Mulching vs. Side Discharge: John Deere Mower Mulch on Demand

When looking for versatility and efficiency, the Mulch on Demand deck for the John Deere Z900 series delivers exactly that. This deck allows you to quickly switch between mulching and side-discharging with just the flip of a lever, making it perfect for a variety of mowing conditions. Let’s dive into how this system works and explore its benefits, especially for those with diverse mowing needs.

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About Mower Mulch on Demand

It’s important to note that the Mulch on Demand deck is a factory-ordered option, meaning it does not come as a kit that can be added to an existing mower. However, for lower series mowers like the Z300, Z500, Z700, and even the X-series tractor mowers, you can add mulching kits or MulchControl options that operate similarly to this setup. But for the Z900, this specialized system must be built into the deck from the factory.

The mulch on-demand deck is available in either 54-inch or 60-inch configurations, depending on the specific Z900 model you’re working with. For example, the Z915 might have different options than the Z997. Today, we’re working with a Z960M model equipped with the 60-inch mulch on-demand deck. We’ll walk you through how this works in the field, showcasing both mulching and side-discharging modes so you can see the difference in clippings and overall performance.

How Mulch on Demand Works

The core of this system is the lever, conveniently located near the operator’s seat. When you pull the lever forward, it not only controls the chute but also engages the linkages that adjust the baffles inside the deck. These baffles close off the space around each blade, creating a more confined area for clippings to be chopped and processed, resulting in a finer mulch that can be returned to the turf.

If you prefer to side discharge instead of mulch, simply pull the lever back, and the baffles open up, allowing the clippings to be expelled out the side. The multiple linkages you see across the top of the deck are connected to these baffles, and because of the complexity of this system, the deck must be factory installed to ensure everything works properly.

The beauty of this system is that you’re not locked into just mulching or just side-discharging. The lever gives you complete control, allowing you to quickly switch between the two modes depending on the condition of your grass or your personal preference. It’s a real game changer for those who mow different types of areas, like commercial landscapers who may be mowing residential lawns one minute and roadways the next.

Mulching vs. Side-Discharging

Now, let’s talk about the performance difference between mulching and side-discharging. Over in the thickest part of the yard, we tested both methods. First, we mowed with the side discharge open, allowing the clippings to blow out naturally. Then, we switched over to the mulching mode and made a few passes to compare.

When side-discharging, the clippings tend to be larger and drier, with more noticeable clumps. These clippings can get scattered across the lawn, which is great if you’re trying to disperse them quickly. However, with mulching, the clippings are much smaller, wetter, and broken down into finer pieces. They fall back into the turf more easily, where they decompose and provide nutrients to the soil.

One key takeaway is that mulching can help keep your lawn healthier by returning nutrients to the ground. But if the grass is tall, you’ll need to mow more frequently to prevent those fine clippings from building up into unsightly piles. In this test, we purposely let the grass grow tall, and while the mulching worked well, we noticed some buildup that required a second pass to fully disperse.

In real time, the ability to switch between side-discharging and mulching can be incredibly useful. For example, if you’re mowing around a garden or flower bed, you can quickly switch to mulching to avoid blowing clippings into the garden. Once you’re past that area, flip the lever back and resume side-discharging, if that is your preference. The flexibility to control your discharge at any moment makes this deck ideal for both residential and commercial users who need to adapt to changing terrain or environmental conditions.

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Ultimately, the decision between mulching and side-discharging comes down to your personal preferences and the needs of your lawn. Mulching is better for lawn health in most cases because it helps retain moisture, adds organic material back into the soil, and can reduce the need for fertilizers. However, if time is of the essence, side-discharging may be more efficient, especially if you have a large area to cover or if you’re mowing tall grass. The advantage of the Mulch on Demand system is that you don’t have to choose one or the other. You get both options at your fingertips, making it the best of both worlds. Whether you’re maintaining a small lawn or mowing large commercial properties, the ability to easily switch between mulching and side-discharging can help you tackle any job with precision and efficiency.

If you find yourself frequently needing to switch back and forth based on where you’re mowing, the Mulch on Demand deck for the Z900 series is definitely worth considering. It offers the versatility you need to maintain a healthy, well-manicured lawn while giving you the flexibility to adapt to different mowing conditions with just a simple flip of the lever.