How to Build a Leaf Mulcher
Mulching leaves can be done to make then easier to rake up or to leave in the yard as a fertilizer for the yard for the next spring. You can buy a mower that is designed to mulch as it mows over your lawn or you can convert your existing lawn mower to a leaf mulcher. You will change the existing blade on your mower with a mulcher blade and install a discharge cover. You can build a leaf mulcher by first finding the parts that are needed. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Mower mulcher blade
- Discharge chute cover
- Wrench
- Socket wrench
- Power drill
- Block of wood
- Heavy duty gloves
Instructions
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1
Set the mower up on its side to access the mower blade.
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2
Place a block of wood between the blade and the body of the mower. The block of wood will prevent the blade from moving.
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3
Loosen the bolt that is securing the blade to the mower with a socket wrench. Once the nut has been loosened you can remove it by hand.
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4
Take off the old blade, and then insert the new blade. Tighten the nut by hand, and then reinsert the block of wood to prevent the blade from moving.
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5
Finish tightening the nut using the socket wrench, and then move on to replacing the discharge chute with a discharge cover.
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6
Measure the width of the discharge chute with a tape measure to determine how big of a discharge cover you will need for the mower or mower deck.
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7
Separate the discharge chute from your existing mower by removing the bolts that secure it to the body of the mower or mower deck. You may need a second wrench to hold the nut on the inside of the mower or mower deck while loosening the bolt.
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8
Place the discharge cover over the discharge chute to see if the screw or bolt holes line up correctly.
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9
Insert the bolts into the holes and tighten them with the wrench. Use one wrench to hole the nut in place while tightening the bolt with the other.
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10
Start the mower and then make a few passes is a small section of your yard to make sure the mower is mulching correctly.
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Tips & Warnings
If the holes do not line up correctly you may need to drill new holes into the discharge cover using a power drill.
You can easily cut your hand on the mower blades if you do not wear heavy duty gloves when changing the blade.
