How to Backlap and Adjust a Tru Cut Reel Mower

[@dtfulton]

Thank you SO much for these step-by-step (Well articulated) instructions along with actually showing the steps in the video.😊

[@miketaylor3311]

Fantastic video, my true cut is as sharp as it has ever been been. And that little stand is a tremendous help. Thanks for talking the time to make the video

[@McFly-yb7kc]

This is the most informative video I’ve ever seen on KZbin. Wow well done

[@kc4tlm]

I picked up a used Tru Cut 2 weeks ago. Found this video. Ordered the backslap kit and spanner. Also picked up a feeler at the auto store for $5. Huge help!! Video went as planned. Just buttoned it up and did a test cut. Fantastic!! Customer and fan for life!! Proud to be a TurfNerd!! Thank you!

[@RB-hl3ux]

😊 Great Video 😊

[@merg2928]

I’ve had a McClame for over 40 years. A friend of mine just gave me a true cut. What is step up and quality. I’m glad I found you. Thanks for the advice. This machine was well taken care of and I will continue to maintain it well. From this point, I will use my Mclean to scalp the yard when I prepare for winter.

[@michaelbarron5068]

Thanks for a very informative video! I have an older 20” TruCut. I bought it a year ago used and had over $600 in “repairs” and tuning. My landscaper uses it every week. It was cutting extremely unevenly. Following your instructions I was able to adjust the reel and it’s now working perfectly! Thanks for your help. We will definitely be purchasing your back lap products going forward.

[@brucebrawner]

Nice video Andrew. Best Tru-Cut backlap video I've seen !!

[@reelrollers]

Thank you sir! It's a big team effort!

[@fairwaybermudalawn]

THANKS ANDREW.. !!.. I'm glad you made this content 👏 soooo glad thanks bro

[@reelrollers]

You bet! I'm glad we finally got around to it!

[@blackbrd99]

Finally a reel damn good TruCut sharpening video. Thank you!

[@Theo_1984]

Acquired a very old 20" Tru Cut last year and decided to do a backlap today. Figured I would search for that magic screw video to assist me as I aimlessly hit a hole punch (I did upgrade to the spanner wrench last time) hoping whatever I do will eventually work - usually 1-2 hours later. In my search I came across this video... unreal! I finally understand how dial in the reel to bed knife without guessing! It still takes a little effort but I got my best adjustment to date! Thank you for posting this!

[@mickgearhart6474]

GREAT VIDEO. I have had Tru Cut for over 20 years and picked up some tips. Good explanations of what you are doing and why. Thanks. Good camera work too. Videos with a wildly moving camera make me dizzy. Thanks for avoiding that! Mick Gearhart

[@reelrollers]

Thank you Mick! I bet you can't wait to get that machine running on your turf soon!

[@user-er7gx5sm6g]

Great video. Had a greensmaster but sold it to get a TC-27. Couldn’t be happier…👊🏼🇺🇸

[@davidn685]

Great video overall. My one critique is that you’re not running the drill in reverse. You’re running the drill in a clockwise motion, which would be considered forward. I think the more appropriate comment is that you’re running the mowers reel in reverse when back lapping. This is a crucial point as you will destroy your blade and sharpening process if you were to try back lap with the drill in reverse.

[@brewcrewfishing]

Love for you all to do one for Mclane, as well as a rear wheel height adjustment for A height.

[@brianb5594]

Excellent video! Ordering my backlap kit and stand soon.

[@mikef5977]

Andrew, Great video. The tip on the spanner is spot on. Made this too easy. The sidekick works great as well; was worried it looked a bit small but holds the mower solid. Thanks for posting this.

[@user-er7gx5sm6g]

Great demo and better hair…. Thanks Andrew. So glad I bought my new mower at RR!

[@reelrollers]

Hahaha! Thanks so much! We are too!

[@RonHenry]

Great video Andrew!

[@reelrollers]

Thanks Ron!!! :)

[@timtalks8292]

For all you turf folks still watching and don’t have a plug in mower check out your local goodwill!!

[@MildlyInfamous]

Great video. Great production value and the content was superb. Reel Rollers is the reel deel.

[@SalvadorSTMZ]

Great video. Very helpful.

[@ahorsenamedoaks1377]

Wish my 1946 Moto-Mower commander was that easy to adjust.

[@jimccc9467]

Great video, just wondering why you don’t show the Tru Cut back lapping kit that uses the mower engine instead of the drill?

[@reelrollers]

Hey thanks Jim! The part/kit when I've looked it up on the Tru-Cut parts that I have access to also shows that it's far more expensive as a tool than what we offer at Reel Rollers, and, I've never seen one. Honestly, at the end of the day, I'm a little intimidated by using the engine's power to run the reel in reverse. Do you own/use one? I'd love to see it in action.

[@jimccc9467]

@@reelrollers I do have one and I’ll be happy to send video, it’s almost time for final scalp up here in NC. I understand the fear using the engine but I have found using the drill was always a two person job. Also on my original 20” Tru Cut using a socket type device damaged the threads. In hindsight I likely had the reel too close to the bed knife which put too much strain/torque on the threads. I definitely keep the digits away from the blade when backlapping but using the engine is painless otherwise. I appreciate the response. Got to know you folks have the parts for Tru Cut also.

[@jimccc9467]

What do you like for chain lube?

[@fredsandford9342]

If you don't have the wrench needle nose plyers do the same open them wide place in holes and turn. 2nd. If you loosen the chain tension all the way the chain can come off without taking a link out.

[@randyvelarde7448]

Add a Mclane backlap vid plz 🙏

[@chrisdadda]

What spacing on the feeler gauge did you use?

[@tedgriffith1967]

Andrew, I noticed that when you had it cutting paper, there was some noticeable blade to blade contact and that you had to use a little bit of force to turn the reel. I'm new to this. Is some resistance and blade sound OK? I used your technique today and got identical results. In a day or so I will receive an idler from you folks and be able to try it out. Just want to make sure I don't have it too tight or something.

[@1975oldschool]

Can one set the reel to bedknife with a feeler gauge like a Toro Greensmower typically does? Example, .002? The reel looked really hard to turn at the end like it would make a horrible sound when running. Thanks for the video!

[@reelrollers]

Great question, and unfortunately, one that I don't feel I can answer- we don't typically deal with greens mowers, so we don't know as much as we do about CalTrim, McLane and Tru-Cut. I'm sure that Ron Henry might be able to point you in the right direction though!

[@harlanhanson3442]

Great video Andrew. When you adjust to backlap, do you set the clearance between the reel & bedknife at .001", .0015" or .002"

[@reelrollers]

Hey Harlan! Thank you! Honestly, I'm not chasing a defined measurement. Maybe that's wrong, but I feel that all I'm looking for is equal distance between the cylider and knife, all the way across.

[@marknye51.thefixitguy]

on the older H20 that i'm working on it seems the reel is out of round thats why it only touches the bedknife in one spot.. any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@thimitri1]

Cooking oil!!!.. thanks for this tip!!

[@reelrollers]

More than one way to skin a cat, right?! Thank you!

[@marknye51.thefixitguy]

i have an older H20 trucut that i'm servicing for a homeowner and only one reel blade touches the bedknife in one spot. i also have no idea why there are two screws on the top above the bedknife housing that are adjustable but no idea what they adjust.

[@greggarn]

Just tested my mower and as I thought I’m not cutting paper at all, so I ordered the back lap kit. During the set up to back lap I noticed my reel does not contact the bed knife at all. Do I still need to move the reel away from the bed knife to back lap ?

[@codydevillier5682]

You said operate the drill in reverse… this would turn the real forward while backlapping. I have seen other videos that the drill is not in reverse meaning the drill is set to tighten if you will. Which is correct?

[@reelrollers]

It depends which mower on whether it is clockwise or counter clockwise because on some brands the chain/ reel to socket is on the left side and others on the right side. On a truncut you would be running the drill clockwise (spinning the reel backwards)

[@codydevillier5682]

Thanks for clearing that up. Sadly i followed this video word for word. And now i have to go re-do it 😢

[@JeremyRoss]

The reel/bedknife adjustment mechanism on these machines is not great. So bad in fact that I sold my TC. But the advice here is good.

[@reelrollers]

come get The Revolution 26

[@rahulthakur5301]

Andrew - When you say there should be distance between the reel and bedknife prior to backslapping, should there be ANY contact or should the reel spin freely and then use the feeler gauge to adjust? I use 80 grit and then 120 grit

[@reelrollers]

Minimal contact. Let your drill also talk to you- if it's whining, and having a SUPER hard time turning the reel in reverse, you're still too tight. Loosen up a little more. You can also begin to lap, and as you do, give the blades a feel. If the compound just doesn't seem to be taking any meat off the blades, making it feel sharper, you may need to tighten just a bit.

[@crashtfa]

Would these directions work for a trucut h-27?

[@jonreininger844]

You didn't show that "fine tune adjustment" before you started backlapping - many users need those instructions so they can complete this project successfully!!

[@happyhome41]

What is the clearance you use ? "feeler gage" is like saying - "I use a tool" . ..

[@reelrollers]

Goal before backlap should be slight contact when you spin the reel by hand. Literally, just barely making contact when you start lapping. Spin for 3-5 min. Check if new edge is formed, if not. Increase contact so slightly and spin with compound another 3-5 min. It’s less gauge and more feel. Sorry, hope that helps.

[@denniscash1]

How to adjust the clutch on a 27 inch Tru Cut

[@r.castano4325]

music is too loud i cant hear what your saying

[@manuelangulo3992]

Great video,music can be turned off when he is talking hard to listen

[@joacimcarlsson3277]

Thats way too tight, that will cause the materials to wear quickly. If you need it that tight to cut paper, then you should put it in a grinder instead.

[@_keepin.it.reel_]

Worst reel to bedknife design in the industry

[@reelrollers]

I agree. Keep your eyes on us, we’re launching our own mower in the next 30 days. This problem is solved!

[@_keepin.it.reel_]

@@reelrollers rolux?

[@reelrollers]

@@_keepin.it.reel_ no. It’s our own mower

[@davidn685]

@@reelrollers I watched the video on the revolution mower and I’m fairly impressed. I would agree with the above comment that the adjustment process on a trucut is terrible. Very hard to get the trucut machines tolerance set correctly.