Rear Discharge Mower Deck 

The pros and cons of a rear discharge mower deck 

A rear discharge mower deck function is a great choice if you want to maintain a clean and obstacle-free lawn. With this option, grass clippings are effectively discharged to the back of the mower, allowing you to easily mow alongside flowerbeds, trees, and bushes without any hindrances.  

However, while there are many benefits to using this type of mower deck, it’s important to also be aware of the potential downsides. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of a rear discharge mower deck so you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s the right choice for your lawn mowing needs. 

Pros of a rear discharge mower deck 

It is easy to cut around obstacles 

When it comes to making your lawn look neat and tidy, manoeuvring around obstacles can be a real pain. However, by removing the chute from your mower deck, you’ll find that it’s much simpler to trim around trees, flowerbeds, and bushes.

Not only does this enable you to approach objects from multiple angles, but it can also spare you valuable time. Opting for a rear discharge deck can be a game-changer, allowing you to maintain a pristine lawn without all the hassle. 

No risk of spreading clippings into your flower beds or onto your patio 

When you use a mower with a rear discharge deck while cutting your lawn, you’ll notice that the grass clippings are expelled towards the back wheels. This is a great feature because it minimises the chances of the clippings falling into areas where they’re not supposed to, such as your flower beds or vegetable garden.

As a result, you’ll have a cleaner and more organised garden without having to worry about clearing the clippings after mowing. 

Cons of a rear discharge mower deck 

Although a rear discharge mower deck may provide certain benefits for lawn mowing, it is important to take into account some possible disadvantages as well:

Mowing with a rear discharge mower deck can leave windrows 

While there are certainly benefits to using a rear discharge mower deck, such as increased efficiency and ease of use, there are also some drawbacks to consider.  

One of the most significant issues with this type of deck is the potential for windrows to form on your lawn. Windrows are clumps of grass clippings that are left in rows, usually due to the concentrated stream of clippings that is discharged out of the back of the mower deck. Not only do windrows look unsightly, but they can also cause damage to your lawn if left unchecked. They can smother the grass beneath them, preventing them from getting the sunlight and air they need to thrive. To avoid windrows, there are a few different strategies you can try.  

One option is to make multiple passes over the same area with your mower, which can help to disperse the clippings more evenly. Alternatively, you could use a rake or other tool to manually disperse the clippings yourself. 

A rear discharge mower deck is more prone to clogging up 

The design of this particular mower deck is known to be susceptible to blockages, particularly when working with grass that is either wet or unusually tall.  

Under these conditions, cuttings can become matted together and obstruct the discharge chute. This can lead to the mower either cutting out completely or leaving unsightly clumps of uncut grass strewn across the lawn. 

For homeowners seeking an efficient and obstacle-friendly mowing experience, a rear discharge mower deck may prove to be a valuable tool. Its ability to easily navigate around impediments and prevent grass clippings from landing in unwanted areas are just a few of the benefits it offers.

However, it’s important to weigh the advantages against the potential drawbacks, such as windrows and clogging of the rear discharge chute. Ultimately, choosing the right mower deck depends on your individual lawn care needs and preferences.

If a rear discharge mower deck is the way to go, check out our selection of rear discharge lawn mowers and rear discharge zero turn mowers. If not, a side discharge mower deck or mulching may be the better option.