The gentle hum of a reel mower cutting through your lawn is a symphony of precision and efficiency. Unlike the roar of a gas-powered machine, the quiet operation and clean cut of a reel mower offer a uniquely satisfying experience. But to maintain that smooth, pristine trim, you need to sharpen your reel mower blades regularly. This article will guide you through the process, from understanding the importance of sharpening to the specific steps involved. Whether you’re a seasoned lawn care enthusiast or a novice gardener, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to keep your reel mower performing at its best.
Why is Sharpening Essential?
Sharpening your reel mower blades is crucial for maintaining a healthy and beautiful lawn. Dull blades tear the grass instead of cleanly slicing it, leading to several issues:
- Uneven Cuts: A dull mower leaves jagged edges, resulting in an uneven and unsightly lawn.
- Stressed Grass: Torn grass is more susceptible to disease and pests, impacting your lawn’s overall health.
- Increased Resistance: Dull blades require more effort to cut, making mowing more laborious and potentially damaging your mower’s internal components.
Understanding Reel Mower Blades
Before diving into the sharpening process, let’s grasp the basics of reel mower blade design. A reel mower consists of two sets of blades:
- The Reel: This rotating cylinder houses multiple blades, typically 5 to 7, arranged in a helical pattern.
- The Bedknife: A stationary blade fixed to the mower’s base, against which the reel blades cut.
Sharpening involves adjusting the angle and sharpness of the reel blades to ensure a clean and precise cut against the bedknife.
Preparing for the Sharpening Process
Gathering the Necessary Tools
Sharpening a reel mower requires a few specialized tools:
- A Sharpening Stone: Choose a medium-grit stone specifically designed for reel mower blades.
- A Reel Mower Blade Gauge: This tool ensures the correct cutting height and blade alignment.
- A Level: For verifying the bedknife’s levelness.
- A Wrench: To adjust the blade height and tension.
- A Cleaning Brush: To remove debris and grass clippings.
- A Workbench or Stable Surface: Provides a secure and stable platform for sharpening.
Disassembling the Reel Mower
Before sharpening, you need to disassemble the mower to access the blades:
- Remove the Blades: Carefully detach the reel from the mower’s base.
- Loosen the Blade Tension: Use the wrench to loosen the tension of the blades, allowing them to rotate freely.
- Remove the Bedknife: Detach the bedknife from the base, keeping it in a safe place.
Sharpening the Reel Blades
Now you’re ready to sharpen the blades:
1. Cleaning the Blades
Clean the blades thoroughly with the cleaning brush to remove any grass clippings, dirt, or debris that might hinder the sharpening process.
2. Assessing the Blades
Examine the blades for wear and tear. Look for any nicks, burrs, or uneven edges.
3. Sharpening the Blades
Place the sharpening stone on a stable surface. Hold the reel blade firmly and move it across the stone in a consistent, smooth motion, maintaining a slight angle.
Sharpening Techniques:
- The Rocking Motion: This technique involves moving the blade back and forth across the stone, slightly rocking it from side to side to ensure a consistent bevel.
- The Straight-Line Method: Hold the blade at a fixed angle and move it in a straight line across the stone, repeating the motion until a sharp edge is achieved.
4. Checking the Blades
After sharpening, use a fingernail to gently test the sharpness of the blade. If the edge easily slices the nail, the blades are sufficiently sharp.
Setting the Bedknife and Blade Height
1. Leveling the Bedknife
Place the bedknife on a flat surface and use the level to ensure it is perfectly level. If necessary, adjust the bedknife’s height using the wrench.
2. Adjusting the Blade Height
Use the blade gauge to set the desired cutting height, ensuring the reel blades and bedknife are aligned. You can adjust the blade height using the wrench on the reel’s assembly.
3. Checking the Cut
Test the sharpness and alignment of the blades by cutting a piece of paper. If the blades make a clean and precise cut, the sharpening process is complete.
Reassembling the Mower
1. Reattach the Bedknife
Securely attach the bedknife to the base, ensuring it is level and aligned with the reel blades.
2. Reinstall the Reel
Place the reel back on the base and tighten the blades.
3. Adjusting the Blade Tension
Use the wrench to adjust the blade tension, ensuring a smooth and efficient rotation.
Maintaining Your Reel Mower
Sharpening is a regular maintenance task that needs to be performed periodically. The frequency depends on how often you use the mower and the condition of your lawn.
Tips for Maintaining Your Reel Mower:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the blades and other components after each use to remove grass clippings and debris.
- Proper Storage: Store the mower in a dry and protected location.
- Lubrication: Regularly lubricate the blades and other moving parts to prevent rust and wear.
Conclusion
Sharpening a reel mower is a valuable skill that will ensure your lawn is perfectly cut and your mower remains in peak condition. By following these steps and consistently maintaining your mower, you’ll enjoy the smooth operation and clean cuts that a reel mower offers, keeping your lawn healthy and beautiful for years to come.
FAQs
Q: What is a reel lawn mower and how does it differ from a rotary mower?
A: A reel lawn mower, also known as a cylinder mower, uses a rotating cylinder with blades to cut grass. Unlike rotary mowers, which have one spinning blade that chops grass, reel mowers use a scissor-like action to cleanly cut the grass. This results in a finer cut, which promotes healthier lawn growth and requires less frequent mowing. Reel mowers are known for their efficiency, quiet operation, and eco-friendliness due to their lower energy consumption.
Q: When should I sharpen my reel lawn mower?
A: You should sharpen your reel lawn mower blades every 10-15 mowing sessions, or when you notice the blades are dull and no longer providing a clean cut. Signs of dull blades include uneven or ragged grass cuts, excessive grass clippings left on the lawn, and a feeling of resistance or dragging when mowing.
Q: What tools do I need to sharpen my reel lawn mower?
A: To sharpen your reel mower blades, you’ll need a few essential tools: a flat file, a sharpening stone or honing steel, a ruler, a pencil, and a small screwdriver. You may also find a vice grip or clamping device useful for holding the blades during the sharpening process.
Q: How do I sharpen the blades of my reel lawn mower?
A: Sharpening a reel mower blade requires a methodical approach. First, you need to remove the blades from the mower. Then, use a flat file to remove any burrs or imperfections on the cutting edges of the blades. Once the edges are smooth, use a sharpening stone or honing steel to create a sharp edge at a 30-degree angle. It is crucial to maintain a consistent angle throughout the sharpening process for optimal performance.
Q: How do I know if I’ve sharpened the blades correctly?
A: Once you’ve sharpened the blades, test them by running your finger lightly along the cutting edge. If the blade feels sharp and smooth, you’ve done a good job. You can also check the cut by running the blade through a piece of paper. If the blade cuts cleanly through the paper without resistance, it is sharp.
Q: What maintenance should I do after sharpening my reel lawn mower?
A: After sharpening your reel mower blades, it’s important to lubricate them with a light oil to prevent rust and corrosion. This will help prolong the life of the blades and ensure smooth operation. You should also check the height adjustment mechanism and make sure it’s operating properly.
Q: How can I keep my reel lawn mower blades sharp?
A: To maintain sharp blades and extend the time between sharpenings, it’s helpful to avoid mowing in wet grass, as this can cause the blades to dull more quickly. Also, regularly clean the blades after each mowing session to remove any debris or grass clippings that can impede cutting performance. It’s also recommended to store your reel lawn mower indoors in a dry place to protect the blades from rust and corrosion.