N_A_J wrote:
Hi,
I have an older Craftsman electric rear discharge rotary lawn mower.
It uses a hard plastic grass catcher. Is it possible to mulch with
this type of mower? Is it just a matter of changing to a mulching
blade and leaving off the grass catcher? I always thought that
mulching mowers were all side discharge models. Thanks.

Well, first question is if you leave off the grass catcher, will the
clippings (and all other projectiles) fly out the rear of the mower deck
and splatter your feet? I have a mulching mower that came with a rear
discharge bag, and also has a side discharge chute. Both have
spring-loaded covers that come down when a bag is not in use.

Essentially calling a mower a "mulching" mower implies that the normal
action of the blades will cause the grass clippings to be small enough
so they decompose easily, and don't smother the lawn or contribute to a
build-up of thatch. (If you cut frequently enough, that wouldn't be a
problem with any mower.) Blades may spin faster, and/or have more
cutting surfaces. Your regular mower may or may not be able to take the
extra load, or spin fast enough even if you can find a "mulching" blade
that fits.

So, IMHO, if you can safely run your mower without the bag, and you mow
often enough, you may not need to do any further conversion. If you
can't safely operate it without the bag, then I would advise to only use
a manufacturer approved solution, and in the name of safety, not
jury-rig some sort of shield.

--
Warren H.

==========
Disclaimer: My views reflect those of myself, and not my
employer, my friends, nor (as she often tells me) my wife.
Any resemblance to the views of anybody living or dead is
coincidental. No animals were hurt in the writing of this
response -- unless you count my dog who desperately wants
to go outside now.