Reel Mower Won't Cut Anymore (Or Spin)

In some cases a reason a reel mower won't spin or cut grass very well is due to the same problem (just in reverse). In this video I explain and show you what that problem is and how to fix it.
If you are not wanting to take on the job of sharpening your reel then this repair might improve the way your reel mower works anyway.
► See this video to learn more about what I think about getting into reel mowing: • This Is The BEST Way T...
► I use the Earthwise 7-blade reel mower. It's a great tool for a low price. Check it out here: www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYVKRI9/...
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[@TurfMechanic]

►►► Want to fix your lawn for the long haul but don't know where to start? I can help! Click here right now and get started today: turfmech.link/dont-know-where-to-start ◄◄◄

[@MR-ub6sq]

If you change the grass to moss, you can forget about all the mowers and adjustments. Although changing is demanding, the end result is a great relief and a wonderful feeling of vegetation.

[@ubinebin4516]

Thank you, I just unboxed my reel mower and i could not get the reel to spin i was looking for a transportation locking screw no luck googled why reel mower not spinning no luck watched your video and in the few minutes you shared i have a full working knowledge and appreciation for my new lawn tool. This video should be titled The Idiots Guide to Reel Mowers for Dummies 😂😂😂 Thanks man well done 👍👍👍👍

[@markreynolds1989]

Just wanted to let you know I fixed my great great grandfather mower,, it was a 1951 reel mower. Thanks for posting, it was awesome. 😎

[@alfmagoo]

I love my reel mower because I like to mow at odd times plus it's good exercise. I have had a hard time finding a replacement height adjuster. My brother suggested making it myself. I might give it a try. Also, he used 80 and 120 grit rubbing compound he got on Amazon to sharpen the blades. He said it worked great. Good video. Some helpful tips.

[@lancef5636]

Just had to adjust mine yesterday. Working again perfectly. I have to do the paper test every so often to check proper cut. Thanks again.

[@michaelsteele5495]

We have the same mover: Earthwise 16" - 7 blade, I bought it last year. Now I seldom use my gas-powered mower, except when there is a need to clean up and bag stuff. This mower allows you to cut your grass without advertising to the world what you are doing. If you are like me a cut your grass very often, then a reel mower is recommended.

[@cefarther3945]

You took the time to explain this and I sure appreciated it. Not low-winded at all. Well done.

[@cefarther3945]

You make a great video. Learned a great deal. You have a good presence on camera.

[@cefarther3945]

I'd love your reviews and an educational video on edgers or even manual edging.

[@kingchill352]

Thanx man! Really good job explaining

[@TurfMechanic]

Great to hear! Enjoy the mow as they say! 😁

[@1214syed]

Nicely done video, learned a lot. Thanks

[@hatpeach1]

Thanks!

[@velcroman11]

Actually the “singing” infers that while the blades are mating to get a good cut. The blade adjustment is still not tight enough. If the blade sings it is vibrating and wear will increase. There are other reasons for squeaking too. Like a dry bearing.

[@lanancedar]

Hey thanks. I have a question for you. I lowered the cutting blades on my Great States reel mower and it seems to make the handle be in the wrong position. So, if you lower the cutting blades, do you then have to take the wheels off and reposition the handle?? Thanks!

[@kantoskan4314]

Great, straightforward, understandable video. Any idea if there are beefier rubber wheels for this model? Just got mine and I get some slippage on the grass with these plastic ones. Thanks.

[@johnr3603]

Silicone calk bead…?

[@ELITE_INCA_KENNELS]

What camera?

[@RichFitzwel]

💪

[@randomness8819]

Mine isn't too tight and all i did was dismantle to sharpen n put bk exactly the way I took it apart. Help!

[@zachdailyfost4433]

Im not a manual reel guy but i did notice there was somw ripping in the blades, def needs a backlap, lets get a after sharpening test like this?

[@josephmenditto9590]

Do you recommend adding heavier rollers to this mower or nah? I bought one but I would need to scalp my lawn down since the roller weighs the mower down much more. Debating if I want to return it or not...

[@TurfMechanic]

I've almost bought addon rollers to mine for a year for the extra weight and to a lesser degree striping. If you have thick turf then the extra weight makes a huge difference, this year as my Bermuda thickens up I may spring for the roller and maybe something extra to weigh it down. I was constantly thinking the mower was to light by end of summer last season.

[@jakestatefarm915]

Do the paper test alot of your grass blades appear torn rather then cut

[@trixie6804]

Do you have to ajust it in someway for high grass or is it just not ment to cut it?

[@TurfMechanic]

You can adjust to a higher cut but the higher it goes the worse the cut gets especially on grasses that aren't sticking straight up in the air with stiffness. Also if you don't cut often with it on a high height of cut it won't cut well either as grass will bend under the cutting blades instead of getting cut by them reliably. If a reel mower adjusts above 2" then you still have to be doing double cuts every day or two to keep things looking tidy (at least with most entry level models like the one I'm using in this video)

[@Saetun.]

quick question. There are threads & vids showing replacing the rollers with steel conveyor rollers, some say for striping, some say for stability. In your experience is this worth doing or is there any benefit al all aesthetically or otherwise for doing so?

[@TurfMechanic]

If you replace it with a weighted steel conveyor roller then you will get better striping action but nothing crazy because the added weight will be only a few pounds. I've planned on doing this to mine to compare the difference but I haven't yet. Functionally the reel mower should cut a bit better because of the extra weight but again not by much. You could probably add more weight by attaching something to the handle if performance was the goal.

[@Saetun.]

@@TurfMechanic Placed an order for an Ashland roller. their 16" roller is 9lbs, if it adds stability, that should be enough of a win. Really liking the content & thnx for the reply.

[@chrisweld2903]

Bought two yesterday,the craftsman is all rusted and one wheel will not spin,rotate at all. What do I do?

[@Elinor0987K]

Wd40!

[@drinkmoresoda]

Thanks

[@lancef5636]

Back lap the reel.

[@jamesdotson3640]

This was painful

[@almostfax]

I have one and don't want it

[@KillerFuzzOutdoors]

Everyone knows that the reel mower needs to be sharpened

[@moroseloki1912]

How does one sharpen the blades?

[@KillerFuzzOutdoors]

@@moroseloki1912 valve grinding compound

[@jamesdotson3640]

Backlap

[@TurfMechanic]

Tomorrow is the day for that, it's painful to hear it in person too! 😆

[@velcroman11]

It is hard to see the difference. If you where prepared to lightly colour the lawn. It would be easier for us videophyles to see what you are attempting to demonstrate. Thank you for this demo. 👍👏

[@samfischer6162]

So much work, totally bunk if grass grows over 2 inches long...