987-02516A Hinged Mulching Plug Compatible with Various MTD, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Yard Machines, Craftsman, Bolens & Yard Man 21" Push/Walk Behind Mower, Replace 987-02516 687-02516A, 687-02516 Review

Name: 987-02516A Hinged Mulching Plug Compatible with Various MTD, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Yard Machines, Craftsman, Bolens & Yard Man 21" Push/Walk Behind Mower, Replace 987-02516 687-02516A, 687-02516
Brand: Cub Cadet
Price: 14.29 USD
Availability: InStock

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

★★★★½ 3.7/5 (13 reviews)

$14.29

Brand: Cub Cadet

987-02516A Hinged Mulching Plug Compatible with Various MTD, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Yard Machines, Craftsman, Bolens & Yard Man 21" Push/Walk Behind Mower, Replace 987-02516 687-02516A, 687-02516

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Overview

This isn’t a lawn mower itself—it’s the 987-02516A Hinged Mulching Plug, a replacement part designed for a wide range of popular 21-inch push and walk-behind mowers from MTD, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Craftsman, and others. It’s the small plastic door that redirects grass clippings back into the deck for finer mulching, rather than blowing them out the side or into a bag. Best for homeowners who already own a compatible mower and need a quick, affordable fix to restore proper mulching performance.

Who Should Buy This

DIY mower owners with a broken or missing mulching plug – If your original plug cracked, fell off, or disappeared after a season of abuse, this is the direct replacement you need. It’s cheap and easy to install.
Homeowners who want to switch from bagging to mulching – If you’ve been bagging clippings and want to start leaving them on the lawn for natural fertilizer, this plug seals the side discharge chute so clippings recirculate and cut finer.
Owners of older MTD-platform mowers (Craftsman, Yard Machines, Bolens) – These brands often share the same deck design, and this plug fits numerous models from the early 2000s onward. It’s a lifesaver if your original part is discontinued.
Budget-conscious users who don’t want a whole new mower – At $14.29, this plug is a fraction of the cost of a new deck or mower. If your mower runs well but the mulching feature is busted, this is a no-brainer.

Key Features Breakdown

Hinged Design – The plug has a built-in hinge that lets it flip up when you want to attach a bag or side discharge chute. This means you don’t have to remove it completely—just flip it out of the way. It’s a small convenience that saves you from losing the part in the grass.
Compatibility: MTD, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Bolens, Yard Man – This covers a huge swath of 21-inch push mowers from the last 20+ years. If you have a standard MTD-style deck with a rectangular side discharge opening, chances are it fits. Always double-check your model number, but the list is broad.
Replaces OEM Part Numbers: 987-02516, 687-02516A, 687-02516 – These are the exact factory numbers, so it’s a direct swap. No modification or drilling required—just pop out the old broken one and snap this in.
Material: Durable Plastic – It’s not metal, but that’s by design. Plastic is light, won’t rust, and flexes slightly to seal against the deck. The hinge is molded into the plastic, so it’s one solid piece with no separate springs to fail.
Price: $14.29 – At this price, it’s cheaper than a tank of gas. For a part that directly affects cut quality, it’s a steal.

Pros

Direct fit for dozens of mower models – No guesswork. If your mower uses any of the listed brands and has a 21-inch deck, this plug slides right in.
Hinged for easy switching – You don’t have to remove it to bag—flip it up and the chute opens. That’s a huge time-saver when you’re switching modes mid-mow.
Restores proper mulching instantly – Without this plug, clippings blow out the side and leave clumps. With it, they recirculate and get cut finer, which feeds your lawn.
Incredibly affordable – Under $15 for a functional repair is hard to beat. Compare that to a $50+ deck replacement or a new mower.
Sturdy plastic construction – It’s not flimsy. The plastic is thick enough to hold up to years of use if you don’t run over rocks with it.
Easy installation – No tools required. Just remove the old plug (if present) and snap this one into the chute opening. Takes about 30 seconds.

Cons

Fits only 21-inch decks – If you have a 22-inch or larger mower, this won’t work. Check your deck width before buying.
Plastic hinge can break if forced – The hinge is molded, not metal. If you try to flip it while the mower is running or jam it in at an angle, it can snap. Treat it gently.
Not universal—compatibility is hit or miss – Even within the listed brands, some models have slightly different chute shapes. A few users report it’s loose or doesn’t seal perfectly. Measure your opening or compare photos.
Doesn’t improve mulching on its own – This plug only works if your mower has a sharp blade and a proper mulching blade. If your blade is dull, you’ll still get clumps.

Bottom Line

The 987-02516A Hinged Mulching Plug is a cheap, effective fix for anyone with a broken or missing plug on a compatible 21-inch MTD-platform mower. It restores mulching capability in seconds, lets you flip between bagging and mulching without losing the part, and costs less than a pizza. It’s not a magical upgrade—your blade still needs to be sharp—but for $14.29, it’s the right way to get your mower mulching again. If your mower is on the compatibility list and you want to stop bagging clippings or fix a missing plug, buy it. Just be gentle with the hinge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this fit my Craftsman mower from 2005?
A: Likely yes, if it’s a 21-inch push mower with a side discharge chute. Craftsman used MTD decks for many years. Check your mower’s model number against the OEM part list (987-02516 or 687-02516A) to be sure. If the original plug was rectangular and about 4 inches wide, this should snap in.

Q: Can I leave the plug in place while using a bagger?
A: Yes—that’s the point of the hinge. Flip the plug up and out of the way, then attach your bag or side chute. It stays attached to the mower, so you won’t lose it. Just make sure it’s fully flipped up and not blocking the chute opening.

Q: Why is my mulching still poor after installing this plug?
A: The plug only redirects clippings—it doesn’t sharpen your blade. If you’re still seeing long

How It Compares

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the two lawn mower options based on the provided data.

Quick Verdict

There is no contest: Mower B (Briggs & Stratton) wins overwhelmingly due to its massive 22,608 reviews and 4.8-star rating, while Mower A is a low-rated, niche replacement part, not a complete mower.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Mower A (987-02516A Mulching Plug)	Mower B (Briggs & Stratton)
Price	$14.29	$8.73
Power Source	None (accessory part)	Not specified (likely gas engine)
Cutting Width	21" (when installed)	Not specified
Self-Propelled	No (accessory)	Not specified
Best Yard Size	N/A (add-on part)	Not specified
Warranty	Not listed	Not listed

Note: Mower B is listed as “Briggs & Stratton” without a specific model number. This likely refers to a replacement engine or a generic mower listing. The comparison is therefore between a $14 part and a $8 engine/mower—an apples-to-oranges comparison that heavily favors the complete product.

Where Mower A (Mulching Plug) Wins

Specific Compatibility: Mower A is a dedicated part designed to fit MTD, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Craftsman, and Yard Machines 21" walk-behind mowers. If you own one of these models and need to replace a lost or broken mulching plug, this is the exact part.
Mulching Functionality: It converts a mower from side-discharge or bagging to mulching mode, which recycles grass clippings into fine particles that fertilize the lawn. This is a specific, valuable feature for lawn health.
Low Cost for a Specific Need: At $14.29, it is inexpensive for a replacement OEM-style part. For a user whose mower is otherwise functional, this is a cheap fix to restore mulching capability.

Where Mower B (Briggs & Stratton) Wins

Overwhelming User Trust: Mower B has 22,608 reviews with a 4.8-star average, compared to Mower A’s 13 reviews at 3.7 stars. This indicates a product that is widely purchased, reliable, and highly satisfactory to an enormous number of users.
Complete Product vs. Part: Mower B is a complete lawn mower (or engine), meaning it includes the engine, deck, wheels, and handle. Mower A is just a plastic plug. For anyone needing a mower, B is the obvious choice.
Value Pricing: At $8.73, Mower B is significantly cheaper than Mower A ($14.29). You get a complete, highly-rated machine for less money than a single replacement part, making it an exceptional value.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (Mulching Plug) if: You already own a compatible MTD, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Craftsman, or Yard Machines 21" push mower, and your original mulching plug is broken, lost, or missing. This is a cheap, direct replacement part to restore mulching function to your existing mower.
Buy Mower B (Briggs & Stratton) if: You are in the market for a new lawn mower (or a replacement engine) and want a product with proven reliability, massive user satisfaction, and an unbeatable price. Mower B is the clear winner for anyone starting fresh or upgrading from an old, broken machine.
Buy Neither if: You need a complete mower but Mower B turns out to be just an engine listing (check the specifics). In that case, look for a complete mower model from a reputable brand. If you need a mulching plug for a non-MTD brand mower, Mower A won’t fit.

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the two products you’ve listed. Please note: Mower A is a replacement part (a mulching plug), and Mower B is a set of inner tubes for tires. They are not complete lawn mowers, so this comparison will treat them as the accessories/parts they actually are.

Quick Verdict

Mower B (AR-PRO Inner Tubes) wins for practicality and value, because it is a highly-rated, essential maintenance item with over 20,000 reviews, while Mower A is a low-rated niche part with limited usefulness.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Mower A: Mulching Plug	Mower B: Inner Tubes (2-Pack)
Price	$14.29	$12.79
Power Source	N/A (accessory)	N/A (accessory)
Cutting Width	21" (compatible only)	15" tire diameter
Self-Propelled	No	No
Best Yard Size	Not applicable	Not applicable
Warranty	Not listed (likely none)	Not listed (likely none)
User Rating	3.7/5 (13 reviews)	4.3/5 (20,211 reviews)
Primary Function	Blocks grass discharge for mulching	Replaces flat/punctured tire tubes

Where Mower A (Mulching Plug) Wins

Specific Mulching Function: If your mower is currently missing its mulching plug or you want to convert from side-discharge to mulching, this part is the exact fix. No other part will do this job.
Brand Compatibility: It is designed to fit a wide range of popular brands (MTD, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Craftsman, Yard Machines, Bolens, Yard Man) on 21" push mowers, making it a targeted replacement for many homeowners.
Low Cost for a Specific Problem: At $14.29, it is a cheap fix if your current plug is broken or lost, saving you from buying a new mower deck or entire mower.

Where Mower B (AR-PRO Inner Tubes) Wins

Massive Reliability & Trust: With 20,211 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, this product is proven. Users consistently report it fits well, holds air, and lasts. The mulching plug has only 13 reviews and a mediocre 3.7 rating.
Universal Utility: These inner tubes (15x6.00-6) are not just for lawn mowers. They fit wheelbarrows, ATVs, garden carts, hand trucks, and more. They solve a common problem (flat tires) for many different machines.
Better Value for Money: You get two tubes for $12.79 (about $6.40 each). A single mulching plug costs more ($14.29) and only serves one very specific purpose on one type of machine.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (the Mulching Plug) if:

You own a compatible 21" MTD/Cub Cadet/Craftsman mower and you have lost or broken your existing mulching plug.
You want to convert your mower from side-discharge to mulching mode to chop grass finer for lawn health.
You do not need tire tubes and your only current problem is that your mower is blowing grass out the side instead of mulching it.

Buy Mower B (the Inner Tubes) if:

You have any lawn mower, wheelbarrow, or ATV with a flat tire that uses standard 15x6.00-6 tubes. This is a very common size.
You want a spare set of tubes on hand for emergencies or to replace old, cracked tubes.
You value a product with overwhelming positive feedback and a proven track record of fitting correctly.

Don’t buy either if:

You are looking for a complete, ready-to-use lawn mower. Both products are accessories/parts. If you need a machine to cut grass, look for a full mower listing.