Leaf Mulching Deck Height and Related Questions

Scott S

Active Member
Joined
Aug 25, 2016
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14
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I mow about an acre of fescue containing lots of oak trees that drop a zillion leaves between October and December. I came dangerously close to buying a Cyclone Rake to vacuum them up but decided to postpone doing so as it would be nearly a $2500.00 expenditure. I decided to try to mulch them this year and, depending on how that goes, I may end up with the Cyclone Rake next year. I am tired of spending countless hours raking them up or paying somebody a lot of money to do it. The Cyclone Rake would actually pay for itself in less than three years and it may be worth the investment in the long run. Please bear in mind that I have not done this before so I'm reaching out to the forum for your expertise.

I have a Toro Titan ZX4800 with a 48" deck and a 21 hp 725cc Kohler Commercial Confidant engine along with a ZT-3100 commercial hydrostatic transmission.

I have purchased a set of three Oregon Gator G5 blades for the job.

I have three mulching related questions:

1. Should I use the deflector?

2. What should the deck height be set on? My highest deck setting is 4.25.

3. Should I run the engine at full throttle?


Thank you for your assistance.

Scott
 

Rivets

Lawn Royalty
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Mar 11, 2012
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14,682
#1. Yes you need to use the deflector to get the best mulching.
#2. Trial and error will tell you what height to set the deck. Variables will include travel speed, amount of leaves, dry or wet, terrain, etc.
#3. Always run the engine ar full throttle when cutting, control your ground speed with the sticks.

Keep your blades as sharp as possible to get best results.
 

Scott S

Active Member
Joined
Aug 25, 2016
Threads
14
Messages
65
#1. Yes you need to use the deflector to get the best mulching.
#2. Trial and error will tell you what height to set the deck. Variables will include travel speed, amount of leaves, dry or wet, terrain, etc.
#3. Always run the engine ar full throttle when cutting, control your ground speed with the sticks.

Keep your blades as sharp as possible to get best results.

Thank you!
 
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