Walk behinds and tractor lawn mowers usually have a collection system or bagger available as a standard option, but what about zero turn mowers? It’s not all that often that you see a zero turn mower collecting grass clippings. But what if you have a need to collect the clippings and get them off your lawn? Well, a bagger is what you will be looking for or something similar. Let’s take a closer look at the options that are available to you and what could be the solution for your zero turn.
So…Can You Put a Bagger on a Zero Turn Mower?
Yes, but it all depends on the particular mower in question and the bagger itself. Not just any bagger will fit onto any zero turn mower.
First, you need to make sure that your mower deck has a side chute that allows a bagger to be attached. Additionally, you need to check if the deck has the correct pulley system to allow for a powered bagger. Alternatively, you’ll need an unpowered bagging system.
Finally, you’ll need to make sure that the mower has the correct mounting brackets on the rear to mount the bags. Without mounting brackets, you’ll need to make sure to include a mounting kit when purchasing a collection system.
If your zero turn has these allowances, then adding a bagger is a straightforward process. If your mower doesn’t have provisions for a bagger, then you’ll need to check with your manufacturer if they have a bagger adaption kit available.
If you happen to be one of those unlucky ones with a mower that can’t mount a bagger, then don’t worry because there are some towable options for you.
Baggers for Zero Turn Mowers: Different Types
As you can already tell, bagging systems are not that simple, and it requires some planning to get the correct one for your zero turn. So let’s take a look at the different options you’ll need to consider.
Powered Baggers
Powered baggers use a blower to help push the clippings up through the bagging system and into the bag. The blower is mounted to the side chute and then connected to the mower deck using a belt and pulley system. These are by far the most powerful systems for collecting grass clippings from the mower deck.
Non-Powered Bagger
This type of bagger mounts the same way as a powered bagger, but they do not connect to the pulley systems. Instead, they rely on the airflow generated by the blades as they spin to carry the clippings to the bag.
Multi Bags
Different collection systems come with options that vary in the number of bags included. Two and three-bag systems are readily available to fit most zero turn mowers. The two factors to consider are the bags’ overall capacity and then the individual weight of each bag when full. You may find that a bag from a double bag system, when full, is too heavy for you to handle, so a triple bag setup could work better.
Alternative Baggers for Zero Turn Mowers: 3 More Options
If you are looking for an alternative to the standard bagger for your zero turn, then there are several options available. Let’s take a look at what might work for you.
Dragging Bags
If you are looking for something bigger, drag bags are available. These large bags replace the bags included with your bagging system. Dragging bags can double or triple the volume that your original bags could hold. But they do drag, so reversing is out of the question.
Additionally, they require a zero turn with a lot of power. They are a good option if you use your zero turn bagging system to collect leaves in the fall. You just need to make sure you have enough room to maneuver your mower without reversing.
Grass Catcher
This design mounts to the deck the same way as a standard bagging system, but they don’t require any bags, additional mounting brackets, blower, or grass chutes. They’re a small cage that attaches directly to the deck to collect a small volume of grass. Grass catchers are a great solution if you have a smaller yard, and they are certainly much cheaper than the conventional versions.
Towable Collection Systems
You can tow a collection system if your zero turn has a hitch and power. They’re basically a trailer that is towed and picks up the grass left by the mower. They can either be powered by an engine or by power generated by the turning of their wheels. These also double great as leaf collectors.
Should You Put a Bagger on a Zero Turn Mower?
So, before you head out and purchase a bagging system, you should consider the reasons why you should or shouldn’t do so. Baggers can make life easier in several circumstances and improve your lawn, but at the same time, they can cause you some problems.
So, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of baggers and help you figure out if it’s the best decision for you.
Why You Should Put a Bagger on a Zero Turn
The main reason for a bagger is to remove grass clippings so the lawn can breathe and receive the sunlight it needs. Any of you guys with grass like Bermuda or Bahia will know that clumping is a real problem, even when the lawn is bone dry. For those with grass like St. Augustine or Floratam, you know how fast it can grow in the summer and how much grass is left on the top of the lawn blocking the sunlight.
Another major reason to use a bagger is to reduce pests and disease. Clippings on the surface of the lawn are a great habitat for all sorts of pests. Additionally, if you have any disease on your lawn, then collecting the clippings will help slow the spread.
When You Should Not Put a Bagger on a Zero Turn
Clippings provide a natural source of nutrients as they compost. Bagging will significantly reduce this process, so if you use a bagger, just make sure you skip using it a few times to allow some of the clippings to make their way back into the earth.
Next is the effect baggers for zero turn mowers can have on the mower’s performance and safety. Zero turns carry most of their weight in the rear of the mower. Adding a bagger with full bags adds a lot of weight to the mower. This makes the front of the mower very light and especially dangerous when going up slopes or applying too much acceleration. So, a bagging system may not be a safe option if you have a hilly yard. Additionally, zero turns are known for their maneuverability. Adding a bagger to a zero turn can make them very cumbersome and clumsy. As a result, you’ll need to slow down and watch out for your surroundings more.
Finally, instead of asking, can you put a bagger on a zero turn mower? Ask, can your zero turn mower handle a bagger? You need to make sure your zero turn has the power to handle a bagger or any other type of collection system. The added strain these systems apply is going to really put your mower to the test. So if you are concerned if your mower can handle a bagger, it’s best to check what your manufacturer recommends and make sure you have enough horsepower.
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