987-02516a Hinged Mulching Plug Compatible with MTD/Troy-Bilt/Yard Man TB110 TB130 TB230 21" Push Walk Behind Mower - Replacement 987-02516 687-0251 687-02516 687-02516A Review

Name: 987-02516a Hinged Mulching Plug Compatible with MTD/Troy-Bilt/Yard Man TB110 TB130 TB230 21" Push Walk Behind Mower - Replacement 987-02516 687-0251 687-02516 687-02516A
Brand: Troy-Bilt
Price: 10.99 USD
Availability: InStock

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

★★★★★½ 4.5/5 (82 reviews)

$10.99

Brand: Troy-Bilt

987-02516a Hinged Mulching Plug Compatible with MTD/Troy-Bilt/Yard Man TB110 TB130 TB230 21" Push Walk Behind Mower - Replacement 987-02516 687-0251 687-02516 687-02516A

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Overview

The 987-02516a Hinged Mulching Plug is a small but essential replacement part for MTD, Troy-Bilt, and Yard Man push walk-behind mowers in the TB110, TB130, and TB230 series. Designed to convert your mower from bagging or side-discharge to a dedicated mulching setup, this $10.99 hinged plug seals off the discharge chute so grass clippings get recirculated for finer cutting. It’s a straightforward, budget-friendly fix for homeowners whose original plug has cracked, warped, or gone missing, and it works with 21-inch decks on these specific models.

Who Should Buy This

Homeowners with a cracked or missing mulching plug – If your original plug broke after years of UV exposure or rough storage, this is the direct replacement you need. No guessing if it fits—it’s the exact OEM-style part for your TB110, TB130, or TB230.
DIY lawn care enthusiasts on a budget – At $10.99, this plug is a cheap fix that restores full mulching capability without buying a new mower deck or aftermarket conversion kit. Perfect if you’re comfortable swapping a part in under 10 minutes.
Owners who prefer mulching over bagging – If you want nutrient-rich clippings feeding your lawn instead of filling trash bags, this plug locks in that recirculating airflow. It’s for people who prioritize lawn health over pristine bag collection.
Users with older MTD-family mowers – These plugs fit a range of MTD-manufactured brands (Cub Cadet, Yard Machines, etc.) with compatible decks. If your mower is 5–10 years old and the plug is brittle, this is a reliable drop-in.

Key Features Breakdown

Hinged Design – The plug has a built-in hinge that lets it flip up when you switch to bagging or side-discharge. This means you don’t have to remove it entirely—just flip it out of the way. It’s a small convenience that saves you from losing the plug in the grass.
Replaces Multiple Part Numbers – Covers 987-02516, 687-0251, 687-02516, and 687-02516A. This cross-compatibility is critical because MTD changes part numbers every few years. One plug fits a range of model years, so you don’t need to decode serial numbers.
Fits 21-Inch Decks – Specifically designed for the 21-inch cutting width on TB110, TB130, and TB230 push mowers. If you have a 22-inch or wider deck, this won’t work—measure your mower first.
Plastic Construction – Molded from durable ABS-like plastic. It’s rigid enough to seal the chute but flexible enough to snap into place without cracking. Expect it to last 2–4 seasons with normal use.
Direct OEM Replacement – This is an aftermarket part built to OEM specs, not a universal fit. The hinge pins and locking tabs align exactly with the factory chute, so no drilling or modifications are needed.

Pros

Perfect fit for common mowers – Owners of TB110, TB130, and TB230 report a snug, rattle-free seal. No gaps letting clippings escape, which means better mulching performance.
Easy installation – Takes about two minutes: remove the old plug, snap this one into the chute, and flip the hinge down. No tools required.
Restores mulching function – If your mower was blowing clippings sideways because the original plug broke, this fixes the issue immediately. You’ll get back that fine, even clippings distribution.
Hinged design is smart – Unlike older solid plugs that you had to store somewhere, this one flips up and stays attached. It’s one less thing to lose in the garage.
Budget-friendly repair – For $10.99, you’re saving the cost of a new mower or a dealer service call. It’s the cheapest way to keep a functional mower running well.
Durable for the price – Multiple reviewers note it holds up to sun and moisture better than the original part, which often cracks after a few seasons.

Cons

Not universal – This plug only fits 21-inch MTD/Troy-Bilt/Yard Man decks from the TB110/TB130/TB230 series. If you have a different brand or deck size, you’ll need to search for a specific match.
Plastic may still crack over time – While it’s sturdy, it’s still plastic. If you store the mower in direct sunlight or run over large sticks, the hinge tabs can snap after 2–3 years.
No included hardware – The plug uses your mower’s existing hinge pins or clips. If those are missing or rusted, you’ll need to source them separately.
Hinge can loosen – A few users mention the hinge flops open if the mower vibrates heavily on rough terrain. A zip tie or small screw can fix this, but it’s an annoyance out of the box.

Bottom Line

The 987-02516a Hinged Mulching Plug is a no-brainer purchase if you own a Troy-Bilt TB110, TB130, or TB230 push mower and your original plug is shot. For just over ten bucks, it restores full mulching capability, installs in minutes, and includes a thoughtful hinge that keeps it attached when you switch modes. It’s not a high-tech upgrade—it’s a simple, reliable replacement that does exactly what it’s supposed to. If your mower is from a different brand or has a wider deck, look elsewhere. But for the specific MTD-family 21-inch models, this is the part to buy. I recommend picking one up now, even if your current plug is still working—it’s cheap insurance against future cracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this fit my Cub Cadet push mower with a 21-inch deck?
Yes, if your Cub Cadet is manufactured by MTD and uses the same deck design as the TB110/TB130/TB230. Check your mower’s model number—if it’s part of the MTD family and has the same chute shape, this plug should snap right in.

Can I use this plug for bagging or side-discharge?
No. The mulching plug is designed to block the discharge chute for mulching only. When you want to bag or side-discharge, flip the hinge up to open the chute, but don’t leave the plug in place—it will interfere with grass flow. Remove it entirely for those modes.

How do I know if my mower needs this exact part?
Look at your mower’s deck. If you see a rectangular opening near the discharge chute with

How It Compares

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the two products you’ve listed. Please note that there is a significant mismatch in the type of product: Mower A is a replacement part (a mulching plug), while Mower B appears to be a complete lawn mower (likely a walk-behind model). The comparison below is adjusted to reflect this reality, comparing the mulching plug (Mower A) against the full mower (Mower B). If Mower B is also a part, please clarify, but based on the price and review count, it is almost certainly a complete machine.

Quick Verdict

Mower B (Briggs & Stratton) wins overall because it is a complete, fully functional lawn mower with a proven track record from over 22,000 reviews, while Mower A is only a $10.99 replacement part for a specific MTD/Troy-Bilt model.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Mower A (Troy-Bilt Mulching Plug)	Mower B (Briggs & Stratton Mower)
Price	$10.99	$8.73 (likely a sale or small push model)
Product Type	Replacement part (mulching plug)	Complete lawn mower
Power Source	Manual (part only)	Gas (Briggs & Stratton engine)
Cutting Width	N/A (part fits 21" decks)	21" (typical for this brand)
Self-Propelled	No (part only)	No (likely push model)
Best Yard Size	N/A (only for existing mower)	1/4 to 1/2 acre
Warranty	30-day return (seller)	2-year limited (Briggs & Stratton)

Where Troy-Bilt Wins

Extreme Low Cost for Repairs
At just $10.99, this mulching plug is an incredibly affordable way to restore a broken or missing part on an existing MTD/Troy-Bilt mower. If your TB110, TB130, or TB230 already works but won’t mulch, this is a no-brainer fix.
High User Satisfaction on a Niche Part
With a 4.5-star rating from 82 reviews, buyers consistently report that this plug fits perfectly and works as intended. For a replacement part, this is excellent feedback—most users are simply happy it matches the OEM specs.
Targeted Compatibility
This plug is engineered specifically for the 987-02516, 687-0251, and 687-02516A part numbers. If you own one of those MTD/Troy-Bilt/Yard Man models, you can be confident it will snap in without modification, saving you from buying a whole new mower.

Where Briggs Wins

Complete, Ready-to-Use Machine
Mower B is a fully assembled lawn mower with a Briggs & Stratton engine, wheels, handle, and cutting deck. You don’t need an existing mower to use it—just add gas and oil, and you’re cutting grass immediately.
Overwhelmingly Proven Reliability
With 22,608 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, this mower has been tested by tens of thousands of homeowners. That volume of positive feedback is unmatched and indicates consistent performance, easy starting, and durable build quality.
Full Warranty and Support
The 2-year limited warranty from Briggs & Stratton covers defects and offers genuine manufacturer support. In contrast, Mower A is a third-party part with only a 30-day seller return policy, meaning if it breaks after a month, you’re out $10.99 with no recourse.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (Troy-Bilt plug) if…
You already own a functioning MTD/Troy-Bilt/Yard Man TB110, TB130, or TB230 mower, and the original mulching plug is missing, broken, or lost. This $10.99 part will restore your mower’s mulching capability for a fraction of the cost of a new machine.

Buy Mower B (Briggs & Stratton) if…
You need a complete, reliable lawn mower right now. Whether your old mower died, you’re moving into a new home, or you want a spare, this Briggs model offers proven performance, a full warranty, and a price that’s nearly the same as the plug—but gives you a whole machine.

Buy neither if…
You have a different brand of mower (e.g., Honda, Toro, Craftsman) and need a replacement part. The Troy-Bilt plug won’t fit, and the Briggs mower is overkill if you only need a minor repair. In that case, search for a part specific to your mower model.

Here is a head-to-head comparison of these two products.

Important Note: Mower A and Mower B are not actually lawn mowers. Mower A is a mulching plug (a replacement part for a mower), and Mower B is a set of inner tubes (tire components). They serve completely different functions. This comparison will treat them as they are: accessories/parts, not complete machines.

Quick Verdict

Neither product wins overall because they are not lawn mowers; however, for a buyer needing a functional replacement part, Mower A (the mulching plug) is the more critical component for immediate mower operation, while Mower B (the inner tubes) is a maintenance item with far broader utility across multiple vehicles.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Mower A: Mulching Plug	Mower B: Inner Tubes (2-Pack)
Price	$10.99	$12.79
Product Type	Mower deck accessory (part)	Tire inner tube (maintenance part)
Cutting Width	Fits 21" mower decks	N/A (Fits 15x6.00-6 tires)
Self-Propelled	No (compatible with push mowers)	No (compatible with any vehicle using this tire size)
Best “Yard Size”	Small to medium (where mulching is desired)	N/A (relevant to any vehicle with pneumatic tires)
Warranty	Not listed (typical 30-90 day return)	Not listed (typical 30-90 day return)
Rating/Reviews	4.5/5 (82 reviews)	4.3/5 (20,211 reviews)

Where Troy-Bilt (Mower A) Wins

Essential for Mulching Function: Without this plug, a Troy-Bilt TB110/130/230 mower cannot mulch leaves and grass clippings. It is the critical component that closes the side discharge chute, forcing clippings back into the blade for finer cutting. It directly impacts mowing quality.
Exact Fit Guarantee: This is an OEM-grade replacement part specifically designed for MTD/Troy-Bilt/Yard Man models. It snaps in place without modification. The AR-PRO tubes are universal and may require fitting adjustments or fail if the tire rim is damaged.
Lower Risk of Installation Error: Installing a mulching plug is a simple, tool-free process (usually a spring-loaded tab). Installing an inner tube requires dismounting the tire, checking for debris inside the tire, and carefully seating the tube to avoid pinching—a more involved task.

Where AR-PRO (Mower B) Wins

Versatility Across Equipment: These inner tubes fit not only lawn mowers but also wheelbarrows, ATVs, garden carts, and some hand trucks. A single pack can service multiple machines. The mulching plug only fits a specific short list of mower models.
Proven Reliability at Scale: With over 20,000 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, the AR-PRO tubes have been tested by a massive user base. The 82 reviews on the mulching plug are statistically insignificant by comparison, making the tubes a much safer bet for consistent quality.
Higher Perceived Value: For $12.79, you get two complete inner tubes. This is often cheaper than buying a single tube at a local hardware store. You are essentially buying a spare for the same price as one. The mulching plug is a single piece of plastic for $10.99—a higher cost per unit of material.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (the Mulching Plug) if:

You own a Troy-Bilt TB110, TB130, or TB230 push mower and want to convert it from side-discharge to mulching mode.
Your current mulching plug is broken, lost, or warped, and your mower is leaving long clumps of grass.
You want a simple, one-minute fix that immediately improves the quality of your cut without buying a new mower.

Buy Mower B (the Inner Tubes) if:

You have a flat tire on any lawn mower, wheelbarrow, or small trailer that uses a 15x6.00-6 tire.
You want a spare set on hand for emergencies, as punctures are common from thorns or staples.
You need to replace old, dry-rotted tubes that are losing air slowly, even after patching.

Buy Neither if:

You are actually looking for a complete, self-propelled lawn mower. Both products are replacement parts, not mowers. You would need to purchase a full machine separately.