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I have a John Deere Z535m, which uses pretty much the same deck. I too fitted the mulching kit on the JD, as with my other machine [Stiga 740 Pwx], I have always mulched.
You should not have any problems with the mulching. Mine works perfectly. The mulching kit is not a ‘plug’ on my 48’’ Accel deep deck. It is an entirely additional set of heavy duty steel baffles which fit around all three blades, with a lever to open the side [where the side discharge already is] to go back to side discharge. Once the mulching kit is fitted though, the side discharge is less good, although still acceptable.
I would suggest that a garden tractor type of mower is not ideal for commercial use and particularly not if you are only mulching. For less money a zero turn equivalent can be had. It is far easier to get under overhanging foliage and around obstacles than a garden tractor would be. The ideal set up of course is the out front deck like on the Stiga, but the Z535m is a faster machine than the Stiga, cuts a wider strip and can tackle rougher grass than the Stiga if needed. In ideal conditions, the Z535m will mow at 8.5 mph.
In terms of reliability. My john Deere is nearly three and a half years old and has been totally reliable. Apart from servicing, which I do myself, it has only just in the last month or so had a new deck belt and a set of deck wheels. That is all it has needed.