a mower has a collecting box with the dual functions of collecting mown grass and distributing grass or other material over the ground . thus the box has an outlet opening which is closed or obstructed during grass collection . it may be an elongate opening which is obstructed by an elongate brush or paddle member which is rotatable when it is desired to discharge material . the box may have a mechanism such as a belt or other conveyor for conveying material to the opening .