Recycler deck

[grinchsr 626]

Just picked one up and was looking for opinions from anyone using one.  Pros and cons and what is the value of these decks?  I already removed the insert and cleaned the 5 pounds of clippings that was stuck up there.  I am sure that is one of the cons.   I may just use it as a RD deck

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,272]

When I bought my 416-H I insisted that the dealer provide a recycler 42”. They had none in stock so sold me the RD and ordered the insert kit. In the spring when the grass grows quickly and is often wet, the recycler is absolutely horrible with clogging up.  But later in the summer when the grass is drier it does a nice job with the clippings.  Most of the time I don’t bother with the insert and leave the deck as a RD. 

[squonk 41,040]

Love my recycler deck. Use it all year with the insert. Really depends on your grass. My front yard isn't thick so I can mow on the 2nd lowest setting. Back yard I have to raise it a notch or it will clump some like Nylyon said. Yes you have to take the insert out to clean behind it a couple of times a year but the insert protects the deck shell.

 

I used to have a Beagle that would eat the grass clippings and get sick every time I mowed. I had to get the sweeper out every time. Once I got the recycler, No more sweeping!

 

This is a normal buildup of grass

 

 

Normal build up of grass between insert and deck

 

 

I have owned this deck about 8 years. I treated the deck with bedliner when I bought it. This is what the deck still looks like. I haven't had to touch it until this spring (you can see the bedliner peeled away in a couple of spots) and no grass has ever stuck to it

 

 

 

[SPINJIM 1,981]

I've never been a fan of recycling mowers.  99% of the walk-behind mowers in the scrap yard are recyclers, because they strain the engine, especially on wet or thick grass.   I'd rather cut it and move it out.

[squonk 41,040]

Every winter and spring I look at my back yard and all the mud. It gets torn up by to rambunctious hounds. I fear it will never come back. But it does greener and thicker every year. I do not do anything to it but mow it. I credit it to the recycler.

 

[rjg854 11,354]

Might have to do with the dogs fertilizing it also. 

[grinchsr 626]

The fertilizer is the first thing I thought of too.  Thanks for the good comments guys 

[squonk 41,040]

14 minutes ago, rjg854 said:

Might have to do with the dogs fertilizing it also. 

I've heard dog poo hurts more than it helps. 

[Handy Don 12,174]

1 hour ago, squonk said:

I've heard dog poo hurts more than it helps. 

Yep, creates burn spots.

[rjg854 11,354]

3 hours ago, squonk said:

I've heard dog poo hurts more than it helps. 

You feed your dogs better than even I eat.