ZTurn Rear Discharge Deck

[BackRoad]

Researching options for a new ZT. Leaning strongly towards a rear discharge deck to maximize flexibility with mowing direction.

Searched some old threads on Rear Discharge decks on Zero Turns...nothing conclusive.

Is there any downside with rear discharge?

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Id love it.... But my Xone doesn't have it. So much better for mowing around areas you don't want to throw clippings sideways.

 

[RandyT]

Front deck ZT with rear discharge can have issues with grass buildup in the engine area and especially the radiator on the water cooled engines. So as long as you maintain and keep the cooling system clean they have their advantages.

 

[zzvyb6]

I have both on JD front mowers. Besides the covers & flaps needed to protect the underbelly from crud off the rear, there is a difference in the cut look. Rear discharge gives me a 'pasture' look. side discharge produces that golf course look.

 

[BackRoad]

I have both on JD front mowers. Besides the covers & flaps needed to protect the underbelly from crud off the rear, there is a difference in the cut look. Rear discharge gives me a 'pasture' look. side discharge produces that golf course look.

Now that's interesting - better looking results with side discharge...

Do you think that is from maybe having mulching blades on your side discharge, or are they both set up the same?

I was hoping there would be an even dispersion with the rear discharge...I get some grass clumps with my current lawn tractor's side discharge...especially spring grass with fast growth between cuts.

 

[BackRoad]

Thanks for the other comments also...very helpful.

 

[zzvyb6]

Now that's interesting - better looking results with side discharge...

Do you think that is from maybe having mulching blades on your side discharge, or are they both set up the same?

I was hoping there would be an even dispersion with the rear discharge...I get some grass clumps with my current lawn tractor's side discharge...especially spring grass with fast growth between cuts.

Same blades. Rear discharge clippings spend less time in the whirlwind so exit larger. Also, the side discharge can't handle 18" field grass & weeds. No problem with the rear discharge. Same reason.

 

[BackRoad]

Thanks Mr. ZZ

 

[stevem5215]

I had a Woods 73" rear discharge finish deck on my Ford 1900 tractor. It never cut as good as the side discharge and the clippings were always laying on top of the grass when especially high. The ZTR Citation XT is far better at cutting and discharging out the side. Especially when the grass is high.

 

[ruffdog]

Every deck will cut different so you must see and try them for your self. My side discharge decks lay the grass out nice if I removed the chute. The Bobcat finish mower is rear discharge and it does very well too. Some machines with a rear discharge have been known to fill the machine with clippings as earlier stated.