STOP Grass Catcher Clogging!
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- čas přidán 2. 08. 2024
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#grasscatcherclog #grasscatcher #nomoreclogs
If your lawnmower grass catcher keeps clogging, there are several things that may be causing it - and all can be solved without a service visit!
If your grass catcher chute clogs with grass trimmings, you don’t have to just live with it. Several things may be causing this, but all can be addressed without a service call - you can JUST DO IT YOURSELF!
Your lawnmower’s grass clipping bagging system is somewhat a vacuum - sucking up grass clippings as they are cut from the lawn, and carried via a high-velocity stream of air, where they are deposited in a mesh collection bag. The mesh is necessary to allow air to move through the bag(s) where the clippings are captured and the air is expelled.
The source of the airflow is the mower’s blades themselves. As they spin inside of the mower deck, air is drawn in from the edges and expelled out the chute to the bags. The principle is the same for both walk-behind and riding lawnmowers. As the grass is cut, the clippings become part of the airstream that is moving from under the deck to the collection bags.
All pretty simple, right? So what goes wrong to cause the clippings to clog the chute? As it turns out, there is a whole list of possible culprits, including:
The throttle is not being run at high. Mowers are designed both at the engine and component level to be run at high throttle. You need enough air/vacuum is formed to move the clippings rapidly up the collection system. If not, clogs are likely.
The grass is too wet or highly saturated. Drier grass mows better and doesn’t tend to clump. So, if possible, wait to mow, perhaps late in the day before sundown.
The speed mowing is happening is too high. This is different than the throttle being set at high. If you move through the area being mowed too quickly, especially for areas with high growth, you risk clogs in the collection system, simply because too much material is introduced into the system at one time.
The cutting height on the mower is set too low for current conditions. A good rule of thumb is not to remove more than a third of the length of the blades of grass. When deep cuts are taken, it’s hard on your lawn and tough on your mower and collection system tool.
Dull or damaged blades. Grass that is not sheared off cleanly will not move into the collection system quickly and smoothly. Sharpen the blades, or if there is significant damage, replace them.
The underside of the deck needs to be cleaned. If the deck has significant deposits of grass fibers adhering to it, this greatly affects air/vacuum flow, as well as gives plenty of places for grass to catch on and slow down its exit into the chute. Many lawnmowers have hose connections that water can be injected under the desk as the blades are engaged to assist in cleaning.
The inside of the chute system has grass residue adhering to it or has a significant amount of deep scratches and grooves (likely from small branches, rocks, debris) that “snag” grass as it is moving in the chute. The inside of the chute can be soaked in soapy water and scrubbed out, and even sanded with a coarse grit sanding sponge to smooth it out. Follow up with an application of silicone spray, or something similar. Repeat from time to time.
The wrong type of blades on your mower. There are two families of blades - mulching and high-lift. Mulching blades are primarily for chopping the grass finely and for depositing back onto the lawn. High lift blades are configured to create a significant amount more airflow than mulching types and are used for lawnmowers outfitted with bagging systems. It is possible to successfully use mulching blades for collection systems if all the factors mentioned earlier are addressed properly. However, if all other areas have been addressed, and clogging still occurs, then it’s time to make the investment in high lift blades.
There you have it - how to overcome the problem of your mower’s grass chute clogging! One last thing. Always make use of the grass clippings you collect. They are a great source of nitrogen and organic material for other parts of your yardscape. Don’t throw them away - you are literally throwing away the fertilizers and water you’ve applied on the lawn. Instead, use them for things like poultry bedding/feed, mulch in your flower and veggie beds, and for composting.
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No BS and straight forward common sense advice . Practical and great advice.
Aw garsh....
I just learned about the 1/3 rule a week or 2 ago. After my last mow of the season weeds showed up everywhere. So I'm going to go out on a limb and say I take too much of the blade off.
We lived at the downhill end of a street lined with oak trees for years and the wind blew everyone's oak leaves into our yard every fall and winter. I used to set the mower deck on high and vacuum the leaves up every two or three weeks.
Great video! 👏👏
Thanks Jay, worked perfect for me!
This was a great video, with usefull info. thanks.
That was a great video. Thanks very much. The silicone spray idea is brilliant.
Very helpful, thanks
Hi Lift blades were the key for my Toro 42" ZTR!
I looked at so many websites about chute clogging and NONE of them came close to helping except this one. I thought it might have been my engine running under tach, or old oil, or bad gas, or a dirty deck. But Dirt Farmer Jay -- and Steve Betz' comment -- nailed it by prescribing *hi lift* blades and not generic or after market blades. I previously bought what claimed to be aftermarket "OEM replacement blads" just so I could save a few bucks, but they weren't the same as Toro's. They were much narrower (1.25") and only had a slight twist at the tip maybe 2") which barely deflected the clippings upward. The Toro OEM blades are 1.75" wide (40% wider) with a MUCH larger twist at the tip (4"!) both of which *greatly* increases the lift surface area. When I put the Toro blades on, my chute stopped clogging immediately! Jay, I'll always think good thoughts about you, man!
- Ori
I'm glad you got this resolved for your mower. Without sufficient lift and air pressure being directed into the grass catcher tube, you're gonna get clogging. Thanks for reinforcing that reality. Thanks for taking time to write! Best, DFJ
Awesome real world advise... Thank you
Glad it was helpful, Robert. Best, DFJ
Great informational video. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you. Never thought about silicone spray on the chute. Always on my snowblower. Great video as always.
You're welcome, Dave! Thanks for your kind comment as well as watching the video and taking time to write. Best, DFJ
Good tips! Thanks!
You're welcome, Haik!
Awesome video. Very informative and super helpful. Thank you so much.
Glad to be of help!
So glad we don't have grass anymore! Great tips though as always!
Thank you! I struggle every year with this!
Happy to help, Lisa! Best, DFJ
Thanks for this information, I wasn't mowing at full throttle
Glad it helped!
Everything you said worked perfect for me. Thank you so much
Great to hear!
Hey DFJ, don’t forget to clean the vents on your bagger. If the air has no way to get out of the bag, you won’t be able to pick up the grass.
Right on, Denis. If the air doesn't flow out, game over. Best, DFJ
Just found your video. Thanks for the info.
Glad it was helpful!
Great suggestions Jay. Will need to implement them next year! Have a Merry Christmas and thanks for all the tips you’ve provided over the years!! 🎄🎄
Right on.
they aren't suggestions, they are facts of reality. i mow hundreds of acres a week commercially.
I changed my blades to mulching blades, and found that I can mow twice as long before having to empty the bags. The times where the chute plugs, are if I'm mowing weeds, or the grass is too wet, like Jay says.
Thanks for passing this along!
Thanks!
No problem!
Thank you
Glad we could help Anthony Adams. Best to you, DFJ
I got rid of my grass and put gravel in my yard. Then painted the gravel green. I use large amounts of roundup to keep my yard looking fresh and neat.
Thanks for the tips! I just got my bagger today and as soon as we get a little dry weather I'll be trying it out. I'll probably need to change blades. They sent blades for a 48" deck and I thought I ordered a kit for my 42" deck? everything else fits just fine. New subscriber now.
Thanks for watching, writing, and subscribing, @lloydprunier4415! Best, DFJ
Thanks for the great video! I was just about ready to give up on bagging. I thought my lower chute was leaking somewhere and a replacement is $181. I'm going to try these steps, and probably mow a little higher and see what happens. Liked and subscribed.
Mark, glad to hear from you. We're confident this will help you. Thanks for being the newest member of our viewer family! Best Regards, DFJ
Thanks, I was cutting too much at once.
Glad I could help, Eric. Best, DFJ
Very good explain A plus
Glad you think so!
I didn't know the blades that came on my riding mower were generic meaning they mulch and/or bag but do neither well. When I switched to a bagging blade I couldn't believe how much better it worked.
Steve, this is GREAT information. Thanks for passing it on! Best, DFJ
Bonjour 🇩🇿🌹🇩🇿
Merci pour tous les conseils précieux et utiles dans notre vie quotidienne, que ce soit à la maison ou au simple travail.
Mes salutations
Ali Djillali - C'est notre plaisir - c'est toujours un plaisir d'avoir de vos nouvelles! Salutations - DFJ
Good comprehensive video. Wrong blade is probably the most common. I think my lawn was a bit too wet to mow.
Thanks for watching!
If I let the grass grow a little too much I will take 2/3 or 1/2 passes (so the deck is only going over uncut grass with 1/2 or 2/3's of its width) so there isnt as much clogging up the chute at one time. make the pass where the side of the deck that is cutting is on the opposite side of the deck from the chute exit from the deck if possible.
Good morning from Southeast South Dakota
Hey Slim,. I visit your part of the state every July!! I love SD! Do you live in Harrisburg? I have a lot of cousins there! Great place!
@@ggebhard1 near Crankton.
Hello there! - DFJ
Muy completo. Saludos
Saludos!
If any part of the bag or bagger system is a mesh material blow it out with a lawn blower and also wash and dry it according to manufacturer's directions. Lowe's or a lawn equipment retailer sell specific spray if applied prior to each mow keeps grass from adhering to decks, etc. I'm not sure if a dry lubricant would work as well.
Thanks, Al! Well said. Best, DFJ
I'm ,trying your suggestions. Hope they work. Washed the bag good, got new blade.
Daryl, how did this turn out for you? Best, DFJ
Suggestion for lubricating the inside of the chute and collector bin. Use a ceramic coating. With a good ceramic coating, a little goes a long way.
Paul, thanks to letting me know. Do you have a favorite product you use? Best, DFJ
I am thinking about using a ceramic spray for tubs and sinks what could go wrong?
The problem is the Deere doesnt create much wind velocity up the chute. With everything clean the indicator always runs at 3/4 meaning not much wind and it plugs easy.
I always wondered why someone didn't design an aftermarket fan like the one used by Walker Lawn mowers to insert in the lower end of the chute for all our lower priced riding mowers. It would be the best solution to this problem, however, the mechanism for powering the fan may be an engineering nightmare. I'll bet they would be sought after. I am now looking for a Walker mower, they work so much better.
Its called a "power flow" by John Deere. Pully driven fan...48" deck & above I believe.
czcams.com/video/-GOC3msdIzw/video.html
Dirt Farmer Jay. I use to run a lawn service. I found You can cut grass that is wet from rain. But if wet from dew. It clogs up.
Charles, this is a great insight. Thanks for letting everyone know about this! Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay Not that I suggest cutting a rain soaked lawn. But have had to finish many a yard after it started raining.
Is this the reason why its not throwing grass in my bagger?
I do not have the problem bagging grass, but I do with leaves. I have a lot of leaves when they fall. I have a Jon Deere X 360. It is equipped with a double bagger, and the bags fill up fast.I must frequently empty them. After a few hours of doing this it often clogs. Maybe I have to take the bagger system apart and clean it then. I do run the hose to clean it after each use, but today I did not. I had to clean the deck and the spindle closet to the power flow devise. The spindle cover was melting. I used to have an after market system, it was made of stainless steel, had a lever handle to open the container. I had my son remove this and went back to using the bagger because this system clogged a lot. If I mow the leaves first, the pieces are smaller, and the loaded bag is heavier. It will still clog after a few hours.
Waterdog, I just came across this comment. My apologies for not getting back to you sooner. Did this get resolved? I suspect that you have a generic or mulching blade on your mower and you are not getting enough air flow to create the stream of air needed to convey the chopped leaves from under the deck to the bags. Give me an update, will you? Best, DFJ
So the leaves don’t get clogged in the shoot you need to run over the leaves without the bags on the mower so they get smaller and will easily get bagged.
Good insight, John. Thanks for writing. Best, DFJ
you could use a chimney 6" brush for the shoot
Peter, I just came across you comment. Thanks for sharing. That is and EXCELLENT suggestion. Best, DFJ
You forgot to mention that the collection bags or bins need to allow airflow out to complete the flow cycle! John Deere uses mesh bags while other use plastic bins. I use mesh bags and keep them porous or clean.
Great point! We are actually going to do a follow on to this episode, and we'll mention your insight and give you credit for it. Thanks for taking time to write! Best, DFJ
Why ow show me Hylift vs Mulching blade .JD mower here, several blades in my shop. What they look like ?
Do you think if you sprayed the silicone spray on the underside of the mower deck, there would be less residue buildup?
Yes! Good idea Sheryl Moreland. Thanks for sharing and best to you and yours. This is Dirt Farmer Maggie and I do all the mowing at our place because, as a women, we so rarely can put things in order and find that they stay nice for a period of time. Best to you, Maggie.
Quick question, when your spray the silicone spray...do you just let it sit in the chute, or do you tag a rag and rub it in? Also how long to let it dry? Thanks to anyone in advance!
It would be best to let it dry before using the chute again. Otherwise the grass may stick to the silicone spray and make a worse mess. Best to you, Dirt Farmer Maggie
I'll bet most people watched this video expecting see more grass catcher action and lest hand puppet action.
Thanks for stopping by! Best, DirtFarmer "Puppeteer" Jay :-)
💪
Why collect the clippings? Let the stay on the lawn after a few cuttings the clippings will start disappearing overnight. You will need less fertilizer and reduce runoff over time.
Brian, indeed - part of the video mentions that clippings can be put back into the lawn utilizing a mulching blade. But many "harvest" the clippings, and simply "toss" them - something that we said not to do in the video. If you are going to bag the clippings, put them to work with any poultry you might have, as well mulching or composting - put that biomass and nutrients back into the soil if you are not going to put it back into the lawn. You are correct on building the nutrition and water holding power over time. Thanks for watching and taking time to write! Best, DFJ
If you keep leaving the clippings in the lawn it will choke the yard and start to kill the grass
We collect the clippings for the compost pile. I'd rather compost all that nitrogen and let the lawn fend for itself.
Well problem with leaving the clipping is you’ll starve your lawn and get hot spots(dead spots) Especially if you’re a once a couple weeks kind of mower those clipping will be clumps. I like collecting my clipping so I can then hit the bald spots on the lawn to help promote growth/good soil. Also if you have kids who like to put rocks in your yard having the bagger is an extra layer of defense 😂 also depends what kind of grass you have for instance having zoysia grass you’d like to get your clipping it’s a very thick carpet like grass and will create a lot of thatch and you’ll have a lawn full of yellow and green. But if you’re a twice a week or once a week kinda of mower you can get away with leaving your clippings. I think people also doit to not get grass on the neighbors driveway
Have a question.
Recently had a huge tree cut down in my backyard.
The heavy equipment being used left me with very little grass, mostly dirt.
Today, wife had me bag a lot of leaves from the front yard.
I am in NW, Alabama and figure it may be too late to plant grass in the backyard.
Would spreading the leaves over the backyard help this situation?
Maybe at least help prevent ruts from water runoff?
Thanks for watching and taking time to correspond. You can overseed your lawn or amend and seed the damaged areas. You'll likely need to aerate or broad fork the areas to combat compaction and open up the soil again so the grass roots can penetrate, get a grip and draw up moister and nutrients. Then, you can use a combination of sifted compost (you should be able to buy it in bags) and grass seed and put that into the damage areas. If you can, water it in if the water is still turned on. Then, let the snow fly and help settle in the seed. You need the compost for two reasons: to cover the seed from hungry birds, and to give a rooting start in the spring. Come spring time, those damaged patches will fill in rapidly. You can watch us do this for our yard at this link: czcams.com/video/VWgdufaWf48/video.html
@@DirtFarmerJay Can I lightly till the compacted backyard then spread seed, etc?
@@rickeykeeton4770 Yes, indeed, but you'll jump up your chances of success if you mix the seed with compost.
What grit sandpaper or whatever did you use?
Medium grit, somewhere in the range of 100 - 120 works fine. Be sure to rub the sandpaper in the direction of the flow of the grass clippings (long way in the tube) to assure you don't introduce little ridges that allow the grass to catch and start a clog. Let me know how this turns out for you! Best, DFJ
What about the “gator” blades. You know they all say “high lift” and “mulching”?
I have a older model Cub Cadet riding mower and have recently been having HORRIBLE issues with clogging. I can cut three lines and have to clear out the shute. I am running at full throttle, am cutting slow, blades were sharpened at the beginning of the summer and I cut at the highest deck setting. Our back yard is extremely thick. Even when it is not ready to cut, the mower struggles with the thickness of the grass. I also have spots where it seems like the deck cuts lower and it leaves a "ridge". Any suggestions?
Anthony, thanks for writing. Sorry to hear you are having challenges. I assume you are cutting the grass when it is not wet. The deck being uneven and delivering "ridgy" cuts sounds like the anti-scalping wheels are not in place or are poorly adjusted.
There are two other things that come to mind. First, though - is this a new thing with this mower, or are these long-term problems?
Even though the blades are sharp, if they are not "high-lift" blades, they may not be creating enough air flow to properly eject and bag the clippings. Second, as shown in the video, if the inside of the chute system gets rough with stuck grass or abrasions, the system will be prone to clogging. You'll need to soak it in soapy water, brush out the inside with a soft bristle brush, and apply a slippery coating of some type. You may have to do this more than once during a season.
I hope this helps - let me know what you end up doing.
Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay Wow! I appreciate the incredibly fast response and detailed answer!!
I have cut the grass when it is dry and when it's still slightly "dewy" in the mornings and it clogs just the same. The anti-scalping wheels have never been replaced that I know of. (I bought the mower used off my brother's neighbor. I have spent $600 on this mower I'm the past 2 years getting various things fixed on it. I have tried to make sure the deck is level and tires inflated properly. This is my first time owning a riding mower. I live close to a zinc mine and needless to say, I have a yard riddled with stones/rocks and holes. Could the ridges be from these annoyances? I cut the yard yesterday and afterwards, I scraped the underside of the deck and hit it very quickly with the hose. I will try your suggestions and see what happens! I really appreciate your help!! Take care and talk to you soon!!
@@anthonymcculley7711 Very good, Anthony. Let me know how all this turns out. Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay Hey Mr. Jay!! Good news! I did my best to do a good cleaning off of the deck after the cut that I messaged you about. I went out and cut the yard just now and had ZERO issues! I also made sure I cut when the grass was uber dry (been hot as crap for 4 days) and I also cut a day or so earlier than I normally cut. The only issue I had was in the front yard it still looks like it is cutting slightly uneven........but looks perfect in the backyard!!! Not sure what is happening there! Oh, and while I was cutting the back yard, it began ever so slightly sprinkling but only for about 3-4 minutes and it STILL didn't cause the mower to clog!
People that run Zero's happy homeowners cut to wet early spring & mow like its NASCAR
I've tried just about everything and it still clogs every time.
Sorry to hear. I suspect a couple of things. First, the grass may be too wet to properly lift off the surface of the lawn and be expelled. Or the vent screen on the bagging unit is glazed over and isn't letting the air expel correctly out the bag to allow a "river" of air to carry clippings to the bag, or, the blades themselves are the problem - high lift blades work the best for bagging. Let me know how this turns out for you. Best, DFJ
Mr Dirt Farmer Jay. If I email you a picture of a garden tool from the late 1880s. Would you be abble to tell me what it is?
Indeed, I'll give it a shot - send it to me at jay@dirtfarmerjay.com. Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay awsome... will get it off today.
My john deere bagger sucks. Doesn't matter how when or what I do. Have up in that junk
Thanks for weighing in.
Get a sweeper and never deal with all of these issues
Thanks for weighing in. Best, DFJ
Great video but kill the music. It is drowning out the valuable info you are speaking.
Thanks for the feedback, rick 1! Best, DFJ
Cut grass everyday then your not taking too much off the grass
We have just recently started cutting the grass on a longer setting (#4 on our riding mower) and it's made a big difference in the health of the lawn. Thanks for commenting David Bartlett. Best, Dirt Farmer Maggie
The Biggest problem is if you buy a Deer made by the CCP they aren't he best catcher rideons to begin with let alone the mass void/non warrantee. its like the 8 year solar panels compared to the Australian owned solar company which lasts for 30 + years (FULL WARRANTEE included)
Thanks for writing. I can't agree with you on where John Deere makes its tractors. Unless this is a massive corporate lie (let's just say I'm not that cynical...), indicators are that they are made here in the U.S. - in Wisconsin. Check out this video for validation: czcams.com/video/8sVh82H4oRs/video.html.
I do agree with you that WAY too much is off-shored to China and China has taken a big chunk of our manufacturing capacity away. As far as the total amount of manufacturing percentage, worldwide, China comes in first at 28.4%, and the U.S. is second at 16.6%.
Thanks for watching and writing! Best, DFJ
John Deere collections are trash. I had a Honda riding mower for 25 years and that thing would suck up every leave, twig in its path and never plugged. After it died and Honda no longer sold tractors in the USA I figured a Deere would be similar, boy was I wrong. It doesnt pick up much of anything, shoots more crap out from under the deck, plugs the chute, for a $4000 tractor its not what I expected. Dont waste your money on a collection system as they dont work well no matter how clean it is, what blades or how sharpe they are.
We haven't had the same experience. However, we did buy a unit that was not available in the big box stores, but only through a dealer. It's a better unit, so the higher quality may be giving us a different experience than you describe. I'm sorry to hear that you've not had a good experience. Best, DFJ