Mulching mowers turn coarse grass clippings into a fine mulch, but a mulch plug can also do the job. A mulching plug covers your mower’s rear or side chute, redirecting the grass.
In short, a mulching plug turns your conventional mower into a mulching mower. The grass swirls inside the deck, being cut multiple times, and is then released into your lawn to fertilize and cover the soil.
Let’s discuss what a mulching plug is, how it works, and how to install it.
Mulching Plug: What is It?
A mulching plug is a cover and deflector for your mower’s rear bagging chute (or side chute) that converts your regular mower into a mulching mower. This piece can be purchased separately or as part of a mulching kit, which is usually composed of the mulching plug plus mulching blades.
How Does a Mulch Plug Work?
A mulching plug works by blocking the mower’s rear chute or side chute so the grass remains inside the deck. The mulch plug helps move and redirect the grass around the deck to be cut again and again into smaller pieces. While you push or ride your mower, these pieces are then evenly spread over the lawn. Basically, your regular mower now works as a mulching mower.
To experience the benefits of a mulching mower without mowing yourself, hire a local lawn care pro to mulch-mow your lawn.
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Types of Mulch Plugs
But how do you choose the ideal mulch plug for you? You can choose either an OEM or aftermarket part or opt for a universal design, which may be a little cheaper.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Pieces
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. As the name suggests, OEM pieces are manufactured by the same company as your machine. So if you have the correct OEM piece for your model, it will fit perfectly in your mower. Aftermarket pieces, on the other hand, are typically made by another manufacturer and might not be an exact fit.
Universal vs. Model-Specific Designs
Aftermarket pieces are often made to fit the widest range of models possible and function as semi-universal mower plugs. These parts often cover a range of mower brands and models.
OEM pieces are typically made to fit a specific model from a specific brand. These model-specific designs are, in general, a little more expensive. Look at the cost difference or reviews (if buying online) to make the best choice.
Design Variations
Mulching plug designs vary according to the mower make and model:
- Push mower mulching plugs: If your model doesn’t have a bagging chute, the mulching plug is essentially a side discharge chute cover and/or deflector. In push mowers with a bagging chute, the mulch plug is a deflector that you insert in the rear chute.
- Riding mower mulching plugs: Mulching plugs for riding mowers can also be a cover/deflector for the side discharge chute or a piece that is installed under the deck, around the blade’s perimeter. Additionally, in other models, the mulching plug can also be inserted in the rear bagging chute. This option resembles a shovel, as it is an angled piece with a long handle.
How to Install a Mulch Plug
Installing a mulching plug is easy-peasy, but the installation will depend on your mower type. You’ll have to check your operator’s manual for model-specific instructions, but here is a general guideline on how to install your mulch plug.
For push mowers:
- Lift the rear discharge door.
- Push the plug into position. For some models, you’ll have to insert the plug at an angle, either from the side or from above. You’ll usually hear a clicking sound when the piece locks into place.
- Close the rear discharge door, and you’re all set.
For riding mowers:
- Lift or remove the side deck chute.
- Fit the mulching plug into the deck opening. Make sure the notch on the backside of the plug is inserted completely (for some models). You might hear a clicking sound when the piece fits in.
- Attach the two clips hanging from the mulching plug into the two slots on each side of the deck.
FAQ About Mulching Plugs
Mulch plugs can be used in most riding mowers and push mowers. Reel mowers, however, don’t have this feature. Even models that have grass-clipping bags cannot be converted into mulching mowers since reel mowers don’t have a deck where the grass clippings are trapped.
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• Best Riding Lawn Mowers [Reviews]
It is better to bag your clippings instead of mulching when:
• The grass is too tall. If you’ve let your grass grow too tall, it is best to first mow using a regular lawn mower to shorten the grass clippings. If you try to mulch-mow tall grass, the clippings can become entangled under the mower and won’t be properly chopped into mulch.
• The grass is wet. You should not use a mulching plug to mow wet grass as the grass will get stuck under the mower, forming clumps of wet grass instead of being turned into mulch. If your mower deck is clogged with grass, read our guide on the best ways to clean a lawn mower deck.
• Your lawn is diseased or has a weed problem. If your grass has weeds or any lawn disease, mulching the grass clippings will further spread the problem to the rest of your lawn.
Other than the situations above, you can use a mulching plug whenever you’re mowing your lawn, which should be around once a week in the growing season. But if you’re unsure, try using your mulching plug for the first two mows of the season and observe how the lawn responds.
See Related:
• Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Mow Wet Grass
• How to Prevent Grass Clumping When Mowing
Technically you don’t need special blades if you already have a mulching plug. Regular blades can mulch your grass when you have the plug installed. However, keep in mind that mulching blades do a better job since they are designed for this task, mulching the grass more efficiently and into finer pieces.
When to Call a Professional
Although mulching your grass is a great way to save time and effort, you can also save your energy by having someone else tackle this chore. Get in touch with a local lawn care professional today and sit back and enjoy your newly mulched lawn.
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