Hinged Mulch Plug 987-02516A Compatible with 21" Push Walk Behind Mower, Troy-Bilt MTD Bolens Craftsman Husky 987-02516, 687-02516A, 687-02516

What It Is

This is a hinged mulching plug designed to replace the standard discharge chute or bagger adapter on 21" push walk-behind mowers, allowing the mower to recycle grass clippings back into the lawn. It’s a direct-fit replacement for Troy-Bilt, MTD, Bolens, Craftsman, and Husky mowers with a 21-inch steel or aluminum deck.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, confirm your mower has a 21-inch cutting deck and a square or rectangular discharge opening compatible with MTD-style plugs. This part replaces OEM numbers 987-02516, 987-02516A, 687-02516A, and 687-02516. It fits most MTD-built push mowers from the 2000s onward, including Troy-Bilt TB110, TB120, TB130; Craftsman 37000 series; and Bolens 11A series. Measure the discharge opening width (roughly 4" x 4") and check that your mower uses a spring-loaded hinge, not a fixed or screw-in plug. Not compatible with 22" decks, self-propelled models with different chute shapes, or older non-MTD chassis.

Key Things to Know

• Easy install, no tools needed – The plug snaps into the discharge opening and uses a built-in hinge to flip up when bagging; just remove the side discharge chute and push the plug in until it clicks.
• Works best with sharp blades – A dull blade will leave clumps; pair this plug with a mulching blade (often sold separately) for fine clipping distribution.
• Check hinge spring – The hinge can break if forced open past 90 degrees; avoid yanking it up when the mower is running.
• May not seal perfectly on older decks – If your deck has rust or bends, the plug might leave a small gap, reducing mulching efficiency.

Should You Buy It

If you own a 21" MTD-built push mower and want to switch between bagging and mulching without swapping parts, this $13 plug is a solid, no-fuss upgrade. It’s ideal for homeowners who mulch most of the season but still bag occasionally for leaf cleanup.