How to Backlap and Adjust Your Swardman Reel

[@gmoestrada7765]

For swardman electra 55 you need a 1 3/4 socket. Great idea notching socket 🤛

[@AndrewDobek04]

Great video on backlapping a reel, you made it seem easy for someone who doesnt have a reel mower to be able to do it. Happy fathers day

[@theperfectcutlawncare]

Ha, not the most thrilling video, but it gets the job done. Thanks Andy!!!

[@Striperman]

Love the idea with notching the socket. I will have to backlap mine after it sitting for the last 11 months. Will have to use my rotary first and gradually take down the new sod after it takes root. Great video sir.

[@theperfectcutlawncare]

I can’t believe it’s been that long for you, I’m pumped you’ll be back to cutting grass soon. Will be fun to see what you do with it. Thanks for watching Keith 👍🏽

[@ArizonaVideo99]

I was the guy whose job was to sharpen and maintain the mowers at a golf course. Your process is correct but their is a lot of little things. Cutting paper is nice but not always the proper tightness. Under high speed the reals will heat up and enlarge getting tighter. Many reels will then ring. Too loose is worse, the front edge will roll over and be round. For long life cutting a thick paper is fine. Lapping with a finer grade for a smoother finish lap is nice. Using just oil and running the reel backwards after it is tight for a little will help to set the edge. Most reals can come back to life with a good lap if they have been adjusted over time. If the front cutting edge has rolled over you will need to re grind.

[@theperfectcutlawncare]

Great points, thank you.

[@tgdtown]

Thanks for the video!

[@dupang809]

hi Aaron, just wondering is there special tool to loosen bed knife. I'm thinking about replacing Mỹ bedknife. Thanks

[@theperfectcutlawncare]

I just use a Dewalt impact driver with a star bit. Makes it easy. Watch out for the dirt in the screw, they strip easily with out a good bite. 👍🏽

[@thimitri1]

I use to do this back lap on mine till i figured out you'll be dulling the bed knifes corner edge creating a flat spot.. wish swardman would update their bed knifes to hardened metal..

[@dcdc3973]

If you had to chose one that would give you a better cut, would you rather use a manual reel mower or a regular gas powered mower?

[@theperfectcutlawncare]

I like the cut of a manual reel mower over a rotary. I’m probably too out of shape right now to manual reel mow the entire lawn. But those manual reel mowers do a nice job.

[@byoung5520]

I use business cards when I cut paper. Is that ok? Or should I use thinner strips of paper like you?

[@theperfectcutlawncare]

I can’t give you a definitive answer. I have heard both methods being used. As long as it cuts the card and your not noticing frayed grass tips I’d say your fine.

[@ostrin0802]

Problem with this is the Swardman reel doesn’t have a relief grind, so it’s not designed for backlapping. Likely why you had to have metal on metal contact to cut the paper.

[@m3awd598]

That's my question too... when you send the reel for "sharpening" do they do a relief grind?

[@cristobalroman16]

Great video brother, after owning the swordsman for a while would you perfer a different reel mower or are you satisfied with it?

[@theperfectcutlawncare]

Thanks brotha! It’s high maintenance that’s for sure. That might be true with all reel mowers though. I do think the cut is better than the Allet. But the Allet runs really nice. In the end, looking to get a John Deere. We’ll see what happens, thanks for watching.

[@SOMETHINGWITHSETH]

👍

[@kenkrawford2241]

With the mower tipped back so far, shouldn't your first step be to shut off the fuel supply to avoid flooding the carburetor?

[@PacificNorthwestLawns]

One advantage to rotary mowing.... I don't have to go through all that... 😁

[@theperfectcutlawncare]

Lol…Ill give you a good deal on it. Plus free shipping.

[@PacificNorthwestLawns]

@@theperfectcutlawncare the swordman? I'll pass 😁

[@theperfectcutlawncare]

😂 👍🏽

[@jack333p]

If you were to use a leather strop on blades they'll be even sharper, removing cutting edge burs like on a knife blade sharpening.

[@theperfectcutlawncare]

We’ll have to discuss this over the fence one of these days.