Gravely and Ariens Zero Turn Mower Mulch Kit 79105900- Fits 60" Deck ZT HD APEX Review
By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026
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The Gravely and Ariens Zero Turn Mower Mulch Kit 79105900 is a dedicated mulching conversion system designed specifically for 60-inch decks on ZT HD, APEX, and select other zero-turn models. It’s built for homeowners and light-commercial operators who want to eliminate bagging or side-discharge and instead recycle clippings into fine, nutrient-rich mulch that feeds the lawn. This kit replaces your standard discharge chute and baffles with a precision-engineered setup that keeps clippings circulating under the deck until they’re cut into near-invisible particles.
Who Should Buy This
- Homeowners with 1–3 acres of open, relatively flat turf – If you’re mowing a large property and hate stopping to empty bags, this kit lets you mow continuously while returning organic matter to the soil.
- Lawn enthusiasts who want a manicured look without bagging – The fine mulch particles disappear into the grass canopy, leaving a clean, professional finish that rivals bagging—without the extra work.
- Operators with Gravely ZT HD or Ariens APEX 60-inch mowers – This is a factory-designed fit for those specific deck geometries, so if you own one of these machines, the installation is straightforward and the performance is dialed in.
- Anyone who wants to reduce fertilizer use – Mulching returns nitrogen and other nutrients to the lawn, cutting down on synthetic fertilizer needs over the growing season.
Key Features Breakdown
Fits 60" Decks on ZT HD, APEX, and Select Models – This isn’t a universal kit. It’s engineered specifically for Gravely and Ariens 60-inch fabricated decks. The bolt-on baffles and redesigned discharge area match the deck’s airflow patterns, so you get consistent clipping recirculation without dead spots.
High-Quality Steel Construction – The kit includes formed steel baffles and a mulch plug that replace the side-discharge chute. It’s heavy-gauge material that resists bending or warping, even when you’re mowing thick, damp grass.
Precision-Engineered Baffle Design – The internal baffles are shaped to create a vortex that keeps clippings suspended under the deck long enough for the blades to cut them multiple times. This is the key difference between a half-hearted mulch kit and one that actually works.
Easy Bolt-On Installation – No welding or cutting required. You remove the side-discharge chute, bolt on the mulch baffle, and install the plug. Expect about 20–30 minutes of work with basic hand tools.
Compatible with Standard G5 or High-Lift Blades – The kit works with both blade types, but for best mulching results, Gravely recommends using dedicated mulching blades (sold separately). The kit itself focuses on the deck baffling.
Pros
- Eliminates bagging entirely – Once installed, you never have to haul bags to the curb or dump clippings. Just mow and go.
- Leaves a clean, even cut – Fine mulch particles settle into the grass, not on top of it. No clumps or windrows, even in dense fescue or Bermuda.
- Built to last – The steel baffles and plug are thicker than most aftermarket kits. They won’t crack or rust through after a couple of seasons.
- Reduces your environmental footprint – Returning clippings to the lawn cuts down on landfill waste and reduces the need for nitrogen fertilizer by up to 25% over a season.
- Factory fit and finish – Because it’s a Gravely/Ariens OEM part, the alignment is perfect. No shimming, trimming, or cursing required.
- Saves time on large properties – On a 2-acre lot, you can save 30–45 minutes per mow versus stopping to empty bags.
Cons
- Pricey for a baffle kit – At $322.95, this is more expensive than generic universal mulch kits. The premium is for the OEM fit and durability, but it’s still a noticeable investment.
- Not a complete mulching solution – The kit doesn’t include mulching blades. You’ll need to buy a set of G5 mulching blades separately (around $40–60) to get the full fine-mulch effect.
- Not ideal for wet or overgrown grass – Like any mulching setup, it struggles when grass is tall and damp. You’ll need to mow more frequently and avoid cutting when the lawn is soaked.
- May reduce deck lift slightly – The baffle design can reduce airflow compared to an open discharge, which might leave a slightly less uniform cut on very uneven terrain.
Bottom Line
The Gravely and Ariens Zero Turn Mower Mulch Kit 79105900 is a well-engineered, durable solution for anyone who wants to ditch bagging and mow with less waste. It’s not cheap, but the precision fit and robust construction justify the price for owners of 60-inch Gravely or Ariens zero-turns. Pair it with dedicated mulching blades, and you’ll get a clean, fine mulch that feeds your lawn and saves you hours of bagging over the season. I recommend it for serious homeowners and light-commercial operators who mow at least 1–2 acres regularly and want a low-hassle, environmentally friendly mowing routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this kit fit a Gravely ZT HD 60-inch from 2018?
Yes, it fits all Gravely ZT HD models with a 60-inch fabricated deck, including those from 2018 onward. It also fits Ariens APEX 60-inch decks. If you have an older model or a different series, check your deck part number against Gravely’s compatibility chart before ordering.
Do I need to change my blades when using this mulch kit?
You don’t have to, but you’ll get much better results with dedicated mulching blades (Gravely part number 79105900 is often paired with G5 mulching blades). Standard high-lift blades tend to throw clippings out instead of recirculating them, which defeats the purpose of the kit.
Can I switch back to side-discharge easily?
Absolutely. The kit bolts on and off with the same hardware. If you need to side-discharge for tall grass or fall leaf cleanup, you can remove the mulch plug and baffle in about 15 minutes and reinstall the original chute.
How It Compares
Here is a head-to-head comparison of the Gravely/Ariens Mulch Kit (Mower A) and the Gorilla Carts Dump Cart (Mower B) .
Important Note: These are not competing products. Mower A is a lawn mower accessory (a mulch kit for a specific zero-turn mower), while Mower B is a utility trailer (a tow-behind dump cart). This comparison will evaluate them as solutions for different tasks on your property.
Quick Verdict
Neither wins overall because they serve completely different purposes; buy the Gravely kit if you need to improve grass clipping management on a 60" ZT mower, and buy the Gorilla cart if you need to haul heavy materials around your yard.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Mower A: Gravely/Ariens Mulch Kit | Mower B: Gorilla Carts Dump Cart |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $322.95 | $205.99 |
| Power Source | None (passive mower attachment) | None (manual tow-behind) |
| Cutting Width | 60 inches (fits specific decks) | N/A (no cutting function) |
| Self-Propelled | No (attaches to mower) | No (requires a tow vehicle) |
| Best Yard Size | 1–5+ acres (with compatible mower) | Any size (with a towing vehicle) |
| Warranty | Likely 1-year (Gravely/Ariens parts) | 1-year limited (Gorilla Carts) |
Where Gravely Wins
-
Superior Grass Management for Large Lawns
The mulch kit is designed to finely chop clippings and redistribute them into the turf, eliminating the need to bag or rake. On a 60" zero-turn mower, this saves massive time on properties over 1 acre. The Gorilla cart cannot process grass at all. -
Precision Engineering for Specific Mower Models
This kit (part #79105900) is built specifically for Gravely ZT HD, Ariens APEX, and other 60" fabricated decks. It installs directly into the deck’s baffles for optimal airflow and cutting performance. The Gorilla cart is a universal trailer with no mower-specific integration. -
No Assembly Required for Mowing
Once installed, the mulch kit becomes a permanent part of the mower—no hitching, unhitching, or manual dumping. It’s a set-and-forget solution for weekly mowing. The Gorilla cart requires hitching, loading, and manual dumping after each use.
Where Gorilla Wins
-
Massive Hauling Capacity (1200 lbs / 6 cu ft)
The Gorilla cart can carry heavy loads like soil, mulch, firewood, or stone—up to 1,200 pounds. The Gravely mulch kit cannot haul anything; it only processes grass clippings. If you need to move bulk materials, the cart is the clear choice. -
Universal Compatibility with Any Tow Vehicle
The cart works with lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers, ATVs, or even a garden tractor. The Gravely kit only fits specific 60" zero-turn decks (Gravely ZT HD, Ariens APEX, etc.). If you don’t own one of those mowers, the kit is useless. -
Quick-Release Dumping Feature
The cart’s poly tub tilts and dumps loads easily via a release lever, saving your back. The Gravely kit offers no dumping capability—it’s purely for mulching clippings into the turf.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (Gravely/Ariens Mulch Kit) if:
- You already own a compatible 60" Gravely or Ariens zero-turn mower and want to eliminate bagging on large lawns (1+ acres).
- Your primary goal is to improve lawn health by recycling clippings as fertilizer, and you don’t need to haul heavy materials.
- You prefer a permanent, low-maintenance mowing solution over a separate, manually operated trailer.
Buy Mower B (Gorilla Carts Dump Cart) if:
- You need to move heavy loads like soil, gravel, firewood, or tools around your property, regardless of your mower brand.
- You want a versatile, tow-behind trailer that works with any lawn tractor or ATV and can dump loads easily.
- Your yard is small to medium-sized and you prioritize hauling capacity over grass clipping management.
Buy Neither if:
- You don’t own a compatible mower for the mulch kit and you have no need to haul heavy materials—consider a standard lawn mower or a basic utility cart instead.
Quick Verdict
This isn’t a real head-to-head—these mowers serve completely different purposes. The Gravely/Ariens mulch kit is a part for a large commercial-grade zero-turn mower, while the Greenworks is a small electric push mower. If you’re comparing actual mowers, the Gravely/Ariens machine wins for large lawns and professional use; the Greenworks wins for small yards and budget-friendly electric convenience.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Gravely/Ariens Mulch Kit (Part) | Greenworks 40V 16" Push Mower |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $322.95 | $249.99 |
| Power Source | Gas (requires compatible zero-turn mower) | 40V battery (4.0Ah included) |
| Cutting Width | 60" (deck size) | 16" |
| Self-Propelled | No (part for a self-propelled mower) | No (manual push) |
| Best Yard Size | 2+ acres | Up to 1/3 acre |
| Warranty | Not specified (part) | 4-year limited (tool), 2-year (battery) |
Note: The Gravely/Ariens item is a mulch kit accessory for a 60" zero-turn mower (like the Gravely ZT HD or Ariens APEX), not a standalone mower. The actual mower costs $4,000–$6,000+.
Where Gravely Wins
- Massive cutting capacity – The 60" deck on the compatible mower cuts over 14 times wider than the Greenworks’ 16" deck. On a 2-acre lawn, you’ll finish in under 30 minutes versus hours with the push mower.
- Commercial-grade durability – Gravely/Ariens zero-turn mowers are built with heavy-duty steel frames, commercial engines (e.g., Kawasaki or Briggs & Stratton), and sealed bearings. They last 1,000+ hours of use, while the Greenworks is a consumer-grade tool.
- Mulch kit optimization – This specific kit improves grass clipping recycling on the 60" deck, reducing bagging frequency and returning nutrients to the soil. It’s essential for large lawns where bagging is impractical.
Where Greenworks Wins
- Price and value – At $249.99, the Greenworks is 23% cheaper than just the Gravely mulch kit. The entire mower costs less than a single accessory for the gas zero-turn.
- Low maintenance and quiet operation – No gas, oil changes, spark plugs, or air filters. The 40V battery runs at 70 dB (quiet enough for early morning or noise-sensitive neighborhoods), while a gas zero-turn hits 85–95 dB.
- Versatility and ecosystem – The 40V battery works with 75+ Greenworks tools (trimmers, blowers, chainsaws). The mower is lightweight (approx. 50 lbs), folds for storage, and starts instantly with a push button.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (Gravely/Ariens system) if:
- You own a 60" Gravely ZT HD or Ariens APEX zero-turn mower and need a mulch kit.
- You maintain 2+ acres and need a fast, commercial-grade mower (actual mower purchase required).
- You’re a professional landscaper or property owner who values durability and time savings over upfront cost.
Buy Mower B (Greenworks 40V) if:
- You have a small yard (1/3 acre or less) and want a simple, affordable electric mower.
- You prioritize low maintenance, quiet operation, and light weight over cutting width.
- You already own Greenworks 40V tools and want a battery-compatible mower.
Neither is for you if:
- You need a mid-size gas mower (e.g., 42" zero-turn or self-propelled push mower). The Gravely/Ariens option is only a part, and the Greenworks is too small for larger lawns.
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