Backlapping Reel Mowers

[Duper]

Anyone backlap their reel mowers?

Is it hard to do? Can I do it myself on my own mower? Any directions available anywhere on how to do this? Do I need special equipment or is a paint brush and lapping compound basically all I need?

Thanks!

-Duper

P.S. I'm talking about a 21" power reel mower (not the commercial stuff or push mowers) if it matters...

[Scott]

don't think you're gonna get much response concerning reel mowers here.
I think there's only a few here that use them.
Grassmaster could probably talk yer ear off though on em.

I do know that indmowing.com uses them along with several other Aussies.

[ggoyeneche]

I've backlapped Trimmer and McLane front throw mowers over the years. I use medium to fine Clover Compound and spread it on with an ice-cream type stick. Trimmers are tapped on the reel shaft, and they sell a crank which screws in. You can also use a pair of Vise-Grips on the hub of the sprocket (after you remove the chain). Under no circumstances would I recommend power back lapping. Some mowers are fitted with an extra sprocket, and by rethreading the chain you can turn the reel backward. Bad news!

Whe you are done, hose down the reel thoroughly with solvent and high pressure water to remove any compund, and then proceed to reset your reel to the bed knife.

Generally I don't bother backlapping much any more. If the reel and bedknife are too worn or in bad shape you have to have them professionally ground first anyway. On the other hand, if it is simply minor wear, resetting reel to bedknife will often get you as good a cut as backlapping would, for a lot less work.

I know do what I would call a "*****'s" adjustment. I set the reel to the point where it is just beginning to make light contact in one or two places. Then I mow with a wet lawn. Water first if need be. The wet lawn prevents any galling and the high spots are worn down. This works especially well with Trimmer "Home" models, which have a crank type screw for adjusting the bedknife.

[GrassMaster]

Welcome to the Lawn Service Forum Community, ggoyeneche!

Looks like you know quite a Bit about Reel Mowers!

Originally posted by Scott
I think there's only a few here that use them.
Grassmaster could probably talk yer ear off though on em.

Thank You Mr. Scott, I really needed that, I reckon Y'all call me Motor Mouth, when I ain't looking, Don't Ya?

[Reel]

You can actually buy a backlapping machine that essentially hoists the mower as if it were jacked up and automatically turns the reel. You just paint the reel back and forth with a brush and the compond. The machine cost around $350 (My neighbor bought one for personal use). The compound (80 grit is what my neighbor has) runs around $20 for a small bucket and will last several years assuming 3-4 backlaps per season. It takes around 30 minutes or so to do the job, including clean- up. Backlapping, in my experience, buys another 8-12 sharp cuts until you need to backlap again. How many sharp cuts you will get also depends on the type of grass you're mowing.....bermuda, emerald zoysia, meyers, etc. I have a 8 year old 25" Tru-Cut and typically only grind once per season with 2-3 backlaps in between - it still cuts like a champ when sharp!