The big downside is more grass clippings buildup on the mower deck and mower chassis. The other things I noticed is more grass clumping. Side discharge throws and spreads the clippings, rear discharge tended to leave piles and clump trails under a ZTR.
ZTurn Rear Discharge Deck
- Thread starter BackRoad
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RjCorazza
Elite Member
I have always preferred side discharge decks for better clipping distribution. When I need to, I can close the chute cover around flower beds etc, but chute covers definitely leave a windrow. I just spread it out on the next pass.
Runner
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I think you can probably buy a mulching kit for just about any ZTR. Wouldn't that pretty much function the same as a rear discharge? Seems like having side discharge AND a mulching kit allows you the flexibility to go either way, which is why I bought the mulching kit for my ZTR.
Also, I agree that side discharge leaves a better looking lawn than rear discharge because the side discharge sprays and distributes the clippings more evenly. After having used a rear discharge for 17 years and now using a side discharge, I prefer a better looking result of a side discharge to the convenience of being able to mow any direction with the rear discharge.
Also, I agree that side discharge leaves a better looking lawn than rear discharge because the side discharge sprays and distributes the clippings more evenly. After having used a rear discharge for 17 years and now using a side discharge, I prefer a better looking result of a side discharge to the convenience of being able to mow any direction with the rear discharge.
Gem99ultra
Veteran Member
I don't disagree with your choice at all. But I did go ahead and install the mulching kit on my Kubota ZTR. True, it does inhibit chopping down very tall weeds, but I don't have to do that but once per season. In that case I simply cut down to 4" on round one, then recut to 2.5" next time. Fortunately I don't have a real large area of tall weeds to maintain.
The mulching kit chops all the cutting up into fine particales which not only feeds the lawn but also doen't leave trails of cuttings. Money well spent.
bigtiller
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I like my side discharge but it is always windy here and when finished mowing, the mower and me are filthy dirty. So I lust for a rear discharge.
But the RFM on my 3039R is rear discharge and it leaves big clumps of grass that are not pretty.
So it's a toss-up of which way to go.
But the RFM on my 3039R is rear discharge and it leaves big clumps of grass that are not pretty.
So it's a toss-up of which way to go.
sklunk
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- Deere 345, Deere Z960R, Bobcat CT2025
As others have said a side discharge will disperse the clippings better. You can buy a chute cover (or for Deeres you can get the MOD deck) to stop most clippings from flying to beds, but they definitely leave a windrow.
Side discharge also gives that "manicured" stripe look. Rear discharge decks don't do this as well because of the way the airflow stands up the blades of grass. Some companies have tried to make striping kits for RD decks but it's tough because it wants to block the discharge area.
Side discharge also gives that "manicured" stripe look. Rear discharge decks don't do this as well because of the way the airflow stands up the blades of grass. Some companies have tried to make striping kits for RD decks but it's tough because it wants to block the discharge area.
