Getting sick and tired of your mower’s grass bag getting full in seemingly no time whatsoever? We bet you are! Bagging is super annoying and, let’s face it, side discharge is so yesterday! This is 2021, not 1999! We’re over the BS throwaway!
We want something new.
We want something helpful for everyone.
We want mulching lawn mowers.
Contents
What Does It Mean To Own A Mulching Lawn Mower?
We’ll put it this way: what’s the first thing you think of when you think of mulch? Gardening? Fertilizer for plants? A means to improve the health and overall look of your lawn?
Ding, ding, ding!
You’re correct on all counts!
So now that we’ve got that explained, how exactly can lawn mowers mulch? Isn’t their entire point to simply cut grass and call it a day? Let’s think about that objective real quick, shall we? A lawn mower’s purpose in life is to hack away at unwanted grass in your yard. It’s the ultimate tool to making a lawn clean and healthy.
Wait, healthy?
A lawn mower?!
Yes, actually! Mulching mowers have a built in mechanic within them that allows them mulch as they mow. How this works is when a patch of grass is sliced through the lawn mower’s initial cutting blades, it’s then sent into the special mulching blade installed next to it. As it goes through the mulching blade, the grass is chopped into a bunch of tiny pieces–so small, in fact, that it’s easy for them to get lost in the lawn’s freshly cut grass. The newly mulched grass then works to nourish your grass and keep it healthy.
Pretty cool, huh?
Mulching Vs. Bagging:
Why Should I Mulch Instead?
When it comes to mulching mower vs. regular mower, which one is the best option? Normally when we make these guides, we make the astute observation that everyone is entitled to their opinions and no one answer is the best. You see, that’s usually the most sensible way to look at matters regarding cutting your grass. But when it comes to mulching vs. bagging, we can’t wholeheartedly say that there’s no correct answer.
Sure, your opinion is what really matters when it comes to making your final purchase. But it should be worth noting that mulching is, in fact, a much better option than bagging your grass. Why is this the case? We can think of at least three different reasons, actually!
One, it’s far less stressful on you, your health, and your finances. If you’ve ever bagged grass, you’d know very well how much of a pain it can be to constantly bend down and empty your bag. And yes, we mean that figuratively and literally! When you don’t have to worry about constantly emptying your grass bag, you can spend more time just joyfully cutting your grass. And this route ultimately saves you money, depending on what kind of housing you live in!
Two, it’s very healthy for your yard. As we’ve discussed already earlier in this guide, mulched grass is really good for fertilization and preservation of your existing grass’s lifespan. True, you’re always cutting your greenery…but that doesn’t mean you don’t want it to still look nice! You aren’t a monster or anything!
Finally, mulching is an excellent way to protect the environment long-term. With no grassy clippings finding their measly way into any landfills, your keeping your property within your property in a way that protects everyone around you while keeping your soil healthy. While some might not see this as a necessity, they should. Especially considering some states require that you take the environment into account!
[TOP 10] Best Mulch Lawn Mower
Reviews
1 GreenWorks 25022
As per our research, we’ve discovered that the best mulching lawn mower on the market is none other than the Greenworks 25022. You’re going to see this brand name many times in this list, ladies and gentlemen. The reasons being that many grass-cutting enthusiasts consider mulching to be the more eco-friendly approach to disposing of unwanted grass. After all, you’re returning the Earth’s own life back to it. What better way to preserve the life of Mother Nature’s children?
On the subject of eco-friendly behavior, Greenworks takes pride in the way they engineer their creations. “No emissions, no fumes, no worries,” is a phrase you might see often if you browse through Greenworks’ products. It’s safe to say that if you live in a state with strict environmental laws (such as California), purchasing the Greenworks 25022 will make life a whole lot easier for you. And it’s cheap, to boot!
PROS
– Very affordable
– Mows quietly
– Light enough for anyone to push or lift
– Eco-friendly
CONS
– Not sturdily built
– Tall grass might be an issue for this mower
2 Greenworks 25302
Bested only by another Greenworks model, the Greenworks 25302 brings all the joyous delight that the 25022 promises…but in self propelled mode. Yes, this mower is listed as an electric push mower on Amazon, but you have the option to purchase this lawn mower as a self propelled mulching lawn mower if you’re willing to put in a few extra bucks. Granted, with as light as this guy is, you honestly don’t need to use the self propelling option! Yes, ladies and gentlemen; you’ll notice that all of the Greenworks mowers on this list share this common trait (with the exception of one Greenworks mower; coming next…).
Crabgrass (also known as Bermuda) stands literally no chance against the might of the Greenworks 25302. This is a common, but important detail you’ll notice with our selection of amazing mulching mowers, folks. Mulching lawn mower blades are typically a lot stronger than regular, non-mulching lawn mower blades. Not bad for second place, right?
Then again, even with second place, the Greenworks 25302 has secured its place as the best self propelled mulching lawn mower!
PROS
– Light enough for anyone to push or lift
– Has the option to be self propelled
– Eco-friendly
– No vibration
CONS
– A little pricey for a push-mower
3 Greenworks M-210
Like the Greenworks 25302, the Greenworks M-210 is an electric push mower that can possibly be bought as a self propelled mulching lawn mower. Not only does this mower’s heavy weight make self propelling completely necessary, it’s also a handy feature to have if you’re like some of us here; brittle-boned and not willing to deal with the hot sun all morning! Of course, we understand that some of you prefer heavier mowers that you can control to the fullest degree. So just keep in mind that you don’t have to purchase this baby as a self propelled mower!
PROS
– Has the option to be self propelled
– Easy to take care of
– Eco-friendly
CONS
– Heavyweight
– Pricey
4 Greenworks MO40B411
Four in a row!
Jesus!
Another great contender from Greenworks, the MO40B411 is so well built that you rarely ever have to perform maintenance on it. Yes, this electric push mower admittedly struggles with both cutting and mulching the more challenging types of grass such as crabgrass. And yes, the cutting width on this mower is very small (17 inches). However, this baby is very easy to take care of and is super affordable, to boot.
A perfect mower for first time buyers!
PROS
– Extremely cheap
– Light as a feather
– Maintenance is simple
CONS
– Tough grass can be a chore
– Cutting width is small
5 Lawn-Boy 17732
The Lawn-Boy 17732’s got an amazing engine on it and you best bet your behind that it’s ready to party with the unwanted grass blades on your lawn! Another self propelled mulching lawn mower, you’re sure to find plenty of convenience with this baby. While Lawn-Boy models are older than most, don’t count them out just yet! Their age not only makes them affordable for purchase, but because everyone is too focused on buying the newer models, there’s more for you to love.
C’mon, give the Lawn-Boy a chance!
PROS
– Super affordable
– Strong engine
– Handles very well
CONS
– Tall grass can be a chore
– Might need more maintenance than normal
6 Honda HRR216K9VKA
Yes, even Honda has provided us an excellent mulching mower for you to feast your eyes upon! Honda’s HRR216K9VKA model makes its namesake proud with its super efficient cutting. It’s also a very convenient mower to use if you’re someone who struggles walking around in the hot sun all day. If you guessed it by now, this baby is a self propelled mulching lawn mower.
Oh, praise be to Honda!
You’ve saved us feeble-bodied persons with this generous technology!
PROS
– Has the option to be self propelled
– Good engine
– Very reliable
CONS
– Pricey
7 DEWALT DCMW220P2
When you want an eco-friendly lawn mower that isn’t a Greenworks brand, Dewalt is a good alternative. The DCMW220P2 is also designed in a way where you never have to worry about noxious fumes spurting out while you cut and mulch your grass. Of course, you can credit the excellent lithium-ion batteries that come with each new cordless Dewalt mower, but c’mon now. That would be selling this company short! After all, it’s not everyday when an underdog company is able to compete with Greenworks in the realm of reducing one’s ecological footprint!
PROS
– Inexpensive
– Can bag alternatively
– Strong engine
– Eco-friendly
CONS
– Cutting width is small
8 Greenworks MO40B410
Once again representing the eco-friendly brand of Greenworks, the MO40B410 puts the high and mighty self propelled lawn mowers to shame. How so, you ask? Easy; this baby practically weighs nothing! Even small framed people–male or female–can work with this precious grass-cutter.
No back pain, no time wasted.
Just a freshly cut yard with enough time to drink a cup of coffee before going to work!
PROS
– Affordable
– Lightweight
– Eco-friendly
CONS
– Tougher grass types may be an issue
9 Snapper CRP218520
Another self propelled mulching mower worthy of gracing our top ten list, the Snapper CRP218520 is much quieter than it appears. Seriously, when we look at this model, we automatically assume it’s a loud piece of machinery that will wake up everyone from your dog to your grandpa on an early Saturday morning. And the fact that it’s a commercial mower makes that assumption even more plausible! But this is the one time where our assumptions are wrong, thankfully!
While the Snapper CRP218520 is admittedly a little expensive, this is one of those cases where the extra investment is well worth it. With this baby’s Ninja Mulching Blade, you can conquer just about any kind of grass without the fear of scalping, It may add a bit to your final price, sure. But it works!
PROS
– Mows quietly
– Has the option to be self propelled
– Engine is very powerful
– Handles slopes easily
CONS
– Pricey
10 Husqvarna L221A
The Husqvarna L221A is extraordinarily reliable when it comes to cutting tougher kinds of grass. While most push mowers and self propelled lawn mowers struggle with grasses too tall or too tough, this self propelled mulching lawn mower has absolutely no issue with cutting and mulching more challenging grass. The mower’s strong blades are very durable, so they won’t bend or lock up like other mowers might. Not to mention that this bad-boy is a rear-wheel drive self propelled grass-cutter, like the Snapper CRP218520.
What does that mean, you ask?
Simple, it means you can cut hills without the concern of slipping!
PROS
– Not too expensive
– Handles slopes easily
– Starts up easily
– Engine is very powerful
-Has the option to be self propelled
CONS
– Mower weighs 70 lbs.
Concluding Thoughts
And that was our presentation for the best mulching lawn mower of 2021!
For our 2021 edition of this list, the GreenWorks 25022 has proven to be the best mulching mower that we’ve seen thus far. Only the first of five Greenworks mowers to dominate our list, the superior mulching power combined with the refreshingly eco-friendly design has proven time and time again to be a fan favorite with consumers. No longer do you have to worry about leaving an unflattering ecological footprint, for Greenworks has got you covered. And if you don’t like the 25022, then fear not.
You’ve got four other options to look at!
Sarah Eberle qualified and became a member of the Landscape Institute in 1980. Over the last 26 years she has practised landscape architecture and garden design, running her own business in Devon.
During the 1990s, Sarah joined Hillier Landscapes as Design Director, where she is still a shareholder but also runs her own practice in Hampshire.
Sarah has an esteemed record in RHS shows, having won eight Gold medals, Best in Show and the George Cook award for innovation twice at Hampton Court. Sarah has also exhibited at Tatton Park and BBC Gardeners’ World Live.