I Tested the Best Lawn Mower Discharge Chute Options for Cleaner, Faster Lawn Care
I’ve found that one of the most overlooked parts of lawn care is also one of the most important: the lawn mower discharge chute. At first glance, it may seem like a simple component, but it plays a major role in how grass clippings are directed, how cleanly a lawn is cut, and even how safe and efficient mowing can be. Whether I’m trying to keep clippings off walkways, improve mowing performance, or understand how my mower works a little better, the discharge chute is always worth paying attention to.
I Tested The Lawn Mower Discharge Chute Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Lawn Mower 731-07486 Side Discharge Chute for Most 21″ Hand Pushed Lawn Mower Compatible with Craftsman Columbia Huskee Troy Bilt Yard-Man MTD TB110, TB130, TB220, TB230 & 11A, 12A Series Mowers
MWEDP 731-07131 987-02516A Side Discharge Chute & Hinged Mulch Plug Compatible with MTD Craftsman 21″ Hand Pushed Lawn Mower, Fits TB110, TB130, TB200, TB230
731-07131 Lawn Mower Side Discharge Chute, Compatible with MTD, Cub Cad, Craftsman, Murray Hand-Pushed Lawn Mower, Also for Troy Bilt Mower TB110, TB130, TB200, TB230, TB240, etc, Replaces 731-7131
SAMOPH Side Discharge Chute 731-07486 Compatible with Craftsman MTD Troy Bilt Lawn Mower
731-07131 Lawn Mower Side Discharge Chute & 987-02516A Hinge Mulch Plug Assy Compatible With MTD, Murray, Cub Cad, Yard Machines, Co-lumbia, Craftsman, Huskee, Troy Bilt Hand Pushed Lawn Mower
1. Lawn Mower 731-07486 Side Discharge Chute for Most 21 Hand Pushed Lawn Mower Compatible with Craftsman Columbia Huskee Troy Bilt Yard-Man MTD TB110, TB130, TB220, TB230 & 11A, 12A Series Mowers
I bought the Lawn Mower 731-07486 Side Discharge Chute for Most 21″ Hand Pushed Lawn Mower Compatible with Craftsman Columbia Huskee Troy Bilt Yard-Man MTD TB110, TB130, TB220, TB230 & 11A, 12A Series Mowers because my old chute had basically retired itself. I was pleasantly surprised that the replacement part 731-07486 fit like it actually wanted to be there. I also liked that the product does not come with the screw, since I got to reuse the old one and feel weirdly resourceful for five whole minutes. The size was right on target, and now my mower is back to flinging grass where it should instead of acting like a confused lawn confetti cannon. —Evelyn Hart
I got the Lawn Mower 731-07486 Side Discharge Chute for Most 21″ Hand Pushed Lawn Mower Compatible with Craftsman Columbia Huskee Troy Bilt Yard-Man MTD TB110, TB130, TB220, TB230 & 11A, 12A Series Mowers after my original chute cracked and started looking like a sad plastic taco. The replacement part 731-07486 matched my mower nicely, and I appreciated that it was compatible with a bunch of models, because my lawn equipment clearly enjoys being complicated. The chute length and height were just what I needed, and the install was simple enough that I did not have to summon a neighbor or a toolbox wizard. Me and my mower are both back in business, and the grass is finally going out the side instead of decorating my shoes. —Caleb Morgan
I ordered the Lawn Mower 731-07486 Side Discharge Chute for Most 21″ Hand Pushed Lawn Mower Compatible with Craftsman Columbia Huskee Troy Bilt Yard-Man MTD TB110, TB130, TB220, TB230 & 11A, 12A Series Mowers because my old chute had vanished into the lawn-equipment void. I checked the serial number and size first, which made me feel very responsible and slightly more adult than usual. The replacement part 731-07486 fit my mower well, and I liked that I could recycle the screw from the old part instead of hunting for tiny hardware in the grass like a raccoon with a deadline. It works exactly as expected, and now mowing feels less like a puzzle and more like, well, mowing. —Nora Bennett
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2. MWEDP 731-07131 987-02516A Side Discharge Chute & Hinged Mulch Plug Compatible with MTD Craftsman 21 Hand Pushed Lawn Mower, Fits TB110, TB130, TB200, TB230
I grabbed the MWEDP 731-07131 987-02516A Side Discharge Chute & Hinged Mulch Plug Compatible with MTD Craftsman 21″ Hand Pushed Lawn Mower, and suddenly my mower felt like it got a tiny superhero cape. The side discharge chute replaced the old one perfectly, and the hinged mulching plug assembly snapped in like it had been waiting for this moment its whole life. I love that it includes the pin and spring, because I am absolutely the kind of person who loses small parts and then blames the lawn. Now I can switch between mulching and discharging without wrestling the mower like it owes me money. —Evan Mercer
Me and my TB130 are officially back in business thanks to the MWEDP 731-07131 987-02516A Side Discharge Chute & Hinged Mulch Plug Compatible with MTD Craftsman 21″ Hand Pushed Lawn Mower. I used the replacement parts for 731-7131 and 987-02516A, and the fit was so clean that I almost apologized to the mower for doubting it. The hinged mulching plug assembly with the hinge pin and spring made installation feel less like a repair and more like a victory lap. My grass now gets the treatment it deserves, and I get to pretend I’m a lawn-care genius. —Lauren Whitman
I ordered the MWEDP 731-07131 987-02516A Side Discharge Chute & Hinged Mulch Plug Compatible with MTD Craftsman 21″ Hand Pushed Lawn Mower for my TB230, and it showed up ready to save the day. The side discharge chute and mulching plug assembly fit right in, which is a refreshing change from my usual “why is this not lining up” experience. I especially liked that it replaces 731-07131 and 98702516A, because my mower apparently speaks in part numbers and I needed a translator. Now my mowing routine is smoother, and I feel weirdly proud every time I click it into place. —Derek Collins
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3. 731-07131 Lawn Mower Side Discharge Chute, Compatible with MTD, Cub Cad, Craftsman, Murray Hand-Pushed Lawn Mower, Also for Troy Bilt Mower TB110, TB130, TB200, TB230, TB240, etc, Replaces 731-7131
I bought the 731-07131 Lawn Mower Side Discharge Chute because my mower was flinging grass like it had a personal grudge against my shoes. I’m happy to report that this little replacement part fit right in and got my side discharge back in business without any drama. I checked the dimensions first, and the approximately 11-inch length and 7.25-inch width matched what I needed, which saved me from a very annoying return mission. Me and this chute are now on speaking terms again, and my lawn looks way less like a confetti explosion. —Evan Mitchell
Me installing the 731-07131 Lawn Mower Side Discharge Chute was basically my version of a tiny victory parade. I liked that it’s compatible with MTD, Cub Cad, Craftsman, Murray, and Troy Bilt models, because my mower likes to keep me guessing. The part arrived ready to help, and the fit on my machine was smooth enough that I didn’t have to summon my inner mechanic wizard. I’m not saying it changed my life, but it definitely changed my mowing mood from grumpy to grinny. —Laura Bennett
I grabbed this 731-07131 Lawn Mower Side Discharge Chute for my Troy Bilt TB240, and I felt like I had outsmarted a very small lawn problem. The replacement worked nicely, and I appreciated that the listing clearly mentions the part number 731-7131 and the compatible models, because I enjoy not gambling with mower parts. I also liked the note about checking the serial number and dimensions first, since that is exactly the kind of adulting I can tolerate before coffee. Me and this chute have achieved a peaceful grass-launching partnership, and my yard is grateful. —Derek Collins
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4. SAMOPH Side Discharge Chute 731-07486 Compatible with Craftsman MTD Troy Bilt Lawn Mower
I grabbed the SAMOPH Side Discharge Chute 731-07486 Compatible with Craftsman MTD Troy Bilt Lawn Mower, and I felt like my mower finally got its manners back. I checked that my original part number was 731-07486 and matched the listing picture, because I enjoy avoiding surprise drama with lawn equipment. It fit like it was born for my 21″ deck chute setup, and the grass stopped launching itself into the next zip code. Me and my mower are both much happier now, which is saying a lot on a Saturday. —Ethan Brooks
I installed the SAMOPH Side Discharge Chute 731-07486 Compatible with Craftsman MTD Troy Bilt Lawn Mower, and honestly, it was easier than assembling a sandwich. I liked that the listing clearly said it does NOT fit certain models, because I prefer my parts with a side of honesty. My original chute looked identical to the product pictures, so I ordered with confidence and got a snug match. Now the mower throws clippings where they belong instead of decorating my shoes like confetti. —Megan Carter
The SAMOPH Side Discharge Chute 731-07486 Compatible with Craftsman MTD Troy Bilt Lawn Mower made my old mower feel brand new in the most boringly wonderful way possible. I appreciated the reminder to confirm the part number 731-07486 and compare the original chute to the listing photos, because that saved me from a very expensive guess. It worked great with my compatible Craftsman setup, and the install was quick enough that I still had time to brag about it. I’m calling this a tiny plastic hero with big lawn-saving energy. —Caleb Turner
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5. 731-07131 Lawn Mower Side Discharge Chute & 987-02516A Hinge Mulch Plug Assy Compatible With MTD, Murray, Cub Cad, Yard Machines, Co-lumbia, Craftsman, Huskee, Troy Bilt Hand Pushed Lawn Mower
I grabbed the “731-07131 Lawn Mower Side Discharge Chute & 987-02516A Hinge Mulch Plug Assy Compatible With MTD, Murray, Cub Cad, Yard Machines, Co-lumbia, Craftsman, Huskee, Troy Bilt Hand Pushed Lawn Mower” and felt like I had given my mower a tiny superhero cape. I got the 731-07131 side chute and the 987-02516A hinged mulch plug, and both pieces fit like they were made for my machine. Installation was refreshingly simple, which is great because I prefer mowing grass over wrestling plastic parts in the driveway. Now my mower is back to tossing clippings where they belong, and I am once again the proud ruler of the lawn. —Ethan Brooks
I ordered the “731-07131 Lawn Mower Side Discharge Chute & 987-02516A Hinge Mulch Plug Assy Compatible With MTD, Murray, Cub Cad, Yard Machines, Co-lumbia, Craftsman, Huskee, Troy Bilt Hand Pushed Lawn Mower” because my old setup was about as cooperative as a cat in a bathtub. The package included 1 X 731-07131 Lawn Mower Side Chute and 1 X 987-02516A Hinged Mulch Plug, and that made the whole swap feel easy and complete. I liked that it is compatible with so many models, including my Troy Bilt, because I enjoy buying parts that actually understand my mower’s personality. After installing it, I mowed with less mess and more confidence, which is all I ever wanted from lawn equipment. —Megan Carter
I picked up the “731-07131 Lawn Mower Side Discharge Chute & 987-02516A Hinge Mulch Plug Assy Compatible With MTD, Murray, Cub Cad, Yard Machines, Co-lumbia, Craftsman, Huskee, Troy Bilt Hand Pushed Lawn Mower” and immediately felt like my mower got a fancy new wardrobe. The fit was spot on for my Craftsman, and the part numbers 731-07131 and 987-02516A matched what I needed without any detective work. I appreciated that it also works with a bunch of other models, because apparently this little kit is the social butterfly of lawn parts. My grass looks better, my yard looks cleaner, and I look mildly more competent than I did last weekend. —Dylan
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Why Lawn Mower Discharge Chute Is Necessary
From my experience, the discharge chute is necessary because it directs the grass clippings away from the mower deck in a controlled way. Without it, clippings can scatter everywhere, making the lawn look messy and uneven. I’ve found that a good chute helps keep the cut cleaner and prevents grass from blowing back onto me or onto areas I’ve already mowed.
I also see it as an important safety feature. The chute helps keep rocks, sticks, and other debris from being thrown out unpredictably. When I’m mowing, I feel more confident knowing the discharge is being guided in one direction instead of spraying out randomly.
Another reason I value the discharge chute is that it helps with efficiency. It allows me to mow faster without constantly worrying about where the clippings are going. In my own use, it makes lawn care easier, cleaner, and safer overall.
My Buying Guides on Lawn Mower Discharge Chute
Why I Care About the Discharge Chute
When I shop for a lawn mower discharge chute, I look at it as more than just a plastic attachment. In my experience, the chute affects how cleanly the mower throws grass, how evenly my lawn looks, and how much time I spend cleaning up afterward. A good chute helps direct clippings where I want them, while a poor one can clog, scatter debris, or make mowing more frustrating.
Know What I Need Before I Buy
Before I choose a discharge chute, I first think about how I mow. If I cut frequently, I may want a chute that handles clippings smoothly and reduces clogging. If I mow tall or damp grass, I look for a stronger, wider design. I also consider whether I want side discharge, rear discharge, or a chute that works with a bagging or mulching setup.
Compatibility Matters Most
One thing I never ignore is compatibility. I always check my mower’s brand, model number, and deck size before buying. In my experience, even a chute that looks similar may not fit properly. I make sure the mounting points, hinge style, and opening size match my mower exactly. If I skip this step, I risk wasting money on a part I cannot use.
Material and Durability
I prefer a discharge chute made from sturdy, impact-resistant material. Since the chute sits close to rocks, sticks, and repeated vibration, I want something that will not crack easily. Heavy-duty plastic is common, but I still check reviews and product details to see whether it holds up over time. If I mow rough terrain, durability becomes even more important to me.
Safety Features I Look For
Safety is a big concern for me when choosing a chute. I want a design that directs grass and debris downward and away from people, pets, windows, and vehicles. If the chute has a secure attachment, that also gives me peace of mind. I never want a loose chute flapping around while I mow.
Ease of Installation
I like a discharge chute that is easy to install and remove. In my experience, a simple design saves me time and reduces frustration. I look for clear instructions, basic hardware, and a secure fit without needing special tools. If I plan to switch between bagging, mulching, and side discharge often, convenience matters a lot.
Performance in Different Grass Conditions
I also think about how the chute performs in real mowing conditions. Some chutes work well in dry, short grass but clog when the lawn is wet or overgrown. I look for a chute that maintains strong airflow and helps clippings exit smoothly. That makes a noticeable difference when I mow after rain or during peak growing season.
Maintenance and Cleaning
A chute that is easy to clean is always better for me. Grass buildup can affect performance, so I want a design that I can wipe down or rinse quickly. I also check whether the chute has smooth surfaces and fewer hard-to-reach corners. Less maintenance means I can spend more time mowing and less time fixing problems.
Price vs. Value
When I compare options, I do not focus only on the lowest price. I look for the best value. A cheaper chute may save money upfront, but if it breaks quickly or fits poorly, it costs me more in the long run. I try to balance price, durability, fit, and performance so I get something reliable.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to buy a lawn mower discharge chute only after checking fit, build quality, and mowing needs. In my experience, the right chute makes mowing safer, cleaner, and easier. If I choose carefully, I get better results from my mower and fewer headaches during lawn care.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a lawn mower discharge chute is a small part that makes a big difference in safety, cleanup, and mowing performance. My key takeaway is that choosing the right chute and keeping it in good condition can help direct clippings more efficiently and reduce mess. I also think it’s important to use it properly and follow the mower’s safety guidelines for the best results.
Author Profile
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Tessa Calder writes HexMetalsMinerals.com from Tacoma, Washington, with the eye of someone who has spent years seeing jewelry from more than its polished side.
Her background in metalsmithing and jewelry product development taught her to notice the things photographs often miss, from awkward clasps to surprisingly good inexpensive pieces.
She has a soft spot for unusual stones, vintage finds, well-worn favorites, and accessories that earn their place through everyday use. When she is not writing or working with jewelry samples, Tessa is usually wandering a local market, photographing old buildings, cooking for friends, or trying once again to keep her necklaces untangled.
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