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Grass is not the only thing residing on your lawn. Most lawns are full of old leaves which have been there for months. This becomes even more apparent during the autumn when leaves start falling from trees.
Even if you don’t have trees in your backyard, it’s not uncommon for leaves to get blown on your lawn by the wind.
When this happens, you could bag them and call it a day. However, there’s a better way to tackle this problem. You can use a lawnmower with mulching capabilities to cut up leaves and distribute them throughout your backyard.
I know what you’re thinking…
“Why would I want to cover my lawn in leaves?”
Good question! The answer? Because it provides your lawn with essential nutrients, minimizing the need to fertilize the grass.
In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 best lawnmowers for mulching leaves. My top pick is the Black + Decker Lawn Mower. It’s perfect for mulching leaves and has a wide cutting deck, helping you get the job done faster.
The 5 Best Lawn Mowers For Mulching Leaves
1.BLACK+DECKER Lawn Mower (Best Corded)
- CORDED – Corded design offers unlimited runtime for even the biggest jobs.
- POWERFUL ELECTRIC MOTOR – 13 Amp motor supplies ample power for cutting through thick grass and overgrowth.
- TOOL-FREE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT – A single lever adjusts the mower deck’s 7-setting cutting height between 1-1/2 in. to 4 in.
The Black + Decker Lawn Mower is corded, so you can mow for a long duration. The problem? The lead can only reach a certain distance unless you have an extension lead, which is what I recommend.
On a more positive note, you can choose between mulching, side discharge, or using the grass catcher. The mulching capabilities work great; however, make sure the leaves are dry!
There are 4 cutting heights ranging from 1.5-4”. This means you can get the perfect cut every time. After all, not everybody wants their grass to be short, right?
In addition, the cutting deck is on the larger side at 20”. This means you can spend less time cutting the lawn and more time doing the things you love. The cutting deck also spreads the full width of the mower, saving time when trimming the edges.
My only fault with this mower is it’s not great for overgrown grass. At times, it can get stuck and lose power. With that being said, It’s perfect for people who have less ‘dense’ grass.
What I Like…
- Unlimited duration
- Mulching, side discharge, and bag
- 1.5-4” cutting heights
- Wide cutting deck
- Lightweight design
What I Don’t Like…
- Need an extension lead for long distances
- Loses power with overgrown grass
Best Feature: Full-Width Cutting Deck
2.Craftsman M105 (Best Gas-Powered)
- 140cc OHV gas powered engine: Engine comes equipped with recoil and auto choke. No more fussing with a primer or choke - just pull to start!.Clipping Collection: Rear bag collects grass clippings for easy cleanup or composting.
- 3-In-1 capabilities: unit has side discharge, rear discharge, and mulching capabilities.
- 21-INCH CUTTING DECK: Efficient cutting deck helps trim grass in one quick pass for an easier yard job.
If you want to step things up a notch, the Craftsman M105 is great. Unlike the Black+Decker mower, this one can overcome dense and overgrown grass thanks to the powerful 140cc engine.
You can choose between side discharge, mulching, or the grass bag.
In addition, you get a 21” cutting deck, so you don’t have to make as many passes to get the perfect lawn. Although, I wouldn’t recommend this size mower for commercial purposes unless you’ve got lots of time on your hands.
It arrives in a small box and is easy to assemble. You can follow the easy-to-understand instructions. And the best thing? It comes with free oil.
When you start this bad boy up, you’ll notice how easy it is to maneuver. That’s because of the lightweight, yet durable, design. It also starts on the first pull, saving you heaps of time and energy.
Although you won’t waste energy pulling the starter cord multiple times, it’s not self-propelled. That means it needs to be pushed manually, which isn’t ideal for the elderly.
What I Like…
- Great for overgrown grass
- Mulches leaves effortlessly
- Save time with a large cutting deck
- Easy to assemble
- Great maneuverability
What I Don’t Like…
- Not self-propelled
- Not best for commercial use
Best Feature: Ease Of Use
3.Greenworks 21-Inch Electric Lawn Mower (Best Electric)
- 13 Amp Electric Motor delivers enough power to cut through the toughest grass
- Durable steel 21-Inch cutting deck gets the job done quicker and more efficiently
- 3-in-1 feature provides multiple options for grass clippings from rear bagging, side discharge and mulching capabilities for versatile needs
Gas lawnmowers are good if you’re primarily focused on power, but electric alternatives are also great.
Similar to the Black + Decker Mower, the Greenworks Lawn mower boasts 13 amps of power. However, it’s battery-powered, rather than cordless. This means you don’t have to be connected to a power source all the time.
It has rear bagging, side discharge, and mulching capabilities. With the Greenworks Lawn Mower, you won’t have any problems mulching leaves.
Although, you won’t get as much cutting height as the Black + Decker Mower. This mower ranges from 1.5-3 ¾ inches. However, it’s better prepared to cut overgrown grass and doesn’t stall.
Furthermore, if a quiet mower is something you need, you won’t be disappointed. Combine that with easy maintenance and you’ve got a recipe for success!
The only downside is the battery life. It doesn’t last longer than 25 minutes, which becomes a problem with larger lawns.
What I Like…
- Battery-powered
- Great mulching capabilities
- Works great on overgrown grass
- Quiet
- Easy to maintain
What I Don’t Like…
- Short battery life
- Batteries take 2 hours to charge
Best Feature: Battery Powered
4.Honda HRX217K5VKA (Most Powerful)
If power is a priority, the Honda HRX217K5VKA is a great mower. It has a 187cc engine that puts other mowers to shame.
In addition, it’s self-propelled with variable speed control. This means you can adjust the speed depending on your walking pace, which is great for seniors. It can be adjusted between 0-4mph.
This mower also uses two blades. This makes for ultra-fine clippings that work great for mulching. In addition, they provide a sharper and more healthy cut, enhancing the look and feel of your lawn.
And the best part? There is a specific function for leaf shredding. You can also use the grass catcher or side discharge. Want to mix things up? Why not combine mulching and bagging?
In terms of downsides, it’s a little on the heavier side. Before you purchase, make sure you can easily transport it to and from your garage.
What I Like…
- Very powerful engine
- Self-propelled
- Variable speed control (0-4mph)
- 2 Sharp blades
- Grass catcher
What I Don’t Like…
- Heavy
- Difficult to adjust the wheels
Best Feature: Built-in Leaf Shredder
5.EGO Power+ LM2142SP (Best Self-Propelled)
- PeakPower technology allows for combined power of any 2 EGO ARC Lithium batteries.Weather Resistant Construction
- Up to 80 minutes of run time on single charge with two included 56V 5. 0 Ah ARC Lithium batteries
- High-efficiency brushless motor
The Ego Power LM2142SP is a battery-powered mower that’s perfect for mulching leaves. Unlike the Greenworks Electric Mower, it’s not going to run out of battery every 20 minutes. With this one, you get a whopping 80 minutes of total run time.
That’s why I recommend it for people with larger lawns.
In addition, the quiet engine and bright LED headlights help you mow the lawn in the morning without waking the neighbors.
Similar to the Honda HRX217K5VKA, it’s self-propelled. You can adjust the speed between 0.9-3.9mph, matching your walking pace.
In addition, mulching leaves is no problem for this mower. You can also use the side discharge or bagging for future cuts.
The 21” deck means you can cut your grass in a timely manner without the need for too many passes.
What I Like…
- Battery-powered
- 80 minutes run time
- Quiet Engine
- Built-in LED headlights
- Self-propelled with variable speed
What I Don’t Like…
- The handle can be too long for some people
- No battery life indicator
Best Feature: LED Headlights
How To Choose The Best Mower For Mulching Leaves
Mulching Capabilities
Before you start spending your hard-earned cash on a lawn mower, it’s important to do your research. Some basic mowers don’t offer mulching capabilities, so it’s important to check beforehand.
Gas VS Electric
When it comes to lawn mowers, your choices are limited between gas and electric. Most people are familiar with gas mowers, so they stick with what they know. I must admit, they are more powerful.
However, electric mowers also come with some advantages. For example, they require less maintenance and save you money over the long term.
Cutting Width
The required cutting width of a lawn mower is different for everyone. It refers to the amount of grass being cut. Lawn mowers with larger cutting decks save you time, making them best for larger lawns.
Smaller cutting decks take longer. Although, they are still great for smaller lawns. For residential use, I recommend a cutting deck between 17-21 inches.
Height Adjustment
Height adjustments are essential if you want a good lawnmower. Without, them your lawn may end up damaged. You see, most people cut their grass too short. This can result in the grass crowns becoming damaged.
As a result, there’s more chance of disease, weeds, and insect damage. Your lawn may look great for a while with short mowing, but not for long!
Self-Propelled VS Manual
Self-propelled mowers are what most people prefer. They make the mowing experience a whole lot easier. Rather than pushing manually, they move your mowers forward automatically.
Not only does this save you time, but also energy. Self-propelled lawnmowers work best for elderly people who are lacking in strength. However, make sure you get one with variable speed control, otherwise, it could move too fast.
Final Verdict
Mulching leaves is great for your lawn. It helps provide essential nutrients and keeps everything looking healthy. However, you need a lawnmower that can get the job done, right!?
After countless hours of research, I found the Black + Decker Lawn Mower to be the most viable option. It’s got multiple cutting heights, a large deck, and a lightweight design. The problem? It’s corded!
If cordless doesn’t work for you, I recommend the Craftsman M105. It’s gas-powered and offers a substantial amount of power.