STEP 2

Remove the Deck Boot from the mower deck and assemble the outer and inner sections of the Deck Boot. Check to confirm that the outer and inner sections of the boot are aligned or positioned along the line that was applied to the boot in Step 1. If available use a “C” clamp to temporarily secure the two sections of the boot together. Now drill two 1/8” holes in each of the Boot alignment slots/channels on the top section of the Deck Boot (see photo below).

NOTE: Before drilling the screw holes check and confirm that you will be drilling into the outer and inner halves of the Deck Boot, adjust hole placement as necessary.

Now insert 4 self-tapping screws (provided with the Kit) and tighten the screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Secure snugly, do not strip material by over tightening. Now flip the deck boot over and place 3 to 4 self-tapping screws in the bottom of the Deck Boot (see photo below).

STEP 3

Place the assembled Deck Boot back on the mower deck. While holding the Deck Boot in place with one hand slightly stretch the retention strap located on the right hand side of the Deck Boot and determine a suitable distance for the placement of one of the two Retention Strap Eye Bolts (provided with the Kit). It may be possible to place the Eye Bolt in a pre-existing hole in the mower deck (as shown in the photo below). If no pre-existing hole exists you will need to drill a ¼” hole in the mower deck. Insert the Eye Bolt and use the upper nut on the Eye Bolt to set the height of the Eye Bolt when placing the Eye Bolt in the mounting hole. After placing the Eye Bolt in the mounting hole apply the second nut and tighten the second nut with a 7/16” wrench. Repeat the process outlined above on the other side of the Deck Boot.

NOTE: If the support frame for the mower deck is of a suitable distance (far enough away to provide enough tension to hold the Deck Boot securely in place) it may be possible to secure the Retention Strap to a section of the frame and thus eliminate the need to install the second Eye Bolt. In either instance confirm that the retention strap does not get in the way of any moving parts.

STEP 4

Place the Bridging Clamp on one end of the hose/tube. Then slide the opposite end of the hose/tube into the LeafCat Bag/Cage. Now place the end of the hose with the clamp on it over the discharge tube of the Deck Boot. Now measure how far the hose sticks into the LeafCat Bag/Cage. If the hose sticks into the Bag/Cage more than 6” we recommend shortening the hose as necessary with a hack saw or heavy duty shears. If it was necessary to remove and cut the hose, reinsert the hose into the Bag/Cage and slide the clamp end of the hose over the Deck Boot tube and tighten the Bridge Clamp with a Flathead screwdriver.

The space where the grass and leaves exit from the deck is known as the deck opening. The mower deck boot fits over this opening and channels the mower clippings/debris into the chute tube/hose, then the hose directs the debris into the mower collection bag. The LeafCat universal mower deck boot uses an accordion design, allowing it to fit the widest variation of mower decks. That’s not something all deck boots can claim. Lawn tractors usually have a smaller opening compared to Zero-Turn Mowers; the accordion design of the LeafCat Deck Boot adapts to any mower deck. Our universal mower deck boot is easy to install, which our competitors can’t claim. If you decided not to buy the costly, small-capacity grass bagger that was offered with your mower, no problem! The LeafCat Universal Deck Boot kit provides everything you need to connect your mower deck to the LeafCat Bagging System. If you want the best lawn mower deck boot adapter on the market, turn to the LeafCat.