[rjm240]

I use gator blades and leave the side discharge open. I then mow so I discharge toward the uncut leaves. This method runs them over multiple times. I dont have crazy thick leaves likes some people so this method works for me by taking the thick leaves from under the trees and disbursing them to parts of my lawn with less leaves. I only need to bust out my lawn sweeper when the kids want a big pile of leaves to jump in, otherwise the gator blades pretty much take care of them for me.

I also lower my deck a bit for leaf season. It really help reduce the thatch in the spring if I start mowing a bit lower in the fall.