Cub Cadet ULTIMA Mulch Kit

[@starmeister137]

HD, I've been mulching for the last 20 years and would not have it any other way. My greatest appreciation is the safety factor, no flying debris. In the fall mulching to dispose of leaves is a real time and back saver. I live in the woods and blew leaves to the perimeter of property for many years. This typically took 60 manhours per season. Now I simply raise the deck, ride over the fallen leaves, and voilà all gone.

[@GRNYDRKNSS]

I side discharge but am seriously considering a mulching kit for my jd ztrak mower

[@robertwest2776]

I have the same mower and the same problem with bed all over the yard along with a pool . I just bought the mulch kit and it works great, couldn’t be happier.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it worked well for you.

[@дмитрийтаскин-ж9г]

The mower has met all of my expectations and has proven to be the best zero turn mower I have owned. It is very well built and solid and produces an excellent cut.

[@handydadtv]

Yes indeed. 👍🏻

[@mattstetter734]

I bag in the early growing season, switch to the same Cub Cadet mulching kit and bag the last few mows of the season due to leaves. I had to zip tie my cover in a few places to keep it tight but over all I’m pleased with it.

[@juiceboxxtm9848]

Thanks for all these videos on the cub cadet ultima series mower. It was really appreciated. Just ordered my ZT2 50 today. Sold my X300 John Deere to buy one. Cant wait.

[@kellyscut1761]

I use the grass flap chute blocker. It allows you to mulch or side discharge at will .

[@fookjoebiden]

Is that what that extra part is that comes with the mulching kit not the piece that actually blocks the hole in your deck but the other plastic piece I have no idea what it actually is

[@glennflanigan8601]

Thinking of buying a Cub Cadet 42" tomorrow. They're quite new to Australia. Looks like a solid mower 👌

[@handydadtv]

I’m still using it. 👍🏻

[@johncrumlish1466]

I just bought the ZT1 42in. and installed the mulch kit. I've always mulched. Curious as to why you edge at the end? I edge and weed back at the beginning so i can blow everything back onto the yard before mulching it.

[@handydadtv]

No reason. Just depends on my mood. Best practice is to edge and trim first, like you said.

[@ryanhoward9823]

I mulch as much as I can. We have a pretty busy family, so when it gets longer than I like I would bag it becuase the mower has a hard time mulching the longer grass. I have a 5k sq. ft. Yard and I use a self propelled honda harmony mower. It has 2 stacked blades and the grass clippings look like confetti. Keep up the great content!

[@sal6830]

I have a Cub cadet tractor and I use gator blades with a mulch plug. Work pretty good I do however want to try high lifting mulch blades to see if there's a difference. Have you ever used gator blades?

[@MsTonya417]

Mulch but will bag if the grass has gotten really overgrown,which isn’t often (I mow pretty much 2 or 3 times a week)I haven’t side - discharged in years too messy. Love the videos Chris,keep’um coming 😊

[@chrisnelson3470]

I have a cub rider and I use there mulch kit but it does leave a line of clipping... I’d be interested to see how yours works if you let it grow a little more. I mow every 5-6 days.

[@robertnichols2315]

My cub 1042 rider use to leave a strip of grass while mulching till I put a pair of Gator blades on it problem solved

[@chrisnelson3470]

@@robertnichols2315 I thought those were for side discharge only, do use it with a mulching plug?

[@robertnichols2315]

I mow once a week as long as it isn’t wet I use the mulch plug and those gator blades really help to me

[@robertnichols2315]

@@chrisnelson3470 yes I use the mulch plug

[@MichaelMantion]

Bought a set of gator g6 mulch blades. Took off my flap and used 3" gorilla duck tape to close the exit. Lasts the whole season. The mower sits outside 24/7 by the end of winter it's still there but I reinforced it.

[@MrZipperhead16]

+1 for the gator blades. We use them at work and even though the mower is a side discharge, the amount and size of clippings is much smaller. I would say less than half, plus they last 3x longer than the stock (Chinese steel)JD blades.

[@projectgarage4239]

Bought the mulching kit for my husqvarna and haven’t looked back. Great kit.

[@handydadtv]

How often do you wash out the deck after mowing?

[@projectgarage4239]

HandyDadTV I try to every mow because my mower has the quick connect on the deck. But sometimes I’m in a hurry or miss it. I usually clean my deck with a putty knife about twice a year just as an extra step to clean the deck. Somehow stuff gets caked in places and it slowly starts build up from there. I’m going to look into coating the deck with sc1. The same stuff I use on my sxs helps keep mud from sticking to it so I’m hopeful it will help prevent grass from sticking.

[@handydadtv]

Let me know how that goes

[@RickGentle]

I have the ZT1 52 inch & love the side discharge. I have used regular rider with mulch kit & made a mess.

[@luisrosado6499]

52 inch ??? I never see a 52 inch. Hellooooooooooooooooooo.....

[@strongisland7015]

I mulch as much as I can. Bagging is extra work and side discharge leaves a mess like you said. Grass is extra long too from all the rain so ill bag it today as well. But mulching is the way to go! Love your vids, keep em coming! :)

[@mikemorris8497]

My yard is similar to yours 15000 sf outside philly. So we are in the same boat. I do whatever the situation calls for. Like today , as you know we have gotten 3+ in. Of rain recently. I was mulching, but today’s cut I’m going to p/u clippings . We have a JD riding mower. It’s a pain to change the blades . Man I NEED one of those zero turns! One Day. Love your videos. Thanks.

[@josephbrown1169]

What mulch kit did you get. I have a ZT2 cub cadet 50” commercial deck

[@handydadtv]

Mine was only 42”. Don’t remember the number.

[@ds1755]

The weight of that zero turn appears to be leaving ruts in your gorgeous lawn. You can see the lines clearly when the drone is high & directly over your yard. I think this cub cadet is causing some compaction in your yard too. Just a heads up.

[@handydadtv]

Yes I know; the tractor did too. It’s a combination of the machine and my fat ass. I need to alternate my pattern more, but I tend to keep doing what’s most efficient for me.

[@justindoe3396]

Do you feel the deck weighs enough? Or is it missing spots when you hit bumps in the yard?

[@handydadtv]

I don’t have any issue with it missing spots due to bumps. But it cuts better without the mulch kit because the suction pulls the grass straight up better.

[@fookjoebiden]

I have the same mower and just got the mulching kit for mine, haven't used it yet but looks great

[@handydadtv]

I prefer side discharge, truthfully. Let me know your opinion when you try the mulch kit.

[@woolfy02]

What mower would you recommend that can mulch and bag 6" high grass? My Cub Cadet 42" has a lot of issues with cutting the grass and bagging. It will get stuck in the chute, and jam every time. I literally have to go back 3 days later and mow the whole lawn again with the bag attached, since it's finally 'dry' enough to blow it in the bag. The thing is though, it's been how outside with no rain and the damn thing still jams up the first time I cut it. I like your model just seeing if you could give me some hints on what to do. Thanks

[@handydadtv]

Try high-lift blades. Mow more often (follow the 1/3 rule). Consider side discharging. Bag only when needed. It’s better for the lawn.

[@woolfy02]

@@handydadtv Thank you, I will try that out.

[@robertswift6101]

i would double cut it lowering the deck each time instead of all at once

[@Darthrtrader]

Thanks for the info. I just bought the Ultima 42 and decided to get the mulch kit because of the landscaping around my house. My current tractor came with a mulch kit and did a great job, so hoping this does as well.

[@handydadtv]

Let me know how you like it. I do mostly side discharge.

[@Darthrtrader]

@@handydadtv I got to say I love the mower and I love the mulch kit. The mower cut so well that I don't even see clippings at all. Granted I do cut my lawn about every 4 days or so and I have it at four and a quarter inch because it's St Augustine but I've mowed the lawn already twice with the mulch kit and the cut is amazing. Clean up of the mower is not so amazing but I enjoy mowing my lawn and even cleaning my mower so it's no big deal.

[@Tyler-ke3eb]

@@Darthrtrader i've got the ultima zt1 54 going on year #2 with it and thinking about getting the mulch kit. you still liking the mulch kit?

[@Darthrtrader]

@@Tyler-ke3eb yes I am! I was using the original blades all last year and it was great. Now that I swapped them out for the blades that came with the mulching kit, it’s even better. Barely any clippings to clean up and the lawn looks spectacular. One thing is that it’s not a really snug fit so clippings get caught in the mulching plug but no big deal since I clean my mower after every cut anyway. Hope this helps.

[@fireball5255]

Your yard looks amazing, do you maintain it yourself with fertilizer and weed killer or do you have a company do it. I have True Green and they suck.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks. I do it all myself.

[@rondail5675]

I agree. I used True Green for a few years and they just never followed my instructions. I would call ahead and remind them that I want granular power spread, not spray, and damn guy would come and spray. Dropped them and do it myself, now happy.

[@randal3122]

i have a zt1, and i mow a couple acres of pasture with it that isnt super smooth. and i only mow every couple weeks because i dont have time to mow more. but i end up with big clumps of grass everywhere becsuse im mowing relatively tall grass. in thicker areas, it can sort of bog down the more a bit. would this mulcher kit bog it down more, and not be a good idea for me?

[@handydadtv]

I don’t recommend a mulch kit unless you’re willing to mow twice a week. Every mower will clump if you mow every 2 weeks.

[@randal3122]

@@handydadtv ahh ya thats what i figured. that is way too much mowing lol

[@allisonbridgewater]

Can you still bag with the mulcher blades on?

[@handydadtv]

Probably, but the chute may clog.

[@royjones59344]

Yard looks great.

[@codykeller8389]

Thanks cloud Dad! Just bought this and am now even more excited to put it to use lol

[@handydadtv]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@L2fish]

I mostly bag but I do think that my high lift blades are a little aggressive and throw a lot of clippings out the front of the deck. Was thinking of using the mulch kit with the bagger to see what happens

[@dlay165]

How do you think it would work with the factory blades and just having a plug for the side discharge?

[@handydadtv]

Others have suggested this but I didn’t try it. I went back to the standard blades but don’t use the mulch plug. I side discharge most of the time because it gives a better cut.

[@masonbland8170]

How did you get it back level?

[@mikepetrosky6227]

So, with the mulch kit what is the grass build up under the deck like compared to a non mulching blade set up ?

[@handydadtv]

Definitely needs to be cleaned more often.

[@DjBrownSugarV]

This answered my question of mulching. And to your question, I bag. But I want to get a zero turn rider, and that kit so I don’t have yo bag as much and just mow and go to the next client

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@BenPipet]

I usually bag, as my Countax has a sweeper type grass collector that leaves perfect stripes, however I have just bought a mulching deck for it to help feed the lawn during the dryer months. I don’t like discharging the clippings as I don’t like seeing them dry up patchy on the surface of the lawn.

[@handydadtv]

I agree

[@kevinfoley8342]

I have a cub cadet xt1 and sometimes will mulch but I don’t get good striping. Not sure what your experience is with striping with or without the mulch kit on the ultima.

[@handydadtv]

Check out this pic on Instagram instagram.com/p/ByJKn6bg1l-/?igshid=1x4qtppzr29a6

[@MrSneakyGunz]

2:08 Love your breaker bar.

[@handydadtv]

#science

[@EpicConspiracy]

Should we buy new mulching blades each season?

[@sal6830]

Hi Chris, Aberdeen neighbor. How long are you running your sprinklers? I had a fungus going on in my lawn so I didn't want to water the lawn too much but now with a full week of around 90 degrees the lawn is starting to dry out especially where I had the fungus. I was thinking of throwing down ringer today and start setting the sprinklers for 45min per zone 3 times a week? I have pretty much 5,000 sq ft in the front and the same in the back both front and back are square shape yards. Let me k ow your thoughts. Thanks for your tips that you share

[@handydadtv]

I have a Rachio Gen3 (kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKnEop-qa8qAo5Y) set to Flex Daily, so it handles the watering frequency and duration for me. It waters around 20 minutes per zone; 45 is too much. Do the Lawn Care Nut’s tuna can challenge to figure out the correct duration. Don’t feed a fungus. Apply a fungicide and mow a little shorter than normal and BAG your clippings until the fungus grows out.

[@nartkhonako8759]

What happened to your timemaster? I am looking for a good used one 🤔

[@handydadtv]

It’s in the shed with the Ultima. I’ve been focused on getting good with a zero turn. It’s an experience!

[@nartkhonako8759]

HandyDadTV love your channel, i am using your lawn sketch schedule. Great work 👍

[@sociopathmercenary]

I just installed the mulch kit in my Cub Cadet ZT2 60. It's dark so I just ran it back and forth a couple of times. It's definitely a lot noisier but the cut quality seems pretty good. I have five acres so mowing it twice a week really isn't an option. We'll see how the mulch kit likes a few inches of grass. 😲

[@handydadtv]

I hope it works out for you.

[@angusmacduff3471]

I use a mulch plug and also pull a CC 42" lawn sweeper to collect the clippings for my compost. Very happy with the results. I follow Reganite's mix for the compost.

[@realist8082]

nice lawn brah. I'm working on mine. I have a club cadet

[@handydadtv]

Mow twice a week. Best advice I ever got.

[@evankaffenes9516]

I mulch using a Toro MX5060 experiencing lousy cut quality on my Kentucky blue grass. I’m considering a Cub Cadet Zforce 60 with a mulch kit but am unsure about cut quality. Any suggestions?

[@handydadtv]

Try different blades before switching the mower.

[@pleaseholdtherecognition225]

They are solid Ive had a 50 for 4 year's it could be way better deck adjustment could have a light for evening & it be really nice to have a touch screen for pre setting different heights on the fly it could have a better suspension because it has none it could also have a better seat but everyone has to remember this is a 3800 dollar mower they should come preset with the mulching kit but what a pain in the ass if the grass is long my issue is I have close to an acre my grass grows all different lengths in & outside the tree's these z turn are one of the best but it works me out fighting the longer grass i try to get down to 3 itches but out in the sunny areas the grass grows tougher it's because the lack of moisture so when you cut it it doesn’t chop up as well ive been waiting to try this myself but a bit worried it will clog up i try to just use a sweeper so the collection rate is less then baggers these baggers are bigger 2 & 3 bag's i believe 2 for my 50 but im about to submit to getting it overall it's abilities are a big improvement from a tractor but anyone thinking it's going to be easier to control your wrong i like that you can run these steering arms one handed when doing straight passes really adds some comfort to using both hands to control it but it takes some time to achieve this level of control I was switch to a robotic mower but they just haven't designed anything rugged enough to tackle a real yard job they are getting closer but 4k is a bit high for a little plastics looking rc car that mows 12 hour's to get the job done i hear 45 mins run time for 45 mins of charging god i couldn't imagine what it look like compared to the way i put down lines especially when the robotic max out around 17 inches your yard looks nice tho id recommend mowing 3 inches 3.5 i mow 3.25 if i can if its not to thick & 2.75 under the shade as it gets hotter i might go to 4 but really it's a head game next door they have grass all over they dont bag or sweep lol I'm like i should do that but when you pull up mine looks like similar to a golf course & I look at next door & im like ugh what a mess - oh & I also use a green works hand held blower on the cub one handed since my drive is so long it's not easy but i get it done i run the mower and clear my clippings like that it savea my legs definitely since my yard take over 3 hour's a time.

[@handydadtv]

Punctuation much? LOL JK. Thanks for the extensive comment!

[@pleaseholdtherecognition225]

@handydadtv 😆 Thanks I over did it writing comments last week 😭

[@diyard3001]

I bag most of the time, but mulch when it’s not too long. I pretty much took the side discharge chute out of the box and never installed it.

[@TheLawnGuardian]

Nice video, Chris! I typically mulch but recently I've been bagging to help get more air flow in the grass since we've been getting more heat and humidity and I'm trying to limit the fungus issues.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks Ben. Where do you put your clippings?

[@TheLawnGuardian]

@@handydadtv I'm fortunate to have woods behind my house where I dump them.

[@tonynewnham3114]

I have an RZT 46S and bought the mulching kit. In 6 years I have replaced the mulch plug 15 times!! The mulch plug randomly pops-off and is chewed by the blades. 38.00€ every time!!. Cub Cadet say they have not heard of this problem before ??? In my experience, the mulching plug is not up to the job.

[@garrettscott4094]

Pretty handy

[@Gokywildcats11]

Is the xt1 good or as good as the xt2. I can't locate the xt2 54 anywere

[@handydadtv]

I never tried the xt2.

[@mikejoyce3782]

I have a "yard" not a "lawn" like you so I only side discharge with my JD Z525E 54". Maybe someday I'll have a "lawn".

[@SJ-gd6bo]

Mulch for sure, I pay to much for fertilizer to waste it. I second the use of the gator blades, they last forever.

[@rondail5675]

I like and agree with your thinking.

[@justindoe3396]

I dont think there is a difference in cut over the lawn tractor from cub cadet and the 42 xt1 zero turn. The 50in xt1 seems to be the better value. Bigger engine and Kawasaki as well as new deck design. I dont know if the 50in has a mulch kit

[@dalehughes542]

I have a zt1 42 and just replaced the blades with a set of high lift blades and omg they throw clippings everywhere. I'm going to install the mulch kit. Any recommendations

[@handydadtv]

Be diligent about hooking up the hose when you’re done. Wash it in the street and drop the deck as low as it will go.

[@MrBerniebling]

10 bags a week with my ZT1, i have the mulch kits but dread the "green dog feet" problem after mulching

[@handydadtv]

I know the feeling

[@mgpvii]

I bought a mulching kit for my cub cadet but never installed it. I want to be able to bag in many areas such as around my pool and sidewalk (I have a corner house...a lot of side walk). I would also love to mulch but I don't to be limited to mulching. I want to be able to switch back and forth in between mowing. When I had my push mower it had a level where I could vary the mulching from full bag to full mulch. Does anybody know if I install the mulching blades whether I could still bag when I want? Do the mulching blades effectively shoot the grass into the bag if I take off the cover? I am willing to add and remove cover but not change blades in between mowing. Any comments would be appreciated...thanks.

[@handydadtv]

The struggle is real. Mulch blades don't have as much up-flow, so the bagger chute clogs more often. I took them off and don't mulch; I just side discharge. Not ideal, but it's the better alternative.

[@mgpvii]

Side discharge with bag option...got it. Thank you very much for taking the time to respond. Peace!

[@MegaGrazze]

clippings are good for your lawn if you are super worried about them double cutting the lawn will stop piles. i find it funny people who bag all the time but then need to fertilize way more because they are robbing themselves by bagging.

[@handydadtv]

I rarely use the bagger, but there are times it is very helpful.

[@StefanMueri]

I bag my lawn but it's a small area not like yours

[@michaelcasale2453]

Sometimes I bag and most of the time I mulch

[@taproom113]

Same setup - same issues. Card-carrying Mulcher! ;-) ^v^

[@handydadtv]

Side discharge makes a mess too. I don’t know which is better.

[@nhojcam]

so, why do most people leave the freaking chute on the mower after installing the mulch kit? i just don't get it.

[@handydadtv]

No place to store it?

[@can13]

You should pressure wash your side walk and some other spaces

[@handydadtv]

I’ll get to it. I just finished my fourth weekend of trimming shrubs. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@JohnWilliamLeonard35]

Doesn’t seem to stripe as well as regular blades

[@handydadtv]

That is true.

[@J53718]

You really done a video on adding a mulch kit and blades, but failed to clean out underneath your deck while you had it off. You can't get the proper airflow for a mulch kit with all that stuff gunked up underneath of your deck.

[@handydadtv]

It was a brand new mower and I used the wash port after every mow. My son-in-law has it now and we just removed the deck this spring. It was amazingly clean after several years.

[@bill5552]

Sure looks like the blades were installed upside down when the deck was off.

[@handydadtv]

They were right.

[@christophercochran5883]

Twice a week? You must have a small lawn.

[@handydadtv]

14,000 sf

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

Don't like sponsor videos sounds like a sales pitch

[@handydadtv]

Sorry I need to disclose when I get something for free.

[@rustyscupper6439]

a PVC cheater bar.....haha, that's definitely a firct

[@MAGAMAN]

You're not my real dad.

[@handydadtv]

How can you be sure?

[@anthonyrodriguez965]

I hate the mulching kit on this cub cadet, cub cadet won't call me back. I will never buy a cub cadet again

[@handydadtv]

I don’t use the mulch kit, but still love the mower.