The Complete Guide to Toro Recycler Rear Discharge Chute: How to Get Yours Free and See It in Action
For years, lawn enthusiasts trusted the Toro Recycler with its easy-to-use side discharge chute. When Toro removed the side opening from their mower decks about two years ago, many regulars wondered if they'd lost a key feature for good. Some missed tossing the grass out the side. But is that function gone forever, or is there a clever fix?
Toro’s answer is both simple and customer-focused: a no-cost rear discharge chute, ready for your mower if you just ask for it. Interested in how to get one, what makes it work, and what to expect if you install it? Keep reading for everything you need to know, including a first-hand demonstration and user experiences.
The Change in Toro Recycler Mower Design
Forever Toro has had a side discharge opening with a chute that went in there. For decades, you could spot a Toro Recycler by its right-side discharge, just like almost every other mower. This opening gave you the flexibility to send clippings shooting out the side, especially handy for tough mowing days or when grass grew a little too high.
About two years ago, this familiar feature quietly disappeared. Now, new Toro Recycler decks come as a single solid piece, with no obvious discharge hole. Owners learned Toro made the switch for manufacturing reasons. By cutting out the discharge opening, they streamlined the process and made the mower deck sturdier.
Some fans missed the chute; it was a classic part of mowing routines. Users got used to side-chuting when grass was tall, saving bag or mulch mode for easier conditions. Not having a discharge opening seemed odd.
One other twist: historically, almost every mower on the market shot clippings out the right side. Toro’s new approach? Their free chute now lets you discharge clippings out the left side and rear of the mower. It’s a different setup, sparking curiosity and a bit of skepticism for those used to the old way.
Toro’s Solution: The Free Rear Discharge Chute
Toro didn’t leave their mower owners stranded. They came up with a smart, eco-friendly solution: a free rear discharge chute for your Recycler 22. This isn’t some gimmick or loophole. It’s a real part, designed to fit directly into the bagger slot at the back of your mower.
Why free? Toro realized not every user wants or will use this accessory, so they avoid including it by default. That means fewer plastic parts wasted, and if you want one, you can easily get it—at zero cost—just by asking.
Here’s how to get your free rear discharge chute for Toro Recycler 22:
Step-by-Step: How to Order Your Rear Discharge Chute
Enter your purchase details as requested (model and serial are key fields).
Look for a new option once you’ve filled out the details: check the box for the rear discharge chute.
Submit your info and Toro ships the chute directly to your physical address. (Note: they can’t ship to PO boxes.)
Key tip: You don’t need to chase down stores, pay shipping, or hunt for the part. As long as you have your model and serial number and register your mower, Toro will handle the rest.
Why Use a Rear Discharge Chute? The Differences and Benefits
Lawn care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some weeks, a mulching deck is perfect; other times, thick or overgrown grass heaps up, bogging down even a powerful mower. This is where using a rear discharge chute makes a real difference.
How It Works:The rear discharge chute slots into the bagging slot where your catcher would go. It sends clippings out the left and rear, different from the usual right-side setup.
What’s the benefit?
Thick grass: Recycling (mulching) mode forces the mower to chop and re-process clippings. In heavy conditions, clippings swirl inside, leading to clogging or missed spots.
The rear discharge chute helps manage really thick or wet grass by moving the clippings up and out quickly, reducing the chance of bogging down your mower.
It keeps decks cleaner, sending clippings away from your legs or shoes.
Why didn’t Toro just include this accessory with every mower?They wanted to avoid mass-producing a part that thousands might never use, only to see it tossed away. If you regularly stick to a mowing routine and recycling works, you don’t need to clutter your garage with extra gear.
When should you use the rear discharge chute?
When you return from vacation and the grass is way too long for mulching.
The lawn is thick or damp.
After skipping a mow or facing heavy spring growth.
You want to avoid repeated “circling” to clear clumps of clippings.
Quick Comparison Table: Mulch, Side, and Rear Discharge
Mode
Strengths
Weaknesses
Recycling (Mulch)
Small, spread clippings, good for routine
Can bog in thick or wet grass, may miss spots
Side Discharge
Handles overgrowth, fast grass clearing
Visible clippings, can toss clumps, right side only
Rear Discharge
Handles thick grass, keeps user clean, quick
Unusual direction to left/rear, needs attachment
Eco-Friendly Bonus:By not automatically including a discharge chute, Toro ensures fewer unused plastic parts end up in landfills. Order one if you need it, skip it if you don’t.
Installing the Rear Discharge Chute: What to Expect
Installing the rear discharge chute is a straightforward job. Instead of connecting to the side of the mower, it fits right into the existing bagger slots at the back. Place it where you’d normally attach your grass catcher bag, and it clicks into place.
This setup means the mower now pushes clippings out the left and back, which feels a bit odd at first when you’re used to right-side discharge.
Common concerns from new users:
“Will it clog easily?”
“Will grass blow back on my legs?”
“Is it in the way when I walk?”
Real-world feedback answers these worries:
The chute stays clear even in thick grass, as airflow moves up and out.
Grass doesn’t blow back on the user, keeping shoes and pants clean.
There’s no need for awkward steps or shorter strides; the chute is far enough back to avoid hitting your heels, even on turns.
FAQ: Installation Insights
Q: Can I install it without tools? A: Yes, just fit into bagger slots, no extra gear needed.
Q: Does the chute get in the way when mowing? A: No, it’s tucked at the rear and left, so you walk as usual.
Q: Does it spray grass at the user? A: Users report staying clean—even after walking straight behind the mower.
Q: Any learning curve switching from right- to rear-discharge? A: Just a minor adjustment on turns; it quickly feels normal.
In the Field: Cut Quality and User Experience
Switching from recycling to rear discharge can seem like a small change, but it affects how your mower handles tough grass. Here’s a look at real-world results:
Recycling (mulching) mode:When processing long or thick grass, the mower pulls clippings in circles, chopping and re-chopping them. Sometimes, swirling air inside leads to missed patches, or the mower “bogs down” and struggles to keep up.
With the rear discharge chute installed:
The mower powers through thick grass with less effort.
Clippings shoot quickly out the chute, and you notice fewer missed spots.
The finished cut is about the same in visual quality, but users say there’s slightly better performance thanks to less clogging.
A user who previously owned the classic Toro side discharge model summed it up:“I used to own the Toro engine side discharge, exact same model, and I loved that mower. I would use the side discharge occasionally if I skipped a mow. I feel like this accomplishes the exact same goal…it works good. Totally a win.”
What about mowing comfort? Some figured grass would spray all over their pants or shoes or they’d trip on the chute in close quarters. Hands-on testing showed the chute is far enough back to never hit your legs or kick grass onto you, even on big strides.
Turning takes a bit of getting used to, since the discharge pattern is on the left and rear, but it does not slow you down or create a mess.
When to stick with recycling mode:
When grass is kept short and you mow on a regular schedule.
Standard growth periods when clippings are light and easy to mulch.
When to use rear discharge:
The lawn’s gotten away from you—skip in routine or heavy spring growth.
Extra moisture made grass thick or heavy.
When you want to move fast and clear debris without stopping to empty a bag.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
Free (with registration)
Handles thick and tall grass better than mulching
Keeps user clean—no grass spray
Simple, tool-free install
Helps prevent mower clogging and bogging
Cons:
Only fits compatible Toro Recycler 22 models
Not needed for users who mow regularly and recycle
Rear/left direction may take some getting used to
Ships only to physical addresses (not PO boxes)
How to Get Yours: Part Number, Ordering Steps, and More
Ready to try the rear discharge chute for yourself? Here are the details you’ll need:
Official part number:1478696 for the Toro Recycler rear discharge chute.
How to get it: Register your qualifying Toro Recycler 22 mower on Toro’s registration page. Include your model and serial number to unlock the free chute offer.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get the Rear Discharge Chute?
The rear discharge chute is a simple, clever add-on that solves a classic mowing problem—clearing thick, overgrown grass without hassle or mess. It’s a direct solution to the missing side discharge, and more importantly, it’s free with a quick registration.
If you keep your mowing on a strict schedule, you might never need this accessory. But for those days when the grass gets away from you or conditions change, having the chute in your shed can make your Toro Recycler way more versatile.
Bottom line:
Free accessory for newly designed mowers
Better handling of thick, tough, or overgrown grass
Easy install with no risk of flying clippings or messy shoes
Take advantage by checking the box when you register your mower, and keep your lawn looking its best no matter what comes your way. Ready to see it in action or learn more accessories to boost your Toro experience? Watch the full demonstration above and explore more at your favorite lawn care resource. Happy mowing!
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