"The Director" chute deflector for Exmark?

[Westbrooklawn]

Came across what looks like a nifty item from York Sheet Metal company called the "director". It is a discharge chute for eXmark Lazer Z decks which can be locked in 5 positions from fully opened to fully closed. Great for keeping clippings out of beds, driveways, walks, etc. Has anyone had any experience with them, and if so, how good do they work?

Seems a bit pricey at $175.

[Blessed 1]

I'd like to see this contraption, do they have a web sight?

[MikeLT1Z28]

wouldn't it be just as easy to cut the other direction?

[Esby]

I bought the Director for my Lazer earlier this summer. This is the newest design and actually cost $235, which included shipping. I bought it because I have several commercial accounts along busy roads and also alot of residentials where the customers are extremely picky on keeping clippings out of their beds. It was an easy installation, just drill three holes. It has worked flawlessly and it will be one of the first things I purchase for my next Lazer, right along with the EZ-Striper. Here are several pics of the new model. Still not sure why mine came black instead of red like on the website-oh well, it works the same.


Please excuse the rather dirty Lazer, it's been busy.

The Director in the "wide open" position:

[Esby]

The Director in the "open" position:

[Esby]

The Director in the "partially open" position:

[Esby]

The Director in the "closed" position:

[Esby]

Lastly, a top view of The Director:

[Mike (MLC)]

Does anyone have the director on their Lazer Z HP. I bought one last year at the Expo, but can't figure out how to attach it to my 52" Lazer HP right.

[Esby]

The pictures above are of a 2001 Exmark Lazer Z HP 52". For installation of the "new design" you must have the director in the closed position with the rod in position such as in the pictures. Then position the plate on the deck and find a spot in which the mounting plate is flat and the chute is completely closed. You will want to mount it when the deck is lowered to your lowest cutting height as to avoid contact with the right gas tank. Mark the holes with a hammer and scribe, and then drill, I believe it was a 3/8" bit, but correct me if I am wrong, it was a while ago. Then bolt it on. Hope this helps, but like I said, this is for the new model. I don't know how the old model mounts on. In fact, when I talked to David at York, he said that this design is so much better than the old one that if you pay the difference, he will upgrade those holding the older model. He said that the new model is a "one piece" construction(no welds), unlike the other one, which was a "3 piece" constrution. You'd have to talk to York though, this was a while ago, I dont know if they have changed their policy. Good Luck.

[Westbrooklawn]

Esby -

Thanks for the great pictures and comments. I think I will be buying one of those!

[REO]

I love my Director's on my 52" hp & my 72" Lazer. I use mine as a blower for driveways & sidewalks and leave my backpack on the trailer. I also use them for leaves in the fall. All I do is close them and BACK over the leaves and their gone. Personally I don't know how anyone operates an eXmark without one, especially if they take their safety shield off.

[m&m]

is the retailers selling these or is it strictly YORK selling them? wouldnt mind having one of those lil contraptions

[REO]

.

[Esby]

I got mine from York too. I don't think you can get them anywhere else, I mean, I don't think York works through dealers.

[roscioli]

How does this unit work for mulching when it is closed? Does it compare to having a mulch kit? I have 2 options for next spring, 1 is to buy the mulch kit, the other the director. Also, does anyone use it and also use the Ultra-Vac? Do you have to take the entire unit off?

[Esby]

As far as mulching leaves, it really isn't made for that purpose. With a mulch kit you have the baffels that individualize each blade, therefore optimizing it's mulching ability. With the director, you are simply closing the discharge chute. When you do this, all the clippings move towards the right ride of the deck and start to windrow at the plate. It is not made to be operated strickly in the closed position, but more if you are coming up to some landscaping and you dont want to throw clippings into the beds. I have used it a couple times to mulch up some leaves when I didn't have my mulch kit on, and yes, it works better than having it open, but clearly not as well as with the mulch kit on. I do not have an UltraVac, but by the looks of things, I think you would have to take The Director off, which is simply three bolts and a pin. I have thrown my Grass Gobbler on several times(fills very quickly) for small areas, and this works with The Director in place.

[REO]

I know a couple of LC's around here that have the Director's on their units and use vacuums. As far as I know, the only thing they do is take the plate over the chute off and the lifting rod and leave the upright on the deck. I don't know if they have ultra vacs or not.