Best high lift mower blades for John Deere – Top 7 reviews and buying guide

High lift mowers have become very popular because of their ability to efficiently cut long strands of grass, given that they are paired with a mower that has a strong engine. They also cut wet grass more efficiently because of their large-wind winged design that increases airflow preventing clogging. Finding the right high lift blade for your lawn mower can be a tasking experience, since it involves comparing your current mower model to the requirements of a high lift blade, then ensuring that you pick a blade model that can replace your existing blade. This review and buying guide is designed to give you all this information, in regard to some of the highest rated high lift blades, in addition to sharing a few tips on ensuring you settle on the best high lift blade for you.

Comparison table

Selected blade	Length	Blade hole	Width	Price
Stens 330-401	18.75 Inches	13/16 Inches (star)	2.5 Inches	Check Price
John Deere M127466	16 Inches	11/16 Inches (regular)	2.5 Inches	Check Price
Stens 330-150	17 Inches	7/8 inches (regular)	3 inches	Check Price
John Deere M145476	17 Inches	13/16 inch (regular)	2.5 Inches	Check Price
Stens 330-357	20.5 Inches	29/32 inches (regular)	2.5 Inches	Check Price
Rotary 6327	29.5 Inches	11/16 inches (regular)	2.5 Inches	Check Price
Stens 330-325	29.5 Inches	11/16 inches (regular)	2.5 Inches	Check Price

Stens 330-401 – Top 3 blade pack pick

This Stens 330-401 pack is the top 3 blade pack pick because of its affordability and versatility in fit, since it covers the John Deere and Scotts Mower models

Specs

• Length: 18.75 Inches
• Width: 2.5 Inches
• Centre hole: 13/16 inches
• Thickness: 0.203 inches
• 17 pt star blade hole
• Pack contains 3 blades

These genuine Stens replacement high lift blades are 18.75 inches long and 2.5 inches wide. They also have a 13/16 inch centre hole that is made in a 17-point star design. This unique hole design coupled with the length allow them to perfectly fit the M115496, M76467 and M135590 OEM John Deere Mower blades as well as the M135590 and M76467 Scotts Blades.

Despite being versatile in that it cuts across two mower brands, the replacement options for this blade is limited to only 5, which is very small compared to many replacement blades In  the market, which may replace a smaller number of blades but fit a large number of models. This is largely due to its specific length and 17-point star blade hole design. A potential buyer would have to be extremely sure of the model number before purchasing this pack.

Pros

• It is a three in one pack
• The pack is affordable
• The blades are of high quality
• The blades fit both John Deere and Scotts models of mowers

Cons

• They only replace 5 blade different model numbers

Verdict

This 3-blade pack would be ideal for a user seeking to replace the M115496, M76467 or M135590 OEM John Deere Mower blades or the M135590 and M76467 Scotts Blades.

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John Deere M127466 – Top short blade pick

This John Deere replacement blade is the shortest on this list at 16 inches.

Specs

• Length: 16 Inches
• Width: 2.5 Inches
• Centre hole: 11/16 inches (regular)
• Thickness: 0.197

This sten replacement high lift blade is 0.197 inches thick, 16 inches long and 2.5 inches wide with an 11/16 inch regular blade hole. This allows it to perfectly fit the John Deere Sabre 1546 and 1646 models together with the Scotts S2046 and 2546, 1999-2001 models. It can replace the OEM: Sabre M127466, John Deere M127466 and Scotts M127466, which cuts across three types of mower blades.

High lift blades are typically 0.203 inches thick, and this John Deere blade is advertised as such. However, on the ground, it is actually about 0.197 inches thick, which may cause it to become deformed or break when used in the intensity that is required for high lift blades.

Pros

• It is affordable
• It fits a wide variety of mower models
• The blades fit John Deere and Scotts models of mowers

Cons

• It is only 0.197 inches thick

Verdict

This blade would be great for a user either replacing a Sabre M127466, John Deere M127466 or Scotts M127466 as well as one who has theJohn Deere Sabre 1546 and 1646 models or the Scotts S2046 and 2546, 1999-2001 models, though the latter models require three blades.

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Stens 330-150 – Top 17 inch single blade pick

This Stens 330-150 high lift blade is the top 17 inch single blade pick because of its high quality and versatility in application.

Specs

• Length: 17 inches
• Width: 3 inches wide
• Centre hole: 7/8 inches (regular)
• Thickness: 0.25 inches

This high lift blade is 0.25 inches thick, 3 inches wide and 17 inches long with a 7/8 inch regular blade hole. Its dimensions allow it to replace OEM John Deere: TCU14939 and TCU30315. In addition to this, it can fit in 17 John Deere models which are; 7H19, F687, Z510A, Z645, Z810A, Z820A, 727, 727A, 7G18, 7H17, 657A, 667A, 717, 717A,Z830A, Z840A and Z850A. In addition to this, 3 such blades would be required to fit a 48 inch deck.

The single blade is rather expensive, probably because of its thickness, which is more than most high lift blades, ensuring a longer life and lower chances of breakage or deforming.

Pros

• It can fit in 17 John Deere models
• High quality
• It is rather wide
• Is thick, making it more durable

Cons

• It is a bit expensive

Verdict

This product would be ideal for a user seeking to replace an OEM John Deere: TCU1493 or TCU30315, as well as one with either of the 17 models listed above. You could also buy three and fit them into a 48 inch deck.

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John Deere M145476 – Impressive 17 inch single blade pick

This blade is quite impressive, and would have been the top 17 inch blade pick, save for a slight misstatement in the ad.

Specs

• Length: 17 inches
• Width: 2.5 inches
• Centre hole: 13/16 inch (regular)
• Thickness: 0.203 inches

This is a standard high lift blade, 17 inches long, 2.5 inches wide, with a 0.203 inch thickness. It has a 13/16 inch regular blade hole, which is the standard for John Deere mowers. These dimensions allow it to replace OEM John Deere:  M127500, M127673 or M145476. In addition to this, it perfectly fits the GT, GX and LX series from John Deere, which gives it a very wide range and the user would require three such blades for a 48 inch deck.

This blade is advertised as an original John Deere high lift blade, which is clear from its name. However, it is not from John Deere but is designed to replace John Deere blades. Despite this misstatement, users have testified that it is of high quality and has great functionality.

Pros

• It is affordable
• Made of high quality steel
• It fits a wide variety of John Deere model mowers

Cons

• The blade is not an original John Deere

Verdict

This product would be best suited for a user seeking to replace OEM John Deere:  M127500, M127673 or M145476 or one with a LX, GX or GT series mower from John Deere, without having to compare the blade model numbers or sizes.

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Stens 330-357 – Top 20.5 inch blade pick

This high quality steel blade is the top 20.5 inch high loft blade pick.

Specs

• Length: 20.5 Inches
• Width: 2.5 inches
• Centre hole:29/32 inches (regular)
• Thickness: 0.312 inches

This steel blade is 20.5 inches long, 0.312 inches thick and 2.5 inches wide. It has an impressive thickness, which goes a long way in ensuring that it can complete heavy duty tasks without being deformed or breaking. It has a 29/32 inch regular blade hole which makes it a perfect fit for the John Deere 400-455 tractor series as well as the front mounts for the F910-F935 and F1145 series. Three such blades would be required for the 60 inch decked 670-955 compact utility tractors. This blade can be used to replace OEM: John Deere: AM100538, M141785, M87622 or Lesco: 050391.

Users have complained that the blade did not perfectly fit their mowers. This could be a result of wrong estimations or misstatement of model numbers.

Pros

• Is made of high quality steel
• It is affordable
• Replaces both John Deere and Lesco blades

Cons

• It comes as only a single blade

Verdict

This product would be great for a user with any of the listed tractor models or one seeking to replace anOEM: John Deere: AM100538, M141785, M87622 or Lesco: 050391.

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Rotary 6327 – Top rotary blade pick

This high lift blade is the top rotary blade pick for its high quality and wide range of John Deere model fits.

Specs

• Length:
• Width:
• Centre hole: 11/16 inches (regular)
• Thickness:

This genuine rotary blade is 2.5 inches wide, 29.5 inches long and 0.204 inches thick. It has an 11/16 inch regular blade hole. Since it is not primarily manufactured as a John Deere product, there is no list of model numbers that the blade can replace. However, it perfectly fits the following John Deere models: SX75, SX85, S80, GX70, GX75, GX85, GX95, R70, R72, R92, R92, S82, S82, 108, 130, RX73, RX75, RX95, R70, , SRX75, STX30, 66RM or 68RM. The blade design has a grass catcher which redirects the flying grass to prevent clogging, which ensures that your mower lasts longer and increases the quality of work.

This blade is a bit expensive for a single blade pack. However, users have said that the price is worth it because of its high quality and efficiency.

Pros

• It has great quality
• Fits a wide range of John Deere models
• It has a grass catcher to avoid clogging

Cons

• It is a little expensive

Verdict

This product is of very high quality and offers great efficiency, and therefore would be a great pick for a user with either of the John Deere models listed above

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Stens 330-325 – Top 29.5 inch blade pick

This Stens blade is easily the top 29.5 inch blade pick because of its high quality.

Specs

• Length: 29.5 inches
• Width: 2.5 inches
• Centre hole: 11/16 inches (regular)
• Thickness: 0.203

This high quality Stens blade is 29.5 inches long, 0.203 inches thick and 2.5 inches wide with a 11/16 inch regular blade hole. Its dimensions make it a perfect fit for John Deere models: R70, R72, R92, S80 and S82. It can also replace OEM: John Deere: AM101538, AM36407 or M89454. The steel material used for this blade is of high quality ensuring minimal wear and tear.

Some users have complained that it does not fit their mowers. This is probably a result of inaccurate estimations or failure to get the correct product. It is very important to ensure that the blade you are replacing is listed, or that the model you wish to fit the blade on is compatible

Pros

• It is of high quality
• It can replace 3 different John Deere blades and fit 5 John Deere models

Cons

• It is expensive

Verdict

This blade would be great as a high quality replacement for OEM: John Deere: AM101538, AM36407 or M89454 or to fit any of the models listed above.

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What should you consider when buying a high lift mower blade?

There are a couple of factors that need to be considered when choosing a high lift mower blade to ensure that you get the most out of your machine, and get great results. These factors include:

• Blade Holes

Replacement mower blades come with fitting holes, similar to the original blade that comes with the mower. The fitting hole on the original blade is set to fit perfectly with the mower and should be the measuring tool in determining the size of blade hole you would require in a replacement one. If the blade hole is too small, it will not fit in the mower, while if it is too large, it will constantly fall off during cutting. This holds regardless of the width and length fit of the blade.

• Blade type

Blades come in a variety of lifts and styles, depending on the mower you have. There are high blades, medium blades, low blades or even mulching blades. Each type of blade has its specialty which makes it preferable to certain users. It would be important to first buy a mower that uses the kind of blade you require for your specific needs then ensure you buy a replacement blade that fits perfectly into that mower model.

• Blade size

A blade buyer typically has a lawn mower at home that the blade should fit into. With this in mind, it is important to carefully measure your mower in order to ensure that the blade you settle for fits your mower’s deck perfectly and avoid wastage of time and money. If your blade is too long it will not fit, while if it is too short, grass will be passed over during cutting, leaving patches of uneven grass and you will have to do a number of extra passes just to even them out.

• Blade shape

Different mowers, hi-lift and other types, have different shaped blades. This is typically linked to their intended purpose; for example to be used on sand soil or to be used in wet areas. They could be either straight or curved. A curved blade would not suit a mower that uses a straight one and vice versa. Thus it is important to note the shape of the blade that originally comes with your mower and use that to shop for another one.

• Blade number

Different mowers use different numbers of blades, typically single blades or three. In line with this, it would be ill advised to buy a single blade for a mower that uses three, but you could buy three for a mower that uses one, given that you can store it properly to avoid wear and tear.

• Manufacturer number

This is the model number that comes with the replacement blade. It helps you know which mower it can be fitted into and the kinds of blades it can replace. If you feel that going through the description list of the model number is too tedious, it would be helpful to know that the exact same model number is interchangeable. This means that you can buy the exact same model number as your original blade, or your first replacement blade, to ensure that it definitely fits.

• Mower type and engine

High lift blades require more power than regular or low lift blades to cut grass. This amount of power can only be provided by a mower model that is suited for the task. If you load high lift blades on a mower that is the wrong type or has a small engine, it could result in early and accelerated wear and tear on its engine and parts as well as failure to give the signature high lift blade cut.

Final Thoughts

High lift blades have great functionality and efficiency. However, they work best when paired with the right mower and from a reliable manufacturer. It is important to not only pick a high lift mower blade that fits in your lawn mower, but is also of high quality and from a reputable brand.