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8 Best 21 Inch Lawn Mower Blades for 2026

Nothing drags down a Saturday yard session faster than a dull blade tugging at grass instead of slicing it. Torn tips brown within days, the mower strains, and you end up doubling your passes. I pulled together eight replacement options covering the most common 21 inch residential decks so you can match a blade to your mower and get back to clean, even cutting.

The Shortlist At A Glance

PickWhy We Picked ItBest ForAction
GICOOL 942-0741A 21 Inch Mulching Blade for Troy-Bilt MTD
Editor’s Choice

GICOOL 942-0741A 21 Inch Mulching Blade for Troy-Bilt MTD

Wide Troy-Bilt and MTD compatibility
Troy-Bilt walk-behind owners
Bularie Microcut High Lift Twin Blade Set for Honda
Premium Pick

Bularie Microcut High Lift Twin Blade Set for Honda

Twin-blade microcut system
Honda HRX-series owners
GICOOL 942-0741A Mulching Mower Blade, Fits 21' MTD/Troy-Bilt Mower, 1 PK
Budget Friendly

GICOOL 942-0741A Replacement Blade for Troy-Bilt MTD

Single-blade value option
Single Troy-Bilt blade swaps
Oregon 6 Pack 91-628 Super High Lift Blade Fits Scag A48304 48304 481712 61'
Heavy Duty Pick

Oregon 91-628 Super High Lift Blade 6-Pack for Scag

Six-blade commercial pack
Scag 61-inch commercial decks
EGO POWER+ 21' Blade for Electric Lawn Mowers LM2101/LM2100/LM2102SP/LM2100SP/LM2142SP - AB2100
Top Pick

EGO POWER+ 21-Inch Replacement Blade AB2100

Three-in-one cutting flexibility
EGO 21-inch cordless owners
GICOOL 406712 Mulching Blade with 5/8'' Circle Mounting Pattern for 21'' Deck Push Lawn Mower Craftsman Husqvarna 532406
Well Rounded Pick

GICOOL 406712 Mulching Blade for Craftsman Husqvarna

Broad AYP platform coverage
Craftsman and Husqvarna owners
GICOOL 1-Pack 21' Lawn Mower Blade, Compatible with Greenworks 21' Deck Mower, Replaces Models MO40L03, MO48L4422, MO40L
Helpful Choice

GICOOL 21-Inch Replacement Blade for Greenworks

Direct Greenworks fitment
Greenworks 60V and 80V owners
GICOOL 21-Inch High Lift Blade for EGO LM2114
Capable Companion

GICOOL 21-Inch High Lift Blade for EGO LM2114

High-lift airfoil profile
EGO bagging-focused users

The Strengths Of Each Pick

Troy-Bilt walk-behinds from the TB series through the SC-series self-propelled models all share the same 21-inch cutting shell, and this GICOOL blade is engineered to drop into that ecosystem without modification. I think of it as the safe default for someone who knows their model number but wants to avoid guessing on OEM cross-references.

Mulching-focused teeth along the trailing edge recirculate clippings back through the deck a second time, which trims them small enough to disappear into the turf. For most backyards, that translates into fewer bag-emptying stops and a cleaner cut on cool-season grasses that thrive on returning organic matter.

Good Reasons To Consider

  • Cross-references a long list of MTD, Cub Cadet, and Troy-Bilt OEM numbers, so one listing covers several model years.
  • Mulching geometry suits homeowners who skip bagging during peak growth weeks.
  • Standard 21-inch length lands squarely in the residential sweet spot for suburban lots.
  • Single-blade pack keeps storage simple in a small garage or shed.

Things To Consider

  • You must confirm your deck’s center hole pattern matches before swapping, since Troy-Bilt used both star and circle mounts across years.
  • Mulching blades demand sharper edges to feed clippings cleanly, so blade-balancing after sharpening is wise.

Key Specs

FeatureSpecificationWhy It Matters
Blade length21 inchesMatches Troy-Bilt and MTD residential decks.
Replacement OEM cross-reference942-0741A, 942-0741, 742-0741A, 742-04276 seriesBroadens fitment across model years.
Blade styleMulchingRecirculates clippings for finer debris breakdown.

Made For

Troy-Bilt and MTD walk-behind owners who want a drop-in replacement without cross-shopping half a dozen listings.

Consider Something Else When

Honda HRX owners should step up to the Bularie Microcut twin-blade set, which is shaped for that deck’s proprietary microcut system.

Honda’s HRX-series mowers run a stacked twin-blade design, and most generic replacements on the market only sell the lower blade. This Bularie set ships both the upper and lower microcut blades together, which is the real reason it earns a premium slot. You get the complete cutting system Honda intended, not a half-fix.

Each blade carries a high-lift airfoil on the back curve, which generates stronger suction inside the deck. In practical terms, that helps clippings stand up before the second blade catches them, producing a noticeably finer mulched particle than the single-blade GICOOL option above.

Notable Upsides

  • Includes both upper and lower blades for a true Honda-spec swap.
  • High-lift geometry stands grass upright for cleaner cuts on thicker turf.
  • Microcut teeth break clippings into pieces small enough to feed the lawn.
  • Covers HRB, HRR, HRS, HRT, and HRM Honda families in one listing.

Trade Offs

  • Two blades mean more weight and a slightly steeper learning curve when reinstalling.
  • Only suits HRX-style decks with the stacked-blade pattern, not standard single-blade Hondas.
  • Higher tier usually carries a higher cost than a single-blade replacement.

Feature Snapshot

FeatureSpecificationWhy It Matters
Upper blade OEM cross72531-VR8-M00Matches Honda HRX upper-blade spec.
Lower blade OEM cross72511-VR8-M00Matches Honda HRX lower-blade spec.
ConfigurationTwin microcut bladesReplicates Honda’s factory cutting system.
Blade profileHigh liftImproves airflow for bagging and mulching.

Right Fit For

Honda HRX-series owners who want to preserve the microcut cut quality and aren’t willing to compromise with a single-blade workaround.

A Better Fit Elsewhere

EGO 21-inch cordless mower owners get a better match with the EGO POWER+ AB2100, which carries the same three-in-one flexibility for battery platforms.

This GICOOL listing is essentially a pared-down version of Pick 1, sharing the same 942-0741A core but packaged as a single blade at a lower entry tier. For someone who only needs one replacement and wants to keep the cost minimal, it’s the straightforward path.

It still taps into the same Troy-Bilt TB 105 through TB 240 family covered by its sibling. The trade-off is the same mulching-focused cutting edge, so the maintenance rhythm (sharpen once or twice a season) carries over.

Bright Spots

  • Lower cost of entry for a single Troy-Bilt or MTD blade swap.
  • Cross-references a wide spread of OEM numbers including CMXGZAM100067 for Craftsman.
  • Compact single-blade packaging suits a small storage shelf.

Honest Caveats

  • You won’t get a backup blade in the box, so a second purchase is on you if you want a spare.
  • Same center-hole verification step as Pick 1, since the OEM spec wasn’t uniform.

Best Suited To

Owners of a single Troy-Bilt TB-series mower who need one quality replacement and don’t want to pay for extras.

Look Elsewhere When

Honda HRX owners should reach for the Bularie Microcut twin-blade set above, which is the only option here that fits Honda’s stacked deck.

Oregon built this pack for Scag commercial mowers with a 61-inch fabricated deck. Three blades per spindle mount, and the pack of six covers a two-spare rotation. Each individual blade runs 21 inches long, but the deck cuts a much wider swath because three blades spin in sequence.

The super high-lift profile produces strong deck vacuum, which lifts grass blades before the cut and pushes clippings cleanly into a bagging system. Landscapers running property-maintenance routes rely on this airflow to keep bagging consistent across long shifts.

Strong Points

  • Six-blade count covers a full rotation plus spares for a high-use schedule.
  • Super high-lift design handles dense turf and tall grass without bogging.
  • Oregon’s reputation for commercial-grade steel gives this pack serious longevity.
  • Direct Scag A48304, 48304, and 481712 cross-reference simplifies sourcing.

Points To Note

  • Wrong fit entirely for residential 21-inch walk-behinds, since this is built for a 61-inch deck.
  • Heavier steel profile increases spindle load, so worn spindles may need replacement sooner.

Quick Facts

FeatureSpecificationWhy It Matters
Blade length21 inchesStandard Scag commercial sizing.
Center hole5/8 inchMatches Scag spindle pattern.
Width3 inchesWider profile lifts more material per pass.
Thickness0.203 inchHeavy steel for commercial duty cycles.
Pack count6 bladesCovers full deck plus rotation spares.

Who It Suits Best

Commercial landscapers and acreage owners running a Scag 61-inch zero-turn who need a long-term rotation supply.

Skip It When

Anyone with a residential 21-inch walk-behind should stay with the GICOOL or EGO single-blade options instead.

Cordless mower owners live in a different ecosystem, and EGO’s AB2100 replacement is built for their specific 21-inch deck shell. The factory sharpening, combined with EGO’s battery-friendly steel spec, keeps the deck from draining extra amps on every pass.

The blade supports mulching, bagging, and side discharge without an accessory swap, which is rare for a single-edge design. That three-in-one flexibility matters during fall leaf cleanup, when switching between mulching leaves and bagging grass is a weekly rhythm.

Positive Takeaways

  • Three-in-one design handles mulching, bagging, and side discharge from a single blade.
  • Covers LM2100, LM2101, LM2100SP, LM2102SP, and LM2142SP models in one part number.
  • Factory sharpening cuts setup time after unboxing.
  • Battery-friendly steel keeps motor draw efficient during longer mow sessions.

Worth Noting

  • Strictly for EGO 21-inch cordless mowers, with no fitment for gas or other electric brands.
  • Battery platform benefits fade if you swap to a non-EGO cordless unit down the road.

At A Glance

FeatureSpecificationWhy It Matters
Compatible modelsLM2100, LM2101, LM2100SP, LM2102SP, LM2142SPCovers most 21-inch EGO mowers.
Cutting functionsMulching, bagging, side dischargeOne blade handles three modes.
OEM part referenceAB2100Matches factory spec.

Built With In Mind

EGO POWER+ 21-inch cordless mower owners who want a direct OEM replacement without cross-brand guesswork.

Reach For A Different Pick When

Gas walk-behind owners running a Craftsman or Husqvarna should pick the GICOOL 406712 mulching blade, which covers that AYP-based family.

AYP-built walk-behinds (Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan, and several private-label store brands) share a common 21-inch deck platform, and this GICOOL blade covers that whole family. A 5/8-inch circle center hole is the typical mount for these decks, which keeps installation straightforward once you confirm the spec.

Mulching geometry circulates clippings for a finer result, useful in cooler months when grass grows slowly and you want to return organic matter without smothering the lawn. I think of this as the sensible choice for the most common residential gas mower still in service today.

Useful Strengths

  • Covers a long AYP OEM cross-reference including 406712, 165833, 175064, and 189028.
  • 5/8-inch round center hole fits the standard Craftsman and Husqvarna mount.
  • Mulching teeth recycle clippings into the turf for richer soil over the season.
  • Works across walk-behind push and self-propelled models in the AYP family.

Practical Considerations

  • Older AYP decks occasionally run a star center hole, so verify before ordering.
  • Mulching performance dips if the blade dulls, so seasonal sharpening matters.

Perfect Match For

Homeowners with a Craftsman or Husqvarna walk-behind from the AYP era who want a reliable mulching replacement.

Another Choice May Suit

EGO cordless mower owners will get a cleaner fit with the EGO POWER+ AB2100 instead of forcing an AYP-shaped blade onto a battery platform.

Greenworks cordless mowers fill plenty of suburban garages, but OEM replacements can be a hassle to track down. This GICOOL blade cross-references the OEM numbers for the MO40L03, MO40L4413, and MO48L4422 family, plus a long list of 60V and 80V mower model numbers.

It’s a single-pack replacement with direct-fit geometry, which keeps the swap from turning into a parts scavenger hunt. For battery-platform owners, that simplicity is the real selling point.

Real Benefits

  • Wide Greenworks 60V and 80V compatibility across multiple model numbers.
  • Direct OEM replacement parts cross-referenced, including 333041179 and 2915502.
  • Single-blade pack keeps storage simple.

Some Limits To Know

  • Strictly for Greenworks mowers, with no fitment for other cordless brands.
  • Battery efficiency depends on keeping the edge sharp, since dull blades pull extra amps.

Whose Shelf It Belongs On

Greenworks 60V and 80V cordless mower owners who want a hassle-free direct-fit replacement.

Swap It Out When

Troy-Bilt gas owners get a more relevant fit from the GICOOL 942-0741A blade covered in Pick 1 above.

The EGO LM2114 is one of EGO’s higher-output 21-inch cordless mowers, and this GICOOL replacement targets it specifically with a high-lift profile. Compared to the OEM AB2100 covered earlier, the slightly taller airlift moves more air through the deck, which makes bagging noticeably more efficient.

The trade-off shows up in mulching performance, where the higher airflow can leave clippings less contained. Depending on your typical cutting mode, that may be exactly what you want or exactly the wrong direction.

Strengths Worth Knowing

  • 9/16-inch airlift delivers stronger deck vacuum for bagging efficiency.
  • Fits EGO LM2100, LM2101, LM2100SP, LM2102SP, and LM2142SP models.
  • Direct AB2101 cross-reference keeps the swap simple.
  • 2-in-1 design supports bagging and side-discharge modes.

Where It Is Less Suited

  • Mulching performance is weaker than the OEM AB2100 covered in Pick 5.
  • Air-lift geometry can increase motor load slightly on battery power.

Technical Sheet

FeatureSpecificationWhy It Matters
Length20-1/4 inches (514 mm)Matches EGO 21-inch deck shell.
Width2 inches (50 mm)Standard EGO replacement width.
Thickness1/8 inch (3 mm)OEM-spec steel gauge.
Center hole diameter11/16 inch (16.7 mm)Matches EGO spindle pattern.
Air lift9/16 inch (14.3 mm)Generates strong bagging airflow.

Who Should Grab It

EGO LM2114 owners who bag clippings most of the season and want stronger deck suction than the stock blade provides.

Where A Sibling Pick Shines

Anyone who mulches more than they bag should stick with the EGO POWER+ AB2100 above, since its three-mode design handles mulching better.

What To Weigh Before Swapping In New 21 Inch Lawn Mower Blades

A fresh blade is one of the cheapest ways to make an aging mower feel new again, but the wrong part wastes the swap. Start with the OEM number stamped on your existing blade, then match it against the listings above. Center hole shape and diameter (circle, star, or six-point) decide whether a blade drops in or sits loose on the spindle.

Deck size is the obvious filter, but blade profile changes the cut more than most shoppers expect. Mulching blades recycle clippings for a finer result on cool-season grass. High-lift blades push more air, which helps bagging in damp conditions. Standard blades sit in between, useful when you bag one week and mulch the next.

Cordless mowers complicate the picture. Battery amps drain faster on dull edges, so sharper factory-ground steel pays back through longer runtime. Stick with brand-matched replacements like the EGO or Greenworks options above rather than forcing a gas-deck blade onto a battery platform.

Finally, sharpen on a schedule rather than waiting for visible damage. A quick file pass once or twice a season keeps the cut clean and the mower strain low.

Key Considerations Across These Picks

Where Shoppers Go Wrong

The first slip is trusting a 21-inch label alone. Two decks with the same blade length can still use different center hole patterns, and forcing the wrong mount rounds out the spindle bolt or cracks the blade’s center boss. Always cross-check the OEM number printed on your current blade before ordering.

Another common miss is buying a heavy-duty steel blade for a cordless mower. The thicker profile pulls extra amps from the battery, cutting runtime noticeably. Cordless owners should stay with the OEM-spec gauge listed in the product details.

When Paying More Pays Off

Spending up earns its keep on twin-blade systems like the Honda HRX setup. A single-blade replacement on a stacked deck only fixes half the cut, and you’ll feel the difference every time you mow. For commercial Scag decks, the Oregon six-pack pays back through rotation: rotate fresh blades in while dull ones get sharpened, and the deck never sees a worn edge.

Bottom Line

The right 21 inch lawn mower blade comes down to your deck’s OEM spec and the cut quality you want, not a one-size-fits-all pick. Match the center hole, choose the profile that fits your mowing style, and sharpen on a rhythm that keeps the edge clean. From there, your mower handles the rest of the season without dragging down the lawn or your weekend.