Grass Mulching Explained
As you may already know grass mulching is highly beneficial for your lawn, not only providing health benefits, but it saves time, money and is environmentally friendly. In this article we take a look at Electric Grass Mulching Mowers to see if they are a genuine and effective option for mulching your grass cuttings.
The process of mulching is relatively simple, instead of collecting the grass cuttings or using the side discharge chute, the specifically designed blade cuts the clippings into tiny pieces before allowing them to drop down towards your soil where they decompose rapidly.
This process is called grass mulching and is highly beneficial as it improves the quality of your soil and health of your grass, resulting is much greener, thicker and healthier lawn for you and your family to enjoy.
You Will Need A Suitable Grass Mulching Mower
Grass mulching can only be achieved with a mower specially designed for this purpose. You can either have a dedicated mulching mower or a mower with multiple mowing options including mulching. These mowers are available in different power sources including electric, gas or cordless.
Robotic mowers are by nature designed to mulch your grass cuttings too and are suitable for homeowners who like to set the mower up initially and then sit back and relax while the mower does all the mowing for them.
Best Corded Grass Mulching Mowers
Electric mowers are the lightest models on the market compared to their gas or cordless counterparts. In terms of maintenance, they compare favorably too, as there is no oil and spark plugs that need to be replaced, no batteries that need to be charged before you can go out into your yard and start mowing the lawn.
Electric mowers, in general, are lighter, more compact and have folding handles for easy storage.
In terms of cost they are very reasonably priced compared to gas and cordless mulching mowers, but also provide outstanding results.
With electric mowers, when plugged in they start first time every time, making them very easy to use and reliable. As they have a cord, they are suitable for small to medium lawns.
To some extent, some will class manual push reel mowers as mulching mowers. This is because they will normally have five or six blades that do indeed cut the clippings much finer than your average rotary mower.
Best Electric Mulching Lawn Mower
Select your requirements by ticking the applicable check box below to short list the perfect Electric Mulching Lawn Mower.
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Features:
✅ Larger Rear Wheels
Cutting Functions:
Summary
Main Features
- 13 amp motor
- 20 inch cutting deck
- 3 in 1 mowing functions
- 6 cutting heights
- Hybrid grass bag
- Lightweight at just 20.83lbs
- 3 year warranty
Power System
If you thought that only gas powered lawn mowers were any good for thicker, dense grass then think again. The Craftsman CMEMW213 comes with a 13 amp motor that delivers more than enough get up and go to get the job done.
This is a corded electric lawn mower but one of the things that really lets it down, in my opinion, is that you have to buy the power cord separately. I mean, this will involve additional costs but I guess you do have the option to choose a longer or shorter cord according to your needs.
Conclusion
The Craftsman CMEMW213 has really surprised me and in a very good way. It's a robust and extremely well made piece of equipment that will plow through dense grass with minimal effort. It’s also one of the more versatile electric lawn mowers with three mowing functions and a good range of cutting heights to choose from.
If you want something that’ll meet the ever changing needs of your yard then the Craftsman CMEMW213 should be a serious contender.
Pros and Cons
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Features:
✅ Larger Rear Wheels
Cutting Functions:
Summary
Key Features
- Lawn Size: Small — Medium
- Power: 12-Amp Motor
- Deck Size: 20 Inch
- Number of Cutting Heights: 7 (1 1/2 inch to 3 3/4 inch)
- Weight: 56 Pounds
Practicalities
The Greenworks 20-Inch 25022 uses a powerful 12-amp electric motor. This is a large motor, it needs to be to spin the longer blade. And the power helps the mower to get through think grass, as long as the blade is kept sharp and free from debris.
This is a 3-1 mower, and in addition to being able to collect grass or send it to the side, it will also mulch.
Conclusion
The 25022 is an excellent choice for a small to medium sized lawn. It is quiet and has enough power and cutting heights to cope with most grass types. It has fantastic 3-in-1 cutting options of grass disposal making this mower a flexible and adaptable to your needs.
Greenworks continue to provide high quality and innovative garden tools at very competitive prices to the US market.
Pros and Cons
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Features:
✅ Larger Rear Wheels
Cutting Functions:
Summary
Key Features
- Lawn Size: Small to Medium
- Power: 12-Amp Motor
- Deck Size: 20 Inch
- Number of cutting heights: 7 (1 1/2 in to 4 in)
- Weight: 50 Pounds
Practicalities
A 12-amp motor powers the blade — this is a push mower, so it has one job to do, cut the grass quickly and efficiently. The 12-amps is a powerful motor to spin its large blade, and will have no trouble cutting tall or thick grass.
If you do not want to collect the grass — one of the functions of the blade is mulching. The mulching plug comes with this mower and will chop the clippings into fine pieces and spread them over the lawn on the journey. The mower can also discharge the cut grass through a side chute, onto the lawn, for later collection.
Conclusion
This corded lawn mower ticks all the boxes for ability and deck size. The machine offers 3 ways to dispose of the grass, a range of cutting heights, and a solid steel deck for safety. Large wheels at the rear give the machine stability, and a single lever to control them is a safe method.
The big issue with all these functions is the weight. So, if you can afford the space in your garage to have it sit on the floor, then this mower is a good fit. If you want a machine you can store on the top shelf during the winter months, then look to a model with a plastic deck.
Pros and Cons
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Features:
✅ Larger Rear Wheels
Cutting Functions:
Summary
Key Features
- Lawn Size: Medium to Large
- Power: 13-Amp Motor
- Deck Size: 20 Inch
- Number of cutting heights: 7 (11/2 inch to 4 inch)
- Weight: 46.2 Pounds
Practicalities
This BLACK+DECKER mower has both the ability to mulch and side discharge as well as collect the grass cutting, giving you flexibility to adapt to the changing seasons and lawn conditions. There are many benefits to mulching your lawn as it acts as natural fertiliser, making your lawn thicker, greener and healthier.
Conclusion
Absolutely, This BLACK+DECKER Lawn Mower, Corded, 13-Amp, 20-Inch (MM2000) is genuine contender and a competes well with its competitors. The motor and blade are both high quality and of decent size to get through a medium-sized lawn with no issues. It is a little on the heavy side, but that is due to the extras such as a clippings bag, side discharging unit, and mulcher.
You will not be disappointed with this mower.
Pros and Cons
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Summary
Key Features
- 9 Amp Motor
- Good Sized 14 inch Deck
- Number of Cutting Heights: 5 (5/8 inch to 2 5/8 inch)
- Weight: 33.3 Pounds
Practicalities
A great feature about this mower is the option to mulch the grass cuttings.
There is a single lever at the front-left wheel of the mower to control the height of the deck from the grass. This ratchet-style lever controls the height of all wheels at the same time with 5 positions. The height ranges from 5/8 inches all the way up to a modest 2 5/8 inches.
Conclusion
For the size and weight of the machine and considering the efficiency of the electric motor, this is enough to do what you want. Greenworks use good steel blades that will not give you any issue, and they are not expensive to replace when they wear out.
The motor is powerful enough for a small yard, and that is the audience this mower caters for. A 9 amp motor is also going to be a lot quieter, and when it comes to motors, you get what you need.
Pros and Cons
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Summary
Key Features
- Lawn Size: Small - Medium
- Power: 12-Amp Motor
- Deck Size: 18 Inch
- Number of Cutting Heights: 7 (1 3/4 in to 3 3/4 in)
- Weight: 46 Pounds
Practicalities
The Greenworks’ 18 inch 25012 is a mulching mower and does not have a grass box. This mower is for people that do not want to be running back and forth to empty a grass bag all the time. The mulching blade works well, and it cuts the clippings into fine pieces that will help to fertilize the lawn.
An 18 inch deck is not the biggest that you will find among the lines of corded lawnmowers, but it is more than enough for a small to medium sized yard.
Conclusion
There is a good balance between the motor size and blade size, which makes a much more efficient and durable mower. The deck is strong, and the lack of a grass clippings bag is an acceptable plus. And the reduction in functions means that there is less to go wrong with it.
If you do not care about collecting all the grass clippings and having a perfect lawn, then yes. The mulching cuts the grass up so fine that there is not much left to collect, and it will also save on the fertilizer that you need to buy.
Pros and Cons
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Features:
✅ Grass Box Full Indicator
✅ Larger Rear Wheels
Cutting Functions:
Summary
Key Features
- Lawn Size: Small - Medium
- Power: 12-Amp Motor
- Deck Size: 17 Inch
- Number of cutting heights: 7 (0.98" to 2.87")
- Weight: 31 Pounds
Practicalities
A 13-amp motor is big for a 17 inch blade, so there is little in the way of the blade slowing when it hits a clump of grass. The machine is a good weight that keeps it planted on the ground, without being hard to push. And the mulching blade does a respectable job of cutting grass into fine pieces - very beneficial for the health of your lawn.
There are 7 height levels to choose from on this Sun Joe MJ403E that range from 0.98 inches and increment up to 2.78 inches.
Conclusion
The Sun Joe MJ403E Mow Joe 17-Inch is a good all-round machine that will do everything you could want from a small lawn mower. It mulches and collects the grass. The machine is inexpensive and easy to store. And there is enough power in the motor to get through a neglected lawn with ease.
There is no wonder that this mower is one of the best-selling budget electric corded mower on the US market today.
Pros and Cons
Features:
Cutting Functions:
Features:
✅ Grass Box Full Indicator
✅ Larger Rear Wheels
Cutting Functions:
Summary
Key Features
- Powerful 11-Amp motor
- Large 14" cutting width
- 5 position height adjustment from 1" to 2.5"
- 2-in-1 rear discharge/bag and mulching
- 16 Gallon grass bag with grass level indicator
Practicalities
This American Lawn Mower Company 50514 is light and compact corded electric lawn mower punches way above its weight class. Despite being only 25.5 pounds it is extremely tough and durable. This makes it easy to operate and a breeze to move around the yard.
It was designed not only for performance but also for comfort. The handles are ergonomically designed with a cushion grip for comfort and ease of use.
Conclusion
Unless you have a larger yard this is a great option. It is super affordable and gets the job done quickly and effectively. It comes highly recommended by many happy customers.
Feature-wise it has everything you need for smaller yards and it is comfortable and easy to use. For the price, you will get a decent lawn mower that will make keeping your yard neat and tidy a breeze.
Pros and Cons
Consider Other Product Features Of Your Electric Mulching Mower
Whatever type of mulching mower you decide to purchase ensure that you consider other product features too to ensure suitable match with your needs and expectations.
Size Of Your Lawn / Deck Size
Electric mulching mowers are designed for small to medium yards. If you have a large yard, then a gas mower will be better suited due to the power and lack of cord restricting your range and movement. The larger the yard the larger the mower’s deck size will need to be, ensuring that you cut more grass in a single pass. With smaller decks they are easier to navigate into tight areas and maneuver round flower beds and obstacles.
Mowing Features
Consider what other types of mowing features you need your mulching mower to have. For example, if the grass is damp or you have weeds in your lawn it would be a good idea to cut & collect until the issue is resolved to prevent it from spreading. Some homeowners may also need side or rear discharge.
If you decide to purchase a multi-functional mulching mower, with the ability to cut & collect too, you may want to have a grass box full indicator that lets you know when the box needs emptying – taking the guesswork out of the process.
Cutting Heights
Some electric mowers have as little as 3 cutting heights options, increasing to around 7+. Again, depending on your requirements, this is an area that should be considered, but around 5 to 7 cutting heights from 1 inch to around 3 inches is the most popular option.
With cutting heights consider if there is a single lever changing all 4 wheels at the same time, of if you have to adjust each wheel independently.
In addition, some electric mowers have a larger rear wheel to assist with better lawn grip and stability.
Storage
Most electric mulching mowers are lightweight and have folding handles for easy and compact storage, so this is not an area you should be concerned about.
With a mesh grass catcher bag, the storage will again be reduced compared to a plastic catcher bag, so depending on your situation may be something you want to consider. Just remember, mesh grass catcher bags are more prone to damage.
Who Is Grass Mulching Suitable For?
Grass mulching mowers really work effectively, but they have to be used under the right circumstances. What does this mean? Do not mulch your grass if it is too long, wet or neglected as successful mulching process requires a regular lawn maintenance schedule to be followed. If you prefer to mow your lawn once per month or only when necessary, then possibly grass mulching is not the right option for you.
Grass mulching is suitable for people who want their lawn to be healthy, green, thick with reduced weeds and disease.
It is suitable for homeowners who like multiple options of cutting their lawn, to ensure they can use the right option in the right situation depending on the changing seasons and condition of their lawn.
Furthermore, grass mulching is suitable for people who are aware of the environmental benefits and want to reduce their carbon footprint.
Conclusion
It is a general misconception that mulched grass cutting will cause mess on your lawn. As the cuttings are cut so finely and decompose rapidly, it is not something you need to worry about.
With the mulching process you will no longer need to collect the grass clippings and keep stopping to empty the catcher bag. It is likely to save you about 30% of your mowing time. How would you not like to achieve great results in a fraction of the time?
Electric grass mulching mowers provide outstanding results, as they organically fertilize your lawn and provide essential nutrients. The lawn will be healthier, greener with less weeds and lawn disease.
Electric grass mulching mowers are suitable for small to medium lawns, are easy to use, reliable and very reasonable in terms of cost when compared to their gas or cordless counterparts.
Some will say that gas mulching mowers are better suited due to increased power, however as mentioned above to achieve the best mulching benefits you will need to be cutting your lawn on a regular basis. With this in mind, your electric mulching mower will never be required to deal with long, thick and more challenging grass. Therefore, this makes the electric mulching mowers ideal for this purpose and well worth your consideration.
If you have any questions, please use the comment’s box below. If you are still not sure about the best mower for you and your yard, why not use my easy-to-use tool that will select and recommend your perfect mower in seconds based on your requirements. Click on the image link below –
