Lawn Mower Blade72511-VE1-020 & 72531-VE2-020 Fits for 21" Cut Lawn Mower for HRB215 HRB216 HRB217 HRM215 HRR216 HRS216 HRT216 HRZ216-Replace 72511-VE1-010(Upper),72531-VE2-010(Lower) Review

Overview

This two-blade replacement set—part numbers 72511-VE1-020 (upper) and 72531-VE2-020 (lower)—is purpose-built for Honda’s popular 21-inch walk-behind mowers, specifically the HRB215, HRB216, HRB217, HRM215, HRR216, HRS216, HRT216, and HRZ216 models. If you own one of these workhorses and your cuts are getting ragged or your engine is working harder than it should, this is the OEM-style fix that restores factory performance without the dealer markup.

Who Should Buy This

• Owners of Honda HRB/HRM/HRR/HRZ series mowers who want a direct, bolt-on replacement that matches the original blade geometry and balance. No grinding, no filing, no guesswork.
• Homeowners with 1/4 to 1/2 acre lawns who need clean, consistent cuts on mixed grass types (fescue, Bermuda, Kentucky blue) and don’t want to sharpen every two weeks.
• DIY mechanics who prefer to avoid dealerships and $50+ OEM blade sets. This pair hits the sweet spot between cost and quality for the weekend warrior.
• Anyone who’s noticed uneven cutting, excessive vibration, or slower mulching on their older Honda mower. Worn or bent blades are the usual suspects, and this set addresses both upper and lower blades in one purchase.

Key Features Breakdown

Dual-Blade System
Honda’s twin-blade design creates a vacuum that lifts grass before cutting, then recirculates clippings for finer mulching. This set includes both the upper (72511-VE1-020) and lower (72531-VE2-020) blades, so you’re not hunting for a second part. The upper blade does the heavy lifting on initial cut; the lower blade finishes and chops clippings. Replace both for balanced performance.

21-Inch Cutting Width
Matched exactly to Honda’s 21-inch decks. An off-spec blade can leave uncut strips or require you to overlap passes. This set ensures full coverage with no gaps.

Replaces OEM Part Numbers 72511-VE1-010 and 72531-VE2-010
That “-020” suffix indicates a slight revision—likely updated steel hardness or heat treatment. Early reviews suggest these hold an edge longer than the original -010 blades, especially in sandy or gritty soil conditions.

Price: $26.88 for the Pair
That’s roughly half what you’d pay for Honda-branded blades. For the same fit and similar durability, you’re saving enough to cover a tank of gas or a tube of grease.

4.3 Stars from 62 Reviews
A solid rating, but not perfect. Most praise the fit and cut quality; a few mention sharpening out of the box. We’ll cover that in Cons.

Pros

1. Perfect fit for popular Honda models – No adapters, washers, or modifications needed. Bolts right onto HRB215 through HRZ216 decks. If your mower’s in that list, this is plug-and-play.
2. Restores cut quality on tired mowers – If your Honda used to leave a golf-green finish but now looks like a toddler with safety scissors, these blades bring back the clean, even cut.
3. Dual-blade mulching performance – The combination of upper and lower blades produces finer clippings that decompose faster, meaning less bagging and healthier lawn feeding.
4. Budget-friendly for a two-blade set – At $26.88, you’re paying less than most single aftermarket blades. For a pair that fits a premium mower, that’s a bargain.
5. Reduces vibration when properly installed – Several users note that after replacing worn originals, their mower runs smoother. That’s good for your engine bearings and your ears.
6. Simple DIY installation – One bolt per blade (with a washer and lock washer). A socket wrench and 10 minutes is all you need.

Cons

1. May need sharpening out of the box – A handful of reviews mention the edges aren’t razor-sharp. They’ll cut decent grass, but if you’re a perfectionist, plan on a quick pass with a file or grinder before first use.
2. Not for non-Honda decks – These are designed specifically for Honda’s 21-inch spindle pattern. They won’t fit Toro, Craftsman, or other brands. Double-check your model number.
3. Balance can vary – A few buyers report slight imbalance that causes vibration. You can check with a blade balancer ($10 at any hardware store) and file the heavy side. It’s an extra step, but not a dealbreaker.
4. Hardware not included – You reuse the bolts from your old blades. If those are stripped or rusted, you’ll need to source replacements separately.

Bottom Line

If you own a Honda HRB, HRM, HRR, HRS, HRT, or HRZ mower and your blades are past their prime, this 72511-VE1-020/72531-VE2-020 set is the smartest $26.88 you’ll spend this season. It restores factory cut quality, improves mulching, and saves you from a $50+ trip to the dealer. The only catch is that you might want to touch up the edge and check balance before installing—but for the price of a single OEM blade, you get a matched pair that fits perfectly. Highly recommended for any Honda owner who wants a clean lawn without overpaying for branding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will these blades fit my Honda HRX217?
A: No. The HRX series uses a different deck and blade pattern (usually 72511-VE2-010 and 72531-VE3-010). This set fits HRB, HRM, HRR, HRS, HRT, and HRZ models only. Check your mower’s model number under the seat or on the deck.

Q: Do I need to sharpen these before first use?
A: Most users find them sharp enough for typical grass. But if you have tough St. Augustine or Bahia grass, or if you want a showroom-quality cut, a quick sharpening will improve performance. A flat file or bench grinder takes five minutes.

Q: How often should I replace these blades?
A: With normal use on a 1/4-acre lawn, expect to replace them every 2-3 seasons depending on soil grit and how often you hit rocks. If you see nicks, bent edges, or the cut quality drops (even after sharpening), it’s time. A good rule: replace blades every 25 hours of mowing or once a year for heavy use.