I started using a JD Freedom 42 dedicated mulching deck this year, so not a long time, but enough to decide that I just love it. We are in the Boston area, with typical northeast grasses (Kentucky Bluegrass, fescue, rye mix mostly) and I can't really see any clippings at all after cutting. First time of teh season was the tallest and most moist grass, and even that just disappeared. You may have to mow at a slightly slower speed to completely mulch heavier deeper cuts, but it definitely gets the job done. Others on this board often discuss the length of the cuttings left by their converted decks, etc. but the dedicated mulch Freedom doesn't seem to leave anything at all. Best of all, it creates no dust on dry patches, you finish the job still feeling clean, and it is much faster than the same job with a bagger. The potential downside for me is not being able to convert to a bagger for the fall leaves and spring yard clean-up (vacuum up debris, pine needles, etc in April). Most say that the mulcher does away with leaf disposal also, but I doubt it will do it for some of the trees we have like 75' Catalpa's (sp?)with big fat wet leaves that make a solid mat and kill the grass in a few days. Also, I really want to vacuum up all of the pine needles we get in spring and fall on parts of the yard. My solution has been to buy a second deck and a bagger attachment for that. I scored an almost new JD 42C deck on Ebay that had been traded in on a Freedom deck, and now just have to find a deal on the bagger to fit it and the LT chassis :)

My dealer was also not big on the Freedom deck, said it isn't worth the bother versus a convertible deck with mulch kit, adn that they don't have many customers with them. (No suprise if the dealer turns them off). Also said they thought it was too much bother to change decks ??? So far it is taking me about 5 minutes to pull deck and put it back on, but I expect to get it off within 2 minutes or so the next time.

Try searching this site for "Freedom" and you should come up with several threads. I started one early this year to see what I had bought, and got highly favorable feedback - many who responded said that the Freedom deck was the best mulching deck ever made.

This is what I want to hear.

Are the newly purchased mulching decks considered Freedom decks?

Just a little info---mulching deck is only available on X300 series, the mulching kit is available for the X304, due to the AWS the mulching deck is made a little different and would cut into the rear tires..if someone informed you as to the fact that you can put the mulching deck on the X304, I would call up JD on there 800 number and they will tell you it cannot work on the X304..

No kidding, thats too bad. Guess I'm stuck going with the x304 and a mulching kit. Or I could consider the eztrak but there is something that tells me I don't want a zero turn, guess its the ditches and slopes i must maneuver.

thanks bighagrid for that info.

your're very welcome gunnarm!...I tried to do just that since I originally ordered the X300 w/mulching deck, then had to reconsider due to my sloped yard..They received both units at the same time and i asked them if i could put the mulching deck on the 304, the service called up JD and they said it couldn't. I took there word for it since I figured it wouldn't be any hassle for them to do and still charge me the xtra 100 bucks..but the mechanic's in the back said the kit works just as well as the deck...BTW..it is on route now and should have it by this weekend...I'll let ya know how it does...

I'll be awaiting your report.

gunnarm--the house next door to me has a lawn care service do theres...they use a commercial grade z-turn...his front wheels lift up bout 3-4" off the ground goin up and he squirms up and down going across the slope...to scary for me..stick with the 304..you'll like it very much..

I think you have me convinced on the 304. Now try and talk me out of upgrading to a 324

mo-way gunnarmn--would've been my choice also..but I like sleepin in the bed and not on the garage floor...mama gave me some slack--went from the 140 to the 300-and finally inched up to the 304..don't need the honey do list to get any longer than it already is...now I am broken hearted...use it well..

i've got the mulch kit on my RX 75 and it works great

Ok, sounds like an x324 with mulch kit is where I'm headed.

The 324 has a 48" deck and 3 blades, the 304 a 42" deck with 2 blades, is that right?

For mulching I would think that the 2 blades being longer would have a higher tip speed than the 3 blader.

Is that something to consider or is it a negligible difference?

as much as I envy you gunnarmn in your quest to get the 324, from what has been posted here as far as three blades vs two, the census is go two...better cut, less scalping...put it this way...ya can't go wrong either way except if ya get the 324 ya would me me jealous...ya could always start a new thread and ask two vs three blades and I am sure you will get enuf response to make the right decision ..

just got the mulching kit today and gave it a test run...works out just fine...chopped all the kentucky blue hay right up...now maybe if we get some rain or if i water a wee bit without getting caught I just might grow some damn grass...

Sounds good. Do you suppose that I might consider an x324 with a 42" deck or is that not possible or stupid?

Does the mulching kit come with new blades?

can't hurt gunnarmn...as afr as the kit , it cost me 83 bucks t.t.t. total...came with blades..being that the back is bad had JD come out to the house...showed me easy way to take down deck and installed kit..that set me back 64 bucks..but was worth it to me...what ever X ya end up getting, before they deliver it to you or if ya gonna get it yourself, get one of the mech's to show ya how it all works...much easier than tryin to follow the directions in the manual...and it won't cost ya anything xtra..they'll do it as a courtesy since ya buyin it from them...my bad...

i used to have one of the GT tractors, i forget the model but it was the bigger one, approx 24 hp kawasaki motor. anyhow it came with a 48" convertable deck for mulching. I didn't like it at all, it clogged up alot and you had to mow very slowly. I took the kit off after a few times. If you have a big area to cut, I wouldn't recommend it, just cut often, in different directions, and the clippings aren't a big issue.