I was always skeptical about mulching mowers. My parents had a Craftsman that "mulched". Essentially it left small piles of grass here and there. When you walked on the grass after cutting it, your shoes would get covered with clippings.
A few years ago when I moved to a larger property I needed a new mower. I did some research and mulching mowers were getting great reviews. The decision came down to a Honda and a Toro. I chose the Toro because I flicked the Toro dealer better. The mulching of this mower is amazing. It will mulch in all conditions and all lengths of grass. I can run my had through the grass after cutting it and almost zero clippings are there. Its so convenient never having to bag and no issues for me with the lawn from mulching. When the blade starts getting dull, I can tell that it starts leaving behind evidence of clippings. Ive got a blade sharpener so its quick to fix but its not a big deal if you've got to take it in.
As for other maintenance, I haven't done a ton. Oil and plug every other year or so.
My old man has a John Deere mower that is probably 35 years old. I bet it hasn't had its oil changed in 20, only oil added and it still runs. I think the spark plug and filters on it have been changed every so often when it sputters but other than that it runs strong.
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Originally Posted by Bend it like Bourgeois
Huh. Informative thread.
I didn't know mulching was a real thing people did. How do you not end up with a lawn (& kids) covered in dead grass clippings?
I also didn't know people did that much work to maintain a lawn mower. I've never touched it other than putting gas in. I think it's almost 15 years old now.
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