Introduction: A Grass/Leaf Catcher for Your Riding Mower
There has been a previous Ible describing how to make a trailer-style leaf catcher for a riding mower. https://www.instructables.com/ID/Leaf-catcher-2000/
This Ible describes a grass/leaf catcher that sits on a platform attached to the rear of the mower. This is the same idea, different approach.
Step 2: Remove Any Covers
My deck had a spring-loaded plastic cover over a pivoting metal pate. I removed the pivot pin, the plastic cover and the spring. I kept the metal plate and put a 4″ long 1/4″ hex bolt through the mounting tabs to hold the plate in position.
I used a 6″ blind end tee for my adapter that will feed the material blowing out of the deck into the flexible pipe going back to the garbage can. This tee was purchased at Lowes along with a second tee (for the rear) and a 10′ long piece of 6″ solid drain pipe.
Position the tee as shown (Photo #1) and begin to trim away the part of the tee that block free flow out of the deck. Use a sharp utility knife and cut away a little bit at a time until the fit is tight (Photo #2). The tee should overlap as much of the opening in the deck as possible. Leave tabs as you trim the tee so bolts can be used to hold the bottom in place. The tabs should be positioned on the outside of the deck to maintain clearance for the blade on the inside.
Use bolts through the top of the tee to hold the tee on (Photo #3). All bolts are 1/4″ carriage bolts with the heads toward the inside of the deck. The nuts and lockwashers go on the outside to maintain clearance for the blade on the inside (Photos #4 and #5).
Cut a piece of sponge to fill the open top part of the front tee (Photo #6).
Step 4: Make Rear Platform Frame
The rear platform (Photo #1) is made from 3/4″ EMT conduit you can find in the electrical section at Lowes or Home Depot. Cut a piece 91″ long and mark the locations shown in Diagram #2 with a felt tipped pen.
Make the two outer bends at the 16″ marks and check that they are parallel (Photo #3). Then make two bends at 90 degrees at the 33″ marks (Photo #4 shows first of these bends). Photo #5 shows the completed frame.
Step 5: Attach Rear Platform
Mount the platform frame to the riding mower with two 1/4″ eyebolts that are 4″ long (Photo #1). Drill two 1/4″ holes through the frame at the 16″ marks and attach the eyebolts using locknuts (Photo #2). The eyes of these bolts go over the top bolts that hold the rear metal backplate of the mower (Photo #3).
I tried two different ways of making the lower eyebolts for the frame (lower two eyebolts in Photo #4). One way was to use a second smaller eyebolt secured to the larger eyebolt with two locknuts. The other way was to bend a 6″ long 1/4″ eyebolt 1.5″ from the end (Photo #5). Either way these were attached to the mower frame and then inserted into matching holes in the platform frame (Photo #6).
The platform I made was 17″ front-to-back and 20″ wide. Almost any piece of waterproof plywood will do. This was bolted to the frame with four 2″ long 1/4″ hex bolts and locknuts (Photo #6).
Step 6: Mount the Outer Garbage Can
We will use two identical garbage cans for this project. Mine were 32 gallon cans that cost about 15 each at the Dollar Store. The outer can is permanently attached to the platform we just made. The inner can will slide in and out of the outer can so the contents can be dumped (Photo #1).
Use a utility knife to cut off the top flange of the outer can (Photo #2).
Screw the outer can to the platform with coarse thread exterior (drywall-style) screws. Use small pieces of plywood to support the bottom of the can and reinforce the attachment area (Photo #3).
Bore a ~1.5″ hole all the way through the reinforcements and can bottom so air can flow in and out easily (Photo #4). This will make it easier to remove the second can later. Remove the handle from the outer can.
Step 7: Add Second Tee Attachment
The drain pipe has circular grooves (the “inner” pipe) that are 6 1/8″ in diameter and outer ridges that are 6 7/8″ in diameter. Cut a round hole that is 6 1/4″ in diameter in the side of the outer (screwed down) garbage can (Photo #1).
Use a ~2″ hole saw to bore a “thumb hole” about 2″ below the big hole you just made (Photo #2). The smaller hole will let you push in on the inner can to make it easier to remove.
Cut a length of the drainpipe that is about 6″ long. Gently force the pipe into the round hole in the side of the can so that the pipe snaps in place in the first groove (Photo #3). You might need to cut short slits into the first ring of the pipe so it can be slipped through the hole more easily. The one ring on the inside of the garbage can should hold the pipe in place.
Step 8: Adapt the Inner Garbage Can
Remove the wheels from the second (inner) garbage can by pulling them out of the groove at each end. Slide the second garbage can down inside the first, attached one. Be sure the handle of the inside can goes outside the attached can so the two cans are as tightly mated as possible.
Now when you slide the inner can down into the outer can the 7 1/8″ hole will snap over the inner ring of the pipe stub. This will hold the inner can in place. To remove the inner can press through the thumb hole and slip the inner can over the pipe stub.
Are Lawn Mower Bags Universal?
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If you are looking for a bagger or grass catcher for your rider mower, one question that is probably stuck in your mind is, which one do I choose? Is the bagger you have in mind compatible with your mower? Or can you choose any type of bagger and it will work just fine? In this guide we will answer that question and other related subjects about lawn mower baggers.
Lawn mower bags are not interchangeable. While you should be able to attach almost any bagger to your mower, it may not run effectively. Always choose a bagger that is compatible with your lawn mower make and model.
Why Lawn Mower Baggers are Not Universal
Can you connect any type of bagger to a lawn mower rider? Probably. Most baggers are hooked up to lawn mowers the same way. But it is not 100% guaranteed. Even if you can plug any bagger to any rider, you should look for on that is fully compatible. Here is why.
Mower bagger mechanisms are not identical. If you shop for lawn mower bags online, look at the specifications. All the mower makes and models the bagger is compatible with are listed.
Take the MTD Double Bagger for instance. It is compatible with Craftsman, Troy Bilt and Cub Cadet rider mowers with 50-54 inch cutting decks. Can you hook this up to another mower brand? Maybe, but why take the risk when you can buy a bagger that is guaranteed to work with your lawn mower?
Capacity requirements differ. Lawn mower bagger capacities range from 3 bushels up to 10. The number of bins can be two for small mowers and up to 3 for larger models.
If you have a large yard, a 10 bushel, 3 bin bagger is ideal. If you have a small yard, a 3 bushel grass catcher will be enough. From a practical viewpoint, there is no need to us a 10 bushel bagger if you have a small to mid-sized yard. If you have a big yard it does not make sense to use a small bagger.
Another benefit of installing a certified compatible bagger is peace of mind. If you know that the bagger is compatible, you can feel confident about installing it. If the bagger is not and something goes wrong, fixing will be harder.
What Lawn Mower Bagger Do I Need?
The simplest way is to check your owner’s manual. There should be information detailing what grass catcher type and size works best with your mower. You can also go to the manufacturer website. Chances are the company sells baggers that are guaranteed to work with your rider.
If you are in a hurry, use this quick guide to get started. These are the typical bagger sizes for these mowers, but yours might be different. To be certain, refer to the manufacturer.
Suggested Bagger Size for Mowers
| 50-54 inches | 10 bushels | 3 | Large rider mowers |
| 42-46 inches | 6 bushels | 2 | Medium rider mowers |
| 30 inches | 3 bushels | 2 | Small rider mower |
These are the most common mower deck sizes. If yours is not included, go with the next larger bagger. But that should not be necessary because most manufacturers make their own grass catchers.
The size given above is for rider and tractor mowers only. Walk behind lawn mowers use simpler ones like the Braveboy Grass Bag. It is usually made of nylon mesh. As the mower cuts the grass, the clippings are sent into the discharge chute and into the bag. When the bag is filled up, you detach it from the mower and empty the contents.
The baggers or grass catchers used on rider mowers are made from hard plastic or composite materials. Like those found on walk behind mowers, the clippings are sent to the discharge chute and into the bins.
As technology advances, more and more types of lawn mower baggers will appear. The compatibility may improve as well. As it is, there are third party baggers that work with many poplar lawnmower brands.
What to Look For in a Lawn Mower Bagger
Aside from the capacity, there are a few more things you need to consider.
Leaf bag attachment. If your lawn mower has an existing bagging system and you work exclusively with leaves, a leaf bag is the best option. These are basically just bags with a large capacity – 40 bushels or more – and compatible with any rider mower. This will only work with a bagging mechanism in place, but if yours has one this is worth considering.
Efficiency. The larger the grass catcher, the more debris it can hold. This also means fewer times required to empty it. This is something to consider if you have a large yard. The same applies to the bins: the more bins the less time needed to empty.
Ease of use. A well-made bagger should be easy to install. Use a discharge chute to connect the bag to the mower deck. If necessary, point it to the bins at the back of your mower so the debris and clippings fall straight in.
Ventilation and handles. A good bagger system should have well-ventilated bins for air circulation. Ergonomic and comfortable handles are also essential. This might not seem important, but if you have to empty the bins reputedly, comfort becomes paramount.
Chute size and transparency. The larger the chute opening, the less likely it will clog up. Transparency is optional, but it does make it easier to check if debris are blocking it.
Durability. What material is the bagger made of? Can it withstand rigorous use? Check the product description. This is important if you have a large lawn and have to conduct several mowing sessions.
EGO Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower Bagger Kit
The EGO POWER Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower Bagging Kit is designed to deliver the bagging performance of premium gas.
Details
The EGO POWER Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower Bagging Kit is designed to deliver the bagging performance of premium gas. The included zero turn mower bagger, bagging blades, and counterweights are specifically created for use with the EGO POWER 42” Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mowers. The durable, mesh double-bin bagger quickly attaches to the Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower and easily detaches for disposal. The 21-inch all-steel Bagging Blades create a higher-lifting airflow to improve bagging performance. The Counterweights balance the weight of the bagger to maintain a smooth, stable ride. The full bag indicator lets you know when the bag is full. The Z6 3-in-1 function offers a mulching, bagging, and side discharge solution to replace premium gas riding lawn mowers for good. EGO parts are designed to offer the highest quality, performance, and value.
Tech Specs
EGO Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower Bagger Kit
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Grass bagger for riding mower
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Accessories
Easy-on, easy-off blower and hopper assemblies. Holds 7.2 bushels.
Product Type
3-Bag Powered Bagger
Easy-on, easy-off blower and hopper assemblies. Holds 12 bushels.
Product Type
2-Bag Non-Powered Bagger
Product Type
2-Bag Powered Bagger
Product Type
2-Bag Non-Powered Bagger
Product Type
Dump-From-Seat Bagger
Product Type
Side Grass Bagger
Product Type
Steel Side Bagger
Easy-on, easy-off bagger has a 3.5 bushel capacity.
Product Type
BacVac Bagger
Electric-accuated DFS bagger system. Easy-on, easy-off versatility with a 10-bushel capacity.
Product Type
Mesh Side Bagger
Easy-on, easy-off bagger has a 3-bushel capacity.
Product Type
Metal Side Bagger
Easy-on, easy-off bagger has a 3.5-bushel capacity.
Product Type
Mesh Side Bagger
Easy-on, easy-off bagger has a 3-bushel capacity. (60 in deck only)
Product Type
Mesh Side Bagger
Easy-on, easy-off bagger has a 3-bushel capacity.
Product Type
Mulch Kit
Recycle clippings back into the soil and reclaim nutrients for your lawn.
Product Type
Flex Forks /h3>
Shock absorbing front caster forks improve operator comfort and provide a more even cut, especially over uneven terrain and at higher speeds.
Product Type
Light Kit
Extend your productivity into the late hours with our optional light kit.
Product Type
Steering Lever Extension Kit
Allows height adjustment of steering levers to make your mowing experience as comfortable as possible.
Product Type
Stripe Kit
Helps provide a professional manicured finish to your lawn.
Product Type
Engine Guard
Optional engine guard provides protection and adds to the great look.
Product Type
Most common Craftsman riding mower bagger parts that need replacement
- Collection bag or bin. The collection bag or bin stores grass clipping for disposal or recycling.
- Collection chute. The collection chute carries grass clippings from the discharge port of the mower deck to the collection bag or bin on the grass catcher attachment.
- Grass catcher cover. The grass catcher cover seals the top openings to the collection bags or bins and opens to allow you to remove and empty the grass catchers then they’re full.
- Full bagger indicator. The full bagger indicator lets you know when the containers are full so that you can empty the bins or bags.
- Raise the seat on the lawn tractor to access the mounting location.
- With the grass catcher cover closed, lift the grass catcher assembly and place the support post inside the mounting bracket. Allow the grass cater assembly to rest on lanced tabs of the mounting bracket.
- Line up the holes in the mounting bracket with holes in the support post and insert the bracket support pin. Secure the support pin with the retainer spring.
- Unlatch and open the grass catcher cover. Install the tubing end caps onto the container support. Tap each end cap on to the container support to seat them securely.