Top 5 Side Discharge Mowers: Expert Review Guide

Does your lawn look like a messy battlefield after you mow? Do you wish for cleaner lines and less work cleaning up clumps of grass? Choosing the right lawn mower makes a huge difference in your yard care routine. Side discharge mowers are a popular choice, but knowing which one fits your needs can feel overwhelming. You might worry about uneven cuts or dealing with heavy clippings blowing everywhere.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explain exactly what a side discharge mower does and why it might be your best tool for a tidy lawn. You will learn how to compare features, understand different engine sizes, and select a model that handles your yard size perfectly. Get ready to trade frustration for a beautifully manicured yard.

Top Side Discharge Lawn Mower Recommendations

No. 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
  • Replacement Part: 731-07486. The product does not come with the screw, please recycle the screws from the old part and reuse it with our new replacement. Size: Lawn Mower Side Discharge The length of the hypotenuse of the Chute is 11 inches and the height is 3.4 inches. See Figures 2
  • Compatible with Craftsman Columbia Huskee Troy Bilt Yard-Man MTD Brand
  • Compatible with Model: 11A-A23N011, 11A-A23N066, 11A-A23O211, 11A-A23O711, 11A-A23O766, 11A-A26M011, 11A-A26M066, 11A-A26N211, 11A-B22J766, 11A-B29Q711, 11A-B29Q766, 12AVB22J766 & More
  • Compatible with Model: 24738911, 24737110, 24738908, 24737034, 24738903, 24737037, 24737000, 247370000, 247370001, 24737010, 247370100, 247370101, 24737031, 247370310, 247370311, 247370340, 247370341, 247370370, 247370371, 247370960, 24737111, 24737116, 24737117, 24737118, 24737124, 24737125, 24737126, 247372180 & More
  • Excellent customer service: no matter when, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us, we will provide you with assistance, before buying, please double check your product serial number and the size is suitable, to avoid wasting your valuable time
No. 2
PowerSmart 21 in. Gas Lawn Mower with 144cc OHV Engine, 2-in-1 Push Mower with Mulching & Side-Discharge
  • High Efficiency: Equipped with a high-performance 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine and a auto choke for easy starter, delivers reliable power and efficiency.
  • 2-IN-1 Steel Deck: All-steel deck built to last, combine mulch and side-discharge capabilities.
  • 21" Blade: The 21" heavy-duty cutting blade delivers better cutting effect, allowing you to mow more in less time.
  • Adjustable Cutting Height: 6-positions dual-lever height adjustment allows you to choose your cut from 1.5" to 3.9".
  • Easy to Store: Compact design saves 70% storage space, making it more convenient to unfold and use.
No. 3
SENIX 144 cc Gas Lawn Mower, 21 inch 2-in-1 Push with Mulching and Side Discharge, 4-Cycle Engine, 6 Position Cutting Height Adjustment for Yard and Garden
  • 【4QL Powerful Engine】144CC 4QL gas engine with more explosive power, lawn and slope operation in one go, efficiently complete large mowing tasks and enhance the mowing experience.
  • 【8"/11" High Wheel Design】Front 8-inch and rear 11-inch high wheel design greatly improves the passability of rugged terrain, from short lawn to rugged slopes can be easily dealt with, adapting to a variety of terrains. terrains.
  • 【2-in-1&21 inch Cutting Width】The 21-inch mower effectively increasing the area covered in a single operation and dramatically improving operational efficiency compared to 20-inch, and combines grass and side discharge functions in one, more convenient.
  • 【6 Position Cutting Height Adjustable 】6 levels of mowing height adjustment, from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches, to adapt to various grass heights. You can adjust the height as needed to make your mowing easier.
  • 【Quick Installation & Warranty】According to the instruction manual, you can easily install. Gas lawn mowers are covered by a warranty within 2-year that gives you peace of mind after the sale.
No. 4
PowerSmart 21" Push Lawn Mower with B&S 125cc Engine, 2-in-1 Mulching and Side Discharge, Easy Assembly & Lightweight, Cordless Push Lawn Mowers for Garden Yard
  • Powerful 4-Stroke OHV B&S Engine‌: Equipped with a reliable B&S 125cc engine, this mower delivers consistent and efficient cutting performance, ensuring your lawn is always in pristine condition.
  • Versatile 2-in-1 Mulching & Side Discharge‌: Choose between mulching to enrich your lawn's soil or side discharging for a clean, even cut. This dual functionality gives you the flexibility to tailor your lawn care to your specific needs.
  • Effortless Maneuverability & Lightweight Design‌: Weighing in at just 62 lbs, this PowerSmart push lawn mower is a breeze to handle, making it perfect for navigating tight spaces and maneuvering around garden obstacles with ease.
  • Customizable Cutting Height with 6-Position Adjustment‌: Tailor your lawn's look with 6-position height adjustment, ranging from 1.5 to 3.9 inches. Achieve the perfect cut and finish for your lawn, whether you prefer a short, neat look or a lush, full appearance.
  • Safety Features: Includes essential safety features such as a start/stop control lever, safety shields, and clear safety instructions to prevent accidents and injuries.
No. 5
BILT HARD 20'' Push Gas Lawn Mower, 144cc 4-Cycle OHV Engine Walk Behind Lawnmower, Side Discharge with 8-Position Adjustable Cutting Heights for Lawn, Yard and Garden
  • Powerful & Easy-Start Gas Engine: Get going quickly with the reliable 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine on this gas lawn mower. Features a convenient primer button for simplified cold starts, delivering robust 3.8 HP (2.9 kW), 5.8 ft.lb torque, and 3600 RPM power to cut through tough grass effortlessly.
  • 8-Position Cutting Height: Achieve your ideal lawn with the single-lever, 4-wheel synchronized adjustment! This 20-inch gas mower offers 8 precise height settings (0.7" to 3.2") for versatile turf control.
  • Superior Maneuverability & Comfort: Glide effortlessly with 7" rear / 6" front double ball-bearing wheels. The ergonomic, foam-wrapped angled grip on this lawn mower reduces fatigue during extended operation.
  • Durable 20-Inch Deck & Clean Cut: Built to last, the reinforced 20-inch cutting deck and specialized blade on this gas mower ensure a consistently clean, even cut for a professional-looking lawn every time.
  • Essential Engine Care Tip: Protect your gas lawn mower's longevity – Avoid tipping or inverting the mower to prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber.
No. 6
AMRISUN 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower for Large Yard, 170cc 4-Stroke Engine, 6-Position Adjustable Cutting Height, 3-in-1 Mulching, Side Discharge & Rear Bag for Garden Landscaping
  • POWERFUL 170CC 4-STROKE GAS ENGINE - The AMRISUN 21-inch self-propelled gas lawn mower is powered by a reliable 170cc 4-stroke OHV engine, delivering easy starting and strong cutting performance for medium to large yards.
  • VERSATILE 3-IN-1 MOWING FUNCTION - Mulch, side discharge, or collect grass in the rear bag with this 21-inch lawn mower. Perfect for maintaining large yards, gardens, and professional landscaping.
  • HIGH-WHEEL SELF-PROPELLED DESIGN FOR EASY MANEUVERING - Equipped with 10-inch rear and 7-inch front wheels, this high-wheel push mower glides smoothly over hills, slopes, and uneven terrain, making yard work effortless.
  • 6-POSITION ADJUSTABLE CUTTING HEIGHT (1.5”–3.9”) - Customize your lawn with six cutting height options. Achieve a clean, professional look for every season while protecting your grass and soil.
  • DURABLE STEEL DECK WITH GRASS CATCHER & FOLDABLE HANDLE - Built to last with a heavy-duty steel deck and 1.4-bushel grass catcher, this self-propelled gas mower reduces trips to empty and folds for compact storage. Easy assembly gets you mowing in minutes.
No. 7
SENIX 144 cc Gas Lawn Mower, 20 inch 4-Cycle Push Mower, Side Discharge, 5 Position Cutting Height Adjustment, Low Noise & Fuel-Efficient for Lawn, Yard and Garden (LSPG-L5)
  • 【144CC Powerful Engine】this lawn mower gas is equipped with 144CC 4QL gas engine for robust power, low noise, and continuous operation, efficiently complete large mowing tasks and enhance the mowing experience. 4-Stroke Engine design, 20-30% better fuel efficiency and lower emissions than 2-stroke models.
  • 【Versatility & Adaptability】Front 7-inch and rear 7-inch wheel design of lawn mowers clearance greatly improves the passability of rugged terrain, from short lawn to rugged slopes can be easily dealt with, adapting to a variety of terrains, ideal for yards, parks, golf courses, rough terrain and gentle slopes (up to 15°).
  • 【20 inch Cutting Width】The 20-inch gas powered lawn mower effectively increasing the area covered in a single operation and dramatically improving operational efficiency compared to 16-inch
  • 【5 Position Cutting Height Adjustable 】5 levels of mowing height adjustment, from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches, to adapt to various grass heights. You can adjust the height of gas push mowers as needed to make your mowing easier.
  • 【Durable Construction & Low Maintenance】 Heavy-duty steel deck of manual lawn mower resists corrosion and wear, easy-access blade replacement (high-carbon steel) and air filters for hassle-free upkeep.
No. 8
BILT HARD 21 Inch Lawn Mower Gas Powered, 4-Cycle 201cc Engine, 3-in-1 Push Lawnmower with Bagging, Mulching & Side Discharge, Adjustable 8-Positions Cutting Height, Easy Start
  • Powerful Engine - Featuring a robust 201cc 4-stroke OHV engine that delivers 9.0 ft.lb of torque, this gas powered lawn mower ensures efficient and reliable performance every time.
  • Efficient & Versatile Mowing - Our 21-inch lawn mower features 3-in-1 steel deck with mulching, side discharge and rear bagging and provides an extensive mowing path for efficiency. No choke, no primer single-pull start design, easy to operate.
  • Adjustable Cutting Height - Offering a single lever four-wheel synchronized height adjustment from 1.2" to 3.75", this lawn mower lets you customize the mowing height to perfectly match your lawn requirements.
  • Comfortable Mowing Experience - Equipped with 9.5" rear and 8" front double ball-bearing wheels for smooth and effortless movement, as well as a comfortable foam-wrapped angled grip that eliminates hand fatigue, making your lawn maintenance a breeze.
  • Warranty - BILT HARD is committed to providing our customers with high-quality products and exceptional customer service. We stand behind our lawn mower. If you have any questions or are not satisfied, please feel free to contact us via Amazon email or our official website.

Choosing Your Side Discharge Lawn Mower: A Complete Buying Guide

Side discharge lawn mowers are workhorses for many homeowners. They toss grass clippings out the side chute. This is great for large yards or when you don’t want to stop to empty a bag. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.

1. Key Features to Look For

When shopping, certain features make a big difference in how well the mower works.

Engine Power and Type
  • **Engine Size (CCs):** Bigger yards need stronger engines. Look for higher CC ratings for thick grass.
  • **Engine Brand:** Trusted brands like Honda or Briggs & Stratton often mean better reliability and easier repairs.
  • **Starting Method:** Electric start is easier than pull-cord starting, especially for older users.
Cutting Deck Details
  • **Deck Width:** This is how wide the mower cuts in one pass. Wider decks (21 inches and up) finish big lawns faster.
  • **Deck Height Adjustment:** You need easy ways to change how high or low you cut. Look for single-lever adjustment if possible.
  • **Deck Material:** Steel decks are standard. Aluminum decks resist rust better but cost more.
Maneuverability and Drive
  • **Self-Propelled vs. Push:** For flat lawns, a push mower works fine. For hills or large areas, choose a self-propelled model.
  • **Wheel Size:** Larger rear wheels make turning and moving over bumpy terrain much simpler.

2. Important Materials That Matter

The materials used determine how long your mower lasts and how much maintenance it needs.

The cutting blade should be made of strong, hardened steel. This keeps the edge sharp longer. The wheels are often made of durable plastic or rubber. Good quality rubber tires grip the ground better than hard plastic ones. The housing around the engine, called the deck, is usually heavy-gauge steel. Thicker steel resists dents better when you accidentally hit a rock or root.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Quality is often found in the small details.

Improving Quality:
  • **Washout Ports:** Some decks have a port where you connect a hose to clean the underside easily. This prevents grass buildup, which slows down cutting.
  • **Ball Bearings in Wheels:** Mowers with ball bearings instead of simple bushings roll much smoother and last longer.
  • **Engine Oil Filtration:** Better oil systems keep the engine cleaner, extending its life significantly.
Reducing Quality (Things to watch out for):
  • **Thin Sheet Metal:** If the deck feels flimsy, it will dent easily and might rust faster.
  • **Plastic Components:** Too much cheap plastic, especially around the drive system or handles, breaks easily under stress.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

How you plan to use the mower should guide your choice.

Use Cases:
  • **Small, Flat Yards:** A basic push mower with a smaller deck (around 19 inches) is sufficient and easy to store.
  • **Large, Rough Yards:** You need a powerful engine, a wide deck (22 inches or more), and self-propulsion. Side discharge is ideal here because you don’t need to stop to bag clippings.
  • **Areas with Tall Grass:** Side discharge excels when grass is very long. Bagging systems often clog when the grass is too high. The side chute clears the clippings away quickly.

User experience focuses on comfort. Check the handle height; it should be adjustable for your comfort. Does the self-propel lever engage smoothly? Test how easy it is to start the engine. A good side discharge mower lets you focus on steering, not fighting the machine.


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Side Discharge Mowers

Q: What is the main advantage of side discharge over mulching?

A: Side discharge is much better for very tall or wet grass. It throws the clippings far away, preventing the mower deck from clogging up like a mulching mower might.

Q: Do side discharge mowers leave clumps of grass?

A: If the grass is short to medium height, the clippings are usually cut finely enough to break down naturally. If the grass is very high, you might see some small clumps.

Q: Can I use a side discharge mower to bag my clippings later?

A: Many models designed for side discharge also come with an optional rear bag attachment. Check the product description to confirm this feature.

Q: Is a side discharge mower harder to push than a mulching mower?

A: No, the difficulty in pushing depends on whether the mower is self-propelled or a push model, not the discharge type.

Q: Do I need to buy a separate side chute?

A: Most modern side discharge mowers come with the discharge chute already attached or easily attachable. It is usually included in the box.

Q: Are side discharge mowers louder than other types?

A: Engine noise is similar across all gas mower types. The sound level depends mostly on the engine’s horsepower and muffler quality.

Q: What is the ideal cutting height for side discharge?

A: For best results, never remove more than one-third of the grass blade height at a time. Adjust the deck height so you only cut the top third of the grass.

Q: How do I keep the side chute from clogging?

A: Keep your blade sharp. A dull blade shreds grass instead of slicing it cleanly, leading to clogs. Also, slow down your walking speed in thick grass.

Q: Are electric (battery-powered) side discharge mowers available?

A: Yes, many battery-powered models now offer side discharge capabilities. They are quieter but might struggle more in extremely thick or high grass compared to gas models.

Q: What maintenance is specific to a side discharge mower?

A: You must regularly check the side chute opening for grass buildup. Ensure the discharge door or plug seals properly if you switch to mulching or bagging.