Upgrade Your Manual Reel Mower For Cheap $$$ 💯 Boost Your Lawn Game with this $20 Easy Roller Mod

Let's take a trip back in time and upgrade your Grand Dad's old reel mower! Can you imagine transforming it into a striping beast for just $20? Sign me up! In this video, I'll show you how I did exactly that using a packaging roller I found on Amazon. It's an absolute game-changer. Sure, manual reel mowers might be notorious for their lackluster striping, but this little upgrade can give them a serious boost. Join me on this lawn care adventure where I swap out the standard plastic rollers on an Earthwise 16-inch, 7-blade manual mower for a robust conveyor roller. You'll be amazed at the noticeable difference this inexpensive and easy-to-install enhancement makes.
➡️ I also share some valuable insights on the benefits of using a 16-inch, 7-blade mower over an 18-inch, 5-blade mower and how it contributes to a more uniform lawn. All of this under $25 - now that's badass!
If you're ready to kick your lawn game up a notch without breaking the bank, this video is a must-watch. I hope it guides you in your lawn care journey. And remember, my channel is awesome, so consider subscribing for more lawn care tips and tricks. Watch how an old faithful can become a lawn striping champion!
☑️ 2-inch Rear Smooth Roller (2x16 is correct)
amzn.to/3DAlsEY (currently directs you to an 8 inch. the right one is out)
☑️ Earthwise 7 Blade. Best Manual mower cut.
amzn.to/44N3kDP
💯 You'll find more from The Neighbor Dominator here:
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✔️ Visit my Amazon store: www.amazon.com...
✅ Don't forget to Subscribe to the Channel here:
/ @theneighbordominator
💬 So let's grab some tools, hit the yard, and get ready to transform your lawn game. Don't forget to share your own DIY lawn care adventures in the comments! What improvements have you made to your own reel mower? Let's share and learn together.
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Welcome to the official home of The Neighbor Dominator on KZbin! 🏡
Transforming a lawn can take a lot of trial and error. On this channel, you will find tips and tricks I have learned on my lawn care journey as well as the errors I have made. My name is Clint and I am a DIY Dad from southeast Michigan here to share the ups and downs of cultivating a lawn that will make all the neighbors green with envy.
➡️ Through trial and error, I am constantly looking for the best methods, products, equipment, and tools necessary to establish and maintain the perfect lawn. This channel is a safe space for amateurs, beginners, or newbies.
As you will see from the videos I am sharing the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the ugly. Mistakes in lawn care can be costly and frustrating. My goal is to help you save time and money by showing you what works for me and what did not go as planned.
Follow along for tips, ideas, and advice for making your lawn a masterpiece that will be the talk of the neighborhood!
➡️ This is a safe place for noobs to ask questions and get real responses. I do like to make some funny videos from time to time and add humor to all of them! So, be sure to like and subscribe to see the latest and greatest tools and ideas I have found for lawn care and maintenance. Hit that bell to never miss a video! 🔔
#ManualReelMower #LawnCare #DIY #EarthwiseMowerUpgrade #StripingMachine #ConveyorRoller #ManualMowerUpgrade #ReelMower #EasyRollerMod

[@vladimirlenin843]

No fuel leak No exhaust No noises A superior design

[@TheNeighborDominator]

I couldn't agree more!

[@fraudsarentfriends4717]

And what's really great, No batteries.

[@soccerpc13]

“2 inches isn’t that big of a deal”. I take every inch I can get thank you very much

[@TheNeighborDominator]

🤣🤣🤣 I'm Asian. Inches matter to us Filipinos🤣🤣

[@Westlake]

Great modification tip! Neighbour still laughs at my 6 y/o Great States 16" reel mower. Still works great! I laugh at him at his noisy mower and him messing around with his extension cord. :)

[@TheNeighborDominator]

🙏🏽thank you. I'm not a fan of extention cords. Only for my dethatcher. I'm always scared of chopping it up! Let them laugh, i bet your lawn looks at healthier than theirs!

[@Striperman]

Striperman was ahead of his time. He did that in 2019 with his Fiskars before anyone else even thought of adding a striping kit to a manual reel mower 🤣🤣

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Oh i remember the days of the fiskars my friend. You are the OG

[@Striperman]

@@TheNeighborDominator 👊😂

[@johngrinnell]

What’s the next innovation that @striperman does?

[@Striperman]

@@johngrinnell That's a good question John, Robo mower has already been done lol

[@johngrinnell]

@@Striperman how about mapping out irrigation systems in a awkward yard?

[@TF856]

I've never heard of anybody giving a crap about the stripes. I mowed lawns hundreds of times and never ever gave it a single thought. I just know I loved running my dad's manual Eclipse reel mower. I wish I could have kept it.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Stripes are a thing now with short cut lawns

[@hindflight]

Seriously! I got one of these reel mowers at a yard sale and I'm sold! I have a small lawn and it works for me. The lawn in the video looks way better than mine, I didn't guess it was because mine is 5 blade.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

These little manual reel mowers do a great job. It's really all you need!

[@LAWNLIFE]

This is gold bro.. Now you just gotta figure out a way to get the roller as wide as the wheels!

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Thanks J-man. I might try to mod this thing out over winter

[@mhughesmatt20]

I can see it now. Use a cutoff wheel to notch the bracket allowing for a longer roller. Flip the roller bracket to mount from the outside. Longer hardware and a sleeve. Bam in you're business!

[@danielgoldstein1571]

This reminds me of how we used to mod our BMX bikes in the 80's. Just bought a roller with those Dims from China on Ebay, can't wait to mod and stripe!

[@chrismooneyham5279]

Ingenuity, some pvc pipe and a watertite plug a person could make one to fill with water or sand so to have an adjustable weight depending on one's need for stripiness. I guess?

[@nestorfernandez5232]

Thanks for the tip. I have the exact reel mower. My only gripe was the wimpy rear rollers. This should take care of that.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Heck ya! I found after getting a good cut, i then go back over it a few times for the stripes

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Heck ya! I found after getting a good cut, i then go back over it a few times for the stripes

[@nestorfernandez5232]

@@TheNeighborDominator I didn't get the killer stripes, but the extra weight of the rollers gave me a great even cut! I'm very happy.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

@nestorfernandez5232 did you get the roller? I went over it a few times in the same direction to get the nice stripes. They are not super defined but better than the plastic. Plus it makes the mower look nicer!

[@nestorfernandez5232]

@@TheNeighborDominator Yep. I got it. Dies a better job than the stock plastic rollers. The extra weight seems to help the mower give a much better level cut.

[@jmkeff]

there is no 2x16 when i click the amazon link only 1x16 can you share a link of one that would work or will any 2x16 on amazon work thanks!

[@TheLawnMentor]

Now that’s a bargain right there! Lookin 🔥

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Thank you! Its now Swardman but its way better than the plastic roller

[@mixilflic]

Another way to upgrade is to spoon some electric scooter tires over the plastic wheels. Mine are a bit over 9” inches in diameter and 2” wide. I found a pneumatic scooter tire that was 10x2.1. Cut one of the sidewall up to the tread and spooned the tire on. It’s very snug and no need for drilling bolts in.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

That is genius. Can you send me a picture?

[@mixilflic]

@@TheNeighborDominator I put a couple onto your Facebook. Couldn’t figure how to do it here in replys.

[@davidscales1464]

Man!!! What a great video. I have the exact manual mower and have been contemplating trying a conveyer roller. I’m all in now! One of the best lawn striping vids on KZbin to date. You may have mentioned… what is the HOC set @ on your reel?

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Thank you sir! It is set about 3/4 inch. I wish I would have done this sooner. It was difficult to find this upgrade on amazon. I found it on packaging sites but it was almost twice as much. I hope this video reaches out there. People have to know this exists!

[@andyespenan5919]

Thanks. Seen someone post this before and part was cheap but wanted to charge way too much for shipping.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

I guess there are all kinds of these rollers that are heavier. This was the cheapest I could find.

[@kittyskid1]

both items are in my cart.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Did they end up coming back in stock?

[@gergemall]

Great mower

[@mr.f8420]

Great video. Thank you.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@chadd7996]

I don't want to mow my lawn once forget going over it twice

[@TheNeighborDominator]

You might want a robot! I have one that cuts 12k square feet. Time saver!

[@chrismooneyham5279]

Striping without sand. Hmmmm... nice.

[@maheeinfy13]

Great video. Is there any difference between handles on those mowers U vs T shaped. Is one better than another

[@TheNeighborDominator]

@maheeinfy13 just personal preference in my opinion. I've used both and both were nice

[@Lee-tq4si]

I would not recommend the Earthwise for centipede lawns. My centipede is lower than the factory settings. You can adjust the HOC lower than the factory settings, but it proved to be a real pain for me. Plus centipede lawns tend to be firm and bumpy, so this lightweight mower bounced around making it hard to keep my line straight. I'm investing in a heavier power reel mower.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

This is good information. I am in a cool season grass state. I have no knowledge of centipede. Thanks for sharing 💪🏾

[@vladstad8102]

i know this is a older vid but i was wondering if you could make a video on your method for adjusting the bed knife on these to get the best cut. ive struggled with getting the bed knife just right even tried using a Torque Screwdriver so that i can get the blade as equal on each side as possible but i dont know if im putting enough torque on the nuts. thank you

[@jpshowpro8408]

Hey brother, what is your HOC ? Picked up an earth wise, and roller arrived tomorrow. Thinking of adding a brush attachment to see if the stripes can get even more defined and blend in the wheel marks.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

A brush! You gotta send me a picture of that! [e-mail] I have the earthwise at about an inch

[@siendofranciscojavier]

What about those with rear wheels?

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Im not following. Can you elaborate

[@CDPMATH]

Thank you for the idea. Have read on the Scott’s 7 blade push reel mower. Was wondering what made you pick the Great States over Scott’s. Thank you.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

I didnt know about the scotts at the time. I got the great statea for 100$ brand new and couldn't pass that up. How wide is the scotts 7 blade?

[@CDPMATH]

@@TheNeighborDominator $140 on Amazon. I’m hoping to get a Great States 16” 7 blade for $35 used. lol base on the pictures, there’s a bit of rust. How do you keep the reel clean? Do you power wash it after each use?

[@TheNeighborDominator]

@CDPMATH i rinse it then use the last blower. Hit it with wd40 once in a while

[@martyariemma5604]

Which size did you get? I have a 16 inch reel mower too.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

16 inch. The roller in the description fits it perfect. It is spring loaded too!

[@martyariemma5604]

@@TheNeighborDominator thank you!!!

[@davidscales1464]

I don’t use Amazon. Any other recommendations for finding the roller you used? Definitely needs more weight to that mower.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Yes one mowment

[@TheNeighborDominator]

www.globalindustrial.com/p/material-handling/conveyors/roller-gravity/19-dia-x-16-ga-galvanized-roller-26157-16-gp-for-16-oaw-omni-conveyors This was in the lawn forum. Its more expensive, galvanized, but 1lbs heavier.

[@davidscales1464]

Thank you! The extra weight maybe a good thing?

[@IllusiveMan343]

So with these do you regular mower first and then just manual reel every 3 days? Interested in this but I have a rather large yard. I don't mind the labor but I hear manual reel mowers struggle with high grass. The gas or electric ones are ridiculously priced. Thanks!

[@TheNeighborDominator]

You are correct. They do struggle with long grass. You have to bring it down and then make sure to stay consistent with the mowing. They make 20 inch manual reel mowers that get the job done

[@gerradgeorge5148]

Dang looks like the 7 blade is back ordered. I was looking at this and the electric sunjoe both seem to be hard to find. Do you have a preference on one over the other if I had to pick one?

[@kayumochi]

Amazon is out of stock but the 7 blade featured in this video is available elsewhere.

[@tylerdowd]

i have the GS 18" 5-blade. Will the 3x18 roller work on that Amazon link?

[@TheNeighborDominator]

@tylerdowd i cannot be certain. I would measure twice and makes sure its free returns

[@Iowa599]

Why not build a new roller out of iron pipe? It would be cheaper, and wider, and if it needed to be heavier it could be filled with water, or lead.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

I dont have the ability to create that!

[@hazelbay5725]

How did you know that steel roller would fit so nicely on your mower? What if I have an 18 inch mower?

[@TheNeighborDominator]

I bought a few different ones. Trial and error. If you find an 18 inch one let me know. I was on all kinds of packaging sites but the cost was almost double

[@checkdacontract]

Nice. This place wanted to charge me $135.00 for a wooden replacement. How many inches is that roller?

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Wow! 2 inch by 16

[@checkdacontract]

@@TheNeighborDominator Thank you. I'm restoring a 65 YO push mower that belonged to my father. I just finished the new oak handle. The rollers I looked at on Amazon only have male ends. The style needed for this requires female ends. Looks like I'm going to have to make a wooden roller.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

@checkdacontract that would be an awesome story. What color are you making it

[@checkdacontract]

@@TheNeighborDominator Thanks. White Oak semi gloss. I found a 2 x 20 inch hardwood dowel on Amazon for $20. None of the hardware stores had one that size

[@martyariemma5604]

I cut mine too short using my reel mower🙁. It went brown but I watered it a lot and now it’s greening again. Don’t think I’ll be using the manual reel on it anymore because the area I was using it on isn’t flat so it made uneven cuts

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Can you adjust the height of cut on the mower? For the earthwise and great states there are adjustments in the wheels and the back bracket

[@martyariemma5604]

@@TheNeighborDominator yes I did. It’s just the area where I cut it. A big cottonwood used to be there a couple years ago but cut that down, planted some grass seed last fall and grew in amazingly. But the area is very uneven. Hoping that it will just settle over time 🤷‍♂️I would reply with a picture but KZbin doesn’t let you😂

[@keeganjd17]

What are the dimensions of the one for that mower? 2" diameter and then is it 12" length or 14" in length? I have the same reel mower. Just looking for the correct size roller. Thanks

[@TheNeighborDominator]

2 inch by 16 inch. They are not showing it available at the mowment

[@danniecarmona2509]

I found heavier 8 pound roller but it's 2 1/2 in in diameter is there enough adjustment on the machine to cut it short to 1/2 in or am i losing cutting height going with the bigger different?

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Sorry for thevlate response. You shouldn't lose anything. There are adjustments in the wheels as well to lower the height of cut. Do you have a link to the heavy roller?

[@GregVanGorp]

Wonder if this would fit the Scotts Elite 16"....

[@TheNeighborDominator]

I cannot be certain. If amazon has it in stock you could always order it and if it doesn't fit return it. Make sure when you click on the link it's the right one. They were out of stock and routing it to some other size. Hope this helps!

[@ElGancho08]

What’s the weight of the roller

[@TheNeighborDominator]

@@ElGancho08 honestly it is not super heavy. If i were to guess maybe 2 pounds

[@fer17x37]

Where can I find one? It’s not in stock at the link that you posted.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

To be honest, not sure. They must have just sold out. I'll try to find another

[@kayumochi]

Would a heavier roller make a difference? Ashland makes a 7 lb one.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Do you have a link to that? I would buy it to try it

[@hollywoodrdscholar]

What do I use for a 16 inch Scott’s mower?

[@TheNeighborDominator]

I cannot be certain. If amazon has it in stock you could always order it and if it doesn't fit return it. Make sure when you click on the link it's the right one. They were out of stock and routing it to some other size. Hope this helps!

[@KaineHanson-bj4cy]

Would the 1.5” by 16” roller work from that link you used?

[@YouTubeVoxzywyd]

Will it work for Scott’s Elite 16 inch reel mower?

[@TheNeighborDominator]

I cannot be certain. You have to measure the distance in-between the roller brackets

[@YouTubeVoxzywyd]

Hopefully it works. I just ordered mine.💀🤣

[@YouTubeVoxzywyd]

@@TheNeighborDominator It worked. Thank you very much.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

@AstroYT9 YES YES YES! It makes it look so cool too! Im glad it worked!

[@colbytaylor482]

​@@KZbinVoxzywyd which size did you get?

[@corey1855]

Would the 1.5 16inch work on the reel mower ?

[@DrHumperdink]

Considering i hate the look of striped lawns... this would be worse than a complete waste of time and money for me. Lol

[@coralmonger6868]

Hey so the correct size is 2” by 8”?

[@TheNeighborDominator]

2x16. I don't believe they have it in stock

[@coralmonger6868]

@@TheNeighborDominator I was checking and they don’t but thanks for confirming

[@jamaalrichmond523]

Bought one but dont seem long enough and i cant take inside out

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Its supposed to be a 2 inch by 16 inch.

[@jamaalrichmond523]

I just bought a 2 inch by 17in and it still doesn't fit

[@jamaalrichmond523]

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0B135JR9N?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

[@jamaalrichmond523]

I don't understand

[@tstahler5420]

This was a thing 50-60 years ago.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Don't call it a come back but... it's coming back

[@thorcar]

I am seeing a 2 by 14 in the link but not a 2 by 16. I see a 1.5 by 16. Am i missing something. Thanks for a reply

[@CDPMATH]

What did you end up buying? I’m trying to order one too lol

[@Garyinhou]

I just ordered the 2” apr 3rd

[@thorcar]

@@Garyinhou Let me know, i am still looking. Found one on Grainger, not sure its the right one. thanks

[@TheNeighborDominator]

They are having trouble keeping it in stock. Everyone is ordering it!

[@Garyinhou]

@@TheNeighborDominator just installed.. perfect fit.. slightly smaller diameter doesn’t matter? Maybe 1/8” diff.. what is purpose of a roller anyway? Seriously.. I don’t know

[@Saetun.]

Amazon seems to no longer list the 2 x16 roller (can only find 1.5"). Anyone have an alt supplier at a similar price?

[@Garyinhou]

Received!

[@sonnypruitt6639]

HAY! YOU MISSED A SPOT!!!

[@TheNeighborDominator]

What! I don't think i did. I'm going to go back and watch it🫣

[@themoistgreenorganic]

What about a 16" Greenworks? Ill have to go out to the garage and take a look.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Will it fit?

[@user-rb8rz7sn4l]

What is the size of roller?

[@TheNeighborDominator]

16 inch is this one.

[@kayumochi]

@@TheNeighborDominator What is the diameter of the roller you used?

[@jamaalrichmond523]

I thought it was just to flatten the grass

[@TheNeighborDominator]

You are correct sir. When you are putting a stripe on the lawn, it is the direction of the grass bending in coordination with the sun. The sun reflects off the grass to give it that light/dark stripe effect.

[@jamaalrichmond523]

@@TheNeighborDominator wow thank you

[@williamwade7059]

Nice hack

[@TheNeighborDominator]

Thank you! Its not a striping beast by any means but definitely helps!

[@Garyinhou]

Thanks, just received mine via Amazon.. hopefully as easy to attach as your video shows

[@paulvalentine4041]

Waste of time, which you obviously have too much of.

[@TheNeighborDominator]

@@paulvalentine4041 cutting the lawn?

[@Josef_R]

Makes your yard look like your mower is broken.

[@jeffwells0123]

Reel quick 🥹

[@TheNeighborDominator]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@chrismooneyham5279]

Ingenuity, some pvc pipe and a watertite plug a person could make one to fill with water or sand so to have an adjustable weight depending on one's need for stripiness. I guess?

[@chrismooneyham5279]

Ingenuity, some pvc pipe and a watertite plug a person could make one to fill with water or sand so to have an adjustable weight depending on one's need for stripiness. I guess?

[@TheNeighborDominator]

You definitely could. But after cost and time, it would be really close to 20 I feel. I'm one of those people. If it costs me a few bucks and i don't have to spend time on it ⚖️