I have a huge Norway Maple in my back yard that drops
large leaves that mat down and kills the grass if I don't
do something about them. I used to bag them, but since
the kids left home, I have no help. So last year I
mulched them. I went over them with my self propelled
LB 10301, set at my usual 3 1/2 inches, and it didn't
do much, so I lowered it to 2 inches and it did better.
Then I dragged out my LB 4570, (1979 Mulch-r-Catch), and
it finished the job off quite well. Some of the larger
leaf pieces, which were about 1/2in square, stayed on
top of the grass, but were gone in a few days. I think
the secret is to catch the leaves when they are somewhat
dry, so weather plays a big part.

I mulch up to a point with the Toro Super Recycler. But late in the season it puts down too much at one time so I bag. Going at normal mowing speed one pass gets about 90% and the remainder disappers on the second pass.

Most of mine is oak leaves and pine tags, which are acidic and not good for the lawn. I still mulch the leaves in all during the year when they're not falling heavily. When they are falling heavy, I'll mulch first then bag, which really cuts the volume I have to deal with. I then apply lime to counter the acidity.
The LB 10247 referred to above is probably one of the best mulchers ever made in it's original configuration with the Tri-Cut blade and mulch fan, along with all the other offset-wheel Lawn-Boy mowers.

I also mulch the leaves first when they get too deep. Makes for a lot less bagging and still leaves some mulched up leaves behind. IÂve wondered if one of those Hondas with adjustable mulch/bag would come in handy for leaves.

On the LB 10247 I think the gator blade does a bit better job mulching but it leaves a rougher cut than original LB blade. When the grass gets too long I do the same forward and backward mow and it mulches up with a real nice cut but IÂm actually mowing twice.

I hire a landscaper, he gets em all.

Saxman1, Research done by many people has shown that there is no significant change in soil pH after years of adding oak leaves or pine needles to that soil.

dom1961, People who hire landscapers all the time look like the link below when they turn 50.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:141967}}

snapper hi vac w/gator blade is hands down the way to go when mulching leaves

lawnmowerdan, I'm going to be testing your claim pretty soon, I reckon!

Poplar and sugar maple here.

First pass with the 10247 w. regular blade chops up the leaves. Second pass with the 10684 with factory blade turns what's left into dust.

No raking here.

Hard to beat the 10684 for any lawn job. I picked up some new blades for it on ebay recently. Seems several sellers have new-in-box factory blades for all the 'Insight' Series. Blades cost $18 from the dealer and they're not available in stores as far as I know. Most likely you'll get the ebay ones cheaper, including postage.

I think I've seen the one speed LBs with the Tecumseh go on sale for 300 at Home Depot. Have to keep my eye out.

lawnmowerdan, on the snapper with gator blade, do you mulch, bag or both?

Thanks, Ken