Best riding lawn mower with a bagger 2023. Walk behind mower bagger
Best riding lawn mower with a bagger 2023
The best riding lawn mower with a bagger takes the chore out of lawn maintenance.
Want to achieve a manicured lawn? Using the best riding lawn mower with a bagger help keep your yard pristine. Attaching a bagger means you don’t leave unsightly clumps of grass scattered across the lawn.
Riding mowers are convenient for large plots, making short work of lawns of several acres. If you’re mowing on a grand scale, collecting all the grass clippings can be daunting. But a riding lawn mower with a bagger does the work for you, sparing you from this mammoth task. It can save you time by tackling two chores at once.
If you’re in the market for a riding mower, there are several factors to weigh up. It pays to consider factors like speed, quality of the cut, and cost. Our guide to the best riding lawn mowers takes you through the buying process, step-by-step.
Look out for mowers that offer different options for your grass clippings to give you more choices. You may see products with a mulching kit attachment, which allows you to return nutrients to the grass.
Adding a bagger into the equation can make the buying process more complex. Be aware that most riding mowers don’t supply a bagger with the product. you will need to purchase this separately and factor it into your budget.
Best riding lawn mower with a bagger
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When choosing a bagger, compatibility is the top consideration. Not all baggers fit all mowers, so check this before you commit. You will also want to factor in the capacity of the bagger, which will depend on the size of your plot. Thankfully, we’ve researched the best riding lawn mowers suitable for use with a bagger. We’ve saved you a job by recommending a compatible bagger for each one.
Riding lawn mowers with a bagger
Reasons to avoid
If you want to take the chore out of lawn maintenance, the Troy-Bilt Bronco 42 has got you covered.
The Troy-Bilt Bronco 42 scores a solid 4.3 out of 5 from over 900 reviews on the Troy-Bilt website, with 84% of reviewers recommending the product. People praise the speed, with several mentioning it cut down on mowing time. However, several reviews suggest the pedal is stiff, which may be tiring if operating it for hours at a time.
Accelerating up to 5.5 mph, it makes short work of the largest plots. The extra-wide 42-inch cutting deck enables you to cover more ground and saves you time. This mower is designed with convenience in mind. The separate bagger accessory makes for easy clean-up, as you don’t have to comb the lawn for stray clumps of grass.
The AGM battery promises reliable starting, meaning you can feel confident it will fire up after long periods in storage. Want manicured results? Clever design features like the anti-scalp wheels help you minimize unsightly tire marks. At slightly over the 2,000 mark, it falls into the middle range of the mowers on our list, but remember to factor the bagger into the price too.
Compatible 42 Inch and 46 Inch Double Bagger This double bagger makes collecting grass clippings a breeze. It comes with 2 bags, providing ample capacity for up to 6.5 bushels. It’s suitable for other mowers with a 42 or 46-inch cutting deck, including Craftsman, Columbia, Remington, and Yard-Man products.
Reasons to avoid
The Cub Cadet XT1 is designed to be an absolute powerhouse of a riding lawn mower, making it a great choice for those with extra large lawns.
Cub Cadet XT1 scores a decent 4.0 out of 5 on the manufacturer’s website. Users were impressed with the power of the machine, with several mentioning it can handle bumpy and challenging terrain, including hills. A couple of reviewers complained about issues with the battery not holding its charge, though they were in a minority. It’s backed by a generous 3-year warranty to put your mind at rest.
With a 19-horsepower Briggs and Stratton engine, it can help you blitz through the mowing. Plus, it can even handle hills, ideal if you’re on an uneven plot. If you want a spotless finish, you’ll be pleased to know this mower is compatible with a bagger, saving you from raking unsightly clippings. This trusty machine can help with other tasks around the yard, with a range of accessories available to purchase separately, including a snow blower, mulch kit, and rear spreader.
The Cub Cadet XT1 makes for a responsive ride, thanks to a 16-inch turning radius. Plus, it spares you the effort of shifting gears with the hydrostatic transmission. simply press the pedal and go. The downsides? Some assembly is required, so you will need to factor this in. At around 2,400, the Cub Cadet XT1 isn’t the cheapest lawn mower with a bagger, but it may be worth the investment if you want maximum power.
Compatible 42 Inch and 46 Inch double bagger Eliminate the faff of raking grass clippings with this double bagger. It includes two bags with a 6.5 bushel capacity. It’s compatible with Cub Cadet XT1 and XT2 Enduro Series lawn tractors with a 42 or 46-inch mowing deck.
Reasons to avoid
If you want an upgrade for a walk-behind mower, look no further than the Troy-Bilt TB30B.
The Troy-Bilt TB30B scores a commendable 4.2 out of 5 out of 245 reviews on Home Depot. People are pleased with this model as a replacement for a push-mower, noting it’s ideal for mid-sized lawns. They are also confident in its cutting ability. A handful of reviews mention it is lightweight, which means it’s best suited to flat terrain to avoid tipping over.
This compact riding mower is similar in size to a push model, perfect for when storage space is at a premium. If you don’t want to spend a fortune on a riding mower but still want good results, the Troy-Bilt TB30B could be for you. At 1899, it’s the cheapest option on our list, ideal if you’re on a budget.
Plus, a mulching kit is included. It’s a fantastic way to return nutrients to the soil, resulting in a greener, healthier lawn. This mower is also compatible with a bagger, which you can purchase separately for sections you want to keep pristine.
As you would expect for a smaller mower, it may take you slightly longer to get the job done. The cutting deck is narrower than other options, so you may need more passes to cover the space. For that reason, it’s best suited to medium plots.
Compatible 30 Inch Double Bagger This bagger is designed for compact rear-engine riding mowers, including Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Columbia, Remington, and Yard machines from 2013 or later. It fits a cutting deck of 30 inches and provides a capacity of 3.2 bushels. You can use this bagger to collect leaves in the fall, making it a versatile choice.
Reasons to avoid
If you’re searching for a premium model, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 fits the bill. At around 3,800, it is a splurge, but several features justify the price tag.
The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 has rave reviews, scoring 4.6 out of 5 with over 3,000 reviews on Home Depot. 89% of reviewers recommend this product. People love the superior performance and maneuverability of this zero-turn mower. One reviewer commented that “it turns on a dime.” The drawbacks? Several are disappointed that there is no hour meter, which makes it hard to know when to perform maintenance tasks. A few people suggest it could benefit from a gas display level too.
Thanks to a Kawasaki 23-horsepower engine, it offers impressive power. Combined with a super-sized 50-inch cutting deck, it makes light work of mowing the largest yards. This beast of a machine can tackle plots over 5 acres, including ones with slight hills.
All of this means it cuts down on mowing time, allowing you the leisure to sit back and admire your handiwork. With the help of this nippy machine, you can transform lawn maintenance from a chore into an enjoyable experience.
It doesn’t disappoint on mowing performance either. The Aeroforce cutting system was judged best-in-class according to independent testing, offering a precise, even finish. If we’re being picky, it could benefit from a few features to finish it off, like armrests and an hour meter, but overall, it’s a top-quality mower.
Compatible 50 Inch and 54 Inch Double Bagger This extra-large double bagger fits Ultima ZT1-50 and ZT1-54 zero-turn lawn mowers, offering ample room with a 6.5 bushel capacity. The hood design has been improved to provide optimal performance, delivering a neat finish.
Pros and cons of having a riding lawn mower with a bagger
If convenience is a priority, a riding lawn mower with a bagger may be a sound investment.
“When selecting a bagger, make sure that it is compatible with your riding lawn mower, and always be sure to select the bagger with the appropriate capacity. The larger the lawn, the higher the capacity.” Mark Bradley, CEO of Landscape Management Network
“Riding lawn mowers can make maintaining large patches of grass easy, but without a bagger, they can often create a larger mess than you started with. Purchasing a riding lawn mower with a bagger attachment will make picking up clippings an afterthought as they are conveniently picked up and placed in the attached plastic bin,” says Mark Bradley, CEO of Landscape Management Network (LMN).
This may be important to you if you’re on a large plot where it might not be practical to rake a huge area or if you want to minimize physical exertion. The other main reason people choose a mower with a bagger is to enhance curb appeal, as it creates a well-groomed look.
Yet, you’ll want to weigh up the pros and cons. “One of the biggest trade-offs users of baggers will have to make is not having the additional fertilizing benefit of leftover trimmings on their manicured grass. Instead, they will have to frequently use fertilizer to keep their lawn in pristine shape,” explains Mark. This means you will need to factor this into your schedule to keep your lawn healthy.
A greener option might be to purchase a separate mulching attachment. You could use this to give the grass a nutrient boost or on areas out of sight where looks are less important.
Mark Bradley, CEO of Landscape Management Network, has decades of experience in the landscape industry and is an expert on all things yard care. Before co-founding Landscape Management Network, Bradley built TBG Landscape from a backyard business into one of North America’s Top 100 landscape contracting companies.
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Louise Bond is a UK-based writer specializing in health and wellbeing. She has over eight years of experience in management within health and care and brings this passion and expertise to her writing. Louise has been published in The Guardian, Live Science, Fit Well, Tom’s Guide, Planet Mindful, Breathe, and Psychreg. She is at her happiest when she is out in nature, whether that’s on an invigorating hike or pottering in the garden.
Those seeking an affordable battery-powered mower that doesn’t skimp on performance might find the Ego Power an ideal option.
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Self-propelled lawn mowers can be a Smart, labor-saving choice for those who maintain small to medium-size lawns. A step ahead of push mowers, these walk-behind lawn mowers have motor-driven wheels to propel them, leaving the operator free to simply steer. Rechargeable batteries are often used to fuel self-propelled mowers instead of gasoline, presenting a quieter, more convenient, and more sustainable lawn-care option.
Ego Power has become one of the most popular battery-electric outdoor power equipment brands. The company manufactures an extensive line of lawn-care tools including lawn mowers, string trimmers, leaf blowers, and chainsaws that offer a combination of affordability and high-level performance comparable to that of gas-powered equipment. All of its tools use interchangeable 56-volt ARC lithium batteries in sizes from 2.5Ah to 12Ah.
I tested an Ego Power LM2102SP self-propelled lawn mower on my rolling half-acre lawn. After mowing my yard five times with it, I am happy to say that the LM2102SP performed better than my old 22-inch gas push mower. It navigated the ups and downs of my landscape at a comfortable pace, held adequate battery life to mow the entire yard on a single charge, and left behind a nice even lawn without the need for double mowing. Read on to find out more about my experience and why I recommend this mower.
Ego Power Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: At a Glance
PROS
- Value price point for a highly capable battery-powered lawn mower
- 7.5Ah lithium-ion battery and efficient brushless motors provide up to an hour of runtime per charge
- Two-stage motor automatically increases power output for tough cutting conditions
- Convenient handle-mounted control lever adjusts self-propel pace for user comfort
- LED headlight improves visibility for evening mowing or maneuvering through a dimly lit garage
CONS
- The wheel motors are excessively noisy compared to those of other self-propelled mowers
- Using the self-propel feature decreases battery runtime by up to half, depending on terrain
Get the Ego Power self-propelled lawn mower at:
What is the Ego Power self-propelled lawn mower?
The Ego Power LM2102SP is a 21-inch self-propelled lawn mower, powered by a 56V rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Brushless electric motors for the drive wheels and a powerful two-stage brushless blade motor ensure a long running time per charge. The one I tested came with a 7.5Ah battery that gave it an average of about 1 hour of runtime per charge and took about 1 hour to recharge on the included Rapid charger. Some sellers offer this mower with a 10.0Ah battery that increases runtime to approximately 80 minutes.
The mower’s 21-inch deck offers a range of six height settings from 1.5 inches to 4 inches. Users have the option to mulch, side-discharge, or bag the grass clippings. The mower kit includes a 2-bushel bagger and a removable side-discharge chute. All controls needed during operation—on/off switch, drive-wheel engagement, speed adjustment, and LED light switch—are conveniently located on or near the hand grip. The mower can be pushed manually or self-propelled between 0.9 mph and 3.1 mph. For convenient storage, the handle retracts and folds flat. The mower weighs 68 pounds.
I tested the Ego Power lawn mower by cutting my own half-acre yard five times for a total testing time of about 7 hours. The lawn includes a mix of Bermuda, tall fescue, and centipede grasses in different areas, with some areas of especially dense growth. The land slopes gently for the most part, but it also includes a few steep areas. I mulched, bagged, discharged, and mowed at different heights. including one time that I let the grass grow twice as long as usual. Overall, my experience was very good, even the two times I couldn’t complete the job on a single charge, because the mower consistently delivered the two things I most wanted: cutting power and a clean finished appearance.
Is the Ego Power self-propelled lawn mower easy to use?
In a word, yes. Inserting and removing the battery for charging was not difficult, although the battery was a bit heavy at just over 6 pounds. Some users may prefer onboard charging, but for me this was not a problem. The large deck-height adjustment-lever handle, on the other hand, would be easy for anyone to use. It was conveniently located above the deck and didn’t require much hand strength to operate. Inserting and removing the bagger and discharge-chute attachments was similarly uncomplicated and easy.
The mower starts by means of a master switch in the form of an on/off key, a safety switch in the form of a wire bail (a squeeze bar the user must grip during operation), and a push-button starter: All the user needs to do is turn the key to “on,” grip the bail against the handlebar, and push the button. The mower started immediately every time and ran strong until it ran out of battery power.
A second wire bail turns the self-propelled wheels on or off, and a separate lever adjusts the speed. With the mower already running (and the speed adjustment on the lowest setting to start), I gripped the second wire bail to start moving and then adjusted the speed as needed. This sounds more complicated than it felt, and the whole process from startup to self-propelled mowing took only about 3 seconds.
The heavy-duty plastic mower deck was well balanced, even as the bagger got close to full. It rolled smoothly over uneven ground in both manual and self-propelled modes, and it climbed steep slopes quite well. When the mower encountered especially dense grass, it automatically increased power output to ensure a smooth cut. The only time it did not produce a nice clean finish with a single pass was when I let the grass grow an extra week before mowing.
How well does the Ego Power self-propelled lawn mower cut grass?
The cut quality from the Ego 21-inch lawn mower was comparable to that of the 140cc gas push mower I used for 15 years. It was better than sufficient, and I rated it 4 out of 5. The mower did a great job on grass that was consistently maintained. It also worked surprisingly aggressively in overgrown areas, although a second pass was necessary for a proper finished look when I mowed after a long absence.
For my half-acre of grass, the 7.5Ah battery was nearly perfect when the grass was at normal height. The charge ran out about 75 percent of the way through mowing on one occasion when I let the grass grow too tall between cuttings, and another time when I was using the bagger while mowing wet grass.
Is the Ego Power self-propelled lawn mower good quality?
I gave this mower a 3.9 out of 5 for quality. In general, the Ego Power LM2102SP’s blend of mowing ability, user conveniences, and Rapid charging left a very favorable impression. It’s a heavy mower compared to some of the other battery mowers I have tested, but it worked consistently well in all conditions. The only negative impression I had was that the wheel motors produced a louder-than-expected whining sound.
Battery drain could be a problem for users with larger yards approaching a half acre or larger, especially with thick grass or undulating terrain, so a second battery may be in order. For my yard, the battery runtime was good, and the recharging time on the Rapid charger was excellent. The mower has an IPX4 splash-proof rating, which means the electronics are protected from water intrusion in wet weather.
Is the Ego Power self-propelled lawn mower worth the money?
At its current price of 599, the Ego Power LM2102SP is a good value. This mower performed exceptionally well in testing, and the price is lower than that of many competitors. Offerings from other brands with similar functionality may be priced lower, but they don’t include the battery and charger, which typically cost hundreds of dollars.
The best value, however, comes with battery sharing. Owners of battery-power tools recognize the savings and convenience when multiple tools share the same battery. Ego Power offers a full range of yard tools that work with interchangeable batteries. Savvy shoppers may buy one or two tools with batteries included, then purchase compatible “bare” tools at much lower prices.
Is the Ego Power self-propelled lawn mower right for you?
Wherever shoppers look for a mower, they’ll find battery-powered options available. I have contributed to numerous hands-on lawn mower reviews, and Ego Power products are always in the mix—and for good reason. The company seems to have discovered the sweet spot that balances performance and features customers want with affordability. The powerful 56V battery has been put to good use, fueling all kinds of efficient brushless electric outdoor power equipment and delivering gas-like power, and the LM2102SP is yet another example.
In my yard, the mower proved capable of getting the job done very well under typical mowing conditions. It was easy to operate, ran strongly and smoothly over varying terrain, and left a nice clean finish. The battery lasted between 45 and 65 minutes, and it recharged from fully depleted in just under an hour. When I intentionally neglected the yard, the battery declined and I couldn’t mow the full half acre on a single charge; I also had to double mow some areas that were left rough after the first go.
The Ego Power LM2102SP would be an excellent pick for any yard with a quarter acre of grass, and a really good prospect for most yards up to a half acre. In my yard, it tackled “normal” grass, “neglected” grass, and even limited sections of overgrown natural areas. The main limiting factor is battery runtime. Those with larger yards and difficult terrain could make it work, but either a second battery or a recharge break would be required to complete the job—or, shoppers can check out the larger Ego Power riding mowers.
Where to Buy the Ego Power LM2102SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Get the Ego Power self-propelled lawn mower at:
Meet the Tester
Writer Mark Wolfe has an extensive background in the nursery and landscaping industry. He has mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes for more than 20 years. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn-care products, and other outdoor living goods.
Grass Catchers Leaf Baggers (15 items found)
You spend a lot of time in your yard and whether you’re kicking a ball around with your kids or relaxing with a drink in the evenings, your lawn was meant to be enjoyed. Summer always feels too short, so spend the season making memories outside rather than spending it all on lawn maintenance.
At Ace, we can help you achieve a clean, crisp lawn while saving you time and energy with the right supplies, such as a grass catcher, lawn sweeper and lawn mower leaf bags. Find the equipment you need to spend more of your days enjoying the feel of freshly cut grass under your feet and less time raking and bagging clumps of grass.
What is a Grass Catcher?
A grass catcher makes your lawn care easier by letting you easily pick up and dispose of grass clippings fallen leaves. Simply attach the bushel collection bag to your lawn mower, mow your lawn, and then detach and dispose of the bag’s contents into your compost bin. It’s that easy!
The type of lawn mower grass catcher or you choose may depend on your mower model. Grass catchers for push mowers let you cut and collect grass in one smooth motion. Have a riding mower? No problem. We’ve got grass catchers for riding mowers, too.
Lawn Sweepers
If you have a mower that’s not compatible with a grass catcher or have additional debris to clean up, go with an easy-to-use lawn sweeper. Use a push lawn sweeper just like you would operate a push mower and it will brush and sweep up grass clippings, leaves, pinecones and more debris into a large collection bag.
Leaf Baggers for Blowers
In the autumn, the leaves on your trees turn beautiful colors and then fall to the ground. Instead of spending your time and effort on raking and bagging dead leaves by hand, attach a leaf catcher to your leaf blower and easily remove fallen leaves by suction until the bag is full. All that’s left to do is empty the bag and repeat the process until the job is done.
Find Grass Catchers and Leaf Baggers at Ace
Our selection of grass catchers and leaf baggers makes manually raking up grass clippings and yard debris a thing of the past. No matter how large your yard or how small your mower is, we have the latest tools including lawn ground rollers to help you save time and money getting that professionally landscaped look. Get convenient essentials like universal grass catchers and lawn mower bag replacements from some of the top brands in lawn maintenance, such as EGO, Toro and Scotts.
Don’t know how to begin your search for the right grass catcher or leaf bagger for your equipment? Head to your local Ace for expert advice, tips and techniques for landscaping your lawn. We’ll help you find the right equipment so you can get back to what matters most – enjoying your yard with family and friends.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? We’ll order it for you.- and we deliver! Ace has everything you need at one convenient stop. Visit us today for great lawn products!
Lawn Mower Grass Catcher Troubleshooting
Stopping every 5 minutes to clear the underside of the mower isn’t much fun! Grass catcher problems can be so annoying.
Troubleshooting a lawn mower grass catcher? Common grass catcher problems like clumping, clogging, uncut grass, and a grass bag that won’t fill are caused by:
In this guide, I will cover all the most common grass catcher problems and their solutions.
Very often, a bad or blunt blade is the root cause of bagging issues. Sharpening or replacing a worn blade will improve bagging performance.
The sharpening video covers safely sharpening the blade both on and off the mower. It also includes balancing the blade and torquing the blade bolt to specification.
What Is Mulching?
I live in Ireland, and it rains a lot; sometimes, it rains persistently, and if you need to cut grass, then you have to cut wet grass. Grass chute clogging is usually caused by cutting conditions but is also commonly caused by a worn cutting blade.
The blade is the business end, and it needs to be in tip-top condition.
Chute – A clogged chute can, of course, be a symptom of an underlying problem. So clearing the chute may not solve the problem. Check the chute for damage or old dry grass build-up.
Clean – Old grass on the deck can cause problems. Regular cleaning will prevent build-up and prolong the life of your mower.
Sharpening – A sharp blade will solve lots of cutting and collecting issues.
Wet Grass – It’s much heavier than dry grass, obviously, and won’t be thrown as far into the grass bag/box by the laboring engine. It also sticks to the underside of the mower, causing clogging and preventing the grass catcher from filling. Mowers don’t cut damp/wet grass very well, especially if it’s tall.
Height – How about the cutting height? It may be set too low. I know this sounds obvious, but try lifting the deck height, and if you want a tighter cut – drop the deck and cut again. Ideally, your mower shouldn’t be cutting more than an inch of grass; ask it to do more, and cut quality suffers.
Try cutting more regularly, and keep your mower deck clean and free from dry grass. Consider coating the underside of your deck with Teflon Non-Stick coating; it helps reduce grass clogging.
Tallgrass – Tallgrass is hard on a mower, especially if you’re asking it to cut the lawn tight with just one cut. Tallgrass will cause the mower to clog.
- Option 1 – Quick fix is to spray the deck with WD40; it does help, but it won’t last.
- Option 2 – Spray deck with DuPont Teflon coating.
- Option 3 – Spray the deck with bed liner, my preferred option. Works on tractors, riders, and walk-behind mowers.
Mulching
As you know, mulching blades chop grass very finely and drop it back onto the lawn, where it helps feed the lawn. Mulching blades are designed specifically for this task, but they can cause lots of clogging problems, especially if the grass is long or damp.
Mulching blades just don’t move grass efficiently because they’re not designed to. They work best when the grass is cut dry, regularly and in small amounts.
Mulching Blades aren’t designed to collect.
Mulching tall wet grass won’t work; the blade is designed to cut just small amounts of grass at a time.
Hybrid Mulching Blade
As you know, a true mulching mower doesn’t collect; its function is to finely chop and drop the clippings. This type of cutting is convenient; it’s a lot less work than emptying a grass bag, which gave mower manufacturers an idea.
The Hybrid Blade (3 in 1) – a mower blade that does it all, collects, mulches, and discharges. Well, it does an OK job, but if conditions become challenging, the quality does suffer, especially if conditions are wet.
The complaint I hear most with the 3-in-1 mulching blades – won’t fill the grass catcher. The solution – remove the mulching blade and fit a lift blade.
If you don’t want to mulch, change your blade for a lift blade; you will eliminate lots of clogging, clumping, and half-filled grass bags.
3 in 1 – The Hybrid mulching blade is kind of ok at everything.
The lift blade is also known as the 2 in 1, so-called because it bags and discharges. The lift blade vacuums the grass upright before cutting and moving clippings to the bag.
They’re designed for collecting grass and are available in low, medium, and high lift. A higher lift blade will require a more powerful engine. The lift is created by curving upwards of the trailing edge of the blade. The higher the lift, the better the bagging. If you love bagging – You need a lift blade.
Honda 3 in 1 – The Honda Hybrid mulching blade is the best in the business. Unfortunately, it can’t be fitted to other mower makes. The reason the Honda is so good at mulching and collecting – twin cut blade setup. Twin stacked blades working together allow blades mulches and move the clippings. Smart!
Grass Bag Won’t Fill
A grass bag/box that doesn’t fill has a few likely causes. The obvious ones: are clogged chute, thatched grass bag, damaged or worn blade, insufficient throttle, and poor engine performance.
Thatched – A thatched grass bag is a common problem. Mowers often get cleaned at the end of the season (well, some do), but bags rarely do. Examine your bag/box as a guide; when held to the light, you should be able to see through it. If the air can’t pass through the bag, then grass won’t be carried into the bag.
A stiff brush will remove the old thatched grass, or better, use a power washer. Cleaning – Stiff brush or a power washer does the job.
Chute Clogs – A clogged chute can be a symptom of an underlying problem. So clearing the chute may not resolve the issue. Check the chute for damage or old dry grass build-up. Grass build-up or damage to the underside of the deck can cause the grass to catch and clog.
Deck Coating – The underside of the deck should be smooth so that the grass moves freely around the deck, up the chute, and into the bag. DuPont makes a Teflon Non-Stick coating which helps reduce grass clogging.
Cleaning – Move your mower to a suitable location, as it leaves a bit of a mess. Just attach and turn on the garden hose. Start your mower to engage the blades.
Why The Grass Trailings?
Grass trailings are commonly caused by a poorly fitting or damaged grass catcher. If you find your grass catcher is damaged, consider buying a new one, they’re available to purchase with or without the metal frame.
Check if the bag/box sits correctly against the mower body. If it’s loose or damaged, the air and grass flow to the bag is compromised.
If all is well with the grass catcher, go ahead and replace your blade.
Trailings are really annoying; check the bagger is closing snugly.
Check For Blade Damage – A defective blade can cause vibration, uneven cutting, and poor grass collection. Examine your blade, checking for damage, misalignment, or bent or broken trailing/leading edges.
Sharpening
Blades need to be kept sharp. I recommend about twice per season or more, depending on the terrain. Obviously, if your blade is dull, it can cause all sorts of problems, including blocked chute and grass catcher issues. Check out blade maintenance tools here; they make the sharpening process a ton easier.
And if you need a video on the process, it covers it here, sharpening blade on and off the mower.
Impact – When blades hit something hard, well, you know! The damage causes vibration and all sorts of cutting issues.
Bent – Bent blades can’t be repaired; just go ahead and replace them.
What Is PTO Slip?
The blade clutch or PTO (Power take-off) won’t be fitted to all lawn tractors, but it’s easy to locate; it lives right under the engine. A clutch system isn’t common on walk-behind mowers, but Honda and Toro offer them on the higher-end models.
It may be manual or electric; either way, its job is to lock the engine crankshaft to the blade deck pulley when you engage the blades on a button or lever. The clutch, like a clutch in a car, will wear out, and when it does, it causes the connection between the engine and deck to slip.
Symptoms include poor grass collection, uncut grass, and sometimes a burning smell.
PTO – Check the PTO system. The manual version is engaged by a cable. It lives on the crankshaft, right under the engine. Check that the cable is pulling the PTO lever all the way.
Fitting – Replacing the PTO isn’t difficult, but air tools would make it really easy.
Check Deck Belt Condition
Belt wear is also a common reason for a chute to clog; check the deck-cutting belt for damage and general wear tear. A new belt will transfer more of the engine power to the cutting blades and will improve the cutting and bag filling performance.
Belt types and lengths will be specific. Some brands will only work well using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) belts; check out “Mower belt replacement.”
If you need walk-behind or ride-on mower blades, bearings, sharpening tools, etc., check out the Amazon.com link below.
Worn – A cutting deck belt that’s slipping will be less efficient at collecting.
Check the belt for proper tension, cracking, glazing, or contamination.
Damaged – Damaged belts will cause vibration and poor general performance.
A typical deck belt might last 4 – 5 years.
Check Engine Performance
It’s also worth considering, is the throttle set correctly? It should be set to fast/run when cutting. Is the engine running as it should? If the engine power is reduced, the mower may still cut well but will be less efficient at collecting.
A small-engine tractor or walk-behind mower should have a tune-up at the beginning of every season, regardless of how well it might be running.
Belt types and lengths will be specific. Some brands will only work well using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) belts; check out “Mower belt replacement.”
Bad Gas
Old fuel is the number one cause of poor engine performance, use a gas stabilizer over the winter to help protect your lawn mower carburetor; check out “Carburetor troubleshooting.”
Tune-up – Mowers like a tune-up at least once per season.
Related Questions
How does grass catcher work? A grass catcher works by collecting the grass that is thrown into the bag by the force of the mower blade wings. The grass catcher works best when the walls of the bag/box are clear so that the forced air from the blade can pass through it quickly.
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These are the top gas, electric, and manual push mowers
Push mowers are great options for anyone with a yard on the smaller side. ZDNET chose the Honda HRN 166cc as our top pick, but we also reviewed battery-powered and manual reel push mowers for anyone looking for a more eco-friendly option.
Push mowers are ideal for smaller yards since they have more narrow cutting decks and are more stripped-back than their ride-on tractor cousins. Along with traditional gas-powered models, you can find a wide variety of electric and manual reel mowers if you’re in the market for a more eco-friendly way to care for your lawn.
Electric mowers use rechargeable batteries to power the blades and any self-propelled transmissions, and they have comparable power to their gas-using counterparts. The downside is that they have relatively short run times.- often just up to an hour.- so you’ll have to keep a back-up battery charged and ready to go if your yard is on the larger side or has a lot of obstacles to mow around.
Manual reel mowers have seen an uptick in popularity with homeowners who have very small lots, often under.25 acres. With smaller cutting decks and no need to keep fuel or batteries on-hand, they’re perfect for more compact storage when not in use and during the off season. They also can help you reduce your carbon footprint since they don’t expel any sort of exhaust or require any electricity, just some good, old-fashioned elbow grease.
To help you find the best push mower for your yard, I’ve rounded up five of the best you can buy. I broke down their features, power sources, and price points so you can choose the one that best fits both your budget and your lawn care needs.
Honda HRN 166cc
Best push mower overall
Cutting width: 21 inches | Power source: gasoline | Self-propelled: Yes | Bagger included: Yes | Variable speed: Yes
The Honda HRN 166cc push mower snagged a spot in our list of the best lawn mowers you can buy, and it takes the crown as the best push mower available. The 166cc engine uses a mix of two-cycle oil and gasoline for power, while the 21-inch cutting deck works has two blades for ultra-fine clippings that either go into the included bagger attachment or re-feed your lawn with the side discharge chute. You can also adjust the cutting height to seven different positions with the easy-to-use levers for the perfect lawn every time.
The rear wheels work with the mower’s self-propelling drive train for an easier mowing experience, and you can control the speed with the intuitive push throttle to match your natural walking speed. You’ll also get peace of mind with the three-year warranty to replace damaged and worn out parts from regular use, so your Honda HRN push mower will last season after season.
Ego Power 56V
Best electric push mower
- Folding design for compact storage
- Two-bushel bagger attachment included
- Self-propelled and variable speed
- Weather-resistant cutting deck
Cutting width: 21 inches | Power source: 56V battery | Self-propelled: Yes | Bagger included: Yes | Variable speed: Yes
The Ego Power 56V was named our number one pick on our list of the best electric mowers, and for good reason. The rechargeable battery gives you up to an hour of run time with full power, which is perfect for yards up to half an acre. A push-button start eliminates frustrating rip cords for near-instant engine turnover, so you can get started mowing your lawn seconds after you set up the mower.
It comes with a bagger attachment to collect grass clippings, but you can also use the mulching feature to create ultra-fine cuttings to re-feed your lawn between professional treatments. The bagger holds up to two bushels of cuttings, so you can spend more time getting yard work done and less time emptying the container.
The 21-inch cutting deck can be set to six different heights with the simple lever, and you can control the self-propelled speed with the intuitive squeeze throttle to go as slow as.9 MPH or as fast as 3.1 MPH. The deck is made of durable molded plastic to resist rust and corrosion that can ruin traditional steel cutting decks. And the entire mower folds down for more compact, vertical storage; which is perfect for garages and tool sheds that are on the smaller side. Dual LED headlights illuminate your cutting row for safer operation if you need to cut your grass in the early morning or late evening.