opinions on Scag mulching kit

[lawnkid]

What are your guys opinions on Scag's mulch master kit? My dealer told me it was not worth it because one guy spent the money and had it put on and the blades were scraping the sides so he had to cut some slits so that the blades could turn without scraping. I think this could have been poor installation though. Anyway, how much grass in inches approximately can a mulching kit cut off before clumping? $150 is not that much money and i could easily afford it but I'm just wondering if it is worth the risk of screwing up my mower. But if they do mess up, that could mean I might get a new mower. :p

[Dennis E.]

Just go get a set of "Gator" blades for that bad boy. They work great.:D

[lawnkid]

I already use Gators in the summer and fall but they I still don't think they would do as good of a job as a mulching kit could do. I use regular lifts now in the spring. See the problem is that my mower has only a 14hp engine and is too weak to use doubles so I would like to maybe use a mulching kit. Should I maybe try using Gators in the spring? Never done this in the years I've been mowing. Give me some ideas on how throw the grass farther and more spread out.

[Dennis E.]

The only thing I can think of to "throw" the clippings out aways is some "high lift" blades. I use them during the fall months here to move oak leaves.

[BLL]

i dont know if you have it down but if you do flip your discarge chute up works wonders as opposed to being down gators dont cut worth **** so i woudl stick with the regukar lifts if quality of cut is a concern if not use the gators they ""tear it up"

[CLM1103]

I have the Scag mulch kit on a 36" WB. Whoever designed it did not measure the deck. On the right side away from discharge side), if you dont keep 3 spacers between blade and spindle, the blade will hit the baffle. On the discharge side it will not hit. This keeps you from being able to adjust blade hight by using spacers. I had to grind off the tip of blade on that side in order to use mulching blade at all. Also, if you put the baffle cover over the discharge, the mower will bog real bad even in short grass. I use the mulching blades with the deck baffles but do not block the discharge opening and it does a nice job.

I called Scag about this and they told me that I should change cutting height by raising entire deck instead of using the spacers. I would like to see them do that a couple times a day!!!

The underdeck baffles would be great if they had only been manufactured where the would fit.

[Dennis E.]

You be "right next door"!! I've got some in Walden Lakes.
Look for a big green F-350 dually crew cab with a open red tandem trailer if you have accounts in there. I'm usually in there on Thurs. afternoon.:D

[LawnSmith]

i just use the scag mulch plate to block off the discharge and it works great. i use the plate on my TT's and walk-behinds.

[CLM1103]

Dennis E...I think I have seen your truck in Walden Lakes. I only do work in a retirement village..The Lakes. I do 102 accounts here and pull my Scag and other equip. with my golf cart. All accounts are within about 3/8 Mile of my house.

[BLL]

HAHA thats gotta be a site!! a golf cart pulling lawn equipment. Heck of a lot cheaper then a 45,000 truck plus trailer and gas!!
You must make a killing!!

[Dennis E.]

Man, you are really fortunate! 102,all in the same area. No truck either! I'll watch for the "golf cart" towing lawn equipment tomorrow or Thurs.
Hope I see ya'.

[CLM1103]

No truck, no truck insurance, no trailer, no employees, no payroll taxes.

Most of my accounts are adjoining lawns, anywhere from two to eleven next to each other. Small lots with no gates.

I can do 22 -24 a day and be done by 3:00.

Works for me!!

[lawnkid]

thanks for the comments guys.

Hey CLM1103, what kind of equipment do you pull behind that golf cart? How big is your trailer? Doy uo have to have a permit to drive a golf cart on the streets? Sounds like what I need:D

[Oliver1850]

Lawnkid,

I have the mulch master kit installed on my Scag Tigercub. The kit works well, however, you must keep in mind that you cannot be as aggressive with the cutting height. Mulching seems to work best at the 3" - 3.5" setting.
You must also go slower. You cannot attack a lawn at 6 mph and lop of 2-3 inches, thus the reason why the majority of LCO's in my area either bag or side discharge.
There are benefits though. You do not blow the clippings all over the streets and side walks. If you are doing allot of residential accounts, you do not always have to think which way the discharge is going, i.e. flower gardens, pools etc.

I hope this helps.

[CLM1103]

Lawnkid...I don't use a trailer. I pull a Scag WB by lifting the front casters about 5" off ground and dropping a clevis pin in a hitch that I made. Pulls great. All my 2-cycle equipment goes in a rack attached to the upright supports for the canopy.

I live in a privately owned retirement village where everybody has golf carts. You would not get away with using a golf cart on public owned streets.