How mulching works in a lawn mower

Varieties of functions in lawn mowers

Lawn mowers have long been an integral part of the standard equipment of most garden farms, whether small or large. As a rule, the design of a lawn mower primarily depends on the type of engine, as well as on the type of cutting element. However, modern innovation in engineering solutions in the design of garden tools has stepped forward. Today, the lawn mower market is represented not only by non-self-propelled and self-propelled models, but also by riders controlled by steering.

What is the difference? First of all, performance. If your plot is modest in size, then your choice is a small, non-self-propelled model. Accordingly, for large garden areas, riders are needed, and for medium-sized lawns, self-propelled mowers are suitable. But, it is interesting that with such a variety of models for all types of lawn mowers, the main function is characteristic. mowing. over, there are models in which the discharge of the cut grass is carried out by a uniform discharge to one side. There are also options for mowers with a grass catcher. In any case, after treating the lawn with such models, you will be provided with order in the garden area. But, if your goal is not only a neat and stylish design of your garden, but also the maintenance of the health of your favorite plants, it is important to pay attention to those models of lawn mowers that provide a mulching function.

Mulching your lawn with a lawn mower

The agrotechnical method of soil surface coating with various crushed materials (mulch), which is widespread today, was called mulching back in the eighteenth century. Interestingly, depending on the season, mulch has different functions. For example, in the summer. protects against weeds and enriches the soil with moisture. In autumn, mulching is carried out in order to protect the surface layer of the soil from hypothermia and leaching. Although a variety of materials can be used as mulch, chopped cut grass and seedless weeds are most effective. After all, this is both protection and organic fertilization at the same time. Therefore, manufacturers of new models of lawn mowers have tried to develop modern types of garden tools that make it possible to make the mulching process of the highest quality.

How does a mulching mower work?

What is the mulching function of a lawn mower for?

Features of models with mulching function

The mulching process itself is the crushing of the cut material to a minimum size (as far as the lawn mower design allows) and their subsequent uniform discharge to the ground. Most types of mowers are equipped with such models of knife and cutter mechanism, which, by means of a circular rotation, convert the cut material into mulch. For mulching to be successful, it is enough to install the plug and remove the grass catcher. However, there are important nuances that you need to know while working with such models of mowers.

In. First, when using this feature on the mower, it is important to remember that chopping material is an additional load on the engine of the mower. Therefore, operation in mulching mode must be strictly regulated and carried out only if necessary.

Secondly, it is advisable to take into account the weather conditions. So, at high air humidity, the mower (to ensure optimal performance) requires significantly more energy consumption than in dry weather. And since the additional load on the engine of the device leads to rapid wear of the equipment, it is not recommended to mulch wet material.

Agree, for most garden owners, lawn mowers with mulching function are a godsend. Undoubtedly, when choosing the right model, it is important to take into account not only your own habits. It is also necessary to be guided by the peculiarities of your territory and the rules for using the equipment. Using these simple techniques, you can ensure the perfect order in the garden for a long time.

Do I need mulching function in a lawn mower?

The answer to this question depends on the equipment of the lawn mower. The most important role is played by the power of the built-in motor. If it is from 4 liters. from. and more, then the mulching function will only bring a positive effect. However, if the engine power is less than 3 hp. with., this option of the lawn mower may impair the quality of mowing grass.

The fact is that during the operation of the motor, its power is distributed among the nodes that require energy. The main one is the regular cutting knife, which is responsible for mowing the grass. He gets a certain percentage of the engine power. The remaining energy generated by the motor is distributed to other components. the mulching knife or the wheel drive. Due to the low power of the engine, it may not have enough energy required to ensure the stable operation of each individual part of the lawn mower. This leads to a decrease in the speed of their work and a deterioration in quality when mowing grass.

Mulching in a lawn mower. what is it?

The mulching function in a lawnmower is a technology aimed at cutting and then chopping the grass with its even distribution over the area.

A mulching lawn mower works like this:

• First, the equipment cuts off the top layer of the grass cover;
• After that, the cut vegetation is crushed by a mulching knife;
• Then the grass is thrown back to the site.

There are 2 types of mulching lawn mowers on the market. They are gasoline and electric. In turn, the latter type of equipment is divided into units that operate from the network or a built-in battery.

The most powerful is the petrol lawn mower with mulching function. It is equipped with a 4-stroke engine with a capacity of 2 hp. from. and more. Such equipment is capable of regularly treating areas with an area of ​​400 to 1500 m 2.

Electric and cordless lawn mowers are less productive and cannot cope with large weeds. As a rule, their power does not exceed 2 kW. In practice, this is not enough to care for large areas, therefore, to eliminate the risk of engine overheating, the operator is forced to take breaks to cool the power unit.

Do I need to mulch the grass?

A modern lawn mower is more than just a lawn mower. Its equipment includes many additional functions, one of which is lawn mulching. With its help, the owner of the site gets the opportunity to accelerate the growth and development of the grass, which has a positive effect on its structure and appearance.

Do you need to mulch the grass?

The main task that mulching is designed to solve is to fertilize the grass cover and provide the lawn with the nutrients it needs. In addition, the chopped grass helps to reduce the rate of weed growth. The remains of shredded vegetation densely cover the lawn, preventing wild vegetation from taking root.

Another important function of mulching is to protect the grass cover from premature evaporation of accumulated moisture. Thanks to this, the owner of the site gets the opportunity to save time on watering the lawn.

Features of the operation of lawn mowers with mulching function

The beneficial effect of mulch is based on the rotting process of the cut grass. But in practice, not always everything happens the way the owner of the site needs. In some cases, shredded vegetation simply dries up in the sun, turning into hay.

To prevent this, you need to follow the rules for applying mulch:

• grinding should be done in cool weather. On hot sunny days, it is better to choose early morning or late evening for this;
• it is best to mulch your lawn in mid-spring or late autumn. During this period, the sown lawn most of all needs fertilizers for growth and development;
• do not add mulch in early spring. After frost, the grass cover begins to grow rapidly. Some stems become tough, turning into substandard raw materials. After grinding, they do not rot, but dry out, only interfering with the normal growth of the lawn;
• do not mulch the lawn immediately after rain. Firstly, in such conditions, the quality of cutting the grass will be quite low. Secondly, when mowing damp grass, the knife and other parts of the lawn mower will succumb to increased corrosion.

To extend the service life of the mulching knife, you need to thoroughly clean it from adhering grass. This will help protect the cutterhead from the chemicals in your lawn fertilizer.

When to mulch your lawn with a lawn mower

Lawnmower mulching should be done on dry grass. If it becomes necessary to carry out this procedure on a wet lawn, the speed of movement should be reduced and the grass should be cut less to avoid the formation of lumps.

How to properly mulch your lawn with a lawn mower

In order for mulching with grass from a lawn mower to bring the expected result, you must follow some rules:

• The grass should be cut by 1/3 during processing, and less should be cut during dry periods.
• Mulching should be done on not very tall grass.
• The lawnmower must be operating at full power, maximum speed and well-sharpened blades.
• It is necessary to monitor the condition of the mulching lawnmower. the instructions describing the process say that the mower deck body should be regularly checked and cleaned of cut grass residues.
• Long grass lawns should be trimmed stepwise.
• It is advisable to periodically change direction when cutting. Thus, the grass is better gripped and the cut layer is evenly distributed, providing a uniform mulching picture.
• It is necessary to use exclusively specialized equipment. Modern gardeners prefer electric lawn mowers with mulching function.
• Mow your lawn with mulching a little more often.

Lawn Mulching Instructions

Any lawnmower can maintain exemplary order on the site. But only if you know, what is mulching in a lawn mower and how to use this function wisely.

Lawn mulching is a new feature of modern lawn mowers

Fallen leaves can be mulched with modern lawn mowers. The advantage of mulching a lawn with a lawn mower is that it not only provides the soil with nutrients and protects it, but also allows you to clean it of leaves and dead grass, eliminating the lack of oxygen in the soil.

All lawn mowers differ in equipment: they can either have a mulching function or not be equipped with the corresponding elements. If a lawn mower is purchased for the purpose of its further use for mulching, the composition must include special cutting elements that will chop the grass.

The mulching function must be carried out carefully so as not to clog the lawn.

Why you need to mulch the lawn

Mulching (reuse of grass) is the cleaning of the lawn from dried plants and their parts, which aims to ensure that the cut grass and plant waste is recycled and returned to the soil surface in the form of useful substances. This allows moisture to remain in the soil and regulates the temperature of the soil.

In addition, the cut grass itself acts as a protective element to stop the growth of weeds. Lawns treated in this way are less prone to drying out, formation of soil erosion and have a healthier appearance.

When mulching grass with a lawn mower, you can simultaneously chop up fallen leaves, which, remaining in an uncleared state, can literally “strangle” the lawn, depriving the roots of plants of oxygen and light. Mulching is not only a good practice, but also essential action for plants. Cut grass is the best cover for vegetable beds, lawns and flower beds.

Features of mulching a lawn with a lawn mower: tips and tricks

Mulching is an important agricultural technique that allows not only to improve soil fertility and reduce the frequency of irrigation, but also to significantly reduce labor costs. This procedure can be performed in a variety of ways, from the use of special synthetic materials to mulching the lawn with a lawn mower while performing several functions at the same time.

• Why you need to mulch the lawn
• Lawn mulching is a new feature of modern lawn mowers
• Lawn Mulching Instructions

• When to mulch your lawn with a lawn mower
• How to properly mulch your lawn with a lawn mower

Advantages and Disadvantages of Lawn Mulching with a Lawn Mower

Advantages and Disadvantages of Lawn Mulching with a Lawn Mower

For some gardeners, a lawn mower is perceived exclusively as a lawn care machine, and many are interested in the question of whether a mulching function is needed in this unit. You can answer this question by citing a number of advantages of having this feature:

• Possibility to receive high-quality mulching material without unnecessary labor costs and completely free of charge.
• Time is significantly saved during work. there is no need to waste precious minutes on unloading the container.
• The lawn is supplied with quality natural fertilizer and protected from drying out.
• Weed growth slows down.

However, it is worth remembering that the mulching function in a lawnmower cannot always be used and that this action cannot be performed on wet grass. In addition, the lawnmower must be kept at the top level of the grass when mulching.

However, the disadvantage of mulching with a lawn mower should include the sequence and regularity of the procedure. This is due to the fact that regular mowing guarantees gentle chopping, which allows you to keep the lawn in perfect condition.

A mulching lawn mower will help you achieve this without much effort.

Model rating

Differences from conventional models

A lawnmower with mulching option. a device with increased functionality. In normal operation, the equipment operates as a traditional model. The device mows grass and small vegetation, transfers the cut residues to a collection container.

For mulching the lawn, the feed channel is closed with a plug. When this option is enabled, the device sends the plants to the knife compartment. In the tank, sharp blades grind the grass to a chaff. While driving, the machine evenly scatters small residues over the lawn. In traditional models, the ejection is carried out to the side, in devices with an additional mode. back.

The operator only spends energy on operating the mower. The person does not need to stop the equipment and empty the full collection box, which saves time. Mulching the lawn does not need to be repeated every mowing, once a month is enough. A lawnmower with a chopping option is used from late spring to autumn. Procedures at the beginning of the growing season are prohibited, otherwise the grass will develop tough.

Mulching vs Bagging vs Side Discharge. Which is Best & Why to help your Lawn

Plants on the lawn are not mowed after rain. The quality of the cut will be poor and the metal parts of the structure will begin to rust. Mold forms in the wet chaff, which will cause lawn grass disease. The best time for the procedure is a cool day; in the heat, the activities are carried out in the early morning or evening, after sunset.

Principle of operation

A popular agricultural technique reduces labor costs and increases soil fertility. Decaying grass residues release nutrients that feed natural ingredients and minimize the use of chemical fertilizers.

The lawnmower not only cuts the plants, but also chops and sprinkles the mulch over the top of the lawn. The sloped layer protects the lawn from frost and summer heat. The soil does not dry out, which allows you to reduce the number and volume of irrigation. The thickness of the cover does not interfere with the development of the grass, while inhibiting the activity of weeds.

The operator does not need to stop and waste time cleaning the device. The mulching lawnmower evenly cuts crops on the lawn. Vegetation gets into a special collection with a plug, in which sharp knives grind the mass. During the movement, the device evenly pours the cut over the area.

The cover does not lie on the vegetation, but on the soil. Fine mulch takes up the free space between the blades of grass. The thin layer is practically invisible, so the cut does not spoil the appearance of the lawn. The soil microflora will quickly extract useful substances, and the remains can be easily removed with a rake.

Enkor-GKBS 5.0 / 51 56503

The model with a gasoline engine is a self-propelled device that is used for cutting grass and then chopping up plant residues. Due to the rear-wheel drive, the device has good maneuverability. The four-stroke motor provides a speed of 2.8 thousand revolutions per minute.

The model has 6 setting modes. The operator can adjust the cutting height of the grass in the range of 3-9 cm. If the mulching function is disabled, then the vegetation enters the spacious reservoir with a volume of 65 liters. Grip width. 51 cm.The body was made of stainless steel, on which a protective polymer paint was applied.

Makita PLM4620N

A professional device with a capacious collection and a powerful 3.2 l / s engine runs on gasoline. The unit has 5 steps, which allows you to adjust the height of the blade to suit the lawn. The technique supports mowing and mulching modes. Collection capacity. 60 l.

Due to the long starting cord, the device is easy to start. A special muffler reduces the noise level during operation. The handle folds down at the structure, which saves space during storage. The volume of a liter fuel tank is enough for mulching mowing.

How to choose a lawn mower

The performance of the mulching option in the device is influenced by the engine power. The built-in motor distributes the performance between the nodes. The main part of the lawn mower is the cutting blades that cut the grass. The remaining energy goes to the wheel drive and the chopping knife.

With increasing load, a weak motor often does not have enough power for additional options. The deficit negatively affects the functionality of the remaining components. The quality of the device’s performance decreases. The lawnmower mows slowly, mulches the lawn for a long time and unevenly.

The mowing width also depends on the power. The more the device removes vegetation at a time, the faster the procedure will go. To work with an overall lawn, preference is given to models with a parameter from 45-50 cm.For a lawn with an area of ​​up to 5 acres, 30-40 cm is enough.

Productivity and price depends on the type of model. Devices with the function of shredding vegetation are divided into 3 groups:

• Gasoline. The powerful self-contained units are designed to handle high loads on spacious lawns. The minimum engine parameters are 4 l / s. Devices make noise, smoke and are often heavy.
• Electrical. Lightweight, manoeuvrable, powered mulching lawnmowers are easy to maintain. Silent units operate from a socket or rechargeable battery. The disadvantages of the devices are that they heat up quickly and are dependent on the energy source. In terms of power, they are inferior to gasoline models.
• Robots. The compact units operate on the principle of remotely controlled vacuum cleaners. The owner in the application sets the lawn mulching settings for the lawn mower. The models additionally have a humidity sensor that will save expensive equipment from functioning in the rain or on wet grass.

The speed of the motor affects the speed of the knife. The higher the parameter, the cleaner the cut. For high-quality mowing with mulching, the characteristic should be from 2.5 thousand revolutions per minute. The lawnmower will not slow down under heavy load, so you can not be afraid of bald spots on the lawn.

Bison ZGKE-43-1600

The machine for mulching the lawn is powered by a network cable on a silent electric motor with a power of 1.6 kW. The intuitive device can be easily converted from mowing to chopping. The equipment spreads crop residues evenly across the lawn.

The height of the cut is adjusted in steps, choosing parameters from 4 to 7 cm. The maneuverable unit easily walks along the lawn. To reduce weight, the body of the structure was assembled from sturdy plastic. A multi-stage protection system will stop the device at the slightest danger. The equipment has an option of blocking from turning on by children.

Mulching lawn mowers

Consider the description and features of the most popular device models.

When to mulch?

The lawn is characterized by the following specific features of laying the surface material:

• The operation is recommended only in spring and autumn: at this time the land needs fertilization.
• When carrying out the first spring mowing, the grass should be removed, because at this time it is affected by diseases, and the soil does not require additional moisture.
• You should not mow the grass immediately after rain. it will be too wet. If it becomes necessary to carry out the procedure on a wet lawn, you should reduce the speed and cut the grass not too low so as not to form lumps.
• In a drought, it is also not recommended to leave the cut grass on the surface of the site: it will dry out quickly and spoil the appearance of the lawn.

With proper work, the mown grass will fall to the ground, and the appearance of the lawn will not deteriorate.

Cub Cadet CC 46 PB 11A-K15E603

Hungarian mower “Cube Cadet” has the following characteristics:

• weight. 46 kg;
• fuel tank. 1 l;
• combined collection of lawn grass with a volume of 70 liters;
• steel body;
• cuts grass from 3 to 9 cm high;
• has a side discharge mulching function.

A reliable and powerful unit that can be used successfully even on uneven terrain, bumps and depressions. It is characterized by high wear resistance and durability, excellent adhesion to the ground, smooth running, easy operation.

Mulching as a function of modern lawn mowers

The benefits of protecting the soil with covering materials are obvious: the technique allows you to retain moisture, saturates the soil with nutrients and improves its structure. To reduce labor costs for this procedure and eliminate the problem of obtaining protective materials, a technique was invented, which provides for the mulching function in the lawn mower.

How to properly mulch your lawn with a lawn mower?

When using this mechanism, you should follow the rules for its operation:

• Cut off the grass cover by one third of the height; in hot and dry times, the size of the cut layer must be reduced.
• Do not mulch on overgrown grass.
• The machine should be used at full power, the mulching knives should be sharpened.
• Cut tall grass stepwise.
• Observe the rules of use specified in the manual, especially with regard to cleaning the deck from residues.
• It is recommended to change direction from time to time, then the grass will grip better and the surface will look uniform.
• The lawn with mulching is mowed a little more often than without it.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Lawn Mulching with a Lawn Mower

Advantages of mulching machines:

• Autumn foliage is dangerous because it disrupts air exchange. In addition to grass, such mechanisms grind fallen leaves and other plant waste that interfere with normal growth.
• Weed control is another important task. No need to waste time weeding: weeds are cut, crushed and stop spoiling the appearance of the lawn.
• Mulching with grass from a lawn mower saves on fertilizers: crushed residues, rotting, become a useful organic substance that can nourish the soil.
• The indisputable advantage of the technology is the reduction in labor costs. You do not need to take breaks in mowing, removing the cut grass, you can mow continuously. the mower will distribute the material itself.

At the same time, it must be remembered that this technique should be used regularly: only if this condition is met, the mulching material will be fine, of high quality and will allow you to keep the lawn in excellent condition.

Why you need to mulch the lawn?

When the grass was cut with a conventional trimmer, it was perceived as garbage. It was collected in special devices, which were subsequently released, and the grass was disposed of. The lawn remained unprotected, dried out, the grass needed to be planted.

Using mulch allows you to water the grass covers less often, preventing the soil from drying out, and the cut grass turns into a useful organic fertilizer.

Husqvarna WB 48S 9669780-02

This petrol front wheel drive mower is designed for daily use throughout the season for professional use. The cutting deck is cast from aluminum alloy and the Honda OHC GCV 135 engine is reliable and designed for professional use. Can mow in both mulching mode and backward throwing of cut grass.

Why you need to mulch the lawn?

When the grass was cut with a conventional trimmer, it was perceived as garbage. It was collected in special devices, which were subsequently released, and the grass was disposed of. The lawn remained unprotected, dried out, the grass needed to be planted.

The use of mulch allows you to water the grass covers less often, preventing the soil from drying out, and the cut grass turns into a useful organic fertilizer.

Mulching as a function of modern lawn mowers

The benefits of protecting the soil with covering materials are obvious: the technique allows you to retain moisture, saturates the soil with nutrients and improves its structure. To reduce labor costs for this procedure and eliminate the problem of obtaining protective materials, a technique was invented, which provides for the mulching function in the lawn mower.

Robomow RC304 PRD7004A

The Robomow RC304 PRD7004A robot is the latest in technology. A lawn mower that is almost completely independent of a person, which can be controlled from the remote control, or from some gadget, where you must first install the appropriate utility. And if you first want to get acquainted with this type of unit, but from another manufacturer, then we bring to your attention the Stig robotic lawn mower, which will also become an indispensable assistant for you.

Robomow RC304 PRD7004A

The mowing process takes place in a strict order that is assigned to the robot in the program. If suddenly, during its movement, the unit stumbles upon some obstacle, then the cutting knives are automatically turned off to avoid possible damage.

There is a possibility of using in any weather.

Robomow RC304 PRD7004A Features:

• weight. 10.3 kg;
• drive type. rear wheel drive;
• production material. plastic;
• self-propelled. present;
• width of the mowed surface. 28 cm;
• alarm. present;
• height of the mowed surface (max). 6 cm;
• height of the mowed surface (min). 1.5 cm;
• treated surface area. 400 m2;
• battery full charge time. 90 min;
• voltage. 28 V.

As can be seen from the characteristics, all models that support the function of mulching a grass surface differ in their performance and areas of application. There are also cheaper options that cope with the main job of mowing grass, but have a number of limitations.

Naturally, more expensive lawn mowers perform a wider scope of work and have several interesting innovations, but not every person can afford such models.

The principle of the mower in the video.

Lawn mower device

Both electric and gasoline powered hand lawnmowers are designed in the same way and contain common basic elements. On the deck (1) of the lawn mower there is an engine (2), on the axis of which a knife (3) is fixed. When rotating, the knife, in addition to mowing, also creates an air flow (4), picking up the cut grass and transferring it to the grass catcher (5). The air then exits through the ventilation holes, and the grass remains in the grass catcher. The lawn mower moves on the grass on 4 (occasionally 3) wheels (6). To operate the lawn mower, use the handle (7), on which the controls are installed.

The device of the robotic lawnmower differs slightly. it does not have a handle with manual controls, but it has an electronic “brain” (8) and a number of sensors (9) that inform the processor about obstacles, grass height, moisture content, etc.

Enkor. GKBS 5.0 / 51 56503

In addition to these basic functions, the package includes a side discharge of waste grass.

Characteristics of Enkor. GKBS 5.0 / 51 56503:

• weight. 35 kg;
• power. 5 hp;
• drive type. rear;
• mowed surface area. 1000 m2;
• height of the mowed surface (max). 9 cm;
• height of the mowed surface (min). 3 cm;
• material of manufacture. steel;
• the volume of the grass tank. 65 l;
• height adjustment. central;
• grass tank type. soft;
• power. 3700 W;
• width of the mowed surface. 51 cm;
• motor type. four-stroke;
• number of gears. one;
• engine brand. OHV;
• fuel tank capacity. 1.5 liters;
• speed selection. none;
• rotation frequency. 2800 rpm;
• engine volume. 139 cm3;
• autorun function. absent.

Mulching lawn mowers

There are several types of mulching lawn mowers:

• models powered by an alternating current network (in other words, electric);
• units with a gasoline engine.

In addition, these two categories have their own intraspecific differences: electric lawn mowers are divided into wired and cordless, gasoline mowers are divided into two-stroke and four-stroke models.

Let’s take a closer look at some lawn mowers in order to better demonstrate the main differences and advantages of different models.

When to mulch?

The lawn is characterized by the following specific features of laying the surface material:

• The operation is recommended only in spring and autumn: at this time the land needs fertilization.
• When carrying out the first spring mowing, the grass should be removed, because at this time it is affected by diseases, and the soil does not require additional moisture.
• You should not mow the grass immediately after rain. it will be too wet. If it becomes necessary to carry out the procedure on a wet lawn, you should reduce the speed and cut the grass not too low so as not to form lumps.
• In a drought, it is also not recommended to leave cut grass on the surface of the site: it will dry out quickly and spoil the appearance of the lawn.

With proper work, the mown grass will fall to the ground, and the appearance of the lawn will not deteriorate.