Answering the typical buyer question: which side discharge grass chute replacement fits most 21″ and walk-behind mowers, and which is best for reliability, compatibility, and easy installation. This guide highlights five well-matched options and explains who benefits most from each. If you need a quick pick, see the summary table below for a concise comparison.
| Product | Best For | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| MTD Genuine Parts Side Grass Catcher | Owners of MTD and LawnChief mowers | OEM-style fit with complete bag and hardware; straightforward assembly |
| DECKMAN 731-07486 Side Discharge Chute | Wider compatibility for 21″ walk-behinds | Direct replacement option with clear size specs; hinges on correct model match |
| Basysion 731-07131 Side Discharge Grass Chute | Broad brand compatibility | Reinforced polymer, OEM-number match, robust for high-impact debris |
| Fennoral 731-07486 Side Discharge Chute | Older Yard Man and related models | Wide compatibility list and durable construction |
| yewposy 731-07131 Side Discharge Chute | Troy-Bilt and MTD families | Clear part-number mapping and broad model support |
MTD Genuine Parts Side Grass Catcher
The MTD Genuine Parts Side Grass Catcher is designed for MTD and LawnChief side discharge mowers manufactured after 1989. It includes the bag and mounting hardware, with assembly required. Best for owners who want an OEM-style fit and a complete kit in one package.
- Best for: MTD/LawnChief users seeking an official replacement with hardware included.
- Why chosen: Fits flip-up chutes and provides straightforward installation for quick field service.
Limitation: Assembly is required, which may add a small setup time for first-time installers.
Lawn Mower 731-07486 Side Discharge Chute
This replacement 731-07486 chute targets a broad range of 21″ walk-behind mowers and is compatible with Craftsman, Columbia, Huskee, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man, and MTD TB series models. It’s a practical choice when you need a direct side-discharge alternative and already own compatible mount hardware.
- Best for: Mowers in the 11A/12A series and popular Craftsman/Yard-Man lines.
- Why chosen: Clear size specifications help verify fit before purchase.
Caution: The set may require reuse of existing screws from the old chute, as screws aren’t included with the replacement.
Basysion 731-07131 Side Discharge Grass Chute
The Basysion 731-07131 chute offers precision fit for Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, MTD, and Murray models. It emphasizes a direct match to 731-07131 OEM references and promises reinforced polymer durability for high-impact debris and UV exposure.
- Best for: Lawn mower models often listed alongside 731-07131 OEM parts.
- Why chosen: OEM-number match and reinforced polymer construction support longevity in tough yard work.
Limitation: In some cases, compatibility can vary by exact model year; verify your mower’s model list before buying.
Fennoral 731-07486 Side Discharge Chute
Fennoral’s 731-07486 side discharge chute is positioned for compatibility with various Yard Man and MTD/Troy-Bilt lines. It notes support for several 11A and 12A model variants, and highlights a durable polymer construction to resist debris impact and UV wear.
- Best for: Yard Man and related brands with a 731-07486 footprint.
- Why chosen: Comprehensive compatibility list supports multi-brand substitution.
Caution: Confirm model year alignment to avoid fit issues on some newer or older units.
yewposy 731-07131 Side Discharge Chute
yewposy’s 731-07131 chute focuses on Troy-Bilt and MTD compatibility, listing models in TB110, TB130, TB210, TB230, TB260, TB280ES, TB330XP, TB350XP, and more. This option is suitable for buyers seeking broad model coverage with a single replacement part.
- Best for: Troy-Bilt and MTD families that require a 731-07131 replacement.
- Why chosen: Clear compatibility mapping to widely used TB and ME-series models.
Limitation: Availability varies by seller; verify that the model list exactly matches your mower’s specifications.
Buying Guide
Key considerations help you choose the right side discharge chute for your mower. Use these practical checks to avoid fit issues and ensure dependable performance.
How to confirm compatibility
Check your mower’s model number and matching OEM part numbers like 731-07131, 731-07486, or 731-7131. Look for a side discharge chute that explicitly lists your model family (MTD, Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man, etc.).
Material and durability
Look for reinforced polymer or high-impact plastics designed to resist kickback from grass and debris. UV resistance is a plus for outdoor storage and longevity.
Installation effort
OEM-style kits often include mounting hardware. If not, you may need to reuse screws from the old chute. Consider whether assembly time aligns with your maintenance schedule.
Coverage and fit
Compare the chute length, height, and width to ensure it aligns with your mower deck. An 11″ long x 3.4″ high profile is common for many 21″ mowers but verify your exact model’s clearance.
Brand and warranty considerations
OEM or OEM-style replacements tend to deliver reliable fit. For multi-brand compatibility, look for parts that explicitly list the major brands and model families your mower supports.
FAQ
- Q: Will these chutes fit all 21″ walk-behind mowers?
- A: Not all will fit every model; verify the exact model and OEM part number against the product’s compatibility list before purchasing.
- Q: Do I need to reuse screws when installing a new chute?
- A: Some listings do not include screws, so you may need to reuse the old hardware or source compatible fasteners separately.
- Q: Are these replacements universal?
- A: They are broadly compatible with many Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, MTD, and Yard-Man models, but universal compatibility is not guaranteed. Always check the model family and year.
- Q: What is the benefit of an OEM-part replacement?
- A: OEM-style parts typically offer a closer fit and consistent mounting alignment with the original design.
- Q: Can a new chute improve mower performance?
- A: A proper side discharge chute can reduce clogging and improve discharge efficiency by directing clippings more reliably toward the bagging system.