Cutting grass smoothly is not easy. Especially when you’re trying to mulch the clippings away, the mower may clog, slow down, or eventually just cut the grass inefficiently.
Luckily, you don’t have to let your lawn mower mulch everything. Instead, you can install side discharge and set up the mower to mow as smoothly as you need.
But this takes some experience with mowers if you want to do it properly. So, if you aren’t well-versed about lawn mower discharge systems and want to learn how to do it well – then follow this article to the letter.
Whether you have a self-propelled mower or a mower for hills, we’ll teach you everything you need to install the discharge on it. So keep reading!
Why Install a Side Discharge on Lawn Mower?
First and foremost, why is a side discharge such an excellent accessory for your mower? Well, here are a few reasons to consider:
1. Allows Cuts on Any Grass
One of the hardest types of grasses to cut is long moisty grass. And if it is thick, then that’s even harder. This type of grass clogs up on the blade, tends to fill up discharge bags fast, and may slow down the mower exponentially.
What’s the fix? A side discharge chute that shuts the cut grass away so you can get rid of any type of grass.
2. Prevents Clogging
Because side discharge tends to be closer to the blade than back discharge chutes, they prevent clogging a lot more effectively. You won’t have to worry about blades getting stopped or slowed down by grass clippings.
3. Saves Time & Effort
Pushing a mower that doesn’t discharge well may slow down the machine enormously. And sure enough, a slow mower will make you push it harder, so you need to make an extra effort. With a side discharge, you can prevent all that.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Install Side Discharge On A Lawn Mower?
Now that you’re aware of all the advantages of installing a discharge on your lawnmower – let’s go into the nitty-gritty.
Here, we’re going to help you at setting up your mower with a side discharge. For that, take a look at our steps and tips on how to set it up below:
Things to Consider:
Before you go deep into the installation process, we recommend taking a look at some of the precautions to take while installing the side discharge.
- The installation process of the side discharge may take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. So be sure to set aside some time for this.
- While it is not necessary to wear protective gear, a pair of work gloves may help to prevent even the slightest of damage on your hands. Consider wearing them to be extra safe.
- If you want to install/uninstall anything on the mower, it’s vital to turn it off first. There’s a high chance the blade may be close to your hand while setting it up – so be sure to have the mower completely turned off.
- Don’t turn on the mower before making sure the discharge is installed correctly. Again, you want to stay as safe as possible. At the same time, it helps prevent any damage to the discharge and other parts of the mower.
Once you’ve internalized these tips, then you can keep reading about the things you’ll need.
Items You’ll Need:
While the process doesn’t demand any sophisticated tool or item to set the discharge on the mower, we still recommend having these items handy:
- A socket wrench
- A discharge chute
- Bolts or hooks (usually come with the chute)
These three items will be enough to start right away. Follow our steps below.
1. Prepare the Mower
Preparing the machine for the discharge installation will help you prevent accidents and get the job done more efficiently. Here’s how to prepare:
- Start by disconnecting the spark plug cable from the engine. This will keep the mower from starting off.
- Then proceed to place the mower in a high area. A woodblock or somewhere that’s high enough, so you don’t have to crouch to reach the side of the mower.
- Lastly, clean the mower from any grass clippings or debris on it. This makes it easy for you to install the discharge chute.
After doing this, you’re ready to install the discharge on the mower.
2. Locate the Discharge Area
The only way you can install the discharge is by knowing where the discharge chute goes. For that, locate the area on the side:
- Most mowers have the discharge chute located on the right side of the mower. Look for an area with bolt connections or metal bar where you can clamp the chute on.
- If the mower has a chute installed, then this will be easier. In that case, get it off the mower using the socket wrench as necessary.
- Now check that the bolts and extra hardware for the chute fit on the mower properly. This will prevent any wasted time and effort when setting it up.
Once you have the discharge chute area located, then you can start installing the chute.
3. Check the Discharge Chute
Before you get the chute on the mower, check it out. Prepare it for the installation, so it fits right on without much hassle.
- Some side discharge chutes come with a mulch plug. In that case, you’ll have to pull the plug upwards for the discharge chute to fit.
- Look for any hooks or brackets on the chute. Then watch how the chute is designed. Be sure it fits well on the mower before setting it up.
This will give you a better idea of how the chute fits on the mower. You won’t have to make much of an effort afterward.
4. Install the Discharge Chute
Now you’re ready to set up the discharge chute. Here’s how to proceed:
- If the chute comes with a rubber strap, then set this strap first. Be sure it fits well on the deck, tightened and secured for the discharge to not fall while mowing.
- In case the discharge chute comes with hooks or brackets, then set them up on the hinge system in the mower. This is usually located close to the mulch plug.
- For discharge chutes that connect via bolts, then set them up using your socket wrench. Tighten them up properly for the chute to not loosen up over time.
- Remember to place the chute in a way that the mouth of the plastic points outwards. This will make it possible for the grass clippings to go sufficiently away from the machine.
By now, you are almost ready with the installation.
5. Re-Check the Installation
Lastly, check that everything on the discharge area is appropriately aligned and tightened.
- Tap the mower discharge chute with your hands. Try getting it off the installation area by lifting it up carefully. Be sure not to pull or tap too harshly not to break the plastic.
- The chute shouldn’t move in the slightest. This means you’ve successfully installed the chute. If not, then you should align and tighten up as necessary.
Now you can start mowing around. But first, test.
6. Test the Discharge
With the chute installed on the machine, it is time to see how it works on the job. For that, test it out:
- Set the mower on the grass you want to cut. Then connect the power plug so you can turn it on.
- Now you can start the mower. Be sure the blade starts to move as it would normally.
- Finish by cutting some portion of the grass. Check that the discharge is discharging grass clippings as you mow.
If the machine works seamlessly and the discharge starts spitting out clippings, then you’ve successfully installed a side discharge on your lawnmower.
Install a Side Charge on Lawn Mower Now!
Nothing will smooth out your mower experience like setting up a discharge chute on your mower. And if you do it following our guide, then you’ll make this possible with less time and effort than expected.
So don’t hesitate to install side discharge on lawn mower considering our advice and steps. You will improve the mower performance exponentially in just a few minutes of work.