The humble lawnmower, a seemingly simple machine, can sometimes present unexpected challenges. One such challenge arises when you need to switch from mulching to side discharge, and you find yourself staring at a bewildering array of levers, buttons, and mechanisms. This article will guide you through the process of opening the side discharge on your lawn mower, providing a step-by-step breakdown suitable for both novice and experienced users. We’ll cover the basics of side discharge, why you might need it, and provide clear instructions for different types of mowers.
What is side discharge, and why would you need it?
Side discharge, as the name suggests, directs the cut grass out the side of the mower deck instead of mulching it back into the lawn. While mulching is often preferred for its fertilizer benefits, side discharge is useful in several scenarios:
- Dealing with thick grass: When mowing very tall or thick grass, a side discharge can help prevent clogging and ensure a clean cut.
- Collecting grass clippings: You might need to collect grass clippings for composting or disposal, in which case side discharge makes it easier to direct the clippings into a bag or container.
- Mowing on uneven terrain: Side discharge can be helpful when mowing on slopes or uneven ground where mulching may not be as effective.
Understanding your lawnmower’s discharge system
The method for opening the side discharge on your lawnmower will vary depending on the model and brand. However, most mowers utilize a basic mechanism that involves either a lever or a lever/button combination. The first step is to locate this mechanism, which is usually situated on the side or rear of the mower deck.
Opening the side discharge on a rotary mower
Rotary mowers are the most common type, and these are generally easier to adjust for side discharge:
Step 1: Locate the discharge lever
- Look for a lever that controls the discharge chute. It might be labeled “side discharge,” “mulch,” or “discharge,” or it may have a diagram depicting the discharge direction.
- The lever is often located on the side of the mower deck near the discharge opening.
Step 2: Adjust the lever
- To open the side discharge, simply pull or move the lever to the desired position.
- The lever usually has two positions: one for mulching and one for side discharge.
- Consult your owner’s manual for specifics.
Step 3: Start the mower
- Once the lever is adjusted, start the mower and test the discharge function.
- If the grass is being discharged to the side as expected, you are all set.
Opening the side discharge on a reel mower
Reel mowers, with their spinning blades, are known for their precision cut but can be slightly more complex to adjust for side discharge.
Step 1: Check for a discharge plate
- Most reel mowers have a removable discharge plate that is responsible for directing the cut grass.
- This plate may be located underneath the deck or near the rear roller.
Step 2: Remove the discharge plate
- If your reel mower has a discharge plate, remove it to open the side discharge.
- The plate might be secured with screws or latches.
- The cut grass will now be discharged directly to the side of the mower.
Opening the side discharge on a robotic mower
Robotic mowers, while convenient, can present a different challenge when it comes to side discharge.
Step 1: Check for adjustable discharge settings
- Some robotic mowers offer a dedicated setting for side discharge within their app or control panel.
- If your mower has this feature, you can simply select the side discharge option through the controls.
Step 2: Contact your manufacturer
- If your robotic mower lacks a dedicated side discharge setting, it’s best to consult your manufacturer’s instructions or contact them directly.
- Some robotic mowers may require a specific adjustment to the mower blades or a modification of the cutting pattern to achieve side discharge.
Important points to remember:
- Safety first: Always turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug before adjusting any levers or mechanisms.
- Owner’s manual: Your mower’s owner’s manual will provide the most accurate and detailed information on how to open the side discharge for your specific model.
- Regular cleaning: Make sure to clean the discharge chute regularly to prevent clogging and maintain optimal performance.
- Experimentation: If your mower has multiple discharge settings, try different options to find the best one for your needs.
Conclusion:
Opening the side discharge on a lawnmower is a straightforward process once you understand the basics. By following these steps and consulting your owner’s manual, you can confidently switch between mulching and side discharge for a wide range of lawn care tasks. Remember, safety is paramount, so always follow proper procedures and use caution when operating any machinery.
FAQ
What is side discharge on a lawnmower?
Side discharge is a feature on some lawnmowers that allows the cut grass to be discharged out of the side of the mower deck instead of being collected in a bag. This can be useful for mulching the grass into small particles and returning it to the lawn as fertilizer. It is also a good option for those who prefer not to have to empty a grass bag frequently.
To use side discharge, you will need to have a lawnmower that has this feature. Not all lawnmowers do. Check your owner’s manual to see if your mower has side discharge. If it does, you will need to adjust the mower deck to the side discharge setting.
How do I open the side discharge on my lawnmower?
To open the side discharge on your lawnmower, you will need to adjust the mower deck. This is typically done by turning a lever or a knob on the side of the mower deck. The exact location and operation of this lever or knob will vary depending on the make and model of your lawnmower.
Once you have located the lever or knob, you can adjust it to the side discharge setting. This will open the discharge chute on the side of the mower deck. You can then mow your lawn as usual. Make sure to wear safety glasses when operating the lawnmower.
What are the advantages of using side discharge?
Side discharge offers several advantages over other mowing methods, including bagging and mulching. One of the main benefits of side discharge is that it allows the grass to be discharged out of the side of the mower deck, which can be helpful for mulching the grass into small particles and returning it to the lawn as fertilizer.
Additionally, side discharge is a good option for those who prefer not to have to empty a grass bag frequently. It is also a great choice for lawns that have a lot of leaves or other debris, as it can help to clear these away from the lawn.
What are the disadvantages of using side discharge?
While side discharge has several benefits, it also comes with some drawbacks. One disadvantage is that it can be messier than other mowing methods. This is because the grass clippings are discharged out of the side of the mower deck, and they can scatter around the lawn.
Another disadvantage is that side discharge is not as effective as mulching for returning nutrients to the lawn. This is because the grass clippings are not chopped as finely as they are in a mulching mower, so they don’t break down as quickly and don’t release nutrients as readily.
Can I use side discharge on any type of lawnmower?
Not all lawnmowers have side discharge capabilities. If you are unsure whether your lawnmower has side discharge, check your owner’s manual or look for a lever or knob that controls the discharge setting on the side of the mower deck.
If your lawnmower does not have side discharge, you may need to purchase a new lawnmower. There are a variety of lawnmowers available on the market that offer side discharge as a feature.
How do I know if the side discharge is working properly?
To ensure that the side discharge is functioning properly, you should check that the discharge chute is open. You can do this by looking at the side of the mower deck to see if the chute is open. If the chute is closed, you will need to open it by adjusting the lever or knob on the side of the mower deck.
You should also check that the grass clippings are being discharged out of the side of the mower deck. If you are not seeing grass clippings being discharged, then there may be a problem with the side discharge system. Check the discharge chute to make sure it is not blocked.
Is side discharge better than mulching?
Side discharge and mulching are both effective mowing methods, but they each have different advantages and disadvantages. Side discharge is a good option for those who prefer not to have to empty a grass bag frequently and it can help to clear away leaves and other debris.
Mulching, on the other hand, is more effective at returning nutrients to the lawn. Mulching chops the grass clippings into fine particles and then returns them to the lawn, where they decompose and release nutrients back into the soil. If you are looking for a way to improve the health of your lawn, mulching may be a better choice.