How to build a grass blocker Advanced Chute System Mulching Kit - Why you NEED ONE

[@thetoolman3]

When I priced a mulching kit for my Hustler and realized I couldn't buy just the blocker piece, I searched and found your tutorial. Thanks. Great idea.

[@JustinsProject]

It might not last as long as the metal blocker, but it's almost a 10th of the price. So I was ok with that. I'm glad the video was helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@JDavidsonPhotography]

exactly why I'm here. I've been through 2 kits already that don't fit and I'm just over paying $300 just to close off the chute.

[@thomasmartin571]

Finally someone who speaks my language!! Lol Great Job brother!!

[@JustinsProject]

😁 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@markward38]

Nice job the design is very simple, robust, cheap and easy to make well done. Have you thought about making the shute flap being able to be opened up without getting off the mower? Maybe a lanyard or pulling device attached to the base of the shute flap and in a reachable distance from your operating position?

[@ericshultz4693]

I like the looks of yours better than the commercial ones!

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ronald_trunk1704]

Man I just grabbed me a 1” thick rubber mat the other day and said I’ll use this for something. Thanks for this genius idea!

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍

[@jgriff111]

Awesome video man! I love watching people make stuff themselves instead of spending money for someone else to “fix” it! Good on ya brother!!!

[@JustinsProject]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍

[@michaelking42]

I just made this for my bad boy 48" and did my first mow with it. The grass was thick and long, and wet. I still got grass piles, but not massive amounts like before with the chute. I bought the flat and angle iron at lowes, and the gal couldn't be bothered trying to find the correct skus so she rang the metal up for $11 total. I already had the rubber mat off an old project, and sufficient bolts in my hoardes of crap. My total out of pocket today was $11.26 plus tax. It turned out very well, and do appreciate your video, thank you!

[@JustinsProject]

Good deal! Thanks for sharing. 👍🏻

[@garrettginn9951]

Thank you so much. I’ll be building this soon! Saving $200!!

[@JustinsProject]

Good luck, and I am glad it helped

[@johanhorst6046]

Great diy project. Also another tip is to mow 2 or 3 passes around the perimeter of property, and any object/ structure blowing in towards center of area then mow the direction of your choosing. Admittedly there are still times where a chute blocker is beneficial.

[@JustinsProject]

I find myself opening it for most of the yard and only using it closed around patios, drives and beds. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@specfever2]

The problem, he said, is between things such as patio and plant bed.

[@johanhorst6046]

@@specfever2 read last sentence of my reply.☺

[@TurfSolutions-l4j]

Great video!

[@mikeybee456]

@@JustinsProjectDo you make the grass blockers for the Bad Boy ZT Elite?

[@allanjosephy]

Thanks for providing step by step instructions. I'm going to build one like yours. Great job!

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@SINviper84]

That's awesome you made a mudd flap for the mower deck lol good stuff love the thoughtful money saving with doing this without a welder.

[@JustinsProject]

Much appreciated 🙏 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@jd1029]

Just found this! Thanks for the idea and posting. Very helpful. I can put my own spin on it from here for my application. Thanks again

[@kevinj6874]

Thanks for sharing. Didn’t want to spend over 200 dollars for this. Made it last weekend and it works great.

[@JustinsProject]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching and commenting

[@bloodbushcraft2467]

This is the best video I've seen so far and you actually tested it unlike the other videos I've seen. Thank you. I think I've even got everything i need already to make one

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@barry009]

Great project! I appreciate the fact that you explained why you made an mounted it the way you did. Saves me from having to fix those mistakes later. Thanks

[@JustinsProject]

I am glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@sheilaashley]

You’ve done it again Justin! Another great video, detailed processes and easy to follow for someone who would like to create this! Thanks for sharing :)

[@JustinsProject]

Appreciate it 🙏 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@MrGot2havemusic]

Hey brother! I found this video today and made the exact same chute for my mower! I appreciate you putting out this video to help us lawn guys that are balling on a budget!

[@JustinsProject]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ericpigg2689]

Nice project! I would suggest using LocTite or Nylock nuts on all of it. The vibration of the mower deck wants to make those nuts loosen up over time. Also, since there is no way to open it back up while seated on the mower, I would probably add a small eye bolt to the bottom and hook some type of bungee or rope to it so I could pull it back up while seated on the mower. I built a powered chute block for mine out of 3/16" plate steel and car window mower to raise and lower it via a 12v switch, but it was A LOT more work than what you have done here, and likely overkill for the average homeowner. It involved quite a bit of welding too.

[@JustinsProject]

Never can overkill to make something better. I was just trying to get a quick solution that would work for a season or two that almost anyone could build. I love the idea of the 12v switch for opening and closing the chute. I might use that when I make my metal version of this. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@scottb5178]

Excellent how-to video. Nice design, adding it to my to-do list.

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@KyJack13]

saved me 350- bucks. Thank you

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@dougdorrer4622]

Awesome brother. Saved my hundreds. Its also prevents grass buildup on the deck.

[@JustinsProject]

Awesome! Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@nedkent5239]

Put a nylon washer in the pivot bolts. Chute blockers also make flushing underside of deck with water work much better. I actually dunk the underside if deck in water with pto on.

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks!

[@chaile2111]

Awesome build, thanks!

[@JustinsProject]

You bet! Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@williamnewsome5169]

Excellent video and superb idea! I appreciate your dedication in sharing your idea and the precision you incorporated in your build. Thanks Justin!

[@JustinsProject]

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching and commenting

[@tundradave138]

Nice video. It inspired me to make one for my Simplicity ZTR after my original got destroyed after seven years of use. I had leftover pieces of 2x2 angle iron and some straight bar. I also had an old truck bed mat that I've had for about 40 years. I occasionally cut a piece off of it for a project and it was perfect for this one. I also had leftover spray paint from other projects. The only thing I had to buy was three small bolts - $1.31. It cost more than that to drive to the hardware store. The finished project looks almost like yours, although the Simplicity mounting system is different. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@JustinsProject]

That is awesome! Glad it turned out for you. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@gailp9432]

Great job Justin. I like it. I’ll start that project next week.

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@clintmyers8570]

Really nice design and workmanship, man. I’ve been looking at different ones online and after seeing this I think I’ll build one.

[@JustinsProject]

I'm glad it helped. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@JeremiahWilliams-h5o]

Quality product with a quality video! Well done sir!

[@JustinsProject]

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@BobElder-vs1tn]

Excellent idea and great video presentation.

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍

[@BobElder-vs1tn]

@@JustinsProject just made mine and it works just like you said. Thanks again.

[@Candoit2]

I watched 3 other videos of how to build a mulcher/grass blocker and yours was the easiest to build and the best design. All the other guys used metal welded and bends in the blocker! Thank you for sharing the design and your time to exlain and give your ieas. The rubber mat was an excellent idea. How thick is the rubber mat?? Thanks again!!

[@JustinsProject]

I got the mat at Rural King. It is 1/2 inch thick. I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@TigerRagFishingTeam]

Don't forget in the fall you can use it to mulch leaves. With good munching blades they work great for that.

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@LonnyBarry]

First time listener, first time caller. Well done Justin! Built it, mounted it. Perfect fit. All that's left to do now is paint and test. Followed your tip, Used 1.5" x 1.5" angle and 1.5" flat steel. Rural King delivered a speckled recycled rubber mat. I suppose my '14 48" ZT will be all the rage now. Thanks for your excellent notes and suggestions.

[@JustinsProject]

Awesome, I hope it works out for you. I've been waiting for spring and mowing season. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@LonnyBarry]

@@JustinsProject Just tested it. The only mod I had to make was to tighten down the hinge bolts to the point of preventing the Chute Blocker from opening. Standard blades mulched fantastically. Putting my mulching blades this weekend and ready for Spring. Thanks again, sir!

[@professor_thunder]

@Justin's Project Your shop building is Pure Class. Cheers

[@JustinsProject]

Much appreciated 🙏 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@Bob_Adkins]

Great design, I'm going to build one of these! I may look for large poly cutting board or cut a piece from an old 55 gal plastic drum, and straighten the curve with a heat gun. Thanks!

[@JustinsProject]

Good ideas! Thanks for sharing.

[@j.j.sargeandsons]

I made two. One for my hustler surfer pro and for my raptor xdx Only difference is I welded on the brackets and welded bolts to it so it can slide on

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Bluegrass-Lawncare-LLC]

Great video, my gym is currently replacing all their rubber floor and I’m gonna ask them if I can take a piece off their garage. Came across this video JIT. Need to make one for my Gravely 48” Stance . Thank you again.

[@JustinsProject]

Great idea! Hope it works out for you!

[@safedriverspei8543]

Great addition to a mower. However, I would recommend a small lever or tether to raise the flap. You wouldn’t want to be reaching anywhere the discharge area or blades.😊

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍

[@specfever2]

He's not though... Currently, I teach over to lift the flap with my hands. The blades aren't going to magically get longer.

[@richbar1869]

What a great video man wonderful idea. Thanks.

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@taco-lover]

Great idea! Now I want to figure out how to make one for my push mower!

[@JustinsProject]

You should be able to apply the same principles to a push mower.

[@blackhorse2947]

American ingenuity……….. Bravo mon capitaine 👏👍….🇺🇸

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@mp-xs2cd]

This is awesome. One question though. What keeps the blocker in the up position? Just friction from the mounting bolts?

[@JustinsProject]

Mostly friction from the mounting bolts. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@georgenichols5165]

looks handy I hate the big handle as well

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@arlittle13]

I watched this video multiple times, and took the idea and made one of my own using the same materials you used for my Snapper 360z XT. I was trying to solve the same problem with some of my lawn care customers’ having mulch beds and I didn’t want to be blowing grass in them or going the same pattern every time just to prevent that. It works great, especially when mulching leaves. My only issue is mine is leaving strips of mulched up grass, and I’m curious as to your input how I could possibly fix that? @Justin’s Project

[@JustinsProject]

Possibly use mulching blades or high lift blades to see if that helps.

[@jeremyg7975]

Great for homeowner but i will just buy them forever. I just bought a Lazer and Im getting the Xmrk OCD installed.

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@Rebel9668]

I'd really only use one in the fall when mulching leaves. Keeping clippings off my porch or deck, or landscaping is easy enough as I simply don't mow with the discharge chute facing those areas.

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@TigerRagFishingTeam]

So I'm curious what keeps it up in the upright position? Is it just bolt tension or maybe just the balance of the flap? Little bit of both?

[@JustinsProject]

Little bit of both. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@berniemclovin5140]

Great DIY Engineering!! One question though.......How does it stay up securely like that? Are you using a nylon type washer/nuts or something?

[@JustinsProject]

The original chute was pretty stiff also. It stays up on it's own. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@jorgeposadas1192]

Thank you much for the info.

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@leareedy2337]

I noticed that you allow your spring loaded ruler to retract fast till it hits the stop end. this will eventually break off the stop end. instead you should hold the stop end with your hand so that it does not retract with a hard hit.

[@JustinsProject]

Good point, although I do need a new measuring tape 😎 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@RickActual]

I love it. Thanks for the video!

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@braydenwallace3015]

awesome idea that i need to work on. but do you have any recommendations on how to make the arm to open it while sitting and blades running? i’m completely lost on that part of it.

[@JustinsProject]

I would have to design it. I might try to create that when I eventually get around to making my striping kit. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@GregulatorOG]

Do you have a link to your striping kit?

[@glenmel78]

FYI, a plastic 55-gallon drum works great as material for a chute block. Bonus, the bottom edge of a plastic drum is just about perfect shape for smaller riding mowers.

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@daniellang6112]

Great job@ Bravo! What if you just made 2 passes blowing the grass away from area's affected?

[@JustinsProject]

Could do that, but this thing can toss taller grass out 10-15 ft. Though the blocker solves some problems in one area, it causes issues in other areas. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@loganlejeune565]

That’s what I used for my diy striping kit for my Ariens mower

[@JustinsProject]

Awesome! Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍

[@tcmits3699]

I remember back in the early nineties Dnyamark made a mower that had rear discharge and 4wheel steering. They sold out fast, and never came back😂

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@dumbwaymane2295]

I need one for a z355e john deere 48 inch

[@JustinsProject]

Should be able to use the same concept. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@BillyBobDingledorf]

I like it, but it needs a 90 degree position. Rocks (or whatever) can fly out of there and need to be directed. Last summer, I neglected my chute and it allowed rocks to fly up, breaking a window. Whoops.

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍

[@mikewhitlock1849]

Doesnt the factory advanced chute system include mulching blades? Do you have any issues with grass clumping up under the deck with the factory blades?

[@JustinsProject]

I've used mulching and high lift blades with no problems.

[@cody_hop]

Did you ever come up with a handle idea like the ACS has? Trying to think of a way to do that.

[@JustinsProject]

Not yet, I just open and close it by jumping on and off. I am still doing a long-term test to see if it will hold up. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@ShaneZettelmier]

Pretty cool and it looks good too. Though I still think you should grab a welder come out Welding’s pretty easy once you understand the basics. I bought a book from Harbor freight for $.99 that taught me how to weld. Lol. I did a good job explaining the basics and from there I just practice a little and it’s pretty easy. ;)

[@JustinsProject]

I do want to get back into welding. It's been over 20 years since last welding. Hopefully, I can remember how. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@silverdragontaylir8252]

I used 6 inch chainsaw bar 17 inches long(it don't bend )😊

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for sharing!

[@fastrich75]

When is you line kit coming ?? I’m dyeing to see that Video!!!!

[@JustinsProject]

I have so many projects I am trying to find a time to add it in. I will be doing it sometime shortly though. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@joesummers9864]

I just found your channel are you still satisfied with your badboy mower

[@JustinsProject]

Yes, most definitely! Only complaint up to this point is the lack of traction on those tires. They get a little wet and loose traction very easily.

[@mylawnbarber]

Thank you man!!!! Great video!! Wish i would have saw this before i bought my Advanced Chute System from Ballard INC!!

[@JustinsProject]

Appreciate it! I do still plan on making my stripping attachment. Been busy finishing my shop and I haven't had a chance to do so. I hope I can get it completed sometime in the spring. Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍

[@platinumlawnservice]

I was getting ready to buy one for the upcoming lawn season but 2 3 400 bucks, no thanks. You could easily take a piece of conduit and bend it up, put a rubber handle on the end and bolt or weld or have someone tack weld it on and now you can open it from the seat easily

[@thomaszujkiewicz2143]

Design it that it shoots towards the back like the old wheel horses used to do

[@JustinsProject]

I think Bad Boy offers a rear discharge on their more expensive mowers like the Rogue and Renegade. I seen it on the Rogue so I am assuming their top mower the Renegade would have that option also.

[@Bailey-y9b]

What's the pvc on the patio doing for ya

[@JustinsProject]

I was working on a project 😉

[@AN-eo9pf]

Tractor supply has the rubber mats and home Depot has the angle iron

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@patrickrevelo6568]

very easy well explained thank you very much .

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for the feedback. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@jerrytalley802]

I may make one for my Ariens ikon x 52. Great idea, I have everything I need except the bolts, so mine will cost less than $10, thanks

[@JustinsProject]

Definitely less than $10 if you have everything but the bolts 🔩 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@shuffle5152000]

That’s a banger, great vid

[@JustinsProject]

Much appreciated 🙏 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@henrythompson5624]

Do you think this design will be okay if I use 3/4 horse mat that's what I have laying around

[@JustinsProject]

Definitely, actually, it would probably be better.

[@henrythompson5624]

@DIYSolarBuilds cool thanks

[@ALNTV1541]

I need to build or buy a chute blocker. Only thing about mulching blades though, my customers all are bi-weekly cuts. I think mulching blades work if used at least weekly. Not sure how they would work 14 days growth during summer. I run high lift blades and they do throw grass more than I’d like around areas like you showed to be problems for you.

[@JustinsProject]

Yeah, I'm considering putting my hi lift blades back on. Although my mulching blades are doing great, I want to sling that grass further in the field. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@philipjames9558]

Great DIY. I may use this in the future.

[@JustinsProject]

Awesome, I'll have a follow-up review on it by the end of the season let you know how it performed. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@VitalySeyler-ky2bs]

What holds up the blocker?

[@JustinsProject]

It holds itself up. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@bnorby213]

Ever build the striping kit?

[@JustinsProject]

No, I haven't 😁 been too busy finishing my shop. AND... I have neglected my lawn this year, I'm not sure it would stripe 🤣 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@FamilyThomson]

Where can I buy rubber mat .I live in Buford Ga.Thanks

[@JustinsProject]

I got that one at Rural King. Here is a link to the same one I purchased at the store. www.ruralking.com/catalog/product/view/id/132836 - Hope that helps. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@tyschepis4606]

Go to a truck stop and buy a rubber mud flap

[@417Keto]

​​@@tyschepis4606said that I've got a couple left over from having a dump truck I was thinking about using. I made a metal one but the more I think about it if the bottom hits against something it's going to jack the brackets up.

[@bidders77]

D6od you fit your stripe kit yet?

[@JustinsProject]

I haven't gotten around to it. I really want to, though. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@bidders77]

I'll be watching even more I've just taken on a job that has a 52inch ariens zenith ride on on a 26 acre estate here in the UK, The ride on is new to me after 20 years using pedestrian roller mowers so rapidly watching lots of ride on videos

[@WichhartAcres]

Nice project man!

[@JustinsProject]

Much appreciate! Hope your barndo is coming strong. Last I seen, 2 walls were up. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍

[@bigc2091]

Great idea. Thanks

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@dudleydorite7678]

Where is the striper video

[@JustinsProject]

My apologizes, I have not made it yet.

[@joefiddle52]

What's interesting is that it stays close and doesn't open when mowing.

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@saanchips3965]

Enjoy your video thanks. I like how detailed you are in the video thumbs. Can wait to see the video of the striper your going to do

[@JustinsProject]

I do plan on making that still. Eventually, I'll get around to that project. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@TERRY19657]

I would have used 6 'boats'😂 instead of 5 Great video !

[@JustinsProject]

It's not the first time I have heard something like that. 🤣

[@ryannorris5713]

Need to put a handle on it so you can easily open and close on the move! And you could add a magnet to the backside of the blocker which would hold it tight to the deck

[@JustinsProject]

I personally do not like the handle on it. It gets in my way. Certainly could add one pretty easily if you wanted to though. I thought aboit the rare earth magnet but for now it stays in its spots fairly good. We shall see how that works over time though. I will give updates on it if I need to do further mods. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@dcus55]

This looks like a great solution…not paying $200 plus via retail for an adjustable discharge blocker or $100 for a piece of sheet metal. This I can do.

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍

[@VegetaIsMe23]

Some ppl dont have time so they just buy it. Either way as long as you got one

[@hootnscootify]

Man you are awesome. Thank you

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@ChristopherMoler-hs7fm]

I love my zero turn!

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@keepinitreal7991]

Get an old semi truck mud flap from a trucking company or truck repair shop for free!

[@JustinsProject]

Good tip! Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@JacobAHull-nx6rx]

Rubber mat...great idea

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@silentshdow111]

Get project!! Thanks , did you ever make a video on striping kit thanks

[@JustinsProject]

I haven't, sorry about that. It is still part of my to-do list, though. But that list is growing and growing. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@longshooter457]

Try it in some tall grass and or leaves and get back to us.

[@JustinsProject]

Just open it and send out the debris. Works great.

[@RBG-tr9ce]

Just need a small amount of rubber, TRACTOR SUPPLY has what is needed in a 3'x4' piece for $31. BUT they wanted $30 to ship it! The flat steel already cost me $26. All of the supplies will end up at least to $150.

[@JustinsProject]

I got the rubber at Rural King. Everything else I had laying around for other projects. Use a small piece of the rubber, and then from the remaining piece of the mat, you can build a stripping kit. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@DR-um2bv]

Plus not gonn throw rocks and break windows

[@JustinsProject]

Very true. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@BradSchroeder-th5gi]

where is your striping kit DIY?

[@JustinsProject]

Sorry about that, I have gotten busy with other DIY projects and never got around to it. I keep destroying my grass with equipment. Once I get that looking good again I hope to build a decent one.

[@stwings98]

Nice!!

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@QuickScoperKyHh]

Where is diy striping kit

[@JustinsProject]

Life has gotten in the way. I am still planning on making it, though. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@BillChase-qm8ud]

have the wife clean up the mess....hahaha

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻

[@cancelchannel3394]

The mulching flap creates a dust cloud that encapsulates the entire mower constantly, because it doesn't seal off the grass chute well enough 🥴

[@JustinsProject]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@kevinspahr6632]

Really??? Blow the grass the other way until you're far enough away from the patio and flower beds. Other than that good job on the chute build😁

[@JustinsProject]

If I blow it away from the patio, then it will cover the flower beds. If I blow it away from the flower beds, it will cover the patio. After about a year, I only use it in tight spots. But it does help. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻