How to: Backlapping California Trimmer Reel mower

This is a true “how to” video showing step by step how to backlap your California trimmer reel mower. This was my first time backlapping my California Trimmer and it was pretty easy and went well.
You can hear how tight (too tight) the reel to bedknife was when I started and how free it is at the end but still getting that clean sharp cut.

[@edblanchard7832]

That was a great backlapping video .California Trimmer should be rewarding you in someway ! Thanks

[@ryandelk04]

Thanks Ed! I appreciate you watching!

[@joecwhitney21]

Thank you! I have been trying to contact someone to service my mower, but with your video I am just going to do it myself now! Ordered the kit. Thanks a million!

[@ryandelk04]

Awesome! Remember, think safety as you do it and you will do great!! Let me know how it goes!!

[@MrluisV3000]

Friggin Genius with the pull-up bar stand brother! You helped me decide to buy my Cal trimmer and I was nervous as heck about getting my first back lap wrong because I didn’t have all the custom accessories. Thank you and tell Murphy I said what’s up.

[@ryandelk04]

Thanks man!! I appreciate you watching! Let me know how you like the CT! I’ll tell Murphy you said hey lol!

[@trianglereelmowers450]

Great video that will help a lot of people Ryan! I would definitely recommend washing the compound off after to make sure it’s all out of there. You don’t want any on there when you start cutting again. Blow dry and put a little grease in the bearings. 👍🏻

[@ryandelk04]

Thanks man! I appreciate you watching! Yeah, after I wiped it down, I washed it off and dried with blower. 🙌🏻

[@macho041289]

I can't wait to get my reel mower. I just acquired a new super bumpy lawn. Once i get some leveling done. Its time for a reel mower.

[@ryandelk04]

Reel mowing is a game changer! Let me know what kind you get and how you like it!

[@treflippa2]

Great video. Only thing I'd add is folks wear some protective eye wear if you don't have great trigger discipline (with the drill speeds) or it's first time doing this project. lol The compound can/will fling off of the blades if you spin them fast enough and/or apply too much compound at once. Happy Backlapping folks!

[@jbragg2493]

Great video, will be backlapping my CT on my next day off. Glad to see I’m not the only one that went with the Briggs engine! I have no complaints or issues with mine, just seems everyone with the Honda.

[@sharpen-up]

That's a great way to apply it! I usually paint it on to each blade, one blade at a time, this is quicker!

[@ryandelk04]

Just be very careful, you don’t want to make contact with your hand!!

[@WoodWorker-mp2il]

Great vid! My Cali will be getting its first backlap this afternoon. Gotta have that buttery smooth cut! 😎🤣

[@ryandelk04]

Awesome! Let me know how it goes! Thanks for watching brother!

[@WoodWorker-mp2il]

@@ryandelk04 had a delay. Will be in the AM tomorrow and I’ll let you know. 678Dominators4Life! 😎

[@E.ElderGilbert]

Awesome video

[@dsparks1011]

Great job. Will have to order a new kit. I had the one for a Mclane. Couple of notes. Love your ramp. I use two car ramps and can pull my mower up on it to get it to a work level. I purchased a electric 1 hp drill to back lap my mower. 25 bucks. Lot more power.

[@ryandelk04]

Nice! Good ideas!

[@dsparks1011]

@@ryandelk04 Watched again haha,,, wanted to see your adapter,, another point,, I go ahead and paint the reel by hand without the reel moving, paint each blade, then run the drill.. noted the sound of the compound grinding then running smooth as you added compound,, could tell it was working, again great job,,, do you run your mower reel only, with the drive wheel up in tight areas?

[@josecardenas163]

I have that exact mower, and I been waiting for someone to do a backlapping video. You made it seem so easy! Now I have all the confidence in the world to backlap mine. Thank you so much! Also when removing the chain, do you have to mess with the chain tension to take it off? Or was your just loose and tighten it back up? Again, awesome video!

[@ryandelk04]

I searched for a good California Trimmer backlapping video back in the day and never could find one detailed so I appreciate your words man! I didn’t have to loosen my chain because it was already pretty loose so you are correct I just tightened it up after, it’s just 1 bolt, super easy. How you enjoying the California Trimmer? And thanks for the very kind words!

[@josecardenas163]

@@ryandelk04 im really enjoying mine, I really need to do a lawn level. Cause I do get some scalping. But I do love mine! But yes I could never find a backlapping video for the California trimmer. And I'm not scared to admit I was scared to take it apart and mess something up. But other than the scalping, I love it! Again awesome viedo!

[@SunnyBermuda]

🌞How often do you backlap? Great video! You like the epoxy garage floor?🌞

[@ryandelk04]

I’ve only been backlapping 2X per year but I think I might start every few months, I’ll play it by ear and look of the cut until I get a good PM schedule. I love the epoxy floor in the garage just make sure if you do it to add EXTRA ANTISLIP stuff!

[@chrisbalducci8849]

Thanks Ryan for all the great content. Looking at graduating to a reel mower and definitely leaning towards the CT, how do you like yours? I have about 5000sq ft and just want to make sure I’m not over doing it. Happy New Years to you and your Family!!

[@ryandelk04]

The reel mower is a game changer! Best purchase I’ve made! The CT is definitely a good entry reel mower; it’s not super expensive, easy to adjust and does a great job! I love mine! Thanks for watching man and happy new year to you too my friend!

[@chrisbalducci8849]

Does the tool that you use to back lap come with the mower, or do you have to buy separately?

[@ryandelk04]

You do have to buy the tool W/lapping compound separate but I think it like $45

[@peterlam1397]

your back lapping adaptor and the reel support rack look very good. where did you buy them? please advise. Thanks.

[@ryandelk04]

This is a ghetto rig using a pull up bar, I eventually bought the real lifter which is much better! Search backlapping kit

[@andyosteen1789]

Needed to go back and watch this again as it was time to lap again. Any ideas of what might be a good idea to get off grass buildup? Don’t know if it matters as long as it sharpens but it’s not cutting the paper too well at all…

[@ryandelk04]

I wipe it down by hand and a rag honestly. 🤠

[@ryandelk04]

You definitely want to adjust the blade to bedknife until it is cutting paper smoothly or you’ll be tearing the grass instead of cutting it.

[@rpw4863]

how often should you backlap?

[@SgtJoeSmith]

Where you get the drill adapter tool to spin it with drill?

[@ryandelk04]

It came in my backlapping kit

[@SgtJoeSmith]

@@ryandelk04 I found it on company site. Thanks

[@clintmardis]

What kind of Pull up bar did you use To Lift the Tru-Cut?

[@ryandelk04]

It’s a California trimmer but honestly I think it’s way better and safer to use the correct stand for it. Someone sent me one and it’s well worth it!

[@reelmowingromokeepingitree2191]

Where did you get the backlapping compound and socket?

[@ryandelk04]

I got it from a website called “mowers direct”, do a google search for California Trimmer backlapping kit and it should come up. (I’ll try to share the link here) www.mowersdirect.com/California-Trimmer-H0907/p82170.html

[@johnnyphaze]

What jack stand are you using?

[@lawyerdch]

Do you have a link for the backlap kit you bought?

[@ryandelk04]

Just google California Trimmer backlapping compound and you’ll see it come up! Thanks for watching!

[@marsus2006]

I have same mower I hit a screw and it bent the bed knife... do I get that sharpened 🤔

[@ryandelk04]

I would buy a new bed knife if I were you.

[@ryandelk04]

Hit up this guy here: reellawnguy.com/

[@ryandelk04]

Tell him I suggested you to go to him.

[@marsus2006]

@@ryandelk04 thank you 🙏

[@kentfiedor9159]

what tool did youbuse to turn reel?

[@josecardenas163]

One more question, where did you find the 1/2 socket adapter for the reel? I just ordered the backlapping compound and brush. But where I got the compound and brush they don't sell the 1/2 socket..

[@ryandelk04]

Honestly I had to borrow from my neighbor. Go to Ace hardware and look for 1/2 socket adapter. I’d bring the special sprocket tool with me to make sure I’m goodz

[@josecardenas163]

@@ryandelk04 I'm sorry I meant the tool that fits on the sprocket. Does that tool come with the backlapping kit?

[@ryandelk04]

Yes, that tool came in my kit. Go back and look at you kit and make sure it’s listed.

[@XxMissingDataxX]

How often you have to do this?

[@ryandelk04]

It honestly depends on how often you mow. I just do it when my blades are not smoothly cutting paper. Ends up being a few times per season.

[@robertramos630]

Hi Ryan, how do you tighten the chain if its too loose? Thx

[@ryandelk04]

Mine has a chain tension that I can loosen and move to make tight.

[@ayy1n]

😎✌️💪

[@jddavis6501]

what is the drill you use?

[@ryandelk04]

I’m just using a Ryobi battery powered

[@jddavis6501]

@@ryandelk04 k. thanks

[@tombo552001]

You might put some cardboard under the blades

[@imager8763]

Music way too loud. Skipped video.

[@ryandelk04]

I’m not sure why the music jumps up like that, it happened when I added KZbin music. Thanks for the heads up and sorry it blasted you!

[@DJacksonII]

I don't know why I do this to myself...

[@ryandelk04]

What do you do?

[@DJacksonII]

@@ryandelk04 I'm referring to my tendency to go down rabbit holes that I don't need to. Most people have grass and they cut it. Done deal. People that care, get into things like fertilizing, overseeding, and landscaping. Masochist are buying or wanting to buy two thousand dollar lawnmowers, watching backlapping videos at 3am and ordering books on putting green instillation and maintenance.

[@ryandelk04]

Lol! Yeah, I definitely get it!!

[@user-cl5oh8fl4w]

@@DJacksonII the California Trimmer reel mower is around closer to $1000 to $1600