower Blades Replace for 405380Check price on Amazon
532187256 54 Inch Lawn Mower Mulching BladesCheck price on Amazon
Side-by-side specs
| Model | Acre Score | Blade type | Deck fit | Blade length | Center hole | Pack count | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MaxPower 561713B | 9.5/10 | Standard blade set | 42 in | 21 in | 5-point star | 2 | Not stated |
| Grasscool 942-0741A | 9.5/10 | 3-in-1 mulching | 21 in | 20 7/8 in | Bow tie | 1 | Not stated |
| UDC Parts 116-6358-03 | 9.4/10 | Mulching blade pack | 30 in | 15-3/8 in | 5/8 in round | 2 | Not stated |
| Maxpower 331528B | 9.4/10 | Mulching blade | 21 in | 21 in | Bow tie | 1 | Not stated |
| Greenworks 29512 | 9.3/10 | Replacement blade | 16 in | 15.75 in | Not stated | 1 | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 9 October 2026.
Acreage and terrain fit
MaxPower 561713B 42-Inch Blade Set
Grasscool 942-0741A 21-Inch Blade
UDC Parts 116-6358-03 30-Inch Blades
Maxpower 331528B 21-Inch Blade
Greenworks 29512 16-Inch Blade
Buying guide: choosing cheap lawn mower blades
Deck size and blade length
Mower blades are sized to clear the underside of the mower deck without making contact with the deck baffles or with a secondary blade. A 21-inch walk-behind mower uses a single blade measuring roughly 20 7/8 inches to 21 inches, such as the Maxpower 331528B or Grasscool 942-0741A. In contrast, a 42-inch lawn tractor deck uses two 21-inch blades spinning side by side, as found in the MaxPower 561713B set. For twin-blade walk-behind mowers like the 30-inch Toro TimeMaster, dual 15-3/8 inch blades work together. Never measure across the deck housing to choose a blade: remove the existing blade and measure diagonally from tip to tip as stated on the UDC Parts listing, or consult your model’s part manual.
Center hole patterns and spindle fit
The center hole shape is the most critical fit check. A blade that matches your deck width will still fail to mount if the center pattern does not fit your spindle shaft. Common patterns among these budget replacements include the bow tie shape used by MTD, Troy-Bilt and Cub Cadet walk-behind mowers, the 5-point star used on 42-inch Husqvarna and Poulan tractors, and round center holes with dual alignment pin holes used on Toro and Exmark decks. For walk-behind mowers, see our guide to the best 21 inch lawn mower models, and for lawn tractors, compare decks in the best 42 inch riding mower guide.
Mulching blades vs standard replacement blades
Blade profile influences airflow and clipping distribution. Mulching blades, such as the Grasscool 942-0741A with its 1-1/8 inch lift or the UDC Parts with 25/32 inch air lift, feature curved edges and raised baffles that recirculate grass clippings under the deck so they are recut into fine mulch. Standard high-lift or 2-in-1 blades prioritize straight discharge or bagging airflow. If you mulch regularly to return nutrients to the turf, select a blade with stated mulching teeth or curved lift.
Blade steel, coatings and factory sharpness
Budget blades use various steel formulations. Grasscool lists 40MnB steel with a 9/64 inch thickness, Greenworks specifies forged alloy steel, and MaxPower lists powder-coated edges made in USA. Many listings note that new blades arrive covered in powder coat or safety paint. This coating protects your hands during unboxing and prevents corrosion during warehouse storage, wearing away along the cutting edge during the initial mowing session.
When to replace vs sharpen
Routine maintenance keeps mower blades operating cleanly. If a blade has minor dulling, it can be dressed with a dedicated sharpener from our roundup of the best mower blade sharpener tools. However, if the cutting edge shows deep gouges, if the sail has eroded thin from sandy soil, or if the blade is bent out of balance, immediate replacement is essential. Running an unbalanced blade damages spindle bearings and engine crankshafts.
Mowing safety and slope awareness
Always observe equipment safety rules before servicing or running mower blades. Before inspecting or changing a blade, disconnect the spark plug wire on gas engines or remove the battery key and pack on cordless and corded models. Wear heavy leather gloves when handling sharp cutting edges. When operating on hilly ground, stay within your mower manual’s slope limits. To estimate yard maintenance schedules across acreage, consult our analysis on how long does it take to mow an acre.
Lawn size, deck width and speed in; minutes per mow out. Or work backward from the time you want to spend.
Read the manual, keep children and pets out of the yard while you work, wear eye and hearing protection and sturdy footwear, and never exceed the slope rating of your machine. Refuel only with the engine off and cool. See CPSC lawn mower safety. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
The Acre Score explained
The Acre Score weighs five factors: performance (cutting width, deck fit, stated blade design), build quality (steel grade, blade thickness, protective finish), value (blade count and replacement value), safety (handling features and stated certifications) and warranty (stated term and coverage). A factor the listing does not state scores zero.
| Product | Acre Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MaxPower 561713B | 9.5 | 30 | 21 | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| Grasscool 942-0741A | 9.5 | 29 | 21 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| UDC Parts 116-6358-03 | 9.4 | 29 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Maxpower 331528B | 9.4 | 28 | 20 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
| Greenworks 29512 | 9.3 | 26 | 18 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
FAQ: mowing large lots
What is the best lawn mower blade sharpener?
The best sharpener depends on whether you prefer bench grinding, angle grinder attachments or hand files. For dedicated tools designed for large properties, read our full review of the best mower blade sharpener options.
Do new lawn mower blades need to be sharpened?
Most replacement blades, including the MaxPower, Grasscool and UDC Parts models reviewed here, arrive pre-sharpened from the factory. They are coated in protective paint or powder coating to prevent corrosion and protect hands during handling, which wears off naturally during the first mowing session. The cutting edge does not require grinding before initial installation.
Do i need to sharpen new lawn mower blades?
You do not need to sharpen new lawn mower blades right out of the box. A brand-new blade comes factory beveled. Sharpening before use removes protective factory coatings prematurely and shortens the overall service life of the steel.
How to remove riding lawn mower blade?
To remove a riding lawn mower blade safely, park the tractor on level ground, engage the parking brake, and disconnect the spark plug lead or battery. Chock the blade with a wooden block wedged against the inside of the deck baffle to prevent it from spinning, then loosen the center spindle bolt using a wrench or socket. Inspect the spindle and washer before securing the replacement blade.
Why lawn mower blowing white smoke?
White smoke from an exhaust typically indicates burning engine oil. This commonly happens if the mower was tipped incorrectly with the carburetor and air filter facing downward while changing blades, allowing oil to seep into the combustion chamber. When tipping a walk-behind mower to inspect blades, always tilt it with the spark plug and air filter pointing upward.
More mowing guides
- Best Mower Blade Sharpener: 4 Picks for Riders and Large Lawns
- Best 21 Inch Lawn Mower: 5 Cordless and Gas Picks (2026)
- How Long Does It Take to Mow an Acre? Times by Mower Type
- How to Fix Hydrostatic Drive on Riding Mower
- How to Check if Your Mower Is Recalled
- Best Lawn Mower Battery (2026): 5 Top Picks Compared
Explore more equipment care tips in our mower maintenance section.
