Primary Function: Attaches to the impeller to cut and shred debris in lawn vacuum chipper/shredders
Installation & Compatibility
Compatible Models: Fits various MTD lawn vacuum chipper/shredder models. Confirm compatibility with your model before ordering.
Installation Difficulty: Medium ? requires careful handling and tool use
Tools Required: Wrench, work gloves
Additional Information
The MTD Lawn Vacuum Chipper/Shredder Blade (part number 981-0490) attaches to the impeller, cutting and shredding leaves and debris to support efficient lawn cleanup. This blade replaces part numbers 781-0490 and OEM-753-0572.
Replacing a dull or damaged blade helps resolve issues like incomplete debris collection or poor shredding performance. A sharp, properly functioning blade helps your chipper/shredder operate efficiently, saving you time and effort during yard cleanup tasks.
Before starting the installation, disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starts. Wear work gloves to protect your hands, and use a wrench to remove the old blade and secure the new one in place. Always confirm fitment with your model to ensure a smooth replacement process.
Regularly inspecting and replacing your chipper/shredder blade is essential for maintaining optimal performance and extending the life of your lawn vacuum chipper/shredder, keeping your yard clear of leaves and debris with ease.
30 minutes to install using a 1/2 " wrench and socket with ratchet.
Ease of InstallationVery Easy
Duration of Installation30 minutes - 1 hour
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Easy to Install
May 31, 2021|atza, illnois
Changing the part was a breeze, However to get access to the part you have to take 80% of the machine apart
Ease of InstallationVery Easy
Duration of Installation1 - 2 hours
verified customer
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Works well
June 18, 2019|Mister F, Southbury Conn
Anybody can change the blades , took about 15 min.
Ease of InstallationVery Difficult
Duration of InstallationLess than 30 minutes
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was not hard to install
June 08, 2019|manyknives, Undisclosed
I would order the screws with the blades the hex was hard to clean out so they wanted to strip when removing them
Ease of InstallationEasy
Duration of Installation30 minutes - 1 hour
verified customer
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Chipper Blade
March 05, 2019|Pisgah F, NC
I was replacing the drive belt on my lawn vacuum, and when I found that I had to remove the impeller to replace the drive belt, I figured I might as well replace the chipper blade while I was at it. Honestly, I have a hard time imagining trying to replace this blade without removing the metal shroud under the impeller, but the owner's manual says it is possible. It was a lot easier with the impeller outside the machine. (This is the basis for the "easy" installation and "quick" ratings below. I think my opinion would have been different if I had tried to replace the blade while it was still in place.) Once I got the old chipper blade off, it was in surprisingly good shape for a 12-year-old chipper blade. No obvious large nicks like you find on a mower blade. The old one wasn't as sharp as the new one, but it had been working OK. I stand by my first decision, that if the impeller is off, go ahead and replace the chipper blade while in there. If not, you should remove the chipper chute (3 bolts) and inspect / feel the chipper blade to make sure you think it is bad enough to really need to be replaced.
Ease of InstallationVery Easy
Duration of InstallationLess than 30 minutes
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I expect it to be an easy installation.
May 01, 2021|wm.behrendt, Pleasanton CA.
i FOUND IT EASY TP INSTALLL AFTER I REMOVED THE CHIPPER CHUTE IT ONLY TOOK ME 30 MINUTES TO DO THE INSTALLATION AND RE-ASSEMBLY.
Ease of InstallationEasy
Duration of Installation30 minutes - 1 hour
verified customer
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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It was nice and easy
September 01, 2019|Do n r, Kalamazoo
Had the hole thing done and fixed in no time and easy to do
Ease of InstallationDifficult
Duration of Installation1 - 2 hours
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Not easy to install
December 06, 2018|rem41, Pasco, WA
Took a couple of hours to install. Luckily I had the right tools to do the job.
verified customer