Looking for a mulcher for pine needles etc

[Dmac1]

I've owned a JD Z445 (zero turn mower) for about 15 years and have just used regular blades and side discharge to cut our grass around the house and a couple times per year, I mow the field, which has various Colorado native weeds and which, this time of year, gets alot of ponderosa pine needles cuz we have alotta big trees. I see that JD sells a mulching blade for the 445, but it sounds more like its intended for grass and I'm not sure if it'll do much to the pine needles, which is what I'm seeking a blade & kit or a different machine, to do. Anybody try that blade?

For years, I've been raking the pine needles bit by bit, but the trash service has decided they don't wanna haul off a few cans per week of em, so I'm looking for a different way of getting rid of them.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Note- I've also got a JD 3520 tractor with a bucket on front and a Landpride manual blade on the rear, but IDK if that machine will help in this regard even if I got a mower for it.

Thanks.

 

[RjCorazza]

High lift blades do better with pine needles than standard mulching blades. I use Gator mulching blades that have some lift, and they generally handle pine needles that are dry.

 

[grsthegreat]

I ended up having to purchase a cyclone rake to tow behind my mower for pine needles and pine cones. I have so many dam* pine trees…it drives me nuts

 

[EricW]

I ended up having to purchase a cyclone rake to tow behind my mower for pine needles and pine cones. I have so many dam* pine trees…it drives me nuts

Cyclone Rakes are awesome, I love mine.