Rear vs Side Discharge Mowers

[Save Old Iron 1,571]

Are there any advantages or disadvantages to the use of rear discharge decks versus side discharge decks. Or is it just as simple as the rear discharge deck spreads out the clippings more evenly ?

For the purpose of selling (or buying) a deck, given the decks are the same size and same general condition, is one more desirable (higher selling $$) than the other ?

Thanks

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,136]

I doubt that either one is worth more than the other in comparable condition.

Which is better is tough to answer as I think its just personal preferance.

I like the 42"RD on my 416 with an Onan because no grass or leaf clippings get caught in my flywheel screen which can cause the Onans to overheat and toss a valve seat. With my 48" SD it was allways covered with clippings and I found myself constantly stopping to clear then off.

Mike.......

[Save Old Iron 1,571]

Any major differences on the C series with Kohler engines ?

Thank for the pointers.

[rick 255]

With the rear discharge you can trim close on both sides, I would like to have one!

[Save Old Iron 1,571]

another great point - thanks

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,880]

First, I think that the 42" Side Discharge has a slightly better cut. I have no idea why, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it. But I prefer the rear discharge deck for the following reasons:

[*:278hjkji]Ability to add a recycler attachment[*:278hjkji]Able to trim on both sides[*:278hjkji]Never clogs and can run through thicker grass[*:278hjkji]NO clippings on the engine like the SD does (even on a Kohler)[*:278hjkji]Looks nicer[*:278hjkji]Safer, won't shoot rocks, sticks or baseballs towards your house, car or kids

[Save Old Iron 1,571]

Thanks Karl,

the no flying rocks and sticks sounds good - especially since my next door neighbor has a new all glass sun room on the back of his house. Apparently the entire glass wall assembly needs to be removed to allow replacement of one of the panels. Ouch !

[qd-16 14]

I love the gear-driven rear discharge decks that are on the short frames, you can trim so close to everything... I just don't like changing the belts on them!

I would like to find a rear discharge for my 310-8 because the chute on my 36 side discharge sticks out sooo far.

What I wonder is if the rear discharge decks are more prone to rusting than the side discharge??

[Don1977 605]

If you want to use a Vacuum for leaves or grass you need a side discharge.

[WHC-125 4]

Another thing that I like about the rear discharge decks is that I can run my lawn sweeper behind mit and pick up grass, leaves, and sticks while I mow.

[Red Iron 1]

Well, I never had a rear discharge deck, but I would think they are easier to

park in the stable as it is narror than a side discharge deck of the same width.

That's an interesting thought, comparing the cuts, hmmm? What about a pull

behind gang mower? They follow the contour of the yard better than a solid

deck that doesn't flex like a gang unit does, and they don't throw hidden objects

as far. You can always pull a lawn sweeper behind a rear discharge deck too.

[nylyon-(Admin) 7,880]

Here's the comparison I made a while ago. And to add to why I like the rear, put me in for easier to park as well!

[Rollerman 290]

I use both types & they each have there perks.

The rear discharge makes it a snap to trim since you don't have a discharge shoot hanging off the side & you can run up along stuff with both sides of the deck.

They keep the clippings off the front of the tractor keeping the engine cleaner, but make a mess out of the back of the tractor which is just as critical if it's a hydro model.

Possibly safer to use if you like to hit things & break windows.

The work good if you like to pull a brush driven type lawn sweeper also.

Things you can't do would be windrow leaves or easily attach a vacume style collector to one.

Personally I keep my rear discharge on all summer till the leaves start hitting the ground.

Then I switch to a side discharge with a lawn vacume.

[can whlvr 994]

im with rollerman on this one except i dont have a vaccum,YET.

[Save Old Iron 1,571]

Thanks Guys - all great feedback.

I was going to sell one of the two decks I have but looks like I should keep both for a while until I get both the 520H and the C160 fully refurbed.

The 2 tractors above will be used mostly for tiller and snow removal, but possibly as backups for lawn care.

Thanks for all the great ideas.