Rear Discharge vs. Side Discharge

[WHwest8597 85]

I recently picked up a 314-8 with a 42inch rear discharge deck. I have a 42inch side discharge with twin bagger on my other 314-8. I'm considering selling or trading the rear discharge is there a demand out there for them compared to side discharge?

[Save Old Iron 1,571]

some good discussion in this previous post

http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?showtopic=12316

[MikesRJ 558]

If you've read the link SOI posted, the only thing I would add is this;

The rear discharge deck, without the mulching/recycling kit installed, sends all cut material back towards the rear wheels. Some folks have made their own deflector the which forces the left and right blades to discharge somewhat more downward, and the center blade to discharge between rear tires. If your rear discharge deck does not have this deflector installed, I suggest you look into making your own as it will keep the insides of the rear wheels cleaner. Otherwise the insides of the wheels will get mucked up with dust and clippings.

[Sarge 3,470]

Not to mention I'm not fond of using a rear discharge deck with any hydro, it would over time accumulate clippings/debris around the hydro pump. Anyone ever had this problem? All my decks are side discharge....

Sarge

[MaineDad 87]

I love my RD deck with my 314-8. I'm always on the lookout for another one in good shape...

[can whlvr 994]

its good that we all have different opinions,it keeps life interesting,i have both and much prefer the sd decks,but i use the rd to cut around the gardens so i dont blow all the clippings into the garden,and if you use a vaccum i would have to beleive the rd would be better.

[USHorse 41]

I've had both rear and side. I like the RD overall for the even clipping distribution.....I tend to let the grass grow higher than I should so with the SD leaves a heavy accumulation at times.

But, my father's RD gave him a surprise when he was mowing in reverse. Keeping an eye on where he was while backing up, he went over a stick/pine cone and the RD threw a chunck of it back, which hit the tree and threw it back into his eye. Trip to the optamologist, but luckily not permant injury.

My suggestion is to keep both!!

:notworthy: