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Chute Blocker - pros and cons
#1
A
Ahalachis
A
Ahalachis
I read and watched a lot of info on the Gravely Chute Blocker and am trying to deside if I am going to put one on my mower, 2017 ZT HD 52. First off I am having a lot of success with mowing with an open chute. In the past I used to bag my clippings but I really want to avoid doing that. I have three sets of blades that I am playing with ( stock, Gator G5 and Gator G6) all of them do a great job and each have minor differences in the end results.
My main reason for wanting to put a chute blocker on is that I have a pool and am getting a lot of clippings in the pool and my flower beds. So my thought is I would block the chute when mowing around/near the pool/beds and keep it open the rest of the time.
Anyone have experience using the Gravely chute blocker, when do you use it, pros/cons...
Any feedback would be helpful
My main reason for wanting to put a chute blocker on is that I have a pool and am getting a lot of clippings in the pool and my flower beds. So my thought is I would block the chute when mowing around/near the pool/beds and keep it open the rest of the time.
Anyone have experience using the Gravely chute blocker, when do you use it, pros/cons...
Any feedback would be helpful
#2
Boobala
Boobala
If you mow with the chute aiming AWAY from the beds and pool, the clipping should be minimal I would think !
#3
A
Ahalachis
Yea that is what I thought too. But this thing really throws the clippings far and when I come back around it is getting grass in the pool and some of my beds are close enough that it doesn't matter which way I mow I am getting grass in the beds.
I am also thinking that the chute blocker may be helpful when doing leaf cleanup in the fall.
A
Ahalachis
If you mow with the chute aiming AWAY from the beds and pool, the clipping should be minimal I would think !
Yea that is what I thought too. But this thing really throws the clippings far and when I come back around it is getting grass in the pool and some of my beds are close enough that it doesn't matter which way I mow I am getting grass in the beds.
I am also thinking that the chute blocker may be helpful when doing leaf cleanup in the fall.
#4
Homer1
Homer1
I usually have to mow at least 2 strips away from a garden bed or pool before being able to turn around and come back the opposite direction, and sometimes i reduce my engine speed to slow the throw down a little, but the chutes do work, I have seen them. Not had any experience with the gravely yet, but there are other aftermarket versions I have seen.
Being able to operate it from the seat it a huge plus. In you situation, you might start by cutting outward, then lower the chute for the next stripe, maybe not completely but enough to direct the clippings no further than the first row.
From what I hear, folks that use them like them, but don't always use them. It's one of those things that if you don't have it, there are times you wished you did.
I've considered adding one myself, but haven't invested yet.
Being able to operate it from the seat it a huge plus. In you situation, you might start by cutting outward, then lower the chute for the next stripe, maybe not completely but enough to direct the clippings no further than the first row.
From what I hear, folks that use them like them, but don't always use them. It's one of those things that if you don't have it, there are times you wished you did.
I've considered adding one myself, but haven't invested yet.
#5
A
Ahalachis
That is exactly what I am thinking. If I have it on there will be times that I can use it. And with it fully open it should be like it isn't there. That is what I am hoping. I am just curious what other people's experience has been when using it. Specifically when it is closed.
A
Ahalachis
I usually have to mow at least 2 strips away from a garden bed or pool before being able to turn around and come back the opposite direction, and sometimes i reduce my engine speed to slow the throw down a little, but the chutes do work, I have seen them. Not had any experience with the gravely yet, but there are other aftermarket versions I have seen.
Being able to operate it from the seat it a huge plus. In you situation, you might start by cutting outward, then lower the chute for the next stripe, maybe not completely but enough to direct the clippings no further than the first row.
From what I hear, folks that use them like them, but don't always use them. It's one of those things that if you don't have it, there are times you wished you did.
I've considered adding one myself, but haven't invested yet.
That is exactly what I am thinking. If I have it on there will be times that I can use it. And with it fully open it should be like it isn't there. That is what I am hoping. I am just curious what other people's experience has been when using it. Specifically when it is closed.
#6
N
NealS
N
NealS
Not sure what a FACTORY chute blocker is like, but we built one, thinking it would mulch.
Just blocking the chute opening, on ours, caused it to leave a wind row under the right side. This could be cleared on the next pass, as long as we went in a clockwise direction.
While looking more into it, we discovered a short blocking plate, just above the right hand blade, from near blade center, to the chute exit. I suppose this was a direction blocking plate to make it throw out the chute. We removed this plate, then built a new plate (full deck height), to enclose the right hand blade from the front of the deck to the rear of the chute exit.
It appears this is going to work exceptionally well for mulching. We can now mow in any direction and not leave a wind row.
Just blocking the chute opening, on ours, caused it to leave a wind row under the right side. This could be cleared on the next pass, as long as we went in a clockwise direction.
While looking more into it, we discovered a short blocking plate, just above the right hand blade, from near blade center, to the chute exit. I suppose this was a direction blocking plate to make it throw out the chute. We removed this plate, then built a new plate (full deck height), to enclose the right hand blade from the front of the deck to the rear of the chute exit.
It appears this is going to work exceptionally well for mulching. We can now mow in any direction and not leave a wind row.
#7
A
Ahalachis
Interesting. Was this on your ZT HD? I believe on the 2017 ZT HD the deck is a new design. I will climb under and take a look tomorow .
The Gravely chute blocker I am looking at is baiscly a steel plate with holes drilled through it. It can easily be raised and lowered without getting off the mower. Hopefully it won't leve a wind row when blocked. That would be a deal breaker for me.
I would be interested in seeing a pic of the one you built.
A
Ahalachis
Not sure what a FACTORY chute blocker is like, but we built one, thinking it would mulch.
Just blocking the chute opening, on ours, caused it to leave a wind row under the right side. This could be cleared on the next pass, as long as we went in a clockwise direction.
While looking more into it, we discovered a short blocking plate, just above the right hand blade, from near blade center, to the chute exit. I suppose this was a direction blocking plate to make it throw out the chute. We removed this plate, then built a new plate (full deck height), to enclose the right hand blade from the front of the deck to the rear of the chute exit.
It appears this is going to work exceptionally well for mulching. We can now mow in any direction and not leave a wind row.
Interesting. Was this on your ZT HD? I believe on the 2017 ZT HD the deck is a new design. I will climb under and take a look tomorow .
The Gravely chute blocker I am looking at is baiscly a steel plate with holes drilled through it. It can easily be raised and lowered without getting off the mower. Hopefully it won't leve a wind row when blocked. That would be a deal breaker for me.
I would be interested in seeing a pic of the one you built.
#8
M
Mr. Ed
I have one on my ZT HD 48, and it works very well. The blocking plate has a lot of 1/4" holes, so some clippings will escape, but not enough to have to clean up. The lever is easy to operate from the seat. FYI, be sure to use loctite on the knob to keep it from coming loose. Assembly and mounting are easy, and a nice surprise is that the whole assembly is held on with a pin (at the rear of the deck, same as the discharge chute) and one bolt in the front. To swap back to the OEM chute is a one bolt operation if you wanted to do it. I haven't seen the need or benefit to do that yet, just wanted to let you know.
As for mulching, I think you'll have to lower the deck pretty close to the ground to trap leaves. One of the lawns I cut has a lot of dead leaves year round, and I cut it at 3". Most of the leaves escape out from under the deck without getting chopped up. I haven't tried lowering the deck to see where it works best as I don't want to kill off their lawn just yet. I'm using the original blades... mulching blades might help, too.
M
Mr. Ed
That is exactly what I am thinking. If I have it on there will be times that I can use it. And with it fully open it should be like it isn't there. That is what I am hoping. I am just curious what other people's experience has been when using it. Specifically when it is closed.
I have one on my ZT HD 48, and it works very well. The blocking plate has a lot of 1/4" holes, so some clippings will escape, but not enough to have to clean up. The lever is easy to operate from the seat. FYI, be sure to use loctite on the knob to keep it from coming loose. Assembly and mounting are easy, and a nice surprise is that the whole assembly is held on with a pin (at the rear of the deck, same as the discharge chute) and one bolt in the front. To swap back to the OEM chute is a one bolt operation if you wanted to do it. I haven't seen the need or benefit to do that yet, just wanted to let you know.
As for mulching, I think you'll have to lower the deck pretty close to the ground to trap leaves. One of the lawns I cut has a lot of dead leaves year round, and I cut it at 3". Most of the leaves escape out from under the deck without getting chopped up. I haven't tried lowering the deck to see where it works best as I don't want to kill off their lawn just yet. I'm using the original blades... mulching blades might help, too.
#9
N
NealS
We searched till we saw a picture of the Gravely chute blocker. Being able to raise and lower on the go would be fantastic. I would like to know if it leaves a wind row. If not, what makes the difference between it and mine?
I think ours is a 2017, but not sure. We purchased it July 2017. Serial # 004046. We will attempt to attach a pic of the mower. You will see some other mods we made, but have not taken a pic of the chute blocker yet. Will try to do so soon.
N
NealS
Interesting. Was this on your ZT HD? I believe on the 2017 ZT HD the deck is a new design. I will climb under and take a look tomorow .
The Gravely chute blocker I am looking at is baiscly a steel plate with holes drilled through it. It can easily be raised and lowered without getting off the mower. Hopefully it won't leve a wind row when blocked. That would be a deal breaker for me.
I would be interested in seeing a pic of the one you built.
We searched till we saw a picture of the Gravely chute blocker. Being able to raise and lower on the go would be fantastic. I would like to know if it leaves a wind row. If not, what makes the difference between it and mine?
I think ours is a 2017, but not sure. We purchased it July 2017. Serial # 004046. We will attempt to attach a pic of the mower. You will see some other mods we made, but have not taken a pic of the chute blocker yet. Will try to do so soon.
Attachments
#10
A
Ahalachis
You have the same year as mine. Prior to 2017 the deck was hung with chains among other changes.
I like the mods you have made. The fan is the best.
I would really like to have the ROPS on mine but I don't think I am going to pay $500.00 to get the parts from Gravely.
I ordered the chute blocker. Should be here by the weekend. I am going to try it with the stock blades first.
A
Ahalachis
We searched till we saw a picture of the Gravely chute blocker. Being able to raise and lower on the go would be fantastic. I would like to know if it leaves a wind row. If not, what makes the difference between it and mine?
I think ours is a 2017, but not sure. We purchased it July 2017. Serial # 004046. We will attempt to attach a pic of the mower. You will see some other mods we made, but have not taken a pic of the chute blocker yet. Will try to do so soon.
You have the same year as mine. Prior to 2017 the deck was hung with chains among other changes.
I like the mods you have made. The fan is the best.
I would really like to have the ROPS on mine but I don't think I am going to pay $500.00 to get the parts from Gravely.
I ordered the chute blocker. Should be here by the weekend. I am going to try it with the stock blades first.
#11
A
Ahalachis
From what I have been able to tell from pics it looked like it was going to be easy to put on and off. I am glad that is actually the case. I am going to start with the original blades as well.
Do you notice if there is any additional build up under the deck after mowing?
A
Ahalachis
I have one on my ZT HD 48, and it works very well. The blocking plate has a lot of 1/4" holes, so some clippings will escape, but not enough to have to clean up. The lever is easy to operate from the seat. FYI, be sure to use loctite on the knob to keep it from coming loose. Assembly and mounting are easy, and a nice surprise is that the whole assembly is held on with a pin (at the rear of the deck, same as the discharge chute) and one bolt in the front. To swap back to the OEM chute is a one bolt operation if you wanted to do it. I haven't seen the need or benefit to do that yet, just wanted to let you know.
As for mulching, I think you'll have to lower the deck pretty close to the ground to trap leaves. One of the lawns I cut has a lot of dead leaves year round, and I cut it at 3". Most of the leaves escape out from under the deck without getting chopped up. I haven't tried lowering the deck to see where it works best as I don't want to kill off their lawn just yet. I'm using the original blades... mulching blades might help, too.
From what I have been able to tell from pics it looked like it was going to be easy to put on and off. I am glad that is actually the case. I am going to start with the original blades as well.
Do you notice if there is any additional build up under the deck after mowing?
#12
A
Ahalachis
Just noticed what looks like a socket on the left control arm. Is that a socket or a mod you made.
Looks like you do a lot of metal fabrication...I like the roof....
A
Ahalachis
We searched till we saw a picture of the Gravely chute blocker. Being able to raise and lower on the go would be fantastic. I would like to know if it leaves a wind row. If not, what makes the difference between it and mine?
I think ours is a 2017, but not sure. We purchased it July 2017. Serial # 004046. We will attempt to attach a pic of the mower. You will see some other mods we made, but have not taken a pic of the chute blocker yet. Will try to do so soon.
Just noticed what looks like a socket on the left control arm. Is that a socket or a mod you made.
Looks like you do a lot of metal fabrication...I like the roof....
#13
N
NealS
Good to know that ours is a 2017.
We will be looking for your results after using your chute blocker. If good, would like to see some pics. Wonder if we could build one.
Wife was with me when shopping and suggested we needed the sun roof. Like you, we thought it was too high, but got me to thinking. We built it all out of the trash pile and left overs. I think the only thing we bought was a couple of bolts, 5' of 2"x3/16" sq tubing and one sheet 1/2" styrofoam.
The cover has 2 layers 1/2" styrofoam, plus 2" foil back fiberglass insulation.
We have already upgraded the $12.00 walmart fan with a used, free, radiator fan, which puts out probably 5 times as much air.
N
NealS
You have the same year as mine. Prior to 2017 the deck was hung with chains among other changes.
I like the mods you have made. The fan is the best.
I would really like to have the ROPS on mine but I don't think I am going to pay $500.00 to get the parts from Gravely.
I ordered the chute blocker. Should be here by the weekend. I am going to try it with the stock blades first.
Good to know that ours is a 2017.
We will be looking for your results after using your chute blocker. If good, would like to see some pics. Wonder if we could build one.
Wife was with me when shopping and suggested we needed the sun roof. Like you, we thought it was too high, but got me to thinking. We built it all out of the trash pile and left overs. I think the only thing we bought was a couple of bolts, 5' of 2"x3/16" sq tubing and one sheet 1/2" styrofoam.
The cover has 2 layers 1/2" styrofoam, plus 2" foil back fiberglass insulation.
We have already upgraded the $12.00 walmart fan with a used, free, radiator fan, which puts out probably 5 times as much air.
#14
N
NealS
I think what you are calling a socket, is a short piece of 1" pipe for a hand hold. We bolted one on each control arm, which becomes stationary when park brake is on. One side doesn't show well in pic.
I guess we should confess what they are for. You see, since we are 80 years old, we need something to push our self, up off the seat, when dismounting. :laughing:
N
NealS
Just noticed what looks like a socket on the left control arm. Is that a socket or a mod you made.
Looks like you do a lot of metal fabrication...I like the roof....
I think what you are calling a socket, is a short piece of 1" pipe for a hand hold. We bolted one on each control arm, which becomes stationary when park brake is on. One side doesn't show well in pic.
I guess we should confess what they are for. You see, since we are 80 years old, we need something to push our self, up off the seat, when dismounting. :laughing:
#15
M
Mr. Ed
I imagine there would be a little more build up with the blocker down (especially in wet conditions), but I only use it sporadically and haven't experienced any problems. For me, it's just a handy tool to keep from blowing clippings into landscaping areas, and it does a terrific job of that. Overall it's a well designed accessory that performs as it should.
M
Mr. Ed
From what I have been able to tell from pics it looked like it was going to be easy to put on and off. I am glad that is actually the case. I am going to start with the original blades as well.
Do you notice if there is any additional build up under the deck after mowing?
I imagine there would be a little more build up with the blocker down (especially in wet conditions), but I only use it sporadically and haven't experienced any problems. For me, it's just a handy tool to keep from blowing clippings into landscaping areas, and it does a terrific job of that. Overall it's a well designed accessory that performs as it should.
#16
N
NealS
Attached is a picture of the chute blocker we built. We are working on it in steps as we try to accomplish good end result.
1. Removed factory chute
2. Rusty steel is the Chute Blocker, installs just like the chute did.
3. Galv metal added to try block some of debris coming out the front edge.
4. Found and removed factory "discharge baffle" Parts->Section Anti Scalp wheels & Baffles 52"->Page 46->Item 5->Discharge Baffle->Part# 04389453
5. Added baffle (not shown in pic) around front and right side of right blade.
Actually, we think item 4 & 5 got us closer to our goal than anything else. We may have done both of them on a single try so not sure about one over the other.
N
NealS
Interesting. Was this on your ZT HD? I believe on the 2017 ZT HD the deck is a new design. I will climb under and take a look tomorow .
The Gravely chute blocker I am looking at is baiscly a steel plate with holes drilled through it. It can easily be raised and lowered without getting off the mower. Hopefully it won't leve a wind row when blocked. That would be a deal breaker for me.
I would be interested in seeing a pic of the one you built.
Attached is a picture of the chute blocker we built. We are working on it in steps as we try to accomplish good end result.
1. Removed factory chute
2. Rusty steel is the Chute Blocker, installs just like the chute did.
3. Galv metal added to try block some of debris coming out the front edge.
4. Found and removed factory "discharge baffle" Parts->Section Anti Scalp wheels & Baffles 52"->Page 46->Item 5->Discharge Baffle->Part# 04389453
5. Added baffle (not shown in pic) around front and right side of right blade.
Actually, we think item 4 & 5 got us closer to our goal than anything else. We may have done both of them on a single try so not sure about one over the other.
Attachments
#17
A
Ahalachis
Well I am impressed. That is some nice fabrication.
Question, since steps 4 and 5 seemed to solve your wind line isssue have you thought about removing the galv metal you added in step 3?
Also, since both the ROPS/roof and the chute blocker seem very well built and look good on your mower do you have any plans to paint them Gravely red or black?
A
Ahalachis
Attached is a picture of the chute blocker we built. We are working on it in steps as we try to accomplish good end result.
1. Removed factory chute
2. Rusty steel is the Chute Blocker, installs just like the chute did.
3. Galv metal added to try block some of debris coming out the front edge.
4. Found and removed factory "discharge baffle" Parts->Section Anti Scalp wheels & Baffles 52"->Page 46->Item 5->Discharge Baffle->Part# 04389453
5. Added baffle (not shown in pic) around front and right side of right blade.
Actually, we think item 4 & 5 got us closer to our goal than anything else. We may have done both of them on a single try so not sure about one over the other.
Well I am impressed. That is some nice fabrication.
Question, since steps 4 and 5 seemed to solve your wind line isssue have you thought about removing the galv metal you added in step 3?
Also, since both the ROPS/roof and the chute blocker seem very well built and look good on your mower do you have any plans to paint them Gravely red or black?
#18
A
Ahalachis
That is my plan as well. I will put it down when near the pool and flower beds but will run with an open chute 80% of the time.
I am also looking forward to see how it can help with fall clean ups.
A
Ahalachis
I imagine there would be a little more build up with the blocker down (especially in wet conditions), but I only use it sporadically and haven't experienced any problems. For me, it's just a handy tool to keep from blowing clippings into landscaping areas, and it does a terrific job of that. Overall it's a well designed accessory that performs as it should.
That is my plan as well. I will put it down when near the pool and flower beds but will run with an open chute 80% of the time.
I am also looking forward to see how it can help with fall clean ups.
#19
A
Ahalachis
Yes I am looking forward to getting it on the mower. I leave for NC in two weeks for 6 weeks and want to get it on and try it out before I leave. Will defiantly take some pics of the chute blocker installed and of the lawn when in use.
A
Ahalachis
Good to know that ours is a 2017.
We will be looking for your results after using your chute blocker. If good, would like to see some pics. Wonder if we could build one.
Wife was with me when shopping and suggested we needed the sun roof. Like you, we thought it was too high, but got me to thinking. We built it all out of the trash pile and left overs. I think the only thing we bought was a couple of bolts, 5' of 2"x3/16" sq tubing and one sheet 1/2" styrofoam.
The cover has 2 layers 1/2" styrofoam, plus 2" foil back fiberglass insulation.
We have already upgraded the $12.00 walmart fan with a used, free, radiator fan, which puts out probably 5 times as much air.
Yes I am looking forward to getting it on the mower. I leave for NC in two weeks for 6 weeks and want to get it on and try it out before I leave. Will defiantly take some pics of the chute blocker installed and of the lawn when in use.
#20
A
Ahalachis
Not a bad idea. I must confess, some mornings when I want pease and quite I grab a cup of coffee and a news paper and sit on my mower in the garage. Those handles would help me get in and out easily
A
Ahalachis
I think what you are calling a socket, is a short piece of 1" pipe for a hand hold. We bolted one on each control arm, which becomes stationary when park brake is on. One side doesn't show well in pic.
I guess we should confess what they are for. You see, since we are 80 years old, we need something to push our self, up off the seat, when dismounting. :laughing:
Not a bad idea. I must confess, some mornings when I want pease and quite I grab a cup of coffee and a news paper and sit on my mower in the garage. Those handles would help me get in and out easily
#21
N
NealS
If and when we decided the chute blocker is a permanent fixture, we will paint it. Most likely will not paint the galv sun roof.
Right now, we are thinking we should wait to hear the results on your chute blocker before putting much more effort into it.
N
NealS
Well I am impressed. That is some nice fabrication.
Question, since steps 4 and 5 seemed to solve your wind line isssue have you thought about removing the galv metal you added in step 3?
Also, since both the ROPS/roof and the chute blocker seem very well built and look good on your mower do you have any plans to paint them Gravely red or black?
If and when we decided the chute blocker is a permanent fixture, we will paint it. Most likely will not paint the galv sun roof.
Right now, we are thinking we should wait to hear the results on your chute blocker before putting much more effort into it.