horsinaround22 0 #1 Posted May 10, 2010 Can someone tell me if 42" RD decks are suppose to have baffles on them. I have a 42" RD deck that has no baffles, and it seems like it doesn't lift the grass much as it cut's, and just kinda lays the clipping as it cut's. Is thisnormal for these decks. Thanks for any info. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #2 Posted May 10, 2010 :D Some of the early RD decks did have the small triangular baffles at the front, but after the introduction of the Recycler kit - which installed on the underside of the deck shell, the baffles were gone for good. It was never really the nature of any of the the WH decks to have much lift at the blades due to the large open shell area. It wasn't until the 37" two-blade deck arrived in the 80's that the airflow/vacuum was (marginally) improved enough to provide a decent lift. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevebo-(Moderator) 8,527 #4 Posted May 11, 2010 TT gave you great info (as usual). I had an older one that had the baffles which I cut out to install the recycler in. They do NOT fit if the baffles are there. If you are not looking to mow fast (higher speeds) then I would highly suggest finding a recycler insert that install with just 4 bolts. It mulches everything and you will not have to pick up any leaves in the fall. It also cuts down on the dust when mowing to almost nothing. I love my 42 rd with muching kit. ps welcome to rs Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
truckin88 104 #5 Posted May 11, 2010 baffles are good though when a rock gets caught in there, I have found they make the front fo the deck somewhat stronger. RD decks sometimes if there is a weak spot a rock can shoot out the side or the front. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
munsonRN 0 #6 Posted May 12, 2010 Ahh... Well, that explains alot. I also have a 42" RD that does not have baffles. I wondered if it was supposed to or not. So, anyone have an idea where a recycler kit can be obtained? :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doubletrouble 10 #7 Posted May 16, 2010 I am curious now to. What is a recycler kit? Anyone have any pics of one? Did they have them for 36" decks? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #8 Posted May 16, 2010 "Recycler" is just Toro's trade name for a mulching deck. It's nothing more than additional baffles installed around the (different) blades so the clippings remain suspended until they are chopped up finer. (there's no discharge chute or opening) They don't like high or wet grass. Kits were available for 42" RD & newer 48" SD decks and complete "ready to go" decks were also sold. There wasn't anything like that available for the 36" decks. (that I know of) Here's a LINK to the IPL for the 42" RD version. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doubletrouble 10 #9 Posted May 16, 2010 Thanks TT. I was wondering. I would like to somehow have my "36 mulch things up a little, It throws out long grass clippings that seem to take forever to compost in the yard. Chopping them up a little more would help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
