What does a mulching plate do?
The mulching function on a lawn mower is activated by simply inserting a mulch plug into the discharge chute which prevents the cut grass from leaving the mower deck and entering the grass collector. This results in the cuttings being circulated within the deck and cut up into very fine pieces.
Is a mulching plug necessary?
A “mulch plug” is necessary to mulch the grass clippings during mowing. The plug is used to close the discharge opening in the mowing deck and recycle the lawn clippings back into the blade area for repeated cutting and eventually deposited into the lawn as fine mulch.
Do mulching mowers really work?
Using a mulching lawn mower is one of the most effective ways to fertilize your lawn. Kansas State University estimates that 25 percent of the nutrients in clippings return to your soil and nourish your grass. The clippings don’t contribute to a thatched layer because they disintegrate so quickly.
How do you turn a lawnmower into a mulcher?
Most manufacturers of rotary mowers offer a conversion kit that enables you to turn your present mower into a mulcher by simply changing the blade. There are many advantages to using mulching blades. They cut grass so finely that clippings can be left right on the lawn.
What does a mulching kit do on a zero turn mower?
A mulching kit is basically a way to convert your tractor or push lawn mower into a mulcher. By changing the mower’s standard blades into mulching blades, the mulch kit essentially recycles the lawn clippings as you mow, spreading them back onto the yard with each pass.
What is mulch mode on a lawn mower?
Mulching mowers not only create a stream of air that directs the grass up into the mower blades, but once the grass is cut, the clippings hit the blade multiple times before they go back onto the lawn. This is in contrast to other mowers which direct the clippings out the side or into a bag.
Is it better to collect grass clippings or mulch?
So today the norm is “grasscycling” — returning the cut blades of grass right back to the soil. “Overall, it is better to mulch because the nutrients remain in the soil,” said Teris Pantazes, CEO of the Baltimore-based handyman community site, EFynch.com.
Can any lawn mower mulch?
Not all lawn mowers can mulch. Mulching mowers have curved blades and a domed cutting deck to cut, suspend and recut grass into tiny pieces that are deposited on the lawn, whereas conventional mowers have flat blades that cut just once. You can use a special kit to convert your mower to mulch.
How do you turn a lawn mower into a mulching mower?
Anyone can convert their lawn mower into a mulching mower by simply adding a mulching kit. These kits consist of a mulching blade and a restrictor plate for the grass chute. The blade chops clippings into smaller pieces and the plate keeps them from being propelled from the mowing deck.
What is included in the mulch kit?
The mulch kit is required to convert cutting decks for tractors and zero turn mowers to mulching units. Consists of 1) a mulch plate, 2) set of mulching blades and 3) mounting hardware. View More
How do you convert a mulching blade to the right size?
The most common approach is to use a mulching conversion kit, which includes a restriction plate and a mulching blade. These kits are typically made for specific models from specific makes, so it’s rarely a “one size fits all” deal.
Can You mulch with a side-discharge mower?
If you do not have access to a mulching conversion kit, you can try to use your side-discharge mower to fire grass clippings in a particular direction. You must start by identifying the area you wish to mulch, before positioning the mower so the chutes are aimed at this area.