How to Maintain a Reel Lawn Mower

by Tracy E Dickinson

Overview

Mowing your lawn with an old-fashioned reel mower can put you in touch with your inner Ward Cleaver. But unless you grew up pushing one of these around your yard, it might look as foreign as the inner workings of a Model T. But you don't have to have Mr. Cleaver's handyman skills to keep that mower running smoothly.
Routine maintenance

Step 1

Rinse the mower of grass clippings after each use. Allow the mower to dry in the sun.
Step 2

Treat the blades with a light spray of WD-40 or other lubricant after the mower has dried to keep the blades turning smoothly.
Step 3

Adjust the blades, if necessary, by using adjustment nuts at the end of the roller shaft.

Annual Maintenance

Step 1

Check your owner's manual for specific instructions.
Step 2

Remove burrs or nicks in the blades by using a fine, flat tile or sharpening stone.
Step 3

Rub a small amount of grinding paste over the blade with a cloth to remove any residue.
Step 4

Check the roller shaft to make sure it's straight.
Step 5

Adjust according to owner's manual specifications to make sure the roller shaft is touching but not pressing the blades.

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Outdoor faucet and hose Spray lubricant Fine flat sharpening file or stone Grinding paste Mower owner's manual
Outdoor faucet and hose
Spray lubricant
Fine flat sharpening file or stone
Grinding paste
Mower owner's manual
Reel mowers rarely need repairs, since there are few mechanical elements to break down. Nicked blades can usually be filed smooth as indicated above or replaced by a professional if more severely damaged. Properly maintained, reel mowers can last 15 to 20 years on average.
Reel mowers rarely need repairs, since there are few mechanical elements to break down. Nicked blades can usually be filed smooth as indicated above or replaced by a professional if more severely damaged. Properly maintained, reel mowers can last 15 to 20 years on average.
Follow your owner's manual's instructions for sharpening and adjusting blades to prevent damage to the mower and to ensure even cutting.
Follow your owner's manual's instructions for sharpening and adjusting blades to prevent damage to the mower and to ensure even cutting.