A cutting system for a lawnmower or the like includes multiple blade assemblies driven by a motor, each motor independently operable with respect to each other motor. The blade assemblies are arranged into a cutting system with a length less than that of the combined length of the blades of the blade assemblies. Blade assemblies include components that align so as to balance the blade upon rotation. These components allow for a single user to attach and disengage the blade from the motor, or portion rotated thereby, with hands alone, absent tools.