What is this ? Craftsman riding mower "baffle"?

Question

On my Craftsman rider I had to order a new "baffle" for under the deck because I ran over a tree root and broke the other one. My question is, what is this part for? Its bolts under the deck at the middle front edge on the inside of the deck. Its about a foot long and is tear drop shaped steel. Thanks.

Answer 1

Without the baffle, the air flow for discharge will not be correct to feed the clippings to the exhaust.  Also the vacuum created by the blades will not create to pull the grass up for cutting.  Basically it is part of the wind tunnel effect needed for correct cutting and discharge.

Answer 2

i think it's for mulching......... did the grass start blowing out the side after you broke it?