MK363 - Mulch Kit for Exmark 36" Turf Tracer HP

[Fresh Cut]

I need one and I can't afford it. It costs $220 locally, $155 online before shipping. Here it is online with a diagram of how/where it installs. MK363 Exmark 36" Mulch Kit Here is a pic that I found searching google: The last pic is only of the "baffle weldment". The kit comes with blades, an outer cover plate for the discharge chute, and screws and stuff. My question is if I make a simple discharge cover plate will I get the same desired mulching results? Can I get away with only the discharge cover plate? Is the "baffle weldment" really necessary? How hard is it to make my own "baffle weldment"?

[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

My question is if I make a simple discharge cover plate will I get the same desired mulching results? It seems the baffle helps with the suction and this wont occur with a discharge cover plate alone. But maybe another member can share more light on this.

__________________
- Subscribe to my Lawn Care Marketing Blog Feed and get daily tips sent to you. Free!
Download your Free trial of Gopher Lawn Care Software.

[Fresh Cut]

Thanks Steve.


I'm waiting...

[Steve]

My question is if I make a simple discharge cover plate will I get the same desired mulching results?

Could you just experiment with this? It shouldn't be that difficult to fabricate a discharge cover plate. Then once you install it, you could see if there was a difference in the results.

How difficult would it be to make the baffles? Do you have a welder you could tak on some baffles you made?

Like I always say, what's the worst that can happen? Right? LOL

[Fresh Cut]

Ok, I tried it.

I made a block off plate of of diamond plated metal. It leaves wind rows now.
The little rows of leaves on the discharge side of the mower after I've done a pass.

I wanna know what I can do to eliminate this? Or where I can find a mulch kit w/ baffles for the underside of the deck to separate the blades.


Help. TIA.

[Steve]

Can we see a picture of what you made?

Also, what kind of blades are you using?

[Fresh Cut]

Gator blades

Pics attached

[Steve]

You did a great job with it!

What is stopping you from making your own baffles now?

[Fresh Cut]

Originally Posted by Steve

You did a great job with it!

What is stopping you from making your own baffles now?

Well... I don't have a welder, I don't know how to weld, I wouldn't know how to bend the baffles to exact specs, I don't even think I know anyone with a welder.

I really wish I could.

[Steve]

Well... I don't have a welder, I don't know how to weld, I wouldn't know how to bend the baffles to exact specs, I don't even think I know anyone with a welder.

Well if I were experimenting with it, I'd figure out how much clearance the baffles normally have by looking at them on another mower. Then I'd get some sheet metal and bend it around a 5 gallon bucket to give it some shape.

You could draw a circle area around the blade to show where you want to tack weld it. If you didn't want to weld it, maybe you could make some tabs where you sheet metal screwed it (possibly) to the deck or bolted it through the deck?

You can buy mig welders for pretty cheap.