Should I Use My Lawn Mower To Pick Up Leaves In The Fall?
Raking leaves during Fall can be a back breaking task, especially if you do it by hand. Bending over to pick up the leaves and then placing them into a bag can be a pain. If you own a riding lawn mower, it can help ease your leaf removal process. There are certain types of attachments that may be needed with most riding lawn mowers in order to help you pick up leaves as you ride across your lawn. It is nice to use these attachments while you mow the grass, making it so you can both cut the yard and pick up leaves at the same time.
Most riding lawn mowers and push lawn mowers have an optional bagger attachment that you can use when cutting the yard. Most push mowers include the bag while riding mowers do not (and you have to buy them as an add on). The bag attaches and detaches from the rear of a lawn mower. You can choose to attach it when you want to collect grass clippings or leaves during the Fall. The grass cut by the mower deck of your mower is blown through the discharge chute into the bagger. A bagger will also collect any material or debris your lawn mower mows over. So if your yard is covered with leaves, this is a great way to clean them up without bending over to pick up leaves manually.
Another leaf collection attachment you can use with your riding lawn mower is a leaf bag. This bagger is pretty much the same as the bagger system previously mentioned; however, it is much larger than your basic bagger system. It is nice to have if your yard is large so that you can pick up more leaves without having to empty the bags as often.
A lawn sweeper hooks up to the rear of the tractor, acting as a tow-behind attachment that sweeps the leaves off the grass. Rotating bristles throw any debris on your lawn into the sweepers bin area. If you only want to pick up leaves without mowing the lawn, a lawn sweeper is a very useful attachment to use. You do not need to engage the blade while going over the leaves (as you do with a bagger system). The sweeper will pick up the leaves without chopping them up. Be sure to check the lawn sweeper owner’s manual to make sure it is compatible with your type/ brand of riding lawn mower.
Sometimes if you do not have too many leaves in your yard you are able to just cut over them without having to bag them up. This method will create a nutrient-rich mulch material that will fall between the blades of grass. Because the pieces are so tiny, your lawn will appear to look as though you picked up your leaves. If the layer of leaves on your lawn is too thick, don’t mulch. This will cause too much mulch left on your lawn and that excess mulch will suffocate/ kill the grass. In order to mulch with your riding lawn mower or push lawn mower, remove the rear bagger and cover the side discharge chute with a mulch cover flap.
Grass Gobbler /h2>
With a simple all-steel construction, the Grass Gobbler has proven itself to be the most durable catcher ever made.
WrightVac Powered Bagger
The Ultimate Bagger for the Ultimate Mower. The WrightVac system is designed to meet the demanding needs you face everyday as a professional landscaper. Our goal was to create a bagger system to match the performance of the mower. This means the WrightVac was engineered to produce enough airflow to prevent clogging even when mowing at max speed of 13mph; which makes it ideal for both the ZX series and the ZK.
In addition, the WrightVac shares the same heavy-duty low low-maintenance elements as the ZXT resulting in a truly commercial-grade powered bagger.
- The kit includes: Blower, 3 Bin Bagger, Front Hitch-Receiver and Weight Kit
- Deck compatible Belt kit to be purchased separately
- WrightVac’s purchased same date or later than ZXT, will share mower warranty
- Holds up to 12 bushels of grass
Use the table below to get the correct Wright part numbers.
| Description | Notes | Part Number |
| Grass Collection System, 3 Bag, ZXT/ZXL/ZK | Includes: WrightVac blower, Bagger, ZXT/ZXL/ZK weight kit, and front hitch receiver | 95320001 |
| Pulley Kit, 52, GCS 3 Bag, ZXT/ZXL | ZXT/ZXL Deck size specific parts not included in 95320001 | 95320002 |
| Pulley Kit, 61, GCS 3 Bag, ZXT/ZXL | ZXT/ZXL Deck size specific parts not included in 95320001 | 95320003 |
| Pulley Kit, 72, GCS 3 Bag, ZXT/ZXL | ZXT/ZXL Deck size specific parts not included in 95320001 | 95320004 |
| Pulley Kit, 52, GCS 3 Bag, ZK | ZK Deck size specific parts not included in 95320001 | 95320006 |
| Pulley Kit, 61, GCS 3 Bag, ZK | ZK Deck size specific parts not included in 95320001 | 95320007 |
| Pulley Kit, 72, GCS 3 Bag, ZK | ZK Deck size specific parts not included in 95320001 | 95320008 |
| Adaptor Kit, WSZK | Includes ZK platform adaptor, additional weight plates, and deck lift spring assist kit | 95320009 |
| WrightVac Blower | Full compatibility with ZXT only | 98320110 |
Powered Grass Collection System
Designed specifically for Wright Z and ZTO models, the powered grass collection system holds up to 8 bushels for 48” models, 12 bushels for 61” models, and your choice of 8 or 12 bushel systems for 52” models. The rear wheel motors can be moved fore and aft to maintain proper weight balance.
- Designed specifically for Wright Z and ZTO models
- Rear wheel motors can be moved fore and aft to maintain proper weight balance
- Holds up to 8 bushels for 48” models, 12 bushels for 61” models, and your choice of 8 or 12 bushel systems for 52” models
The table below will give you the correct Wright part number based on your mower cutter deck.
| Deck Configuration | Part Number |
| GCS, TWIN RECEPTACLE, 48 AERO-CORE | 98320095 |
| GCS, TWIN RECEPTACLE, 52 AERO-CORE | 98320096 |
| GCS, TRIPLE RECEPTACLE, 52 AERO-CORE | 98320097 |
| GCS, TRIPLE RECEPTACLE, 61 AERO-CORE | 98320098 |
Mulching
As you know, mulching blades chop grass very finely and drop it back onto the lawn, where it helps feed the lawn. Mulching blades are designed specifically for this task, but they can cause lots of clogging problems, especially if the grass is long or damp.
Mulching blades just don’t move grass efficiently because they’re not designed to. They work best when the grass is cut dry, regularly and in small amounts.
Mulching Blades aren’t designed to collect.
Mulching tall wet grass won’t work; the blade is designed to cut just small amounts of grass at a time.
Hybrid Mulching Blade
As you know, a true mulching mower doesn’t collect; its function is to finely chop and drop the clippings. This type of cutting is convenient; it’s a lot less work than emptying a grass bag, which gave mower manufacturers an idea.
The Hybrid Blade (3 in 1) – a mower blade that does it all, collects, mulches, and discharges. Well, it does an OK job, but if conditions become challenging, the quality does suffer, especially if conditions are wet.
If you don’t want to mulch, change your blade for a lift blade; you will eliminate lots of clogging, clumping, and half-filled grass bags.
3 in 1 – The Hybrid mulching blade is kind of ok at everything.
The lift blade is also known as the 2 in 1, so-called because it bags and discharges. The lift blade vacuums the grass upright before cutting and moving clippings to the bag.
They’re designed for collecting grass and are available in low, medium, and high lift. A higher lift blade will require a more powerful engine. The lift is created by curving upwards of the trailing edge of the blade. The higher the lift, the better the bagging. If you love bagging – You need a lift blade.
Honda 3 in 1 – The Honda Hybrid mulching blade is the best in the business. Unfortunately, it can’t be fitted to other mower makes. The reason the Honda is so good at mulching and collecting – twin cut blade setup. Twin stacked blades working together allow blades mulches and move the clippings. Smart!
Grass Bag Won’t Fill
A grass bag/box that doesn’t fill has a few likely causes. The obvious ones: are clogged chute, thatched grass bag, damaged or worn blade, insufficient throttle, and poor engine performance.
Thatched – A thatched grass bag is a common problem. Mowers often get cleaned at the end of the season (well, some do), but bags rarely do. Examine your bag/box as a guide; when held to the light, you should be able to see through it. If the air can’t pass through the bag, then grass won’t be carried into the bag.
A stiff brush will remove the old thatched grass, or better, use a power washer. Cleaning – Stiff brush or a power washer does the job.
Chute Clogs – A clogged chute can be a symptom of an underlying problem. So clearing the chute may not resolve the issue. Check the chute for damage or old dry grass build-up. Grass build-up or damage to the underside of the deck can cause the grass to catch and clog.
Deck Coating – The underside of the deck should be smooth so that the grass moves freely around the deck, up the chute, and into the bag. DuPont makes a Teflon Non-Stick coating which helps reduce grass clogging.
Cleaning – Move your mower to a suitable location, as it leaves a bit of a mess. Just attach and turn on the garden hose. Start your mower to engage the blades.
Why The Grass Trailings?
Grass trailings are commonly caused by a poorly fitting or damaged grass catcher. If you find your grass catcher is damaged, consider buying a new one, they’re available to purchase with or without the metal frame.
Check if the bag/box sits correctly against the mower body. If it’s loose or damaged, the air and grass flow to the bag is compromised.
If all is well with the grass catcher, go ahead and replace your blade.
Trailings are really annoying; check the bagger is closing snugly.
Check For Blade Damage – A defective blade can cause vibration, uneven cutting, and poor grass collection. Examine your blade, checking for damage, misalignment, or bent or broken trailing/leading edges.
Sharpening
Blades need to be kept sharp. I recommend about twice per season or more, depending on the terrain. Obviously, if your blade is dull, it can cause all sorts of problems, including blocked chute and grass catcher issues. Check out blade maintenance tools here; they make the sharpening process a ton easier.
And if you need a video on the process, it covers it here, sharpening blade on and off the mower.
Impact – When blades hit something hard, well, you know! The damage causes vibration and all sorts of cutting issues.
Bent – Bent blades can’t be repaired; just go ahead and replace them.
What Is PTO Slip?
The blade clutch or PTO (Power take-off) won’t be fitted to all lawn tractors, but it’s easy to locate; it lives right under the engine. A clutch system isn’t common on walk-behind mowers, but Honda and Toro offer them on the higher-end models.
It may be manual or electric; either way, its job is to lock the engine crankshaft to the blade deck pulley when you engage the blades on a button or lever. The clutch, like a clutch in a car, will wear out, and when it does, it causes the connection between the engine and deck to slip.
Symptoms include poor grass collection, uncut grass, and sometimes a burning smell.
PTO – Check the PTO system. The manual version is engaged by a cable. It lives on the crankshaft, right under the engine. Check that the cable is pulling the PTO lever all the way.
Fitting – Replacing the PTO isn’t difficult, but air tools would make it really easy.
Check Deck Belt Condition
Belt wear is also a common reason for a chute to clog; check the deck-cutting belt for damage and general wear tear. A new belt will transfer more of the engine power to the cutting blades and will improve the cutting and bag filling performance.
Belt types and lengths will be specific. Some brands will only work well using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) belts; check out “Mower belt replacement.”
If you need walk-behind or ride-on mower blades, bearings, sharpening tools, etc., check out the Amazon.com link below.
Worn – A cutting deck belt that’s slipping will be less efficient at collecting.
Check the belt for proper tension, cracking, glazing, or contamination.
Damaged – Damaged belts will cause vibration and poor general performance.
A typical deck belt might last 4 – 5 years.
Check Engine Performance
It’s also worth considering, is the throttle set correctly? It should be set to fast/run when cutting. Is the engine running as it should? If the engine power is reduced, the mower may still cut well but will be less efficient at collecting.
A small-engine tractor or walk-behind mower should have a tune-up at the beginning of every season, regardless of how well it might be running.
Belt types and lengths will be specific. Some brands will only work well using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) belts; check out “Mower belt replacement.”
Related Questions
How does grass catcher work? A grass catcher works by collecting the grass that is thrown into the bag by the force of the mower blade wings. The grass catcher works best when the walls of the bag/box are clear so that the forced air from the blade can pass through it quickly.
Hey, I’m John, and I’m a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience.
I’ve worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how.
Things to Consider Before You Buy a Lawn Sweeper
Lawn sweepers are available at home improvement stores such as Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Tractor Supply and Menards, as well as online retailers. You will also find that some stores rent lawn sweepers, so you can try one out before you buy.
Tow-behind lawn sweepers generally cost 300 to 400. One of the top-rated models on Amazon is the Agri-Fab 44-inch lawn sweeper. You can learn more about it here.
“I have two big pin oaks and a maple,” explained one Amazon consumer. “The acorns are a pain to collect. But the sweeper grabs them up as well as the little spinners from the maple. It also handles long pine needles as well.”
Push models cost around 100 to 200. One of the top-rated models on Amazon is the less-than-70 Earthwise, 21-in. lawn sweeper (shown here).
“We have two honey locust trees out front,” said an Amazon consumer. “Come fall we have millions of tiny leaves. This sweeper has done an excellent job of picking them up, as well as our neighbor’s large leaves. Lightweight, holds enough, empties easily. Great!”
Best Lawn Sweeper for Acorns
The size of your lawn and the amount of acorns you have to clean up each year will determine the best lawn sweeper for acorns for you. If you have a really large lawn, this professional-grade Ohio Steel 50SWP26 Pro Sweeper will clean up acorns quickly and efficiently time and time again. For small yards, the best lawn sweeper for acorns is this Garden Weasel Nut Gatherer.
For cleaning up a lot of leaves, check out the Brinly STS-427LXH lawn sweeper. It features six high-velocity brushes that pick up a lot of debris in fewer passes. No only is this the best lawn sweeper for leaves, it also does an excellent job picking up pine needles and old grass clippings after dethatching.
Best Lawn Sweeper for Sticks and Twigs
Note, lawn sweepers are not meant to clean up large branches and rocks, so be sure to pick those up by hand before going over your lawn with a sweeper. The Agri-Fab lawn sweeper, mentioned above, is the best lawn sweeper for small sticks and twigs as well as other lawn debris. One of the best features of this sweeper is that it can be folded up for compact storage without requiring any tools.
Rachel Brougham lived through a major home renovation in 2019, knows the ups and downs of home improvement, and loves sharing tips with readers. A veteran journalist of both print and television, she’s won several awards for her writing and has covered everything from the environment and education to health care, politics and food. She’s written for several publications beyond newspapers including Bob Vila, Taste of Home and Minnesota Parent, and she currently writes a weekly syndicated newspaper column. Her memoir, Widowland, about the sudden loss of her husband, was published in 2022. She specializes in everything from home decor and design to lawn and garden, product reviews and pet care. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her tending to her garden (both vegetables and native plants), playing with her dog, watching sports with her family or getting some exercise. A native of Michigan, she currently lives in Minneapolis. An avid user of Instagram, you can follow her @RachBrougham.
Leaf collector for lawn mower
Lawn Tractor Leaf Bag Riding Mower Universal Collection System Grass Catcher Bag After our extensive market research and testing, we designed this newly upgraded lawn tractor leaf bag.
Our leaf bag is made from reusable, tear-proof, long-lasting reinforced nylon material with a waterproof coating. It has better wear resistance than most leaf bags.
Lawn Tractor Leaf Bag Riding Mower Universal Collection System Grass Catcher Bag
After our extensive market research and testing, we designed this newly upgraded lawn tractor leaf bag.
Our leaf bag is made from reusable, tear-proof, long-lasting reinforced nylon material with a waterproof coating. It has better wear resistance than most leaf bags on the market and provides you with a long-term, easy-to-use solution for collecting leaves.
The lawn tractor leaf bag is about 96″ x 56″(in approx.). You can easily store 54 cubic feet of fallen leaves. So only need a bag, and you can easily clean your yard.
Package included: 1 un Lawn tractor leaf bag, 1 Storage bag.If you are not completely satisfied with our products, please contact us in time and we will deal with it as soon as possible.
- 54 cu. ft. capacity increases the leaf-collection capability of your ride-on mower’s existing material collection system (not included).
- In just seconds, the Leaf Bag slips over the hood of your existing 2-bag collection system and secures with two cord locks.
- Durable, abrasion-resistant polyester-blended fabric is woven to trap dust, but still, allows air to escape. Use caution with the hot, rear-mounted exhaust.
- Fast and convenient emptying, wherever you desire to pile leaves. Simply loosen the cord locks, remove the bag from your collection system, and then empty out the leaves.
- 300D Low elastic wire
- 5000 PUmm (water pressure)
- We have yet to find a zero-turn or riding mower model that our leaf bags do not fit.
- Size: 244cm x 142cm x 0.5cm/96.06″ x 55.91″ x 0.20″ (Approx.)
- Maximum opening: 120 in.
- Weight: 28oz.
- Maximum opening: 120 Inches
- Package size: 10 x 8 x 3 inches.
NOTE – a grass catcher/material collection system is required for a Zero Turn/Riding Mower Leaf Collection Bag. These components (hood, chutes, etc.) are not included in your purchase. Please consult with your dealer or the manufacturer of your mower to acquire these necessary parts.
If your grass catcher has a chute that enters the front of the hood, the bag can be installed either over or under the hood.
If your grass catcher has a chute that enters the side of the hood, install the bag underneath it.
For any other questions please visit our FAQ page
Standard vs Reverse-Rotation Explained
Standard Rotation
Standard rotation blades come together at the front of the deck, moving material directly into the rear discharge chute. Standard rotation decks are ideal for users who need to collect thick, heavy clippings, including leaves and other yard debris.
If you experience uncut grass in the center of the cut area, especially in the 48″ deck, consider the reverse rotation deck.
Reverse Rotation
Reverse rotation blades come together at the rear of the deck, moving material around the edges of the deck before it is channeled into the discharge chute. The simplified airflow design of reverse rotation decks provides exceptional cut quality, especially in the middle and in blade overlap.
If you experience uncollected debris or grass clippings at the center of the deck, consider the standard rotation deck.