Mulching vs Side Discharge - Why I Prefer To Side Discharge When Mowing

I have received a few questions recently about why I side discharge when mowing my lawn as opposed to mulching with my mower. In this video I explain the reasons why I prefer to side discharge and go over some general lawn care tips when it comes to mulching vs side discharging.
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[@Gr8thxAlot]

After 25 years of mulching, I went back to side discharge. What a game changer! I now remember why mowers used to cut great with only 3.5 hp. With side discharge I can cut my yard with half the effort, no clumping, no bogging down, and no worries about wet grass. (And the grass is ALWAYS wet in the spring here.) Mulching is really hard on steel decks too. The only negative with side discharge is that it takes an extra five minutes to blow off clipping from the walks. Sometimes the old way is the best way!

[@darkspd31]

This guy gets it

[@Winterborn5]

I've run into major clumping problems with side chute and mulching. My mother's yard has some really thick spots that always stay wet no matter what. But one thing I do with clump spots is I will use my leaf blower to break up and spread the clump over a large area.

[@JamieWardHD]

I have the TimeMaster as well. I've been using it for many, many years now, and love it. I also side discharge almost always. I find that I get a better result without using the side discharge chute. I just have a small bungee cord attached to the side chute door to hold it open. I find that this method does a better job of broadcasting the clippings further out than when the side chute is installed. As always, I love your videos. Very good work.

[@UhBuddy1976]

I totally agree with you. I just bought this mower and it works fantastic with side discharge. Your yard looks great too!

[@redtrain5]

Nice job on the videos. On the underside of my mower, on the deck area only, I've sprayed it with WD-40. When I go to clean up after every mowing, there's nothing there. I figured I'd give it shot since it works so good on my shovels when shoveling snow. You're doing a great job, thanks for sharing.

[@kruppert54]

I’ve been mulching my lawn for 25+ years with two different 48” mower decks from John Deere. Both have had attachments for washing the underside after each mowing to keep the clippings from accumulating. I’ve found that if you leave the grass growing too long before mowings you leave a trail of clippings just as you would a side discharge. With the high temperatures last summer here in Central Washington,regular watering and supplemental fertilizing, I was mowing every 3 days just to keep a nice looking lawn. Maybe you mentioned it Ryan, but frequent mowings make it easier on the tractor/mowers engine, fuel consumption and I find the blades stay sharper longer. I enjoy your videos Ryan! I learn a lot from you!

[@briangallant5973]

Thanks for doing side discharge. I use that 80% of time and have the best luck with it.

[@stevensanchez6586]

I have noticed the same exact thing with my toro(not a 30 inch) so I now side discharge. Great cut and look as opposed to mulching.

[@mikekantor453]

I have Emerald Zoysia which is thick and I used a Husqvarna rider for years and mulched with it. I retired the old Husqvarna 2 months ago and bought a new Cub Cadet Zero Turn rider with a steering wheel. It came setup to side discharge which gave a beautiful cut but I bought the mulching kit and hate the cut quality and it leaves clumps of grass on the lawn. After watching your video I'm going back to side discharging. Great video!

[@rbruce63]

I’m mowing with my side discharge attachment now and I love it! I wish the gated community where I live allowed mowing on weekends!

[@quattro4468]

Might as well be communist.

[@marks6290]

I used to mulch with riding mower which it was designed to do but for the past few years I side discharge and I like it better. Deck cleaner and lawn looks better.

[@dancartlidge5202]

Good points in this vid. For the past ten years, I've run a Lawn Boy that had bag or mulch option....no side discharge...and I live in SW Florida, where everything is damp...all the time. Mower stalled ALL the time. Now I have a Toro with self-propel, forward and back, with side discharge option, which I am using. Makes all the difference....

[@MrSGL21]

i live in swfl too. i grew up mowing lawns. 7 years sgo i moved to a house that for the 1st time as an adult i had to mow. i got a simple cheap recycler mower. what a fucking nightmare. it took 2 hours to mow and 2 tanks of gas! i had to stop it contatntly to clear the deck. then i got a side dischage mower and far fewer problems. thats how we mowed back in the 80s and 90s. got a snapper rer setup for mulching about 6 weeks ago. i about burned up the dam deck belt today trying to mulch. it had been 6 days between cuts. i ordered the side discharge chute today.

[@ivanh.munguia5609]

Thanks for uploading this good video.. I'm new to this, just purchased my new home & bought a new Toro 22 inch recycling gas mower...

[@kevinmorrissey9398]

Ryan, I'm a huge fan of your videos especially because of the clear audio and great camera work. Can't wait until the next one!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

I really appreciate that. I try to spend extra time on the production so that it is as clear as possible both audio and video.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

Good point. You don't realize how much high production value adds until someone mentions it

[@cpenrose64]

Hi Ryan - great videos you produce! I found you as I was researching the toro time master. I love the mower but it was just too big for my garage. Was also concerned for so many people complaining about it clogging the deck. So I went with the Honda and do a hybrid bag and mulch with great results so far. First cut yesterday. Anyway, wanted to thank you for your series of vids. Great job and keep it up!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thanks for checking out the videos and enjoy the new mower!

[@kagebro11]

Hey dude, so I gotta say, I found your channel just to figure out how to stripe my lawn, then I got down a DEEP rabbit hole with your channel. Got your book and now I have a new hobby of lawn care, its super interesting! Thank you for all your videos, products, etc. I'm all about it now lol hoping my yard looks great in the future. Following your book to a T!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Welcome aboard!

[@0Myles0]

Nice Argyle striping pattern. Any lawn nerd would be proud. It really looks nice.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thank you!

[@xDoomsdayx]

I agree. I have a cub cadet xt1 that for the first year I side discharged and my lawn looked great. I tried mulching kit for it and it did ok but I didnt think it looked as good as it did by side discharging. Another issue I have run into with mulching is getting bad clumping. I never had a clumping issue with side discharging but mulching is really bad on my deck for clumping.

[@robertburgard8588]

I have a honda and a toro so I mulch and side discharge. I get a pretty good cut when I mow in a square pattern with the chute facing into the center of the square. This allows me to cut up the already cut clippings multiple times. At the end when you have reached the center of your square, you can simply bag and discard the pile of clippings. This method seams to leave a very clean cut.

[@kevindowe]

Great info Ryan! Gonna definitely try the side discharge method with my Toro.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Good luck!

[@rayfok]

thank you for sharing your experience. i learn so much from your videos

[@chetmanley610]

Great video! I have a 0.5 acre lawn that is often very wet year round even on warm summer days. I'm about 1 mile south of Lake Ontario here in NY where there's lots of natural wetland. I am in the market for a new mower. My 30 year old craftsman walk behind mulcher still runs like a champ but i think it's time for an upgrade. I'm getting a little tired of walking at a snails pace and making half, sometimes even 1/4 swipes to accommodate for the thick wet grass. I love to walk when I mow but i'm starting to think a side discharge might be better for me with the wet grass.

[@MadMetalShop]

I side discharge my acreage but thinking about trying to mulch. I havent had bad results side discharging though. Good blades and you can't even see the discharged grass.

[@daltonwilliams9891]

Thanks , I plan on starting my own lawn care company within the next year . Learning allot more than I though I already knew from watching your videos.

[@dolodynamite7100]

Same here

[@johnc5156]

Couldn't agree more. I have a time master and it has a real problem with wet grass or grass that is too tall. It will bog down or won't discharge the grass at all. Very frustrating.

[@LawnTips]

Good thoughts man! Sweet videos as always

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thanks! Nice work on your videos as well.

[@LawnTips]

ryanknorr thanks!

[@Chudhole]

I like my mulching toro but I find you really almost need to have it at the max height and zero damp in the grass for it to work right. If you let the yard go for two weeks or it’s even a smidge wet the mower deck gums up with grass and it struggles to mulch or even stops the motor.

[@sunriseboy4837]

Great presentation, bucko! Few people ever consider what you presented, in that when you have these bloody "mulching" mowers, the result is, as you said, strain on the motor, not nearly as good a finish, and when the grass is ejected it is spread finely over the area, and will break down rapidly. The other thing I felt was neglected, was that blades should be kept well and truly sharp. Gives a bit better finish on the grass. If you look at grass cut with most rotary mowers, but look at blades of grass very carefully, you will see that it looks as though they've been shredded, rather than cut. The plant takes a long time to recover properly from blunt blades. That's why grass cut with a barrel or reel cut mower, always looks like it has been manicured. Use a magnifying glass to look at the grass cut with both types of mower, and you'll see a huge difference in cut result.

[@TheMotoKing]

Thanks for this great video and input!

[@chuckkowalski6360]

Well done as always, 100% agree with your important points ..

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thanks and thank you for watching!

[@patking265]

Wow! Thank you for taking the time to make this video! I bought a Toro Personal Pace mulching/side discharge mower this Spring and you helped me decide which is better. My question is, in the Fall when leaves start falling is it efficient to use the discharge bag to pick up all the leaves? Using a rake or blower is just too time consuming. Lol!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Yeah I would bag the leaves with the mower if there's big piles otherwise this is one time when mulching is beneficial. If you can chop them up and leave them on the lawn that is good too if they are chopped up good.

[@carolyngroff8283]

I'm just learning how to mow and this video was incredibly helpful! Thanks!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Glad to help!

[@UVJ_Scott]

I have a 3/4 acre lawn and mow using a riding mower. I’ve found what works best is to side discharge, let the clippings dry for a day or so then mow with the bags attached. Then I don’t have wet, soon-to-mold grass clippings to dispose of.

[@ssnoc]

Very informative and great video editing skills too - I love the cross strips looks great

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thank you!

[@joesemo]

I Bag most of time (90%) - or mulch small or weak growth. Side discharging usually means I have to spend extra time blowing off the clippings. Like you said, do what works best for you. Timemasters have improved a lot (for bagging) since the 1st generation. I have always used them since they first came out. So I have noticed the improvements and appreciate Toro is always listening to customers and updating as needed

[@mattyicee27]

I have that honda, so I will continue to mulch cut with it

[@OPBagels]

I have moderately thick grass and I mulch my yard, once a week depending on rain and it works perfectly, if I miss a couple days and it is 1 1/2 a week or more I bag, getting your yard in a cycle is best for mulching I found

[@daflea66]

With regard to using a mulching setup, I agree with a lot of what you've said. I use the mulch kits on my large rand faster mowers but discharge with the narrower deck units. This is opposite what i see my competition doing. Reasoning is, with a 52" cut mower that travels 9 mph it is easy to double cut a lawn if you get stragglers or some clipping buildup that needs dispersed. With a 36" and lower though, double cutting is a lot more time so I just discharge with those. Love the vids, keep up the domination.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Very good points. Thanks for sharing.

[@tim42358]

I am a newly retired lawn professional in northern Illinois. Where you are makes a difference as to what you do. I cut large areas of commercial properties. Mulching works well if it is cut as often as once a week. If the grass is higher then an inch cu off then it is best to side discharge. If it is more the 2 inches we just double cut the area. This always worked well for us.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

With my particular mower and the thickness of my lawn, even cutting every 4 days causing some build up under the deck when mulching. If I cut that often then side discharge clippings are fairly small and don't make any kind of mess. It works well for me but I know many who use your plan and it works fine as well.

[@PawneeBill47]

Thank you. Good video.

[@kmonnier]

I agree with side discharge cut quality and suction.

[@wildbill23c]

Depends on grass height. If its pretty tall I'll side discharge, if its not too bad I'll mulch. I need to get the mulch kit for my current lawn tractor though...however my 21" mower is setup for either side discharge or mulching most of the time...I'll use it in the fall to bag leaves if they get too thick.

[@user-qr6zh9ev8k]

Good looking yard dude great advice

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thanks!

[@biker932012]

Mulching also works best with gator blades, the teeth on top of the blade help make the clippings smaller and therefore less clumps, also helps with mulching leaves.

[@bugpumpermcgee8291]

Love those domination shots with the drone!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thanks! The drone gives you a view you could never get otherwise.

[@alexhickey5633]

My mower was designed for bagging and rear discharging. Mulching the grass causes a really loud metalic grinding noise cos the grass gets stuck between the outer edge of the blade and the deck. Then it drops a massive lump of green goo onto the grass ive just cut. When discharging its fine and bagging is also fine, just mulching is an issue but i never really use that mower for mulching anyway unless its short thin grass

[@marcusweaver9728]

I live in Houston and have very thick St. Augustine grass. I use the Toro Time-master and what I like to do is raise the mower to the highest setting so my grass is nice and thick and this helps keep the yard from getting dry and crusty when we go a while without rain. What I like to do is side discharge AND bag. This really cuts down on the clumping with the side discharge as well as how much I have to bag. Best of both worlds. I mow about every 5-6 days.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Good info. I'll have to try that

[@kirktitgen6395]

Ryan is also a believer of Marvel Mystery OIl. Good Man.

[@suadmahmutovic6542]

Great video as always. Not sure if it's been addressed before but what blades to use. Right now I have 42" JD tractor and I have mulching blades in it. It came with regular blades. I was mulching but have had fair share of clumping even with frequently cutting but grass is super thick. After watching video I most definitely should benefits to do side discharge. My question is any benefit of switching to regular blade non mulching or just keep mulching but side discharge in case I occasionally do mulch?

[@stendecstretcher4983]

Excellent video very well presented subscribed!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thanks!

[@chrisgonzales2916]

Great tips guy.....

[@robwhiff3411]

Hey Ryan what are you thoughts on the gator or maxpower blades , I am looking to stop bagging my yard with my 22” craftsman mower and start mulching with no bag .. what do you suggest ?

[@MYTOYMAKERZ]

Yes I totally agree with your logic and mine since I agreed with you LOL. Very very nice looking lawn it adds so much curb appeal to your house. I have been told by our neighbors and even people just driving by that even stop while I am outside the same thing I said about yours. But be very careful once I retired a few years ago having just a nice lawn isn't enough. Than I moved to updating and maintaining our house - driveway - sidewalk well get the picture. But I am disabled so it gives me things that I can do and the self worth that goes with it. Now your Timemaster I almost purchased one when they came out but so many were complaining about them being under powered for the size of their deck. I held off 2 years to see if Toro would install a larger engine and instead I purchased a Simplicity Lawn tractor that really does a fantastic job. I have about 1/3 of an acre and my older tractor bit the dust so I went with a new tractor and purchased a Toro super recycler mower which is also a good mower. I tried the Honda and it also was a very fine mower but I agree it seemed more for mulching but I needed something better all around. Thank You from a new subscriber

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

I have heard good things about those simplicity tractors. Wish I could try out a bunch of different mowers! Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@HorrorFreakNY]

Great video, just subbed! Thanks!

[@Staygoldfarms]

Thanks. Nice looking lawn

[@j.b.phillips6400]

Thanks for the video. Do you chemically treat your lawn? It appears so. Full thick grass cuts cleaner than lawns with weeds throughout that hold in moisture. Also mower decks are also much cleaner with grass lawns having minimal weeds.

[@schomminater]

I side discharge too. i think its easier on the mower and its less fussy if the lawn gets too long or if its a little wet. I converted a co-worker and she says it works MUCH better side discharging than mulching.

[@moonbeam9901]

Great facts ,thankyou .

[@rynely1]

Nice video. What are your thoughts on bagging vs side discharge

[@ParaziteSVK]

You've got some good points here

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@elindquist80]

Completely agree about the Timemaster (2015 model). Thanks to proper watering and Milorganite I am at a really thick and dense lawn now. I was mulching and getting really bogged down and now have to bag. Certainly not ideal but I do like the appearance of it. As you said, you have to do what is best for you. Great video and keep up the great work.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Completely agree. Thanks for watching!

[@Boemel]

I just tried a 20 year old 6hp briggs to mulch 10"high grass and it worked but the engine did hesitate sometime :D

[@jamesfrench7299]

I learned a lot from this.

[@wyattslawnservice7212]

I also side dish charge with my timemaster because of clogging and like you said "motor efficiency" Also, when side dish charging the dual blades cut the grass up so small it looks like it was mulched. 👍😃

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

I agree. It cuts things up fairly well without clogging up the deck.

[@wyattslawnservice7212]

ryanknorr true.. but with my services I have to bag/discharge because the deck would be done for after the 1st lawn 😂 Thanks for the speedy reply! some KZbinrs just don't like to respond to subscribers...

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

The main point of making these videos is to interact with people with similar interest....at least that's how I see it!

[@thm59225]

ryanknorr do you mulch the leaves in the fall?

[@wyattslawnservice7212]

thm59225 I tend to bag them because they mower sucks them up even with the deck on a higher setting. Therefore you can do a 1 acre leaf covered yard and only have it fill 1 or 2 bags :) 👍

[@billbrauer2178]

great video ryan!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thank you!

[@CoryGeffre]

Thanks for the video. Feels great to ask a question and have a detailed video show up the next week! I won't get too used to that, but I appreciate your engagement. CoryG

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Glad I could help out!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Right on with all points. I use Gator blades and side discharge and the gators cut up the clippings but with the side discharge there'd no clumps and a finer spray. Good Video!

[@richsellskc]

Here is my story, my two cents regarding my 10 year old Toro Timemaster, here in Kansas City. This machine now runs better than ever on my 7,000 SF grass area. Last year I replaced the transaxle (finally). Replaced the carb (after rebuilding the old a few times) along with replacing the usual belts, kill switch, and cables along the way. Also, recently replaced the wheel adjuster handles finally...etc. I increased the engine rpm from factory 2500 setting to 3000. This has increased cutting torque and traction (speed) simultaneously. I clean or replace the air filter regularly. I do regular oil changes (20 ounces, 3 times per year) and use ONLY high octane fuel, and always have. I replaced the stock cutting system with upgraded mulching blade$ (which demanded that extra bit of torque). I do not use the side discharge, typically. IMHO, mulching capability is diminished with the side discharge "open" (or when bagging, of course).The mulched clippings (fines) are so "fine" when the trap is shut. This allows the grass to be "fully" mulched allowing me to bag the clippings less frequently. giving the hearty grass a " break" from the build-up. The tall fescue is awesome and deck adjustment is set on "A", the tallest setting. The highest setting is great for me because the tall grass holds moisture better, thus, my sprinkler system runs less frequently. I only take less than an inch or so off so am able to maximize the mulching process. Yes, undercarriage will always have some buildup, regardless. I wait for dryer grass to become available, if possible, as I get to maximize the mulch process and minimize the sticking before washing the undercarriage after each cut. Trying to make this old beast last another season but am pleased with this machine. Thanks for you video and the feedback that receive!

[@MusiqTruth]

What can I do to cut down on all the clippings I end up having to blow off the side walk? Mine technically is supposed to mulch and it’s STILL shooting out all over the sidewalk. I’m thinking of putting on my side discharge attachment and shooting BACK into the yard, THEN taking it off and mowing over it a second time with without the side discharge. I’m hoping this will help with all the clippings im ending up with

[@woof3598]

good info, but it seems no matter what I to do try my Sears mulching push mower always leaves a row of clipping that makes it look like a hay field, sharpen the blade, I mow often and bagging seems to be the only thing that helps

[@chanpoteat3037]

Thanks man this helped out ✊

[@cadamczak6856]

Recycling works if you cut regularly and you don’t let the grass get too high, but with a lot of rain, wacky work schedules, that doesn’t always work. Recycling decks clog easy and I have moved past the recycling mower and do a side discharge and then use my Billy Goat to vacuum the clippings. They are great fertilizer in my garden. Side discharge does give a more even cut as it takes more horsepower for recycling mowers and they bog down and stall out. Especially when the grass is not drying to cut.

[@mrcrowley2737]

My troy bilt is “3 in 1”. Might try mulching....just worried about thatch building up...🤷‍♂️

[@zacjohnson8404]

epic stripes man

[@Ratonc2]

My lawn is weeds heavy (crabgrass, clover weed). Is it better to side discharge or bag while trying to save and grow the lawn? Thanks in advance!

[@Juan-nq2jp]

Ayeee I got that same lawn mower

[@jakubjungle656]

that guitar interstitial should be the menu music for a mowing simulator

[@oscarvazquez3930]

Nice video bro. i just Subscribed in your channel. i hope to learn more about your push mower, i'm thinking to buy one the same like yours

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thanks for joining us!

[@Fight4freedom.]

Do you still use the mulching plug when you are side discharging?

[@RB-hl3ux]

Good video!

[@RB-hl3ux]

Looking good!

[@tmonjr8490]

Your lawn reminds me of Farmville

[@jcook899]

Do you use high lift blades? I hear it makes a big difference when side discharging or bagging

[@rapskallion]

You're well spoken, organized, on point and knowledgeable - one smart cookie. But tell me, I saw in the video you have the bag attached while using side discharge. Does that direct some clippings into the bag and reduce/regulate how much is discharged? We city folk with our postage stamp lawns need to know.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

It can but I would typically just do one or the other and not both at the same time. I usually just do side discharge unless I need clippings for our garden

[@vernonweir636]

Thanks 😄

[@Phil-kf6lt]

Damn. You're convincing me to switch.

[@d_dizzie_druck5753]

so iam watching this again, & noticed you do not mention blade designs or blade conditions???? 😕

[@jamesfrench7299]

Hi Ryan, I am accustomed to using a rear catcher and disposing of the clippings. Should I just mow without the catcher sometimes, to nourish the lawn? My mower doesn't have mulching function bear in mind.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

It would be best to put the clipping back on the yard as long as you mow often enough and the clippings won't be too large to break down. By placing them back on the yard you are returning some of the nitrogen back to the yard.

[@ICUEverywhere]

Odd that Toro puts mulching blades on the mower instead of high lift. I generally use the mulching when I'm in an spot where the shield can not be used due to obstacles. I've found that the side discharge and bagging work more effectively than the mulching. If I want mulching I use my Toro Super Recycler. I will be going to the high lift as soon as these mulching blades wear down.

[@OLMasterChief]

What would be best for tall fescue

[@jefchaplin6205]

Great information! Do you double cut every mowing? Thanks.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Not every time. Usually I do the double cut just for striping purposes but it makes the cut look cleaner in general.

[@tulsatom4307]

@@ryanknorrlawncare Since you say in the Video that you SIDE CHUTE because of (reasons you give) When you DOUBLE CUT - since the FIRST CUT is done, and the time that the cut grass has to shrink/dry, it eases the load for Another Cut > would it work well then to MULCH on the SECOND CUT, and clean-up the Hay on Top ?

[@leyenda6149]

Hi Ryan. I am struggling to find a side discharge mower from a major brand. I want to spend $500-600. Any thoughts, please?

[@blakeedits5587]

What is the mode name of the chute?

[@Boodieman72]

I prefer to mulch, its better for the overall health of the lawn and I don't spray clippings all over the driveway and other planting areas. If I get clumps for whatever reason, I just double cut and they go away.

[@blahdiblah2169]

Ryan. Recently I bought a Husquarna mulching accessory which required me to also swap out the blade to a mulching blade. Is it possible to side eject with this mulching blade or should I swap it out for the original blade?

[@userthatcantthinkofagoodna1440]

Side discharge should work just fine with mulching blades

[@darkspd31]

with side discharge you can mow every other week and just have to leaf blow the grass clippings from the fence line then done!!

[@karangill6885]

Thank you Ryan Reynolds.

[@johnbedell2376]

Does your frequency of side discharge still return nutrients back into the lawn as mulching is said to do? LCN recommends the Timemaster but your feedback gives me second thoughts. My 12,000 square foot lawn in SE Michigan and my Toro 22” are not playing well together.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Still returning clippings so it's the same but they aren't quite as fine as mulching. I mow often enough that is has never mattered much in my situation.

[@Fencearmor]

You have great information Ryan! Keep it up. This was a great video with very helpful information.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thank you!

[@Fencearmor]

You're welcome!

[@tomn5880]

We have a JD S240 and I discharge rather than mulch. I've had a mulching deck and it always left minor wind rows. I have a neighbor with a JD x335 ZTR and he leaves small wind rows when mulching. Neighbor across the street has a JD x375 and he discharges rather than mulch because of the wind rowing nature of mulching. I have my discharge chute bunged open and broadcast the clippings to the air. I never have wind rows, never have a discharge carpet/layer on the grass and it's hard to tell if I just mowed the lawn.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Yes personally as long as I mow often enough I don't notice any difference and I just seem to get a better cut.

[@tomn5880]

Ryan: We have professional lawn care service and we have an irrigation system. I have to mow every third to fourth day all summer.

[@82dupont]

Tom N, what type of blades do you use when side discharging?

[@steng2495]

Side discharge just leaves clumps on top of my grass. Mulching puts it into the ground