Mowing the yard can be time-consuming, and the cleanup? Even more so. I’ve learned that getting the wrong leaf bagger for your riding mower can be a costly mistake. These attachments aren’t exactly pocket change! So, to save you from the same pitfall, I’ve reviewed the best leaf baggers for riding mowers. Let’s make sure you get the right fit the first time around.
Reviews of the Best Leaf Baggers for Riding Mower
1. MTD 19A30031 OEM Double Bagger for Riding Lawn Mowers
The MTD Double Bagger for Riding Lawn Mowers is perfect for clipping collection from the side of your riding lawn tractor. The OEM model fits riding lawn mowers with a deck of 42 or 46 inches. Since it’s an OEM, or an original equipment manufacturer model, you won’t have to worry about its compatibility with your current equipment.
The collection bin will store the leaves and grass clippings inside the twin bagger. There will be no grass clumps left in your wake, only crisp and pristine stripes. Bagging your grass clippings with the MTD system won’t require as much work as it takes to rake and mulch.
What I Like
- It has a clear tube to monitor the flow
- The discharge adapter is easy to empty
- It saves you time
- It prevents grass residue
- The mesh bag is more efficient for packing the clippings
- It is compatible with MTD brand family mowers
- It is suited for 42 and 46-inch decks
What I Don’t Like
- The plastic rim
- It is not ideal for wet grass
2. Arnold Twin Bagger Kit
The Arnold Twin Bagger Kit is similar to the MTD option as it belongs to the same family. However, what sets the Arnold bagger apart is the system it has. You can get the attachment set up with your mowers in no time with the mourning brackets, hardware, chute, bags, and instruction manual.
Instead of mesh, the Arnold bagger features polyester bags. It comes with a lid that’s easy to close and open when emptying the contents. This grass catcher features an airflow and venting system to prevent clogging.
What I Like
- It reduces clogging
- The clear chute
- The easy-to-use lid
- Polyester bag
- It's compatible with MTD, Yard Man, Troy Bilt, and more
- It has a large capacity
- Excellent customer service
- No grass left behind
What I Don’t Like
- The rubber band fixture isn’t very tight
- It doesn’t fit all Toro mowers
3. Husqvarna OEM 532400226 Soft Grass Bag
It’s always a good deal when you get 2 items for the price of 1. The Husqvarna 532400226 is perfect for smaller yards and lawns. You can keep the grass clippings away from your garden with the 3-foot deep bags.
The soft grass bag models are more accessible than the hard-sided collection systems. The attachment is easy to use, and it comes with a related system to get it fit onto your machine.
The Husqvarna soft grass bag is compatible with most lawn tractors that can support a 20x24x30 bag regardless of the brand, although some slight modifications may be necessary.
What I Like
- It has a soft grass bag design for easy usage
- It fits most lawn tractors
- Its smaller size is for smaller yards
- It comes 2-in-1
- It is a high-quality OEM model
- it comes with everything you need, including hardware
What I Don’t Like
- It is unsuitable for large volumes
- It may require some modification to fit some riding mowers.
4. Husqvarna 400226 Lawn Tractor Bagger Attachment
I opted for this Husqvarna 400226 Grass Bagger Attachment for the last recommendation. The bag is reliable and catches in full the grass clippings from the bottom of the deck.
The OEM [1] model is just like the original, so it’s easy to make sure these grass catchers will fit your lawn tractor. It also has soft-sided mesh bags for convenient use, but I suggest giving them a good shake as the grass may stick to the soft material.
The lawn tractor bagger attachment also comes with handles to emptying the bag after mowing.
What I Like
- It has a soft bag attachment with handles
- It is easy to empty
- It's a good fit for your lawn mower
- It can collect everything
- It keeps clippings away from your garden
- Original quality
What I Don’t Like
- The plastic rim
- It shouldn’t be stored flat
Leaf Baggers for Riding Mower Buyer’s Guide
Design
Do you want a hard-sided collecting bin, or would you want a soft model? A rigid container is cumbersome and heavy, while a soft bag is easy to carry. Some technicians like the bin for emptying, while I prefer the soft models. The soft models are better for tightly packing the grass.
The best leaf bagger for a riding mower should have a handle. Unfortunately, without a lawn bag that’s large enough at total capacity, you will have to switch bags in between mowing.
How does the bag connect back to the mower? I say a clear chute is the recommended option to use for efficiency and monitoring air flow.
Compatibility with Lawn Mower
Compatibility is a key consideration when choosing a product. Ensuring that the item you select is compatible with your specific lawn mower model is crucial. Manufacturers typically provide a list of consistent product numbers and brand names that the system can use. Verifying this information before purchasing a bag is important to ensure a proper fit and functionality.
Some leaf baggers fit with any brand but can be united with specific mower sizes. The company should also clearly state that in the description.
If you want a built-in attachment, check out these high-caliber zero-turn mowers equipped with bagger!
Bagger Capacity
I say the collecting bag capacity is a feature people often forget about. So don’t just go for what’s available, but take a look at the size of your lawn and the volume of debris and grass you collect.
(You can also opt for a high-quality dump cart if you’re using a lawn tractor instead of a leaf bagger.)
Generally, if you have a larger property, then a bag with a bigger capacity when complete is the right choice. I made sure to include grass catchers of various sizes to help you out.
Durability
One of the biggest complaints I often hear is the bag collection system cracks due to flimsy parts. The material used to construct the bag, the rim, and the handle will influence the durability and amount of work you can do.
Additional Features
Extra features may cost you more, but I say that many are worth the money. For example, there are collection systems that will notify you when the leaf bag is full. The tube on the side featured on the top 2 models also supports the collection for better efficiency. You can monitor the flow from the tube to prevent clogs.
Other additional features that enable mowing straightforward and enjoyable are the handles and lid that can make emptying a simpler task.
Price
The price of riding lawn tractor collection bags can vary from around 50 to a few hundred dollars. So I made sure to include a buy one get one free option to help you save a few bucks. However, larger bags will cost more, which is unavoidable if you want an item with top construction.
FAQ
Will a bagger pick up leaves?
Will a lawn mower with a bag pick up leaves?
Top Pick For a Leaf Bagger for Riding Mower: MTD 19A30031 Double Bagger
My top choice for the best leaf bagger for riding mowers is the MTD 19A30031. There won’t be a need to rake your lawn as the combo will remove all in their path and leave nothing. In addition, the two bags can hold a lot of clippings at the total capacity and provide easy disposal of the debris.
For similar products, you can also check the list below:
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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