Toro 115-8413 Mulch Plug Assembly

What It Is

The Toro 115-8413 Mulch Plug Assembly is a factory-replacement part that blocks the side-discharge chute on select Toro lawn mowers, forcing grass clippings to recirculate under the deck for finer mulching. It’s designed for users who want to switch from bagging or side-discharging to mulching without buying a separate mulching kit.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Deck size: Fits 22-inch steel and aluminum decks on select Toro Recycler, Super Recycler, and Personal Pace mowers (model years vary, typically 2000–2015).
• Model check: Verify your mower’s model number (e.g., 20065, 20370, 20371) against Toro’s compatibility list—common fit includes 22" Recycler models with a fixed rear bag.
• OEM only: This is a genuine Toro part. Aftermarket plugs may not seal properly or match the latch mechanism.
• Measure before buying: The plug’s mounting tab width is ~2.5 inches; the deck’s discharge opening should be roughly 4.5 x 3 inches. If your mower has a different chute shape (e.g., 21-inch deck), it won’t fit.
• Not universal: Will not fit older Toro models with a separate mulching baffle or newer models using a different plug design (check your parts diagram).

Key Things to Know

• Installation difficulty: Easy—takes under 5 minutes. No tools required. Just slide the plug into the discharge opening and snap the latch over the deck edge.
• Build quality: Durable ABS plastic with a rubber gasket. The latch can crack if overtightened or forced, but replacement latches are sold separately.
• Common gotcha: If your mower has a side-discharge chute that’s permanently attached, you’ll need to remove it first. Some models require the chute’s hinge pin to be pulled—check your manual.
• Mulching performance: Works best with sharp blades and dry grass. Wet or tall grass may still clump; consider a mulching blade upgrade (e.g., Toro 490-7020) for finer cut.
• No bag included: This plug replaces the bagging adapter—you’ll still need a standard mulch blade if your mower came with a bag-only setup.

Should You Buy It

If you own a compatible 22-inch Toro Recycler mower and want to mulch without buying a full kit, this plug is a cheap, reliable fix. It’s ideal for weekly mowing on dry, established lawns. Avoid it if your mower has a different deck size, you need a side-discharge blocker for a non-Toro model, or you’re dealing with very long/wet grass (invest in a dedicated mulching deck instead).