Since 1991 I have used 3 different reel mowers (McLane, TruCut, and Locke) on my 6000 sf hybrid Bermuda lawn. The McLane was underpowered, the TruCut's clutch went out, and the Locke's reel-to-bed knife adjustment was difficult to maintain. Since I am in the market again, I would like to hear the pros and cons of staying with a reel or switching to a greens mower. (This topic might have already been covered on the forum.) If there are members who have used both, it would be interesting to hear their evaluations. I am leaning toward a 26-inch greens mower, since HOC can go up to 1.25 inches, and presumably their reel-to-bed knife adjustments are precise and stable. Thanks for your comments!
Reel or Greens Mower Next?
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Great, I just bought a Tru-Cut 😖
I have owned both and have to say that hands down a greens mower is WAY better than a regular reel mower in every aspect except being able to mower really close to things (fence, house........) I have owned a TruCut C25 10 blade reel and currently own a Baroness LM56. Everything on the Baroness is far superior to the TruCut and even though it's not as easy to adjust the HOC, it still doesn't take long at all to do so on the Baroness. You usually don't adjust the HOC that often anyway.
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I haven't received the C27 I ordered yet and someone locally is selling a Baroness LM56G for $800. It looks in superb shape and his lawn looks fantastic. Is that something to jump on as a first time reel owner, or should I stick with the Tru-Cut?Mightyquinn said:
Is this the Baroness that is for sale in your area? Baroness LM56gatormac2112 said:
Don't get me wrong, there is NOTHING wrong with a TruCut mower and it is a fine machine but having a greens mower will allow you to take your lawn to the next level if you ever want to go there. The Baroness is a great mower and I love mine but the only downside to owning one is that most of the parts for it are a lot more expensive than the parts for a JD, Toro or Jacobsen mower since there isn't a large aftermarket network for it since it is so new to the US market. With that being said though, there is a lot less to go wrong with it since there are no belts and it's all gear driven. Feel free to ask any questions you might have :thumbup:
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Yeah that's the one, I guess I should've known he would be a member here 😆Mightyquinn said:
I wonder why it isn't working out for him though. Also, my lawn is nowhere near ready for a precision cut that would offer. However, I would hate to miss an opportunity on a great deal. Which is easier to maintain as far as reel to bedknife adjustments, backlapping, etc.? Which is easier to use on a gently sloped yard?
A greens mower will still give you a better cut on an uneven lawn than a TruCut will but you may have to mow at a higher HOC until you can sand the lawn and smooth things out.
How "gentle" is this slope?
How "gentle" is this slope?
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A moderate slope. Its a roughly 7500-8000 sq.ft. front yard, the top of the lawn I'm guesstimating is 6 feet above the bottom of the lawn at a distance of 150 feet. Here are some pictures:Mightyquinn said:
Also, I think I have Zoysia and I'm not even sure how low I can cut it. Its currently at a way-too-high 2.5" HOC. Any tips or feedback on whether my lawn dimensions/slope and grass type prohibit me from using a greens mower would be appreciated.
EDIT: I guess using basic math with a 6 ft drop and a 150 foot run its about a 4-5% slope.
I think your slope looks fine and you shouldn't have any issues with a greens mower.
As for getting it down to a reasonable HOC, you may have to wait until Spring to scalp it down and then start mowing at 1" or below(Max HOC on a Baroness is about 1"). It will be a dirty job come Spring as you have A LOT of material to remove but it can be done, just break it up over a few weeks so it isn't such a monumental job.
As for getting it down to a reasonable HOC, you may have to wait until Spring to scalp it down and then start mowing at 1" or below(Max HOC on a Baroness is about 1"). It will be a dirty job come Spring as you have A LOT of material to remove but it can be done, just break it up over a few weeks so it isn't such a monumental job.
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Thanks for your insight. The Baroness sold unfortunately so I suppose I will start my reel adventures with the C27 I ordered, but depending on how things go next season will keep greens mowers in mind. I'm still curious about how low I can cut Zoysia, some references on line say no shorter than 1", others say no shorter than 1.5", and I've found one that says you can do 0.5' HOC. Not knowing the variety of Zoysia I have adds to the dilemma. The C27 I ordered has 7 blades. I know you had a 10 blade reel, do you think the 7 blade reel limits how low I can effectively maintain the HOC?Mightyquinn said:
I think you will be fine with the 7 blade version on your Zoysia.
I was considering getting a TruCut C27 but this thread has me thinking now. Rather than a GM1000, I'm considering a GM1600 for the extra width and cutting height. My lawn is flat but bumpy at the moment, but I'm working on it and I cut at 1.5" with a rotary with very little scalping.
So if was a choice between a new C27 or an ~10 yo GM1600 for around $1000 less, which would you consider the better choice? Would maintenance be easier with the Toro? There seems to be no reel support just around here but I suppose the golf courses might be able to help. Anyone know any place nearish Florence, SC, for sharpening?
So if was a choice between a new C27 or an ~10 yo GM1600 for around $1000 less, which would you consider the better choice? Would maintenance be easier with the Toro? There seems to be no reel support just around here but I suppose the golf courses might be able to help. Anyone know any place nearish Florence, SC, for sharpening?
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This is probably a stupid question, but what is the difference between a greens mower and a regular reel mower like a TruCut or some of the others mentioned in this thread?
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