Use and Care Manual
Form No. 769-25561
(July 1, 2020)
XTREME Mulch Kits - 50”/54” Decks
19A30048*/19A30049*
MTD PRODUCTS LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 441360019
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1
Models 19A30048* and 19A30049* mulch kits are designed for use with select 50” and 54”
triple-blade stamped cutting decks and fabricated cutting decks with “S” shaped spindles.
Refer to your tractor’s Operator’s Manual to assure compatibility.
Carton Contents
Before beginning installation, remove all parts from
the carton to make sure everything is present. Carton
contents are listed below and shown in Figure 1.
NOTE: Kits are deck-specific. Three (3) blades will be
included with your kit. Verify you have the correct kit for your deck size.
Blade Installation
WARNING
Before beginning installation, place the tractor on a firm and level surface, set the parking
brake, place the PTO in the disengaged (OFF) position, stop the tractor’s motor and remove
the ignition key to prevent unintended starting.
WARNING
Cutting blades are sharp. Always protect hands by wearing heavy leather work gloves to
grasp blades.
1. Remove the cutting deck from beneath
the tractor as instructed in your tractor’s
Operator’s Manual.
2. Gently flip the deck over to expose
its underside.
3. Stabilize one of the cutting blades with a
blade lock tool or a block of wood. See
Figure 2.
4. Remove the hex flange nut that secures
the blade to the spindle.
IMPORTANT! The hex flange nuts have a right-handed
(normal) thread pattern. DO NOT attempt to force the nuts in the opposite direction. Doing so may
damage the nuts.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 on the other cutting blades.
6. Replace the blades with the blades included in the deck-specific kit. Be sure to install
each blade with the side marked ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with a part number stamped in it)
facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position.
7. Thread on the hex flange nut to secure the blade to the spindle assembly.
IMPORTANT! Use a torque wrench to tighten each blade spindle’s hex flange nut to between
80 ft-lb and 100 ft-lb (stamped deck) or 100 ft-lb and 120 ft-lb (fabricated deck).
Installing the Mulch Plug
1. Pivot the chute deflector upward and
remove the protective cover from the pin
found on the deck’s surface. See Figure 3.
2. On 50-inch Stamped Decks Only,
position the chute adapter over the pin.
See Figure 4.
3. To install the mulch plug, pivot the
discharge chute upward. Refer to Figure 5
for fabricated and stamped decks:
a. Insert the mulch plug into the
discharge chute opening.
b. Insert the mulch plug rod into
the hole found on the front, right
deck wheel bracket.
c. Position the rear of the mulch
plug over the pin found on the
deck’s surface.
IMPORTANT! Be certain the bottom of the
mulch plug is installed down inside the lip of
the deck opening, as shown in Figure 6.
4. Secure the mulch plug in place with the
wing knob. See Figure 7 for fabricated and
stamped decks.
5. With the mulch plug in place, the discharge
chute will remain propped-up so the
operator can more easily maneuver the
tractor’s deck near and around trees and
other obstacles.
Figure 1
Part No. Part Qty
742-05512-X Mulching Blade - 50” Deck 3
742-05530-X Mulching Blade - 54” Deck 3
631-05178 Deck Mulch Plug Assembly 1
720-04122 Wing Knob 1
731-10133 Chute Adapter 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Fabricated Decks
Stamped Decks
c
b
a
b
c
a
Figure 5
Figure 6
Fabricated Decks
Stamped Decks
Figure 7