Buying Guides

The pros and cons of a rear discharge mower deck

A rear discharge mower deck discharges grass clippings to the back of the mower and is an excellent option if you need to mow alongside obstacles such as flowerbeds, trees or bushes. Mowing with a rear discharge mower deck has several advantages, but also comes with some downsides. This article discusses the main pros and cons of a mower deck with rear discharge, so you can determine whether this mower deck type is right for you.

Pros of a rear discharge mower deck

This type of mower deck offers several advantages, making it a popular choice among homeowners:

It is easy to cut around obstacles

Cutting around trees, flowerbeds or bushes is much easier without a chute attached to your mower deck. Because you can approach objects from any direction, mowing your lawn with a rear discharge deck is easier and can save you precious time.

No risk of spreading clippings into your flower beds or onto your patio

When mowing with a rear discharge mower deck, the grass clippings are ejected between the rear wheels. The clippings are less likely to land in areas where you don't want them, like flower beds, your vegetable garden or onto your patio. This will keep your garden looking clean and tidy without the need to clean up clippings after mowing.

Cons of a rear discharge mower deck

While a rear discharge mower deck offers several advantages for lawn mowing, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:

Mowing with a rear discharge mower deck can leave windrows

One of the main cons of a rear discharge mower deck is that it can leave windrows, which are clumps of grass clippings left in rows on your lawn. This happens because the grass clippings are discharged out of the back of the deck in a concentrated stream, which can create piles of clippings if the grass is long or dense. Windrows not only look unsightly, but they can also damage your lawn if left unattended, as they can smother the grass underneath and prevent it from getting enough sunlight and air.

To avoid windrows you can make multiple passes over the same area or use a rake to disperse the clippings. However, this can be time-consuming. Another solution is to buy a lawn tractor with a collector which will collect the grass clippings so you can disperse them i.e. on a compost heap.

A rear discharge mower deck is more prone to clogging up

This type of mower deck is more prone to clogging up than other types of mower decks, especially when mowing wet or very tall grass. When mowing in wet or damp conditions or when cutting tall or thick grass, the grass clippings can clump together and block the exit. This can cause the mower to stall or leave clumps of grass on the lawn.

In short, a rear discharge mower deck is a useful tool for homeowners who want to mow their lawn efficiently and with ease around obstacles. The benefits of using this type of mower deck include its ability to easily cut around obstacles and avoiding grass clippings from landing in unwanted areas. However, there are also downsides to consider, such as the possibility of windrows and the rear discharge chute being prone to clogging. Overall, it is important to consider both the pros and cons when deciding whether a rear discharge mower deck is the right choice for your lawn care needs.

Are you convinced that a mower deck with rear discharge is right for you? Then check out our range of rear discharge lawn mowers or rear discharge zero turn mowers.

Doesn't a rear discharge mower deck suit your needs and wants after all? Perhaps a side discharge mower deck or mulching will suit you better.