California Trimmer Reel Mower

[@shooks555]

Yes the grooved roller will keep the mower planted and front end from squirming on you. My yard is not nearly a smooth as yours but my Trimmer tracks straight as an arrow, good video.

[@adammiller172]

I love the in depth video...nice work! I just purchased my CT 20" yesterday from reel lawn guy. Buddy was awesome to deal with and explained everything over the phone very well. Thank you, for recommending him and love the videos.

[@ryandelk04]

Awesome! I truly appreciate the feedback and kind words. I hope the CT does you well.

[@sotexlawn]

Looking good. 👍🏻 Drainage on the side yard, definite game changer.

[@ryandelk04]

Thanks!! Yes, the drainage was much needed and has definitely been a game changer!!

[@Alejandro_C62]

15:30 it is what it is. Sometimes it’s like that. Nice job. 👍I jumped from this to a Greensmaster 1000 and it was too big of a jump. I have a lot of curves with my garden beds and it’s a pain cutting with it. Also my lawn is small. I’m sticking with this (I have the grooved roller from RR) and my Allett 20”.

[@ryandelk04]

Nice!!

[@1975oldschool]

I have the CT 20" and did a back to back test with the smooth vs grooved roller, the grooved roller is 1000% better in keeping straight lines. I keep my yard @ 3/4". Great 3 year review. It's my only reel, but I love how simple it is.

[@ryandelk04]

That’s good to hear! I’ve been debating a grooved roller! I need to make the move. Does it still stripe as well?

[@1975oldschool]

@@ryandelk04 It might stripe a tad bit better..... cause it's keep you straight lol

[@ryandelk04]

Awesome thanks!

[@gwwelch3]

Actually placing my order this week for the 20" High-Cut from the dealer you mention! Good video, I was already sold, but your info cemented it.

[@ryandelk04]

Awesome!! Let me know how you like it! There is a quick learning curve when you go from rotary mower to reel but after your 2nd cut you’ll love it!!

[@IDLOOK_2]

Just bought my high cut. 2 mows in, couldn’t be happier

[@ryandelk04]

Awesome!!

[@tsharpe3555]

Thanks for the video. I like the price too. I will definitely look at purchasing one.

[@comeoncents3288]

Looks good. I use a rotary Honda for winter rye that I seed each year and use a CaliTrimmer Brigs engine for summer Bermuda. This winter I’m using my Cali with a roller up front and am loving the stripes. My Honda rotary with its double blade really clumps my clippings keeping them from getting into the bag. Drives me nuts because the green clippings stain my concrete and plaster the inside of the Honda deck. Great video.

[@ryandelk04]

Awesome!! Yeah the winter rye always keeps that wet/moist feel to it and likes to clump! But man does it stripe with the CT!!

[@E.ElderGilbert]

Your lawn looks awesome

[@ryandelk04]

Thank you sir!

[@STFautoclassics]

Very informative video, I just ordered a California trimmer with the Honda engine. Hopefully my lawn will look as good as yours.

[@ryandelk04]

Step by step my friend! That really mower will be a game changer for you!!

[@JaronPope]

Awesome video bro. New to the reel mowing world. I very much appreciate all the information you provided!

[@ryandelk04]

Thanks man! I appreciate you watching and I definitely appreciate the positive feedback!!

[@ryandelk04]

How are you liking reel mowing?

[@JaronPope]

@@ryandelk04 Well I have a really old one that I just bought for 40 bucks. B&G motor from 1971 that I just got running. I just ordered the sharpening kit and just briefly tried it out on my front lawn. Love it so far, just don't have a lot of experience with it yet. I'm just getting familiar with the machine and updating myself with all of your videos. Love them, teaching me a lot.

[@the_original_mathwiz]

You should do a video on adding the extension kit.

[@CoachKepler]

The extension kit is worth every penny.

[@ryandelk04]

I have it too ! I just have to install it!! Thanks for the heads up, I’ll get it done!

[@Boodieman72]

I went with an Allett for the cartridge system. The 25" California Trimmer would be great for just mowing. I do wish it had rear roller for better stripes.

[@ryandelk04]

How do you like it?

[@Boodieman72]

@@ryandelk04 I like the Allett especially with the cartridge system they have. They are expensive though.

[@Reelyardsolutions]

I’m the same height as you. Install the extension you’ll be wishing you did it the day you bought it lol saves that back a ton. You might be cutting your yard 4 days in a row that day 😂

[@ryandelk04]

I think you are right about that. I’m going to get on it! 4 days in a row sounds pretty sweet lol

[@alandickson1629]

It definitely has a good price. But if you look at all the reel mowers I think the Allett has the most versatility with the cartridge system

[@ryandelk04]

I agree, just a bit more cash but I like those reels!

[@BermudaBrian]

I want my lawn to look like Ryan Delk's. Man, that side lawn project turned out great!

[@ryandelk04]

Lol I think you already go it! The side yard was a life saver!

[@kickingworld]

Great video. I actually bought this from the same guy you recommended in the video, a couple hours before seeing this video haha.

[@andyespenan5919]

Thank you. will surely use your link if this is the option i go with.

[@mrcaffein]

5:42 ... ouch. Played it off like a boss though, didn't look like the damage was too bad.

[@TexasMade21]

If you’re thinking about buying a residential reel mower, do yourself a favor and buy a used greensmower. You can find deals for only a few hundred bucks more and get a machine that’s infinitely better. Almost everyone that buys a residential reel mower ends up wishing they’d bought a greensmower.

[@ryandelk04]

I think starting out with a greens mower would be overwhelming for a lot of regular home owners and for people who just aren’t ready to go that low. The CT is a great starter level to welcome people into reel mowing. Many will never want to cut as low as greens mowers. That being said, one day I shall LOL. Thanks for watching my friend!

[@ChuongNguyen-up9fy]

I'm watching this video at 1042PM. I wish HD would still be open right now so I can grab one of these mowers....

[@ryandelk04]

Lol!! Order online lol

[@bryandonahue4347]

It would be nice to have a mid range reel mower in the $500 range. They would sell a bunch of them.

[@raffikaftajian5213]

alright.. first of all i need one of them cal trimmer shirts

[@ryandelk04]

Lol!! Gotta be official lol

[@tomaxxamot2016]

I bought the extension kit but same here I’ve been too lazy to install it, I honestly don’t feel it’s been a problem yet

[@ryandelk04]

Yeah, it’s not bad for me either but I feel like once I install it, I’ll be like, “this is way better” lol

[@jbragg2493]

I installed mine after mowing without it the first year. As a 6ft tall grass addict it changed everything. Love it more than ever now. Install was pretty time consuming so be prepared. Also, have you all seen the drive roller chain adjustment bracket? It looks cleaner than a bolt or zip tie and is easy to adjust.

[@JuanGonzalez-gb8mj]

Your front lawn looks awesome!! What type of grass is that?? It seems bermuda grass to me !!☺👍

[@ryandelk04]

Thanks! You are correct, it is Bermuda grass!

[@ibr80]

Fantastic video. Im looking at buying my first reel mower and your video has been perfect. Your lawn looks amazing and If you have managed to get it that nice I know that mower will get me there. What height are you cutting and why fertilizer do you use ?

[@ryandelk04]

Hey! Thanks for the positive feedback! I use a variety of different fertilizer, I share many of them on this channel too! I try to keep my lawn as short as possible, I start the season out on the lowest setting to scalp and then raise one notch. Then throughout the season I normally have to slowly raise the height to keep it as green as possible. Typically I end the season just over an inch tall.

[@briankamer]

Super helpful info on the California Trimmer. Thank you​, Ryan​! ​What are your thoughts on a 25" versus the 20"? If you were buying again, would you go with the larger version?

[@ryandelk04]

You know, I’ve thought about that. I like how short the commercial 25” cuts…. I think I might go 25” to get those wider stripes and lower cut!!

[@send2dwight]

@@ryandelk04 interesting that the 25" cuts lower. Any pros/cons you know of when compared to th McLanes?

[@send2dwight]

@@ryandelk04 also concerned about places that'll service these locally in the Atlanta area. Please post if you know/recommend any. Thanks!

[@killerrush77]

checking this out from FB.

[@ryandelk04]

Thanks man! Let me know what you think!

[@rooster0616]

I have a cal trimmer also, but it does not cut level. Do you know if there is an adjustment. Also, this was a quality video! I have to know, what microphone and camera are you using? What program are you using to edit the video? Excellent work!!

[@ryandelk04]

On the level of the CT, just check the bolt hole 1st and make sure both sides are in the same holes maybe (although that would be pretty dramatic). Camera: GoPro 9 & 10 Mic: wireless RODE & saramonic mics Editor: Final Cut Pro or RUSH That’s for your positive feedback!!

[@hendrixba]

Great video! I am going to order one. I do have a question Ryan. Is yours the High Cut version?

[@ryandelk04]

Mine is the high cut, yes

[@briennix2839]

looks good

[@garythorington1600]

I just ordered a Ca Dreamer and learned a lot about your mower. I have one question do you or anybody else use the catcher when mowing? I have always mulched but quit the middle of last summer and my lawn looks much better now. Let me know your ideas on the catcher

[@ryandelk04]

90% of the time I don’t use the catcher, the clippings from reel mowing are so small that they disappear anyway. Let me know how you enjoy the California trimmer!!

[@leomerino3906]

Nice video brother!!! Do you leave your grass clippings or do you pick it up

[@ryandelk04]

Thanks Leo! Yes, I almost always leave my clippings. Most of the time I cut so often that the clippings are like 1/8” but when they get longer I’ll blow the piles so they scatter and don’t clump.

[@elmoreglidingclub3030]

Excellent video; very informative and helpful. I am strongly considering a California Trimmer. You mentioned that you are in Georgia (I’m in Alabama) and the dealer you mentioned, Reel Lawn Guy, in in Texas. Where did you get your mower? Does RLG ship (I’ve noticed several online suppliers have free shipping)? Again, very helpful video-thank you!

[@ryandelk04]

I actually ordered mine from Home Depot online. He does ship though.

[@ryandelk04]

Thanks for watching and for the positive feedback as well!

[@elmoreglidingclub3030]

@@ryandelk04 I have a chance to get one of these as I just saw an ad for one a guy one town over is selling. Going to look at it tomorrow. It’s like yours-a seven blade, 20” with the Briggs engine. Hoping it’s close to as nice as it appears in the ad photo. Any thoughts? Advice?

[@ryandelk04]

@@elmoreglidingclub3030 make sure to check the bed knife and reel to see that it isn’t damaged for sure and then compare to the brand new price.

[@elmoreglidingclub3030]

@@ryandelk04 Bought it. Excellent shape. Looked like a new mower. I tried it out on a 1,000’ sq. rectangle of Bermuda I’ve been working on. Put it on its highest setting and it clipped off the very ends of the grass. Looks great! I’ll probably drop it down a notch or two and mow the rectangle again tomorrow. This is gonna be fun!!

[@MrIsaacvillarreal]

GREAT VIDEO

[@ryandelk04]

Thank you!!

[@reginaldw.gilchristsr.4114]

I enjoyed your video. I recently purchased the same mower. Did you ever install the handle extension? If so, did you do a video?

[@ryandelk04]

Thanks for watching!! I haven’t installed it yet but maybe I can do a quick video on it!

[@RB-hl3ux]

Love Murphy 😃

[@ryandelk04]

He is an excellent yard partner, he can turn a 20 minute job into 1 hour + lol

[@dlandes14]

So technically they want you to lift that lever every time you go to make a turn? I like this mower but the thought of damaging the grass when turning isn't ideal.

[@ryandelk04]

I see many people who do but I typically do not lift it every time. Once you get used to turning it, it is rare to cause any damage when you don’t lift. Even if it does scrape due to not lifting, I just step on the area and you can’t see it.

[@thomashanan1996]

Nice video..:: Can this reel mower be backlapped only and never have the reel taken for grinding at a facility? Thanks…

[@ryandelk04]

I’ve only backlapped mine over the past 3 years! I feel like after some years I’ll want to do a full sharpen and tune.

[@coolnojicson4u]

Quick question, what's the high height califonia reel mower can cut. I know I can set my rotary mower at 4 inch, can califonia reel mower go up to 4 inch cut.

[@sierragirl3975]

You said that you were in Georgia, can you tell me where you purchased your mower?

[@ryandelk04]

The website should be linked in the description, they ship it 👍🏼 reellawnguy.com

[@sierragirl3975]

@@ryandelk04 Thanks

[@davidlau311]

From the reviews I have seen all say as a negative are lines left by the wheels. How bad is it?

[@ryandelk04]

They do leave some tire tracks but it’s not a deal breaker to me. You can see in my videos how it looks.

[@rosieotis]

Anyone using the HC version with a HOC at 1”+?

[@ryandelk04]

Mine is now over 1” after raising up the last time.

[@jerryanker2289]

Why aren't you using a catcher?

[@ryandelk04]

I don’t typically use a catcher, the clippings help add nitrogen back into the lawn. I only use the catcher if I miss a mow or two and the clippings are too long or if I’m scalping.

[@marvinpyles3274]

Hi.. I’m about to buy..is the Briggs engine still going strong?

[@ryandelk04]

Yes, I’ve had no issues at all with it.

[@marvinpyles3274]

@@ryandelk04 thanks for the fast reply! Can you explain in general what u you do for engine maintenance?

[@ryandelk04]

Of course, I happened to see your notification at the right time and didn’t want to keep you waiting! Honestly, I’ve only changed the oil on it. That’s only been 1 time this preseason.

[@marvinpyles3274]

@@ryandelk04 thank you!!!

[@InDatParish]

What’s that height of cut? It’s gotta be lower with the roller than what you showed on the screen from the manual

[@ryandelk04]

Yes, the roller does lower it maybe by 1/8-1/4”.

[@ryandelk04]

I normally start the season off around 5/8” and end the season around 1”

[@bmfairweather]

What type of grass is that?

[@ryandelk04]

Bermuda, old builder install

[@rockyshin1385]

PRICE??? SHIPPING COST TO MICHIGAN???

[@rockyshin1385]

Is there dealer in MI?

[@edmatthews4640]

No more small engines will be made over there soon....or worked on.

[@HandE2Go]

I already know this is gonna be tax return impulse buy 🙃

[@markwinnicki8802]

rollers do not work on fescue type grasses as the roller will flatten the grass and won't cut it you will need the standard casters to cut fescue period

[@markwinnicki8802]

rollers are meant for bent type grasses not for fescue