It's probably because of the mulching system used by Toro, which usually consists of a "kicker plate" (sometimes more than one) that is meant to deflect the cut grass back on to the blade. But the mulched grass also gathers at the kicker plate and drops off in clumps when there's too much hanging there and gravity takes over.

What model?

20332 personal pace, it was great when i first got it, no clumps whatsoever, even with long wet grass. I seemed to have a hole in the right front wheel, maybe i damaged something on that side?

The right front is puzzling. An actual hole in the wheel? on the tread part? I guess that would be a place to start-especially if it is creating a flat spot. It sounds like this occurs only when mulching? Any signs of trauma to that corner in the sheet metal? Let's also think about what has changed. Over the past couple of months the blade has gotten a bit duller, the deck dirtier- possibly the wheel adjustment has changed.

If cuttings are spitting out that may indicate you are trying to cut too much. If your location has a lot of leaves and/or pine needles on the ground in addition to grass then the mower may have so much under the deck that the cuttings are bogging down in the chute.

Try mowing more frequently, slowing down a bit or reducing the cut swath.

I have the same problem, same model. There isn’t a hole in the tire. As suggested, the leaves/grass is coming from under the body at the right, front tire. The suggestions to eliminate the problem (cut more often, slowing down, smaller paths) do partially work but extent the time to cut and screams inefficiency. It happens when bagging even though the bag is less than half full. It would be helpful if a guard or something was added by toro to correct this.

Mine does the same thing and mower is fairly new. Leaves just spit out the right side. I came here to google and found you! Hope someone has an answer.

I purchased a new blade but the problem remains. I’ve owned this mower for 3 years and don’t recall this ever being an issue. So I guess my son is getting a fantastically maintained, slightly used mower. Time to try a different brand. Something that doesn’t require mowing more frequently, slowing my pace, or reducing the cut swatch to work properly.

Jeffrey, it’s very frustrating but glad to know I’m not crazy!! If I didn’t have leaves it would be fine. Hope it works for your son. Thank you for your response and best of luck on your next one. I’ll be shopping around myself.

The suggestions Jeffery mentioned are accurate . The problem involves the design perimeters of the deck and blade . As the blade wears and the deflector design of the deck is fouled by hardened grass accumulation , the air flow path is compromised . Keeping your blade design dimensions and sharp and deck clean will return the performance . Mulching is always a test for any mower , blades may wear out every few yrs , in abrasive environments , some grass types when mulching damp or tall grass push the envelope . I have owned many Toro,s and they are still the best munchers on the market . I love my current 3 yr old Commercial 22" unit with its 190 Kawasaki kai . Good luck !

When I replaced the blade i cleaned all grass, even the tough, dried on stuff, down to the metal/plastic. It’s normal maintenance to ensure no debris build up and a sharp blade is maintained throughout the cutting season. I purchased the new blade just to ensure the problem wasn’t caused by me sharpening the blade. I have been cutting lawns for 50+ years and am very fond of the Toro brand, until now.

Try raising the front wheels a half notch above the rear. Or vice versa.

I will try this. Did this work for you!? Thank you!

Some times adjusting the right front wheel slightly lower will enhance the turbulence effect , especially with high lift mulching style blades . I have sourced "Gator blades " for my last 2 toros since I primarily mulch spring and fall then bag the majority of the growing season . Prior to my Commercial Toro I currently have , I owned a Super Recycler for 10 yrs . Actually have not experienced any cutting issues myself although , I have rectified numerous customer complaints within this issue . Majority were the older Recycler models and mulching denser , damp or tall grass,s . Anyhow try Tom,s advice and let us know if it helps , may be a design flaw within this specific new model !

Thank you for your response. I will try everything that’s been suggested!!

I put one front wheel higher than the other. I don’t have lots of leaves yet, but what I had seem to be picked up. I will know more in a few weeks when they really start falling. Very hopeful!!

I have only used mine a few times mowing since purchase and it does the same thing out of the right front wheel and for leaves you might as well just mulch them…throws them everywhere. its like the chute/bag system isnt able to keep up with the cutting/mulching or the cutting system is just crap. i will try the offset front wheel picking up leaves again tomorrow to see if that works.

I have the same problem. i adjust the wheel up, i adjust the wheel down, i mow slower, mow faster, more less leaves-NOTHING WORKS! i even contacted toro, they were of no help. Take the mower in. Easier said than done. Has anyone installed a plate underneath to try to prevent the leaves from bunching up and spit out.

Same issue and driving me slightly crazy. Have tried all above suggestions without luck. I have contacted Toro so will wait to see what they say. I paid good money for this mower to avoid problems like this.

While i never fixed mine i know it is the deflector shield that has an opening in it as i recall, only happens when I turn right . if you turn it over it becomes obvious. i had thought of bending up some metal and bolting it to the old piece to close it off. Really irritating when the grass is long. Raising the wheels does not fix it though it makes it easier to cut tall grass with the front cuttingless grass and the back finishing it off

I found a solution for mine. The catcher bottom was bent. Place catcher on a flat surface and see if bottom bar is straight. Push it straight again. It was making a gap and dropping onto the rubber strip and then out via the wheel!

I am having the exact same problem with my Toro 22in Recycler. When using as a mulching mower it throws out half mulched grass and leaves on/near the front right wheel. My Toro Mower is new and I am disappointed in the mulching performance. My previous Toro mower mulched more efficiently than my new Toro after 7 years of use. Would appreciate any help on this.

The problem has gone away. I simply replaced the Toro with a different brand. Problem solved!

I have the same problem and have been looking for a solution. my toro recycker is only 2 years old and im discussed with it. if anyone finds the solution other than a replacement please let us know. but i suspect another brand may be the only one.

Problem seems to be solved. I cutout and installed a debris shield for the right front wheel. Initial test looks like a success. The shield was cut from a plastic lid. Let me know if this works for you.

I have the same proble. Serious design flaw. Look underneath. The front plate is higher than the bottom of the rest of the mower. I have had Toro my whole life. No more!

My solution was to give the lawn mower to my son and buy a different brand. It’s a win,win! Well, except for Toro.

i mulched then tried to pick up what i couid with the bag… Im taking Jeffs lead and giving it to my mother, which I will still use to mow hers. But, I will be getting a new mower (most likely a Troy Built) for my house!

Front plate is too high. My old Toro didn’t do it.