Finally joining the reel low (cool season) mowing club with a Toro Greensmaster 1000! 
While I slowly save up for a Pearl Ruby Red Swardman, been actively looking for used reel mower in the meantime. After MANY months of searching (and some luck) I came across this ad in MN which is three hours south of me.
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/grd/d/toro-1000-walk-greens-mower/6570712305.html
Lucky part, my brother in-law lived minutes from the golf course that were selling them. He picked it up this morning and I am excited to get back to IA this weekend or next.
Comes with a grooved front roller and 11 blade reel which isn't ideal for cool season, but for $100 oh well. Was hoping for the grooved front roller and groomer kit, but missed out on that one. Either way, he said it started on a single pull, idled well, and reel spun freely without any grinding / bearing noise. He did say when engaging the clutch there was slight squeak, but the guy demonstrated it and everything checked out. He did send me a video if anyone wants to see it running. However, still kind of expecting to put a little money into it, but at least the starting base price makes it easier to approve service with the CFO.
My initial thoughts are to mow the front yard (4k sq ft) with the Toro and maintain the backyard with the rotary. Still trying to convince the wife that a front yard reno w/Mazama *** is needed. Maybe one day I'll start a lawn journal here to document my turf "stuff", reel mow experience, and see how far (or low) I can take this NoMix turf.
While I slowly save up for a Pearl Ruby Red Swardman, been actively looking for used reel mower in the meantime. After MANY months of searching (and some luck) I came across this ad in MN which is three hours south of me.
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/grd/d/toro-1000-walk-greens-mower/6570712305.html
Lucky part, my brother in-law lived minutes from the golf course that were selling them. He picked it up this morning and I am excited to get back to IA this weekend or next.
Comes with a grooved front roller and 11 blade reel which isn't ideal for cool season, but for $100 oh well. Was hoping for the grooved front roller and groomer kit, but missed out on that one. Either way, he said it started on a single pull, idled well, and reel spun freely without any grinding / bearing noise. He did say when engaging the clutch there was slight squeak, but the guy demonstrated it and everything checked out. He did send me a video if anyone wants to see it running. However, still kind of expecting to put a little money into it, but at least the starting base price makes it easier to approve service with the CFO.
My initial thoughts are to mow the front yard (4k sq ft) with the Toro and maintain the backyard with the rotary. Still trying to convince the wife that a front yard reno w/Mazama *** is needed. Maybe one day I'll start a lawn journal here to document my turf "stuff", reel mow experience, and see how far (or low) I can take this NoMix turf.
