987-02516A Hinged Mulching Plug - Compatible with MTD, Troy Bilt, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Fits 21" Murray Push Mower and More, Comes with Spring, Pin and Hinge 987-02516, 687-02516A, 687-02516 Review

Name: 987-02516A Hinged Mulching Plug - Compatible with MTD, Troy Bilt, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Fits 21" Murray Push Mower and More, Comes with Spring, Pin and Hinge 987-02516, 687-02516A, 687-02516
Brand: Cub Cadet
Price: 13.29 USD
Availability: InStock

By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026

★★★★★½ 4.6/5 (718 reviews)

$13.29

Brand: Cub Cadet

987-02516A Hinged Mulching Plug - Compatible with MTD, Troy Bilt, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Fits 21" Murray Push Mower and More, Comes with Spring, Pin and Hinge 987-02516, 687-02516A, 687-02516

As an Amazon Associate, Mowers.Cloud earns from qualifying purchases. Prices shown are estimates and may vary.

Ready to buy? Check the current price and availability on Amazon:

🛒 See Current Price on Amazon

Overview

The Cub Cadet 987-02516A Hinged Mulching Plug is a small but critical replacement part designed to convert your push mower from bagging or side-discharge mode into a mulching setup. It’s compatible with a wide range of MTD, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, and Murray 21-inch push mowers. At just $13.29, this is an affordable fix for anyone whose original mulching plug has cracked, warped, or gone missing—restoring that fine-clip, nutrient-recycling cut without buying a whole new mower.

Who Should Buy This

Homeowners with older MTD/Craftsman/Cub Cadet push mowers – If your mulching plug has broken or you’ve lost it after years of use, this is a direct, budget-friendly replacement that brings your mower back to full function.
Anyone who prefers mulching over bagging – Mulching returns grass clippings to your lawn as natural fertilizer. If you want a cleaner, greener cut without dealing with bags of clippings, this plug is essential.
DIYers and budget-conscious shoppers – At $13.29, it’s far cheaper than replacing the entire mower deck or buying a new mower just because a plastic part failed.
Owners of 1/4 to 1/2 acre suburban lawns – For smaller to medium-sized yards where mulching is practical, this plug helps you maintain a tidy, healthy lawn with minimal effort.

Key Features Breakdown

Hinged Design for Easy Installation – Unlike some one-piece plugs that require you to wrestle with springs and alignment, this hinged version lets you snap it into place more intuitively. The hinge means less fumbling under the deck.
Includes Spring, Pin, and Hinge – Many replacement plugs force you to buy hardware separately. This kit comes with everything you need: the plug itself, a retaining spring, a hinge pin, and the hinge assembly. No extra trips to the hardware store.
Compatible with Multiple Brands – Fits MTD, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, and Murray 21-inch push mowers. If you have a 21-inch deck from any of these brands (especially models from the last 10–15 years), this is likely your part.
Replaces Part Numbers 987-02516, 687-02516A, 687-02516 – Cross-referencing is simple. If your original part matches any of these numbers, this plug is a direct swap.
Durable Plastic Construction – While plastic won’t last forever, this plug is made from the same tough ABS-like material as the OEM part. It resists cracking from UV exposure and impact from rocks and sticks.

Pros

Exact Fit for Popular Mowers – Users consistently report it snaps right into place on Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, and Cub Cadet 21-inch mowers. No modification needed.
Complete Kit Saves Time – The included spring and hinge mean you’re not hunting for small parts that are easy to lose.
Restores Mulching Performance – Once installed, the plug directs clippings back into the blade for fine chopping. Lawns look cleaner and get free fertilizer.
Affordable Fix – At $13.29, it’s a fraction of the cost of a mower deck replacement or a new mower.
Lightweight and Easy to Handle – Weighs only a few ounces. You can install it in under 10 minutes with basic hand tools (usually just a wrench or pliers for the spring).
Hinged Design Reduces Friction – The hinge allows the plug to flex slightly during operation, reducing stress on the mounting points compared to rigid plugs.

Cons

Plastic Can Still Crack Over Time – While durable, this is a plastic part in a high-vibration, debris-prone environment. Some users report cracking after 1–2 seasons of heavy use.
Not Universal – Despite the wide compatibility list, it will not fit every 21-inch mower. Always double-check your mower’s model number and original part number before buying.
Spring Can Be Tricky to Attach – The retaining spring is small and requires some finger strength or a pair of pliers to hook into place. First-time installers may find it fiddly.
No Instructions Included – The kit comes without a printed guide. If you’re not handy with lawn mower parts, you may need to look up a video or diagram online.

Bottom Line

The Cub Cadet 987-02516A Hinged Mulching Plug is a no-brainer replacement if you own a compatible 21-inch MTD, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, or Cub Cadet push mower and want to restore mulching capability. It’s affordable, includes all necessary hardware, and installs in minutes. While the plastic won’t outlast the mower itself, at this price point, it’s easy to keep a spare on hand. If your current plug is broken, missing, or warped, buy this—it’ll save you from bagging clippings and keep your lawn looking great.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this fit my 21-inch Murray push mower?
A: Yes, it fits most 21-inch Murray push mowers that originally used part numbers 987-02516, 687-02516A, or 687-02516. Check your mower’s model number or the old plug’s part number to be sure.

Q: Do I need any special tools to install it?
A: No special tools required. You’ll likely need a pair of pliers to attach the retaining spring, and maybe a small wrench to remove the old plug’s hinge pin. Most installations take 5–10 minutes.

Q: Can I use this plug if I want to bag or side-discharge?
A: No. The mulching plug blocks the discharge chute to keep clippings inside the deck. If you want to bag or side-discharge, you must remove this plug and install the appropriate chute or bag adapter.

How It Compares

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the two products you listed. Please note: These are not lawn mowers. Mower A is a mulching plug (a replacement part), and Mower B is a set of inner tubes (tire accessories). The comparison below has been adjusted to reflect their actual categories.

Quick Verdict

AR-PRO wins for universal utility and value—it is a highly-rated, practical replacement part for thousands of tire-equipped machines, while the MTD mulching plug is a niche repair component for specific mower models.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Mower A (Mulching Plug)	Mower B (Inner Tubes)
Price	$13.29	$12.79 (for 2-pack)
Product Type	Mower deck accessory (mulching plug)	Tire inner tube
Compatibility	MTD, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, 21" Murray push mowers	15x6.00-6 tires (yard tractors, wheelbarrows, ATVs)
Quantity	1 plug + spring/pin/hinge	2 tubes
Best Use Case	Converting bagging mower to mulching	Replacing flat or worn-out tire tubes
Rating	4.6/5 (718 reviews)	4.3/5 (20,211 reviews)
Warranty	Not specified (likely 30–90 days, part-specific)	Not specified (typically 30-day return)

Where Mower A (Mulching Plug) Wins

Precision fit for specific mowers
If you own an MTD, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, or Cub Cadet 21" push mower, this plug is designed to snap in perfectly with the included spring and hinge. No cutting, trimming, or adapters needed.
Mulching performance
This plug blocks the discharge chute, forcing grass clippings to recirculate under the deck for finer mulching. It’s a genuine OEM-style replacement, not a generic part.
Complete kit
Unlike some generic plugs that require you to buy hardware separately, Mower A includes the spring, pin, and hinge—everything you need for a one-step install.

Where AR-PRO (Inner Tubes) Wins

Massive compatibility
AR-PRO tubes fit 15x6.00-6 tires used on lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers, wheelbarrows, garden carts, and even some ATVs. They cover far more equipment than a single mulching plug.
Price per unit
At $12.79 for a 2-pack, you get two tubes for less than the cost of one mulching plug. That’s a strong value, especially if you maintain multiple machines.
High-volume trust
With 20,211 ratings (vs. 718 for Mower A), AR-PRO has proven reliability across thousands of buyers. The TR-13 straight valve stem is a standard, easy-to-use design for most lawn equipment.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A if…
You own a compatible MTD, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, or Cub Cadet 21" push mower and need to restore mulching capability. This is a direct-fit part, not a universal solution—perfect if your original plug is broken or missing.

Buy Mower B if…
You have a 15x6.00-6 tire (on a lawn tractor, wheelbarrow, or ATV) that leaks air or has a damaged tube. The 2-pack gives you a spare, and the price is unbeatable for a high-volume, trusted replacement.

Buy both if…
You need to fix your push mower’s mulching system and maintain your riding mower’s tires. At a combined cost of ~$26, you cover two common repair needs without breaking your budget.

Final note: If you were actually comparing two complete lawn mowers, you’d look at cutting width, engine power, and self-propulsion. For these parts, the AR-PRO tubes win on sheer versatility and value, while the mulching plug wins on exact fit for specific models.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Mower A vs. Mower B

Quick Verdict

Mower B (Briggs & Stratton 492932S Oil Filter) wins overall because it is a high-volume, highly-rated essential maintenance part for thousands of engines, while Mower A is a niche accessory for a specific set of mower models.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Mower A (Mulching Plug)	Mower B (Oil Filter)
Price	$13.29	$9.30
Power Source	N/A (accessory)	N/A (engine component)
Cutting Width	Fits 21" mowers	N/A
Self-Propelled	N/A	N/A
Best Yard Size	Any (mulching upgrade)	Any (maintenance)
Warranty	Not specified	Not specified
Rating	4.6/5 (718 reviews)	4.8/5 (15,496 reviews)
Compatibility	MTD, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Murray	Briggs & Stratton engines

Where Mower A Wins

Mulching Performance Upgrade – The hinged mulching plug allows you to convert a standard 21" push mower into a mulching mower, cutting grass into fine clippings that decompose quickly and return nutrients to your lawn. This is a cheap way to improve an existing mower.
Specific Compatibility – If you own an MTD, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, or Murray 21" push mower, this part is a direct fit and includes the spring, pin, and hinge—no extra purchases needed.
Low-Cost Functionality – At $13.29, it’s an inexpensive way to add mulching capability without buying a new mower. For homeowners who want to stop bagging clippings, this is a practical solution.

Where Mower B Wins

Massive Popularity & Trust – With 15,496 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, this oil filter is one of the most trusted small-engine parts on the market. It’s used in millions of Briggs & Stratton engines found on riders, zero-turns, and walk-behinds.
Critical Maintenance – Regular oil changes with a quality filter extend engine life. This filter traps contaminants and ensures clean oil circulation, preventing wear on bearings, pistons, and valves. It’s a must-have for engine longevity.
Universal Fit – Unlike Mower A’s narrow compatibility, this oil filter fits a wide range of Briggs & Stratton engines (e.g., Intek, Vanguard, Endurance). It’s a standard replacement part that owners of many lawn tractors and commercial mowers will need.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A if…
You own a compatible 21" push mower (MTD, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, or Murray) and want to switch from bagging to mulching without buying a new mower. It’s a cheap, easy way to improve lawn health by returning clippings as natural fertilizer.

Buy Mower B if…
You own any Briggs & Stratton engine—whether on a lawn tractor, zero-turn, or walk-behind—and need to perform an oil change. This filter is essential for routine maintenance, and its high rating and low price make it a no-brainer for engine care.

Buy Both if…
You have a compatible push mower and a Briggs & Stratton engine in another machine. Mower A upgrades your push mower’s mulching capability, while Mower B keeps your larger engine running smoothly. Together, they cover two key aspects of lawn equipment ownership: performance and maintenance.