54"mulching mower

[Jack Orsi 2]

Wondering what the difference is in configuration on the underside of the deck between a mulching deck and a non mulching deck. Thought the mulching was a great idea but it has its own set of drawbacks especially in long grass.

[kpinnc 11,935]

Mulching decks are heavily baffled, and the exhaust chute is plugged. Any decent one will use some type of mulching blades as well.

 

And you nailed the drawback: heavy grass will overwhelm the mulching. Even short grass will make a clogged up mess, and mulching decks should be thoroughly cleaned out regularly. 

 

And now just my opinion: I can't think of a single benefit of a mulching deck that outweighs the negative. Even if it works as advertised- it's gonna make a mess and greatly reduce the lifespan of the deck and spindles. You're far better off to use a deck with a wide discharge pattern. Mulching blades will still reduce clipping size and minimize clumping. 

Edited November 28, 2021 by kpinnc

[Maxwell-8 4,275]

This is a  42" side discharge deck that I converted into a mulcher. The redlines is where I added steel.

 

Their is a link to it in my signature (underneath this post.)

[Jack Orsi 2]

Thanks Maxwell. Will look at converting to side discharge now that I know which baffles to remove. Deck came with the side discharge cover so I suspected it might be a kit.

Deck and spindles seem to be in good shape and I always wash after use but it dies accumulate and also makes for uneven cutting.

Ihave a tow behind sweeper so if it's really windrowish I can always sweep. It takes about 4-41/2 hrs to do front and back yards.

[peter lena 8,588]

@Jack Orsi  wow 4 -1/2 hrs to do it ? agree with @kpinnc  for a wide discharge deck , think the undue stress and wear on the entire deck is evident. towing a separate powered deck for field use could be a consideration. I use rear discharge decks , regularly , even at highest setting , dealing with high field grass would be  asking too much. a field design separate cutting deck would  probably be your answer. pete  

[pacer 3,168]

14 hours ago, kpinnc said:

You're far better off to use a deck with a wide discharge pattern.

 

I would never use a 'chute' just for this reason. I want my clippings to come aroaring out of the deck and spreading it out. 

 

My property has/had VERY poor soil - gumbo clay, and for several years I could hardly grow weeds (but welcomed them cause I had something growing!) But over the years with shooting the clippings out my soil has improved to the point that I now have grass on 90% of my 2-2 1/2 acres and I firmly believe that adding those clippings has been a big factor in this.

 

Course it also helped to get rid of some 100-125 pine trees (highly acidic soil)