How to Install a Mulching Blade on a Riding Lawnmower

Cutting your lawn with a normal blade without a bag can leave your very long and unsightly grass clippings on your lawn. On the other hand, if you bag your clippings, you are taking away the free fertilizer that the grass clippings provide. Mowing with a mulching blade is your best bet as the blade keeps the grass contained under the mower deck until you move the mower forward. Mulching blades are usually used on push lawnmowers, but can easily be installed on a riding lawnmower.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic mulch deck stopper
• Wrench set
• Mulch blade
• Leather gloves

Instructions

1. Purchase a mulching blade for the model of riding mower you have from any home or hardware store.

2. Tip your riding lawn mower on its side.

3. Unscrew the blade from the center mount under the deck. Take note of which way the sharp edge of the normal blade points.

4. Place the mulching blade in the old blade's place. Make sure the sharp edge is pointing the same way as the old one. Screw it in tightly.

5. Tip the riding lawnmower back on all four wheels. Unscrew the four bolts that attach the side grass clippings chute to the riding lawnmower deck.

6. Remove the old chute. Place the mulch stopper for your size of deck and brand of riding lawnmower in the place of the old grass clippings chute. Screw the four bolts through the mulch stopper. The mulch stopper will plug the old chute hole so the mulch blade can keep the grass contained under the deck for proper mulching.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear leather gloves.

References

• Mulching Equipment