Rear Discharge vs. Side Discharge?
- Thread starter Wells
- Start date
- Views: 5550
Bob_Skurka
Super Member
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2003
- Messages
- 7,615
Side discharge is generally cheaper.
Side discharge tends to windrow the grass clippings if the grass is tall
Side discharge forces the grass that is cut to move across the width of the cutter to the discharge chute, some think this uses more HP as 2 or 3 of the cutting blades come into contact with the grass before it is ejected out of the side.
Rear discharge is generally more expensive
Rear discharge, when mowing grass that is a bit too tall, tends to leave clumps
Rear discharge is narrower because there is no side discharge chute assembly
I've owned both, I've been happy with both when they work and frustrated by both when the grass is clumping or windrowing (and that is typically because I mowed when it was wet or too long)
Side discharge tends to windrow the grass clippings if the grass is tall
Side discharge forces the grass that is cut to move across the width of the cutter to the discharge chute, some think this uses more HP as 2 or 3 of the cutting blades come into contact with the grass before it is ejected out of the side.
Rear discharge is generally more expensive
Rear discharge, when mowing grass that is a bit too tall, tends to leave clumps
Rear discharge is narrower because there is no side discharge chute assembly
I've owned both, I've been happy with both when they work and frustrated by both when the grass is clumping or windrowing (and that is typically because I mowed when it was wet or too long)
Bowhunter
Gold Member
Some members have installed Gator blades on rear discharge mowers to get better lift and better cut. If the cut quality is there, I prefer rear discharge so I can mow any direction I choose around the house and the landscaping without blowing grass clippings toward them.
JimMorrissey
Veteran Member
I've got a rear discharge Wood 72" deck....excellent cut. It's not as nice as the side discharge floating 60" deck (belly mount) I used to have on my BX, but still pretty nice for 3pt implement. I haven't had much problem with clumping, but I got it mid-summer, so it was a bit drier. The lack of windrows is also nice. The clippings are evenly laid down.
**If it's optional, get the anti-scalp wheels. Bigger decks require a reasonably smooth surface to run on. The anti-scalp wheels definitley help. Mine has one in the front center of the deck. It keeps it from cutting off whatever it comes in contact with. It's so heavy, it'll clean the turf or dirt right off without the center wheel.
**If it's optional, get the anti-scalp wheels. Bigger decks require a reasonably smooth surface to run on. The anti-scalp wheels definitley help. Mine has one in the front center of the deck. It keeps it from cutting off whatever it comes in contact with. It's so heavy, it'll clean the turf or dirt right off without the center wheel.
thcri
Elite Member
My midmount is a side discharge. I hated it at first because of the windrows. I got smart and raised the chute. The chute are designed to knock things down in case you hit something. I used a thick washer and that was enough to make my grass fly out over 10 feet. No more windrows. I also bought the Gator blades and have been very happy with their performance. Now on the Gator blades for the most part have worked well with the New Holland mowers but some other people that used them on other brands of mowers have not been as impressed as me.
murph
murph
Bird
Rest in Peace
In 1999, I bought a new Bush Hog brand rear discharge finish mower, and at that time, my dealer said it was the same price for rear discharge or side discharge. He also said that 3 years earlier, he couldn't sell the rear discharge mowers; everyone wanted the side discharge, and by '99 it was exactly the opposite; everyone wanted rear discharge. Just personal preference, but to avoid the windrowing and to be able to get close to buildings, fences, etc. with either side of the mower, I much prefer the rear discharge myself.
Ditto on that, Bird. I mow 1-1/2 acres every 5 days during the height of the season, have used both, and much prefer the rear discharge. While traditionally rear discharge costs more, we have found our costs (and our retail now) to be about the same for both.
drm
Silver Member
I have a 72" mid mount rear discharge mower. I had the dealer install the Gator mulching blades prior to delivery. I only used the mower a few times prior to winter setting in and it did a very good job. The first cut was of a rough grassy area (mainly weeds with some grass for looks) that had not been cut in 6 weeks. It took three passes, the grass was 9” or more tall, but it looked great with very little clumping.
I like the ability to cut up to things on both sides.
I like the ability to cut up to things on both sides.
RalphVa
Super Member
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2003
- Messages
- 7,882
- Location
- Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Tractor
- JD 2025R, previously Gravely 5650 & JD 4010 & JD 1025R
I've a Gravely with the 30" "bush hog" out front, with front discharge. It's also a GREAT finish mower, with crossed blades instead of the single, thick bush hog blade. It does a better job than my LawnBoy mulching mower. It windrows. The Gravely doesn't. I'd vote for rear discharge.
If you want absolutely no windrows, a flail mower might be the way to go. Agri-supply has some.
Ralph
If you want absolutely no windrows, a flail mower might be the way to go. Agri-supply has some.
Ralph