42" SD Deck Mulching Modification ?

[Al C. 1,428]

I'm thinking of doing more mulching and less gathering of leaves this Fall.  I have two 42" side-discharge decks.  They are in good condition and mow well.  Is there anything I can do to make them more effective mulchers?  It seems on a single pass they cut 50% of the leaves and blow the other half whole out the discharge chute. 

[skrusins 128]

I sometimes drive over the leaves backwards that seams to help.

[GlenPettit 1,717]

 Add a set of Gator Blades.  Three more blades mounted above the originals at 90º will give you twice the cutting edges (now 12 instead of 6), and the higher raise on the back of the Gator Blades will help to keep the leaves airborne.  Cost is about the same as regular blades and there is enough room on the threads to add them.  Google "Gator Blades" to find size, often an auto-parts store can order them next day with no shipping charges, but compare eBay prices first (Wheel Horse 42" Gator Blade).

[jdleach 525]

Just checked E-fillet, and there is a set of three G3 Gator blades for the 42" deck for around $45 plus $10 shipping. Did not check the part numbers to make sure if they are the correct blades for the SD deck though.

 

The auction can be found here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/171948103355?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

[TDF5G 2,073]

Rear discharge deck works very well for mulching leaves, especially going backwards.

Edited October 3, 2016 by TDF5G

[Al C. 1,428]

Thanks for the suggestions!  I have ordered a set of Gator Blades.  In the meantime, I think I've found the source of the problem.  I had the mower deck set at the highest setting (5 of 5) since the lawn was so dry this summer.  I moved the height to the middle setting (3 of 5) and it is grinding everything up very nicely.  Also, mowing in reverse is really effective at mulching things up.   I can always use an extra set of blades, but I think I've solved the problem with a simple height adjustment.   

[ronhatch 406]

Has anyone tried installing a baffle/plate/screen over the side discharge opening?

Edited October 5, 2016 by ronhatch

[wallfish 18,187]

i remember seeing a factory mulching baffle that fits on the decks for mulching. Basically three circles of sheet metal but it was all one piece that bolted to the bottom of the deck. You can probably find something if you search for it.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,509]

Part number 86001 for the 42" rear discharge decks

There was also a series of decks that came with the kit installed.

 

Garry