Cutting Options For Your Mower

Rear Discharge Decks

Rear discharge decks are used on most small residential walk-behind mowers. While they are available on large-area and ride-on mowers, they are relatively uncommon for larger mowers and typically aren’t available for every model. If they are available for larger models, they usually cost more than the same mower equipped with a side discharge deck. 

Rear discharge decks are a type of cutting deck that discharges grass clippings out of the rear of the deck, using high-lift or mulching blades rotating at high speeds underneath the deck, cutting the grass as it passes over it. As the grass is cut, it is lifted up and carried along the inside of the deck until it reaches the rear, where it is discharged through an opening. 

Rear discharge decks are particularly useful in areas where the clippings need to be left on the ground, such as when mulching, as they distribute the clippings evenly across the lawn. They may also be preferred in areas with a lot of debris, as the rear discharge helps prevent clogging and buildup under the deck.

 A rear discharge deck on a mower has several benefits, including:

• A deeper cutting chamber reduces clumping. The rear discharge design also allows for a more even distribution of clippings, reducing the likelihood of leaving behind unsightly clumps of grass on your lawn.
• Rear discharge decks are often more maneuverable than side discharge decks because they do not require as much clearance space on the sides of the mower.
• They typically discharge clippings in a more controlled manner, preventing the clippings from being blown into unwanted areas such as flower beds or driveways. 

Overall, a rear discharge deck can provide several benefits for homeowners looking to maintain a healthy, beautiful lawn. Still, they aren’t as versatile as a side discharge deck since they don’t have the option to attach a bagger system.

Side Discharge Decks

A side discharge deck is the most common type of deck for any large area or riding mower. Side discharge decks work by using high-lift blades to cut the grass and then directing the cut grass clippings out of the side of the deck and onto the lawn. 

The blades on the mower rotate at high speeds underneath the deck, cutting the grass as the mower passes over it. As the grass is cut, it is lifted up and carried along the inside of the deck until it is discharged through an opening in the side of the deck. 

Side discharge decks allow for faster mowing because they can handle larger volumes of grass clippings than other types of mower decks, allowing you to cover more ground in less time. They are also less likely to clog and accumulate grass clippings than other types of mower decks, such as mulching or bagging decks, which reduces maintenance. This is because the grass clippings are discharged out through a relatively large opening in the side of the mower deck rather than being forced through a smaller opening. 

Side discharge decks are generally less expensive than other types of mower decks, such as mulching, bagging, or rear discharge decks. This makes them a cost-effective option for homeowners who want to maintain their lawns without breaking the bank. 

They are very versatile, allowing you to install or attach a mulching kit or a bagging system at any given time if you want to opt away from the side discharge option. Overall, a side discharge deck is a good option for homeowners who want a fast and efficient way to maintain their lawns without the added expense and maintenance associated with other types of mower decks. 

Mulching Kits

If your mower is equipped with a side discharge deck, but you don’t want grass clippings flying everywhere but still want to take advantage of the natural fertilization that the clippings provide, consider installing a mulching kit on your mower deck. 

A mulching kit on a mower is designed to finely chop grass clippings and leaves into small pieces and then disperse them straight back down onto the lawn, providing natural fertilization and reducing the need for bagging or disposal of the clippings. 

The kit usually consists of special mulching blades and a set of baffles that attach to the bottom of the mower deck. The mulching blades have a unique design that creates a powerful suction to lift the grass up and cut it into small pieces. The baffles help to keep the grass clippings and leaves circulating under the deck, allowing the blade to chop them into even smaller pieces. Once the grass and leaves are finely chopped, they are dispersed back onto the lawn.

The small pieces of grass and leaves eventually break down and release nutrients back into the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer for the lawn. This can help reduce the amount of fertilizer needed over time and the amount of waste generated by the mower. 

Overall, a mulching kit on a mower can help to promote a healthy lawn while reducing the time and effort required for maintenance. However, it is important to note that the kit may not be suitable for all types of grass or lawn conditions, so if you have any questions about what might be best for your lawn, contact one of our professionals here at SteveCo Power for instructions and recommendations before installing and using the kit.

Bagger Systems

A bagger system on a lawn mower typically consists of collection bags, usually mounted on the rear of the mower, and a chute or tube that connects the mower deck to the bags. When the mower is in operation, the blades spin and cut the grass, directing the clippings through the chute and into the collection bags. 

The bags are typically made of fabric or lightweight material that allows air to circulate but keeps the clippings contained. They may only be necessary for some mowing tasks and add extra weight and complexity to your mower. However, using a bagger system on your mower has several benefits:

• A bagger system conveniently collects grass clippings and other lawn debris, preventing it from accumulating on your lawn. This helps maintain a clean and neat lawn appearance without requiring you to rake up grass clippings and other debris after mowing.
• A bagger system also ensures there aren’t too many grass clippings on your lawn. While grass clippings and leaves can benefit the soil, they can also harm the soil. An overabundance of grass clippings or leaves on your lawn can lead to thatch buildup, preventing water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots of your grass. When grass clippings and leaves are left on the lawn, they can also provide a breeding ground for weeds. Using a bagger system removes these clippings, reducing the likelihood of weed growth. 
• A bagger system can help create a more uniform appearance when mowing by collecting clippings evenly and reducing the appearance of clumps or uneven areas on your lawn. It can also be used to collect leaves and other debris in the fall, making it a versatile tool for lawn maintenance.