How to Adjust a Push Reel Mower
Push reel mowers provide their owners with many benefits. They are good for the body and the environment. The quiet mowers cut the grass just as efficiently as a motorized lawn mower. On top of this, push reel mowers are extraordinarily easy to maintain. They have three primary operational components: cutter bar, blades and reel. Successful operation is dependent upon keeping the cutter bar and blades adjusted to the right height and distance from the reel. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Push reel mower
- Wrench
- Screwdriver-type depends on mower model
- Newspaper
Instructions
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Blade Adjustments
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1
Place your push reel mower in a comfortable and safe position for working and become familiar with its components. You will be making adjustments from the back of the mower.
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2
Locate the adjustment nuts located on either end of the reel. Typically four screws adjust the cutter bar. The front screws move the cutter bar away from the blades while the rear screws move it closer.
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3
Determine which direction the adjustment must be made. Find out if the model you are working on is a silent cut or if it has metal on metal contact that produces a faint clicking sound with each revolution.
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4
Adjust the cutter blade to the place recommended by the operations manual using your screwdriver. Silent cuts require the cutter bar not touch the reel; metal on metal models require slight contact.
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5
Turn the mower upside down to test its efficiency. Turn the reel manually and slide the newspaper between the blades. It should cut it smoothly and effortlessly.
Height Adjustments
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6
Locate the adjustment nuts located on either side of reel. Using your wrench, remove the nuts completely.
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7
Move the adjustment bolt located between the roller and side plate to the desired height. Most push reel mowers adjust to heights of ½ to 3 inches off the ground. Repeat on the other side.
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8
Replace the nuts and tighten with your wrench.
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9
Test with newspaper as directed above.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure that you adjust the mower the same on both sides for an even cut and to reduce wear and tear on the mower.
To keep your push reel mower in prime operating condition, lube the bearings and blades regularly, wipe off the blades with a soft cloth after each use and store the mower out of the weather.
Push reel mowers do not require large adjustments; all adjustments are done by the fraction of the inch.
Overtightening the screws will cause unneeded stress on your mower. All screws will loosen with time; minor adjustments are inevitable.
