replace discharge chute with chain guard?

[nacl9163]

Does anyone have any experience with replacing the side discharge chute on a riding mower Deere S240) with a chain guard? While this would allow me to mow in much narrower spaces, is it safe or practical? Thanks!

 

[MossRoad]

A few things come to mind for me.

1- make sure the chains aren't long enough to contact the blade. Bottom picture looks possible for that to happen.
2- the purpose of the chute is to direct clippings away from the tractor in a spray fashion, to spread them out and deter windrows. The chains will encourage clogging and windrows.
3- it opens a space for shoe insertion directly into blade.

 

[sandman2234]

Most of the time the blades come awfully close to the edge of that opening! I agree with MossRpoad, that is an item that would require extreme concern on my part! My question is "Why"? I realize that the plastic chute's typically get torn off easily, are a pain to get thru a narrow gate and are almost always on the wrong side when you are mowing up close to something! As bad as they are to deal with, I still think they have merit!
David from jax

 

[MossRoad]

Many mower decks you can lift the chute to get into tight spaces. I could live with that if I had to.

My current machine is rear discharge so I don't have that issue. I can drive right up against anything on either side. However, rear discharge has it's own set of traits to deal with.

 

[Peter 315]

Just get the mulching cover kit....

 

[Industrial Toys]

Very first thing that came to mind as well. Blades hitting the chains.

 

[Cycledude]

Just get the mulching cover kit....

Yes a lot more folks should switch to mulching but most folks simply do not realize the benefits.

 

[nacl9163]

Thanks for the help, everyone! You pretty much confirmed what I already suspected.

 

[metalbender]

A simple bungee cord to keep the chute up when needed solves the problem. As others have said, the blades are way to close to the edge of the deck to be messed with.

 

[BCuz]

A simple bungee cord to keep the chute up when needed solves the problem. As others have said, the blades are way to close to the edge of the deck to be messed with.

I did this with both of my Hustler ZTM's until finally I said screw it and took both the discharges off totally. I get a much better dispersion than with them down or even mounted. I would mow with safety glasses or face shield because they can ricochet debris when passing trees and such. Otherwise I mow throwing away from walls and such.