What Is The Best Mulching Lawnmower?

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Mulching Lawnmower

There are many benefits to opting for a mulching lawnmower….they will reduce the amount of garden waste that you have to dispose of and help to make your lawn healthier in the process…plus less trips to the compost pile or garden waste bin – what more could you want?

A mulching lawnmower is designed to cut your grass trimmings into much smaller pieces than a standard lawnmower so that they can be sprayed back out onto the lawn and used to provide nutrients to the grass to encourage healthy growth. By “mulching” your grass cuttings, you avoid having to use artificial fertilisers on your lawn as often too because your soil will be getting natural potassium and nitrogen phosphorus from the cuttings that would otherwise be wasted!

Here are some of the best mulching lawnmowers to choose from…

Best Pick – Greenworks Cordless Lawnmower G40LM41K2X

Sale
Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawnmower for Lawns up to 500m², 41cm Cutting Width, 50L Bag, Two of 40V 2Ah Batteries & One Charger, 3 Year Guarantee-G40LM41K2X
  • CUTS MEDIUM-SIZED LAWNS UP TO 500m² WITHOUT RECHARGING - each battery cuts 250m² giving you the power and performance of a petrol driven mower without the mess, noise and environmental impact
  • TWO NEW GENERATION LITHIUM 40V 2Ah BATTERIES – one to use and one to have on charge, the lawnmower is powered by a technologically advanced battery that you can use in any Greenworks 40V tool to cut waste, save money and storage space
  • 5 CUTTING HEIGHTS AND 2-IN-1 MULCHING OR COLLECTION – a single lever makes it easy to raise the blades from 25mm to 80mm, while the clippings can be collected in the large 50L bag or mulched into fine pieces to add nutrients back into the lawn
  • EASY TO MANOEUVRE AND STORE - large 18cm rear wheels make it very easy to move over all kinds of ground, it has a comfortable top handle for easy handling which fold down for to save storage space when not in use
  • 3 YEAR GUARANTEE WITH 2 YEAR BATTERY WARRANTY – by Greenworks, a world leader in electric tools and battery technology, with a global reputation for smart design, high performance and outstanding customer service​

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

In A Hurry?

If you are on a mission to get mulching then look no further…here is all the essential information that you need to know about mulching lawnmowers. 

The Mechanics

A mulching mower works by rotating the grass after it has been cut so that it circulates through the blade multiple times. Once it has been cut into small enough pieces (mulch) it is then fed back out onto the ground which will return all the micronutrients, such as nitrogen phosphorus and potassium, back to the soil. This helps to improve the quality and colour of your grass without it becoming “suffocated” by large trimmings. The deck of a mulching mower works in a way which sends the air (and grass cuttings with it) in two directions, forcing it into the cutting cycle and then down into the grass. This special design only comes with a mulching mower, usually created out of aluminum or steel for long lasting mowing! 

It is also vital that you opt for a mower with a strong, sharp blade that is going to be able to last – such as one that is made from aluminium, steel, or other strong metals. Some of the best mulching lawnmowers will have a twin edged blade which will improve the ability to chop up the grass cuttings even more. 

You also need to check for models that have “anti-blockage” technology such as plugs and well designed chutes. One of the main downsides to mulching lawnmowers is that they can clog up easily, particularly when grass is more damp, but this can be avoided by purchasing one with a well designed collector box and chute. Whilst on the subject, look out for models that can be cleaned and emptied easily so that if they do become clogged with mulch, you can resolve this quickly.

When looking at the discharge options be sure to check where the mulch is going to be sprayed out of your lawnmower. Some options are from the underneath, which is a great way to make sure that the bit of grass that you are focusing on is getting the nutrients back that it needs, whereas others offer side chutes, so save your shoes from getting covered in cuttings and the mulch from getting really trodden in under foot. Not only this, but a side chute allows you to fire the cuttings off and out the way when the ground is already well fertilised and needing a break from the mulch. There are benefits of both so it really comes down to what is going to be best for you. 

TOP TIP: Make sure to purchase a model that is specifically designed for mulching! Some lawn mowers offer this as an add on feature but if you are serious about getting the most from your lawn cuttings then you are going to need a lawn mower that has this as its primary function! 

Multi-Functioning Mulching

One of the main features we would recommend checking for before purchasing a mulching lawn mower is whether it can only mulch or whether you have the option of collection as well. Although it may be hard to believe…you can have too much of a good thing, and if you have a lawn that grows very quickly through those summer months you may not want the grass cuttings to always be spread back onto your lawn. This will especially be the case if you come to cut your lawn again and can still see a number of cuttings from the time before! 

In these situations, you are going to need a multi-functioning mulcher. These are machines that can switch the mulching on or off, so you can vary between the two depending on your lawns individual needs. Not only that, but some of the best mulching lawnmowers actually have a variable speed option – this allows you to vary the rate at which grass cuttings are mulched and collected so that it can be perfectly adapted to the needs of your garden! 

Power

You will have two types of power to choose from for your mulching lawn mower – electric or petrol. 

Electric models are going to be great for small to middle sized gardens that allow you to stay close to mains electricity. You can also find them in battery powered models so that you can take them anywhere – just be warned that the mulching mechanism is going to require more power than a standard lawnmower so you are going to need a model with a high-quality battery otherwise you will find yourself having to recharge regularly. 

Petrol models are best suited to medium to large gardens – purely because of the initial cost and then the continuing costs of fuel etc. Admittedly they are more expensive but you will find that they are long-lasting machines (providing they are serviced and maintained) that can cope with more varied grass types and will have no issue mulching the grass cuttings for your lawn. They are going to be louder than their electric counterparts so look out for models with noise reduction technology if you don’t want to upset your neighbours when mowing! 

Size and Weight 

The size and weight of your mulching lawnmower is usually going to be linked to the size of your garden. 

A smaller garden is obviously going to be suited to a smaller mower, which will be easier to maneuver around the garden. It is also going to be lighter so if you have to get your mower up or down steps etc to get to your lawn then this is going to make your life a lot easier. Mulching lawn mowers tend to be a little heavier than standard mowers due to the mechanics that are needed on the deck, so weight can play a part when finding the mower that is right for you. 

However, a smaller mower is going to have a smaller width of blade, which means more trips up and down the lawn as a smaller surface area is going to be covered through each strip of lawn. Therefore, if you have a bigger lawn area then a larger, heavier mower may be the best option. 

We found models with blades down to around 40cm and then all the way up to nearly 60cm. Weight wise they tend to range from just under 30kg up to 40kg which is quite a variation if you have some obstacles to undertake before getting to your lawn. 

Best Budget – Hyundai Electric, Rear Roller, Mulching, Rotary Lawnmower

Sale
Hyundai 13" 33cm 1200w Corded Electric Lawnmower 230v / 240v lightweight with Roller Mulching, 3 cutting heights, 30L grass bag, Foldable handles, 3 Year Warranty
  • 330mm cutting width: Ideal for small lawns
  • Ultra-lightweight and durable rust-free chassis: Weighs just 9kg
  • Rear roller mower: Get that traditional British striped lawn
  • Eco-friendly mulching feature: Returns extra-fine grass cuttings to the lawn for a greener, healthier lawn
  • 3 adjustable cutting heights: Get the perfect finish on your lawn

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

The Best Mulching Lawn Mower Features

You should now know the main features that you need to be looking out for when buying a mulching lawnmower so here are some of the features we found on the best of the best. If you are serious about your garden and lawn maintenance then this is what to look out for…

  • Rear-roller – A rear roller is what you need to be looking for if you want to create those beautiful stripes on your lawn. Some lawn mowers will have rubber flaps which won’t create quite the same effect as a roller but will give you a slight stripe on the lawn.
  • Variable mowing speed – Almost all of the best mulching lawnmowers are going to be self-propelling (so they move themselves forward with very little support from you reducing the amount of effort you have to put into the mowing). However, some come with variable speeds (so you can set a walking speed that is good for you) and also self-adjusting speeds. These machines will sense the speed that you are walking and adjust their movement to allow for this! It really couldn’t get any easier! 
  • Anti-vibration handlebars – This massively helps to reduce fatigue and long-term wear as the technology works to reduce the vibration that comes up from the deck of the mower. 
  • Comfort grip – Look out for mulching lawn mowers that have comfort grips made from rubber or foam. This is particularly important if you have a larger garden as it will help to improve grip and comfort whilst you are mowing. 
  • Cutting length – All lawn mowers will have different cutting heights so this is important to check for depending on what you think is the best look for your garden. Some go as short as 10mm up to 80mm. You only need to cut about 30% of the grass each time so the cutting length that you go for also depends on how quickly your lawn actually grows. We find the best models have a varied length of up to 70mm which will increase the flexibility in how often and the style that you can go for in your lawn. 
  • Collecting bag – Even if you know that you are predominately going to be using your lawn mower for mulching, we would still recommend looking for one with a decent sized collecting bag for those occasions when the lawn has sufficient nutrients already. Look out for bags that are compact when not in use but big enough to not need regularly emptying. These are usually measured in litres. 

Best of the Rest

Sale
Ryobi OLM1833B 18V ONE+ Cordless 33cm Lawnmower (Body Only), Anthracite/Green
  • 33cm (13”) cutting path designed for easy manoeuvrability around the garden
  • Cordless Battery convenience - no potentially dangerous mains cable or messy petrol
  • Mow right to the perimeter with easy edge grass Comb feature – no need to finish it off with a grass trimmer
  • 5-Levels of cutting height (25-65mm) and 3-position telescopic handle
  • Part of the Ryobi one+ system – over 100 tools powered by one battery

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Mountfield 294340063/M13 Princess 34 Electric 4 Wheel Rear Roller Lawnmower, 1400 W
  • Hand propelled rear roller mains electric lawnmower for that striped effect finish
  • 35 litre grass collector with vision window
  • Mulching plug Included
  • Integral rear roller and front anti-scalping plate
  • Ideal for lawns up to 10 metre by 10 metre

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Sale
Einhell Power X-Change 36/43 Cordless Lawnmower With Battery (x2) and Charger (x2) - 36V, 43cm Cutting Width, 63L Grass Box, 6 Cutting Heights, Mulching - GE-CM 43 Li M Battery Lawn Mower
  • Cordless freedom for large surfaces and angled corners in the garden
  • Low weight, easy handling and perfect ergonomics by a height-adjustable handlebar
  • Universal Power X-Change system battery for numerous electric and garden tools
  • Lawn-protecting high wheels and 6-fold central cutting height adjustment
  • Space-saving storage by a foldable handlebar with quick release

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

What warranty will I get with a mulching lawnmower? 

Warranties tend to vary depending on whether you are looking for an electric or a petrol mulching lawnmower. Some have warranties as little as 2 years whereas others have warranties up to 5 years. We found that 3 years tends to be the most common. Make sure to check the terms of the warranty as different parts often have different types of warranties. 

How do I maintain a mulching lawnmower?

It is important that mulching lawnmowers are well maintained if you are wanting them to last. The main thing that you need to do is ensure that you remove all grass cuttings and “mulch” from the blades and desk after use. Failing to do this can result in the parts becoming stiff or starting to rust. This can be done by wiping down or some even have an option to be cleaned through with a hose. You also need to make sure to oil the moving parts of your mulching lawnmower occasionally. Remember that a petrol mulching lawnmower is going to take more maintenance than its electric counterpart. 

What benefits come from using a mulching lawnmower?

A mulching lawnmower is going to use all the grass cuttings to essentially create a fertiliser which will be sprayed straight back onto your lawn. This will help with the quality of your grass, its thickness, length and the colour – all of which come together to create a perfectly vibrant, healthy lawn! You also have the benefit of not having to dispose of your grass cuttings either in your recycling bin or on a compost heap.

Can you turn a normal lawnmower into a mulching lawnmower?

There are a number of lawnmowers that you will be able to adapt to become mulching lawnmowers if you purchase a mulching blade – you will just need to make sure that the blade it going to be compatible and fit securely. The only factors to consider is that they aren’t going to be as effective as a true mulching mower and won’t come with the additional features such as side discharge.

  • Performance
  • Features
  • Ergonomics
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About Thomas Paxton 368 Articles
Hey there, I'm Thomas Paxton, your Tool Guru with a Twist! I've been knee-deep in the world of tools since I was a little tinkerer in my dad's shed. Now, I'm running my own website where I share my passion for tools and gardening products through buyers guides and insightful tips. I've got the knowledge and experience to break down complex concepts into simple, easy-to-understand language. I purchased Tools Review from Mike Jones at the start of 2023, he has done a sterling job of building the site and I hope I can continue in his success! When I'm not writing guides, you'll find me in my garden or garage, putting my skills to work and pushing the boundaries of creativity. So, whether you're a pro or just starting out, join me on this adventure, and let's conquer DIY projects together!

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