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Can't Find a Reel Mower Raleigh NC Area

10K views 45 replies 17 participants last post by  soupy01833  
#1 ·
I was super excited to get a Swardman but looks like they have delayed shipments again due to some shipping disaster. I canceled the order because I'd like to reel mow this season. I'm looking around and most distributers in my area are backordered for various brands of reel mowers. I looked on Toros website and there is like one distributer in NC but it seems pretty obtuse and I can't really see what inventory they have if any.

I'd like to buy a well reviewed reel mower, but I find myself literally not able to find someone to take my money for a mower lol.

I'd really like to buy a new mower because I am super new to this. I don't know how to assess the quality of a mower and what price is fair. I really don't want to buy a used one that has a bunch of problems.

Anyone in the Raleigh area have any resource to buy a reel mower? I'd like a Toro greensmaster 1000 series or whatever the basic smaller model is. I don't know much about McLane or California trimmer but my mind is open to these brands. Any help?
 
#2 ·
#3 ·
https://prairieturfequipment.com/product/2016-toro-greensmaster-1000-walk-behind-greens-mowers-with-11-blade-reels-and-groomers-400-hrs/

Highly recommend Prarie Turf. Call and ask for Greg. They always have stock coming in of Toros. Just know the Range of heights of cuts you want to mow at. If you can't get a Toro or JD find a good 25 McClane you can upgrade to greens later.

Here's link for brand new 25" McLane with grooved roller and Honda GX engine. $2099 includes shipping from dealer. In stock ships next day.

https://store.coronamaxtools.com/25mcgrremo.html
 
#5 ·
To be honest I would get an allett reel mower. How big is your yard? Do you have oak trees or pine trees? do you have a level yard? do you have rocks or nuts or sticks in your yard. reels dont like those at all. The allett has a rake like the swardman and all the attachments as well. I think revells tractor in Fuquay is a dealer for them wish there was another dealer. They also resell / recondition used to like new John deer greens mowers for a good price. However in my opinion as a home owner I would want the allett with the multi function to clean the yard before mowing. bedkifes and reels get expensive to replace on greensmowers.
 
#8 ·
SGrabs33 said:
Gilley11 said:
If you'd be interested in a California Trimmer, contact @SGrabs33 . He's a dealer that is right down the street from you.

It's not a greens mower, but it will cut down to 3/8".
Thanks @Gilley11

@Lp_chazychaz let me know if I can help!
Hey man,

Like I said in the original post, I'm new to reel mowing and looking for my first one. I wanted a Swardman because it seemed super beginner friendly. Now that I can't get my hands on one of those I am considering other options. Hopefully you can help me with a few questions I have on California Trimmer brand.

Firstly, my Bermuda is being cut with a rotary mower and I am trying to go as low as I can but I'm sure you know that you can only get so far with a rotary lol. It's tough to tell the HOC right now due to it being kinda all over the place but I would say it's currently at ~1.25" right now. Is a California trimmer going to go that high or close? I would bring it lower as I went but due to my grass not being perfectly level idk how low I would scalp with a reel mower.

What price range are we looking at? Are there different sizes/models that you would recommend for different sized lawns?

Does it come with a grass catcher or other accessories or do I need to purchase those as well? If so what do you offer?

Thanks for your help with this! I really wanna purchase a reel mower!
 
#9 ·
@Lp_chazychaz happy to help.

Our standard model will cut from 3/8" to 1&7/8". So you would be fine maintaining your current height if it's around 1.25".

Yes, how many square feet of turf do you have? I'd recommend the 25" model when you start getting to around 10k. Feel free to check the link in my signature to get an idea on pricing.

Yes it comes with a grass catcher. We sell a kit that you can use to sharpen the mower. Also, the addition of a roller is highly Recommended.

Happy to answer any other specific questions over pm.

Thanks.
 
#11 ·
Gilley11 said:
@Lp_chazychaz for 5k sq ft, the 20" will be great for you. Also, you'll be surprised that you can go lower with a reel without scalping than you can with a rotary.
You think so?

I've been doing research and I've all but decided to get a California Trimmer. Just gotta see when they get back on stock!! Thanks for the advice
 
#12 ·
Yes. No matter what reel mower you go with, scalping is less with a reel vs rotary. Also,a smaller reel will scalp less than a larger reel, the only downside is the smaller reel will take a few more minutes to mow with. A larger reel also costs more upfront and costs more to maintain and takes to a little more storage room. Of course, this is comparing new vs new.
 
#15 ·
@Lp_chazychaz

I live in NC. I have a 27" 7 Blade Tru Cut for sale($1800), I paid $2200. Its 2 yrs old. Purchased brand new from Apex/Gardner, I can't remember which city, there all the same near Raleigh:). I used it mainly around the house since that's where my "good" grass started out. As the grass has spread and my yard getting better each year, I need a larger mower. I cut roughly 1.5 acres using the reel and a rotary zero turn. I have my eyes on a JD Fairway mower that I would like to purchase. If your interested you can email me @ loweryde@gmail.com
 
#16 ·
My first post. Never had a powered reel mower before until yesterday. My new California Trimmer took 10 days to get from Tacoma to the Home Depot in Pensacola. My first cut was on 7/26. I have 12k of empire zoysia. Had been cutting a small portion with a great American push reel mower before now. I cut it at about 1.25 inches yesterday and it looks great. Very pleased with ease of assembly (mainly swapping the wheels out with the roller)..
 
#19 ·
BigBoxLawn said:
Similar situation here in Statesville. Anyone have recommendations for a super entry level 20 inch?
I've decided on a California Trimmer. @SGrabs33 is working with me to hopefully sell me one. They seem very affordable and I did some research on them, they seem good for beginners! I think he's in the wake county area so maybe he can help. I'll let you know when I buy it - hopefully this week! Maybe that will be good for you?
 
#20 ·
Lp_chazychaz said:
BigBoxLawn said:
Similar situation here in Statesville. Anyone have recommendations for a super entry level 20 inch?
I've decided on a California Trimmer. @SGrabs33 is working with me to hopefully sell me one. They seem very affordable and I did some research on them, they seem good for beginners! I think he's in the wake county area so maybe he can help. I'll let you know when I buy it - hopefully this week! Maybe that will be good for you?
Ive been seeing Cali trimmers as probably the most affordable for someone first getting in to it. Would love to hear your feedback!
 
#23 ·
RCARASITI said:
Im skipping all the prosumer models and just bought a 2015 John Deere 220e. Def gonna be a learning curve but I have been told too many times that you will quickly outgrow the Cali Trimmers, Tru Cuts etc and want a greens mower..so I went that path.. in Raleigh Too!
I can attest to the same. Had a Tru Cut (still have, rarely use) for about 2 weeks before I went searching for a big boy.
 
#24 ·
Tmank87 said:
RCARASITI said:
Im skipping all the prosumer models and just bought a 2015 John Deere 220e. Def gonna be a learning curve but I have been told too many times that you will quickly outgrow the Cali Trimmers, Tru Cuts etc and want a greens mower..so I went that path.. in Raleigh Too!
I can attest to the same. Had a Tru Cut (still have, rarely use) for about 2 weeks before I went searching for a big boy.
Whats the reasoning for this?
 
#26 ·
If you only have 1 height you'll be cutting at for all of your property then a greens mower might be a good choice. I have 2 different heights and some good slopeage so for me a greens mower is out. I need something that I can change height on the fly.