Rear Discharge vs side discharge finish mowers?

[Skaning]

A simple minded question from a relative newbie at this. What, if any, advantages are there between side discharge mower and rear discharge? The safety issues of flinging debris out the side vs a chain guard in the rear is obvious enough. What I'm curious about is there any benefit in cut quality or operation between the two?

Skaning

 

[thcri]

I really don't think there is much difference between the actual cut. Both are about the same. The rear discharge if on a MMM tends to plug a bit more and leave clogs. The side discharge does a better job of getting rid of your clippings. But if you mow religiously you won't have any trouble. The rear discharge is nicer because you can trim from both sides. Now my comments are based on MMM not 3 point mowers.

murph

 

[TCarey]

From a person who uses a 3-point RFM, the rear discharge mower puts the discharge so far behind you, and discharging back away from you, I can cut 2-1/2 acres and not even get in to the dust and dirt that happens with a side discharge that always seems to get blown back at you....

Todd

 

[inveresk]

I investigated this before buying my rfm. By and large, side discharge mowers have a smaller discharge opening and so tend to clog more readily. Also, as Murph pointed out, with side discharge you have to mow in one direction to avoid continually mowing over the discharge. This isn't the case with rear discharge where you can mow in any direction that takes your fancy.