Don't Make an Expensive Mistake...Think About These 3 Things Before Buying a Power Reel Mower

In this video, I share a few reasons why I had to unfortunately part ways with my California Trimmer reel mower. My intent is not to steer you away from power reel mowing but to give you some important things to consider as to why your lawn might not be suitable for it. I think you'll be able to make a better, more informed decision after watching. Lawn care becomes a whole new ball game when you make the jump to power reel mowing. So you need to know these details before you reel mow.
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Guide To Power Reel Mowing - • Guide To Power Reel Mo...
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DIY lawn care tips from the average homeowner for the average homeowner looking to fix an ugly lawn or maintain a nice one. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, you'll learn ways to have the best yard on the block without spending a lot of money.
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I'm a husband and dad who loves his family and his lawn. Gotta care for and manage a budget for both.
#reelmower #reelmowing #reelmow #reellow #reellowmow #earthwisereelmower #californiatrimmer #californiatrimmerreelmower #lawnmower #lawnmowing #mow #mowing #lawncare #lawn #rotarylawnmower #bermudagrass

[@michaellord1389]

Spot on! What those you tubers won’t tell you is that reel mowed requires waaaaay maintenance and you have to mow more waaaay more. I often wonder if those guys have no life and their life is mowing their grass 9 days a week. No thank you. Lol. Keep up what your doing. You are being real and I like it.

[@BudgetLawns]

You got that right. You definitely have to be willing to put in the time, not only mowing, but maintaining the machine. Thank you for watching and commenting! Appreciate ya!

[@williamjonson6845]

I have the 7 blade manual reel mower. Hard to purchase that power reel mower

[@PrincessCutLawnCare]

1000% agree with your first point. Mowing my 1100 sqft lawn with the greensmaster was a nightmare.. Was a bit better with the Tru cut but still not optimal, like you I have conceded reel mowing (at least until I upgrade properties 🤞)

[@BudgetLawns]

It’s sooo easy to get lost in the sauce even if it’s not the right play. A power reel mower on a small lawn is way too much of a headache than it is enjoyable. I think my front lawn lawn is just shy of 1500 sqft. Not worth it. Thanks for watching dude. Look forward to seeing if that move happens for ya. Have a great rest of the weekend!

[@marcobrown83]

Honest statement. Only your yard is up to you and you know what's works!

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks man. Appreciate ya as always! 👊👊

[@nint3ndad]

Budgetlawns always coming with the facts even when people don’t wanna hear it 😂😂 keep up the great content sir 🤘🤘

[@BudgetLawns]

😆😆 only way I know how. Appreciate ya watching and commenting!

[@clegg4507]

Bought a Mascot 21” push reel mower. Really enjoy it and it’s a great workout. You’re making great videos, keep them coming.

[@BudgetLawns]

Thank you. Appreciate that! I'm right there with ya. Get to burn some calories and cut the grass. Hard to beat that lol.

[@mitchcooper107]

You’re absolutely right. Enjoy the mow! That’s what it’s all about. No matter what you’re using!

[@BudgetLawns]

LOL, I'll take the comments on both videos. Doesn't bother me one bit. 👊👊 You nailed it bro. If' it isn't fun, it's not worth doing. Appreciate ya, my friend!

[@mitchcooper107]

Haha I don’t know what happened there! Best part of the yard is when you open that gate and see the rocks, the stone, the mulch, the grass..man it looks good! 👍

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks man. I'm all about different materials, textures, colors, etc. Amazes me how some people want nothing but grass. Glad I'm not the only one that sees it. 👊👊

[@johnfetter3252]

Thanks Travis. I have had a McLane 25 inch reel mower for 4 years. But, it is VERY fiddly!. It needs to be backlapped at least 2x a year. It eats belts every year, and then it needs the routine maintenance. My dealer is great, but for the average lawn, a rotary mower is just fine.

[@BudgetLawns]

Great points man. So many things to consider in the lawn and garage when deciding to drop the coin on a power reel mower. For most people, a solid rotary mower is all that's needed. Appreciate ya as always.

[@rodgersandrodgers8191]

I always love your videos. I am a small tall fescue DYI but I love your show as well as your information. Thank you

[@BudgetLawns]

Thank you. Appreciate that very much!

[@speeddemon0712]

You were a BIG reason why I bought my California Trimmer. I think I've watched all your CT videos multiple times haha. I can definitely confirm it's cumbersome turning around with obstacles, especially walls. I've only had it for 2 months now so I'm still learning and finding new ways, but I love it. I had the Earthwise a month before I bought the CT (you played another big part in that too haha), and it was great as well. But it started floating and rippling really bad and I just got tired of fighting it. Post a POV video of you mowing your new yard, front and back. That would be fun to watch.

[@BudgetLawns]

I loved it too. It was sad to see it go. I am excited about getting the earthwise back out again. Just bought something for it to hopefully make it better. Details soon. Funny you suggest that. I’ve been thinking about doing a pov video to show people what I’m talking about. Thanks for watching and the comment.

[@aroundthehousewithpat31]

I like my power reel mower. I have a Swardman and I’m into my 4th summer with it. I mow my KBG twice a week at 1 inch. I mowed twice a week with the rotory. Doesn’t take anymore time mowing with the swardman. I just changed the belts on it for the first time. I probably could have gotten through the summer without changing the belts but I had them so I switched them out. I have the dethatching and scarifying cartridges also.. I dethatch once a month. It’s great. I used to power reel mow my grandfathers grass when I was a kid and that thing was a beast. It was very scary to use but he had the nicest lawn on the block. Reel mowing makes a huge difference in the look of a lawn. I don’t think I would ever go back to daily rotory mowing.

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks for the insight man. Always great to hear your input. Have a great rest of the weekend, my friend.

[@lanieroutside]

Everything is looking great! I have many of the same reasons for not reel mowing. Heck took two hours today just clearing all the mess from Thursday's storms so I could rotary mow. Look forward to seeing your progress with all the landscaping. Way more exciting than looking at a boring bland piece of turf mowed daily with a reel mower👊👊

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks brother. Appreciate ya following along. Just grass is boring. Glad ya agree! 👊👊

[@rosendo9953]

Appreciate the humility!! I have a manual reel mower that works great on my 500 sq ft front lawn and have known for a while that a power reel mower would not work for me😢 love the cut of my fiskars🔥and will continue for the near future with it and my rotary for the backyard. Looking fwd to seeing whats next for u🙌

[@BudgetLawns]

Thank you. Appreciate ya watching and the comment.

[@Striperman]

Good choices and decisions. All looks great and whatever works easiest and still enjoy the mow with results is all that matters .

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks bud. The enjoyment is what it's all about. Appreciate ya as always.

[@MrIEnigma]

Keep it simple. Some of these guys get too obsessed and advanced with it. Few of my neighbors got power reel mowers and cant keep up with the growth. I manually reel cut front and side but rotary mow back at 3in cause of slight slope.

[@BudgetLawns]

I like your style. We’re on the same page. Appreciate ya watching and sharing. 👊👊

[@DadBuiltDIY]

Thanks for another great video!

[@BudgetLawns]

Thank you. Appreciate ya watching.

[@william-1776]

Thanks for the tips!

[@BudgetLawns]

👍👍 you bet. Thanks for watching!

[@JohnC3POlerud]

I feel your pain brotha and Im sorry youve had to concede. But atleast you can get a little fix from a manual mow in from time to time......hang in there brotha you will be ok. My thoughts and prayers are with ya. Fight on Trojans!

[@BudgetLawns]

🤣🤣👊👊 appreciate ya watching!

[@TheeRustyCage]

Man that front yard looks awesome! Your backyard looks good too. I didn’t see any half moon marks or anything and that’s pretty great for rotary. Really been focused on your mantra this year and man my yard looks good for way less money. Literally was cutting my grass yesterday and thought about how great it’s doing without all the carbs 😂😂😂

[@BudgetLawns]

😆😆😆 that’s awesome man. Great to hear. It’s amazing how it really is possible for less. Thanks so much for watching and commenting as usual. Appreciate you!

[@ms6801]

I love your videos…Found you last year and still laugh out loud when you talked about pulling weeds by hand. I was using all the expensive sprays the other channels were recommending . Guess what, hand pulling weeds works better and more therapeutic. I was seriously looking at a reel mower but decided this year, it is not worth the effort. I have learned soooooo much from you. Please keep them coming! Ohhh and Go Vols! 😂😊

[@BudgetLawns]

😆😆 sounds crazy but the crazy things are always the best. Appreciate ya watching and sharing that. Have a great rest of the weekend, my friend. 👊

[@jamesking6613]

I have aways followed your three recommendations for a great lawn (way before I heard you mention them) and I have always used a rotary mower. Now that’s a budget lawn. 😂

[@BudgetLawns]

You got it all figured out. Appreciate you watching and commenting. 👊

[@jimgreyard6623]

Thanks. Honesty was great coming to terms ... power reel not always good for some bermuda layouts.

[@BudgetLawns]

You’re welcome. For sure. Appreciate ya watching and commenting!

[@scottlarkin4748]

You are right. I went out and bought a McLane 25”GK series so highest HOC was 3/4”. It was just too much work and too much prep. I’m back to my Timemaster and haven’t used it this year. Oh, and Go Hogs!!!

[@BudgetLawns]

WPS. Won’t be long! 🏈🏈 appreciate ya watching and sharing your experience. Totally get it.

[@BermudaBrian]

Smart decision. Go Dawgs!

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks dude. 🏈🏈 is coming up fast! 🐗🐗WPS!

[@jbragg2493]

Ohhh noo! Say it’s not true? CT for life man! Jk I see what you’re saying. You are welcome back to the club anytime!

[@BudgetLawns]

Haha, thanks man. 👊👊👍👍

[@GetMe2Now]

Well done! My front yard and driveway are very similar to yours and i don’t attempt to use my CT on it. Earthwise 7 blade is great for it.

[@BudgetLawns]

Awesome. Great to hear. Makes me feel better! Appreciate ya watching and sharing!

[@kleenk8]

Excellent video, and your property looks great. I had the reel mower fever, but after some deep thought, and the scope of my yard, I got over it. My yard looks great in my opinion, and I mow 3 x a week when I can, but always at least two with my rotary on Bermuda. Thing is, my yard is technical to cut. Two dang trees in the front yard and curved curbing by the house make nice long runs not possible. Plus while my backyard has straight runs, it is sloped and not leveled. If my wife would not hand me my head on a plate if I cut the trees down, I would do it, and then, and only then would I consider a reel mower. Looking forward to your next video.

[@BudgetLawns]

Thank you. Sounds like you've made a good decision. All that matters is that it looks great to you. Appreciate ya watching and sharing your story.

[@hudsonjamesc]

I think the hudson star would be great for you.

[@BudgetLawns]

They look awesome. Im just not gonna pay that much for a manual reel mower. I’ve got one that cost 100 bucks and will do everything I want it to. Im not interested in golf green height. Appreciate ya watching and commenting.

[@r_cab314]

I have pretty much the same plan of attack. Manual reel in the front, less than 900 square ft. And rotary in the back as its a work in progress and uneven. Been doing a good job.

[@BudgetLawns]

👍👍 Solid plan. I think my front is just a little less than 1500. Appreciate ya watching and sharing!

[@enzomoya1689]

I have bad knees. I would never buy a house with that much slope! You really can't even park in your driveway! 😂

[@BudgetLawns]

Yeah it’d be tough with bad knees. On the bright side, no one wants to use the driveway 😂. Pretty common here in the Ozark mountains with all the hills. Thanks for watching.

[@Dennis-HailState]

Travis, you gave it one heck of a try to be able to power reel mow the new yard and invested $$$. Sorry it did not work out, but the Bermuda is starting to look really good (front & back yards)

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks man. Appreciate that. 👊👊

[@1975oldschool]

Kinda sad to hear you’re getting rid of the CT, but it was the right decision. From landscaping is looking killer!

[@BudgetLawns]

Me too bro. All good things must come to an end I suppose. Thanks buddy 🙌👊

[@SunnyBermuda]

☀️I was wondering what parts you’d be able to use the Cali on. Good call on the rotary, still looks great. In this market sale it and start over. 😎

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks man. Reality set in for sure. It's turned into a blessing. I'd rather have the different contours than just flat grass. Appreciate ya watching.

[@Cgars4me]

I like the look of reel mowers, just more maintenance and effort for me. I have considered manual reel, but the old rotary still gets the job done.

[@BudgetLawns]

Totally agree! Appreciate ya watching.

[@robertturner1947]

Power reel mowing that had to be a "reel" 😂 PITA! At the end of the day ,its going to look killer anyway!! Great stuff Brother..T/C TTYS

[@BudgetLawns]

👊👊😆😆 thanks brother. We’re gettin closer every day. Appreciate ya man.

[@daza2020]

You certainly make sence, I’m doing the same in Australia 🇦🇺 but do like the Hudson manual reel mower which one are you getting 👍👍👍😂💰🇦🇺

[@BudgetLawns]

👊👍 I’m going back to the 7 blade Earthwise that I used a few years ago. It’s just been collecting dust in the garage but not for much longer. Thanks so much for watching.

[@SplashBucketz]

i agree. I bought a cal trimmer about 3 years ago. Reel mowing is great at first but the simplicity of a regular rotary time master is just way too convenient. I’m probably gonna sell the cal trimmer and just go back to full time rotary for next year.

[@BudgetLawns]

Appreciate ya watching and sharing your experience. That’ll be helpful for other folks. 👊👍

[@HazyTom]

What rotary do you recommend? I've got an old 32 year old snapper that works, but is loud as crap. Also have an Allett I bought used i might sell thinking of either a Cali or new rotary. I would like Battery if possible, but if I miss a mow, the snapper bogs down.

[@BudgetLawns]

I really like my Troybilt. Next time though, I’ll likely be getting a toro. Some friends of mine own a hardware store that’s a toro dealer. I like to support them and local businesses anytime I can. Not sure which model I’ll be going with. Appreciate ya watching.

[@wadebagent3390]

I have a McLane reel mower I've had for years. I really only use it now for scalping in the spring and use my rotary the rest of the season. We had a new homeowner come into the neighborhood last year that immediately bought a McLane, obviously watched too many doc videos. This spring when I broke out my 1986 B&B McLane to scalp down, he strolls across the street and says, "I guess I've started something." I don't know, maybe when he figures it out, I'll be able to pick it up on the cheap.

[@BudgetLawns]

😂😂 yeah see if he’s singing the same tune a year from now. Thanks for watching and commenting as always. Appreciate you. 👊👊

[@wadebagent3390]

@@BudgetLawns After following doc and LCN, I figure he's going to need the money. I pitched your channel as well, because I figure he's going to need the money. Love your take brother, keep it up!

[@BudgetLawns]

Haha. Thanks man. I bet you’re right!

[@shanew7361]

You need to hit that with GCi fertilizer or Docs super juice lol The maintenance needed and the unrealistic lawn I'll pass on a reel mower.

[@BudgetLawns]

Think that'll help? lol. Thanks for watching and the comment as always. Appreciate ya.

[@mativakuresa6815]

You win some you lose some. Well brother you just change my mind for next year reel mower lol. I have a 1800 sq ft lawn with a 2% slopes and I’m having a hard time trying not to scalp it every time I cut it. Maybe I need to down grade to a push mower what you think. Anyway the front lawn is coming along brother and your back yard looking mighty fine as always.

[@BudgetLawns]

Thanks man. So you’re using a power reel right now? When I used to manually reel mow, I actually thought that was the best my old lawn ever looked. Loved it. Worth a shot for a small lawn. I used to manual mow 4K sqft. Appreciate ya!

[@mativakuresa6815]

My bad brother I meant to say I have 18,000 sqft lawn and I have a John deer E120 riding mower. I was thinking about start cutting my grass with a reel mower next year but you change my mind. It’s my first year getting my lawn right and thanks to you I gain a lot of knowledge. Didn’t know anything about pre emergent till I found your channel by then It was to late for me but I’ll be ready for it this fall and next year. Thanks for all the advice.

[@syncere2u]

still planning a lawn leveling? any chance the back gets the manual reel in future, maybe after leveling?

[@BudgetLawns]

No sand projects planned for this season. Wanted to do the back but have done enough big projects for the summer. Leveling will have to wait until next year. There’s a chance the manual reel gets on the back if I can get it smoothed enough. I’ve got some ideas for a rotary and reel mix in the back. Thanks for watching and the questions.

[@trplay1]

If you can get a signal at your back yard patio level, the Luba robot is the machine for you. Set it up on your back fence solar-powered and You can cut every day or night. They have the cut down to 20 mm with a spacer. Check it out.

[@BudgetLawns]

You're dead set on this aren't you? lol They've sent me emails multiple times asking me if I want one to test and review. Just not interested in that technology right now. Not to be stubborn, just waiting on it to keep improving before I jump in. I know people who love it and others hate it. I'm yet to be determined. Appreciate ya watching and commenting as always.

[@trplay1]

@@BudgetLawns Yep I have taken the cool-aid. Some words of advice. If Mammotion will send you a Luba take it. RTK technology is rock solid, surveyors use it for goodness' sakes! If you have the signal this thing will cut every one of your sections while you make you tube videos.

[@BudgetLawns]

👍👍

[@natureboy4258]

How do you back lap your earth wise reel mower?

[@BudgetLawns]

Haven’t done it yet. I have the kit for it but haven’t needed to. Shouldn’t be too hard. It has a crank thing to make it easier. Thanks for watching.

[@jbaruman272]

I would love a manual reel mower if one existed that mowed at 0.25 inches or less...

[@BudgetLawns]

Too short for my taste. Have you looked at the Hudson Star? Not sure how low it goes, but it's a greens mower that's manual. Pricey too. Thanks for watching.

[@jbaruman272]

@@BudgetLawns Yeah I would onlu buy one for a special project putting green. Hence why I dont have one. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tite732]

will a manual reel mower really look that much better than my rotary at 1.1.5 inches? I have a small lawn as well front 1500K and back 1600K and trying to slowly bring it down to 1 inch.

[@BudgetLawns]

Go Birds. It will make it look better but it just depends on your expectations. I don't think it's worth it anymore. I've gone back to only rotary mowing and am achieving what I want. Thanks for watching.

[@tite732]

@@BudgetLawns fly Eagles fly. Ok good to know. I think I will just keep my blades as sharp as possible and try to keep lowering and achieve a 1 inch cut with the rotary. I do see that that grass is a lot lighter. Do I just add iron and spoon feed urea to darken? Any tips? PGR??

[@BudgetLawns]

@tite732 I’m not into all that but if you wanna give it a shot, some folks like it. It will be a little lighter the shorter it is.

[@mdhandley11]

WHICH MANUAL REEL MOWER DO YOU RECOMMEND? I HAVE A 5K SECTION I WOULD LIKE TO TRY IT ON

[@BudgetLawns]

Earthwise 16 inch, 7 blade. That’s what I’ll be using on my small front. Thanks for watching.

[@vinnypinatelli221]

What manual reel mower you gonna get my friend?

[@vinnypinatelli221]

And I totally agree my yard is big but sloped, so I'm gonna stick to a manual. also, just rotary mowing right now don't know what Manual reel I wanna get!

[@BudgetLawns]

I still have my earthwise 16 inch 7 blade that I got several years ago. Never got rid of it. I’ll just be using it. I was happy with it then. It’s all I need as I’m not interested in golf green height. Thanks for watching. 👊👊

[@Bdh841]

About what height do you mow your backyard?

[@BudgetLawns]

Above the wall is at about 2.25-2.5. Below is about 1.75. Once I get it all smoothed out with sand I wanna be around 1-1.25. Thanks for watching.

[@Bdh841]

@@BudgetLawns Watch all your videos. Thanks for responding

[@BudgetLawns]

Anytime. Thank you!

[@MisterAdam-jj5jv]

Thanks for voicing out loud what others are ashamed to admit... power reels aren't for everybody

[@BudgetLawns]

👊 not by a long shot. And there’s nothing wrong with rotary mowing. I find it more enjoyable! Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@WooderBoyProductions]

“You lose, good day sir” Willy Wonka

[@BudgetLawns]

😂😂😂