Reel Mower Maintenance Clinic
So, you have gone emissions-free and are now using a reel mower to mow your lawn. You
enjoy the quietness of the reel mower and the exercise opportunity it presents. You also appreciate that your reel mower
doesn't cost anything to operate. However, your reel mower no longer seems to be cutting the grass to your satisfaction.
Or, maybe that nice whirring noise your mower used to make has changed into a knocking or clanking sound.
If
this situation sounds familiar to you, then it is time for some reel mower maintenance! And, there is no better way to
find out what you have to do than by packing up your reel mower and bringing it with you to a reel mower maintenance
clinic.
By attending the clinic, you will
- meet other people from your community
who use reel mowers (and likely share similar
concerns about the environment),
- receive instruction
on how to adjust the position of the bed knife,
- receive instruction on how to sharpen the reel blades,
- gain hands-on experience in maintaining your own reel mower,
- receive an 8-page
handout summarizing typical reel mower maintenance procedures.
Clinic Outline
The clinic will take
between 45 and 90 minutes depending on the number of participants and the pace which is most comfortable for the group.
Using their own reel mowers for reference, participants will be guided through the process of determining if the bed knife requires
adjustment and will then make adjustments as necessary. Then, participants will sharpen their reel blades by backlapping
with a grinding compound. Participants are requested to bring a pair of gloves, a flat screw driver, vice-grip
locking pliers (which may sometimes be needed), and some old rags. Grinding compound and brushes will be provided.
Delivery
Fee
Ideally, the clinic will be sponsored by a municipality and/or a local hardware store that sells reel mowers. The
delivery fee for the clinic is $150 (subject to travel expenses).