Picked up a reel mower

[Redneck13x]

Probably the best spot for this post. It's a vintage yard tool. Always wanted one, found one with a bagger. Picked it up for $45. There's stamping on the bottom of the wood handle but it's worn and can't read it. I tried laying paper over it and rubbing pencil but still couldn't make anything out.

I want to mow my lawn with this. So I'll need to figure out how to sharpen and adjust the blades. They do have a edge still.

Anyone have any info on this unit, how to sharpen or adjust? What do you think howd I do

 

[four.cycle]

if there's nobody here who knows, somebody will have the answers to all of your questions here:
mylawnmowerforum.com

all I know about those is that if the "bed knife" is toasted, the whole thing is usually junk.
(the "bed knife" is the stationary blade on the bottom.)

 

[Bighead38]

I have one that was my grandmothers. Don't use it but enjoy having it.

 

[tombell572]

I have my father's Pennsylvania Great American reel mower bought by him in the 1930's. Nothing cuts a nice lawn as smoothly as these. If the blades are in reasonably good shape, they can be backlapped to put a good edge on them. Coat the blade edges with lapping compound such as Clover brand and spin the reel backwards. The action of the compound-coated blades contacting bed knife in reverse will put a keen edge on them. Clean the mower thoroughly when done. The bed knife should be adjusted so it is in slight contact with the blades. There should be two adjustment screws on either side of the bed knife-one to tighten and one to loosen. The blades should move freely enough so they continue to turn a few revolutions when you stop pushing the mower. Test sharpness with a sheet of paper-it should cut cleanly. Reel mowers are considered to be "self sharpening" like scissors due to the slicing action of the reel blades against the bed knife. As long as you're cutting grass and not stones very little sharpening is required.

If the blades are so dull they must be ground, a special reel mower grinding machine must be used. These were once common in most places that sharpened tools but have become few and far between. The bed knife must be removed from the mower to be ground. Find a shop that sharpens golf course greens mowers and they may be able to help.

These old cast iron reel mowers were built to last and are easy to push when well oiled and properly adjusted. Rotary mowers killed them off in the 1950's. Today, the cheap steel and plastic homeowner versions don't compare.

A final thought on use. These mowers are not intended for cutting high grass. If you try to cut a lawn that's much more than 3 or 4 inches in height it may push the grass down. The max height of cut is adjusted by moving the roller brackets up or down. The max height of cut may be around 1 1/2" depending on brand of mower and how much meat remains on the wood roller.

Tom B.

 

[humber2]

Good advice above. I've re-spared many of the cast iron versions. The bed knife suffers if mower is left parked on grass, check it is dead flat with no buckling between the screws.

These mowers were the original aerobic workout devices.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I remember using one as a kid.....hated it

 

[jimreed2160]

I picked up some of these years ago and used them on my city lot. It was great to have NO GAS smell in the garage. Mine had been in storage but only needed a cleanup and a little adjustment. TOMBELL was right on with his advice. In use, inertia is your friend--don't stop--keep up a steady pace and the mower will almost drag you along. Good luck with your mower.

 

[Zeke]

All mower shops have a reel sharpener as there are many front throw reel mowers in use today. It should cut a piece of paper if sharp.

 

[notlob]

Here are some reel mower blade sharpening videos.

 

[CNGsaves]

Reel mower like that just screams . . . Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino movie !!

+1 to mow often so it's not too tall. Had a guy tell me it's the very best mower for bermuda lawns as it leaves a clean cut.

 

[braidmeister]

The wheels on that puppy look pretty light. IIRC the one I had was heavy cast iron for the flywheel effect to help you 'power through' the thick stuff.

Congrats on your new toy. Watch your feet after you sharpen it!

 

[Ancient Iron]

I have one with a 2.5 horse Briggs on it.

 

[Redneck13x]

Thanks guys! Going to do a further inspection and sharpen the blades. This thing is heavy, weights as much as your modern day gas push mower. Did some research and it's an American lawn mower company. I found one too for sale with an engine powered, I wanted it, but was too far of a drive.

 

[7th Kahuna]

That mower matches memories of my Grandfather's, which I believe was a Craftsman. We don't have it anymore, but I do have the edger (with matching handle) which is a Craftsman. Of course, Craftsman may well have been buying them from American Lawn Mower. One day I would like to replace it.

My grandfather's was in good shape, but he had a power mower he used for the lawns, followed by the push edger. His lawn had these deep divots in it that made the push mower difficult. It was also on a bit of a slope. I remember on more than one occasion, as I was coming down with a cold, taking that push mower out and going to town on that lawn. It got the heart going, built up a sweat, and seemed to help prevent the cold from taking hold. Can't say for sure, but I'd do it again.

 

[elidas]

I'm almost afraid to write this. I have well over 200 vintage mowers. I should recognize this one but it slips my mind. I have some very early power mowers including a Coldwell "H" (teens), early twenties Ideal. early twenties Coldwell electric. I'll mine my way into my push mower "tent" and see if I can match it.

 

[tombell572]

Elidas, some photos would be great.

Tom B.

 

[elidas]

Couple pictures. First one is the Coldwell electric. This is the first production electric mower. The other one is a quick overview of one section of mowers. Most are packed away for the Connecticut winter. I have three portable garages filled with "artifacts". I also have a large vintage appliance (mostly made in Connecticut) collection.

 

[jimreed2160]

Couple pictures. First one is the Coldwell electric. This is the first production electric mower. The other one is a quick overview of one section of mowers. Most are packed away for the Connecticut winter. I have three portable garages filled with "artifacts". I also have a large vintage appliance (mostly made in Connecticut) collection.

Nice group. At only 200, I doubt it could be called a "collection." But more like "a good start."

 

[elidas]

Nice group. At only 200, I doubt it could be called a "collection." But more like "a good start."

You missed the "well over" part.

 

[ken w.]

I have a Scott's reel mower with a bagger from my grandfather. I don't think it was used much. I know I would rather mow with my Honda.

 

[tombell572]

I have a friend who has a mower and small engine repair business. He also collects and restores hit & miss engines and other small antique machines. He's got a beautiful Coldwell single cylinder water cooled 36" reel he believes from 1920's. Says Coldwells-both power and hand machines were once considered the best. At one time when there were still a few large estates on Long Island, he worked on Lockes, long considered favorites on the big places. Most are gone now.

Tom B.

 

[elidas]

Coldwell used various engines (mostly Fuller and Johnson) up until about 1928. Coldwell made there own single and twin engines up until (about) 1939 with a switch to Briggs and Stratton. My "H" has a Middletown machine (Woodpecker) hit and miss on it. If the mower your friend has a horizontal engine its a Coldwell, vertical its a Fuller.

 

[wasabiboys]

I have sharpened an old reel mower a while ago. It can be done. It just takes patience.

 

[tombell572]

Elidas, interesting, my friend's Coldwell has a vertical engine. I always thought the fact that it was liquid cooled with a small radiator and fan was unusual. I will pass your info along to him.

Tom B.

 

[elidas]

First picture Coldwell single-second picture Fuller engine

 

[tombell572]

Elidas, I would say my friend Tom's machine matches up with your Fuller-powered mower. The radiator, shroud and fan appear the same and I think I can see the single piece cylinder with plug poking up opposite the radiator. You do indeed have an impressive collection.

Tom B.