A rear discharge mower includes a frame, a drive wheel having a drive axle and a mower deck supported by the frame. The mower also includes a discharge chute used in transporting cut vegetation from the mower deck to a grass bag. A drive system includes a transmission and is used in driving the drive wheel. The transmission is positioned in line with the drive axle. The inventive arrangement of this rear discharge mower provides for a direct chute having a large cross-sectional area and yet including transmission that is in line.