I saw it the other day as well. Honestly, if I did not already have my 220E I would put in a pre order for one. For me it has greensmower type adjjustments and rear roller for the high end Mclane/Cal Trimmer price. The only question I have is how does one adjust the reel to bedknife on it.

 

 

That's really tempting, I've been wating to switch to a reel but stuck between the wheels most residential reels have (don't want wheel marks) and not being ready for the ultra low cut of a greens mower. 1.5" with a rear roller might be a nice compromise.

 

Well just the other day, after having an issue mid-mow with my Echo 58v rotary, I was thinking how much I do miss my GM1000. Really it was the fact of having an issue was like the flashbacks of all the solving the puzzles before getting to use the GM so I don't really miss that. Do miss that low reel cut though.

Price wise this is way better than the other two import models that use rear drums, but do feel it is missing an opportunity without a Honda engine option. I'm just not sure the wife would go for it this year though. I figure I probably got 2 more years on the Echo since just had a battery warrantied out. More competition I suppose could lead to some better pricing and features introduced by the other manufacturers?

 

I put my order in for the Rolux. I figure in the name of science I can give an accurate review vs buying a greensmower. Honestly as small as my lawn is, the Rolux makes more sense. I guess I will find out first hand at how it does.

 

legend!

 

Just saw this as well. Seems they’ve been in business 50+ years.

 

I got a confirmation from them and they even sent me a Fb message to thank me for my order.

 

Does anyone know if Rolux relief grinds the reel?

 

The reel is not a relief. It’s a spin ground reel which will make backlapping very time consuming vs a relief ground reel.

 

Hi All, Stu here.. I run Rolux together with my brother Bruce. Here to answer any questions. You can either ask here or mail Bruce direct at bruce@myrolux.com. I don’t agree with the message about about it being very time consuming to backlap. Please see a video here on how to backlap our machine. I did it on Thursday and it took me 10 mins.

[/QUOTE]

 

Like the rubber drums

 

I wish they had an electric version of this.

 

@roluxstu What's the idea behind the discontinuous stock reel?

 

The reason behind the split 6 blade reel means the clippings are thrown into the center of the catcher. Our 9 and 12 blade reel are continuous though because it’s be tough to have 18 or 24 overlapping blades 😄

 

According to the website it says it weights 143lbs of which 8.8oz are plastic. The split reel is designed to throw more clippings into the catcher.

 

Yup this is correct. Made heavier if you attach a ribbed front roller.

 

@roluxstu when are you making an electric one?

 

It’s a work in progress but very much in the pipeline

 

Can you drive it without engaging the reel? Or is the reel always engaged?

 

Looks like it's a friction clutch, so I'm guessing no. I'd assume if you were idling at a low enough RPM to not engage the reel, if you engaged the drive, it would stall, but just an assumption.

 

Oh I see those other models, nice. Reasonably priced too. Just need to convince the wife to take a safari to South Africa and pick one up. How do you think Delta would feel about it as checked baggage?

 

Somewhere amongst all the reading I did on their sites, they mentioned it being silly that it was cheaper to fly a 70kg person across the ocean than to ship a 60kg mower or something along those lines, lol.

 

I am sure someone on this site is in the shipping business. How much is a container from the South Africa to the US? Sounds like they are shipping parts here and doing final assembly, so they can probably get pretty dense on the shipping.

I am sure they love us micro managing their business model. I know I alway appreciate it when folks do that to me.

 

Just got notification that the 25" is opening for preorder tonight at 6ET, fyi.

 

The Rolux youtube channel has a backlapping video, but if the U.S. models are spin grind instead of relief grind, does this mean we need to take the mower somewhere to get sharpened? Alternatively is it affordable to just buy a 20" or 25" replacement reel and easily swap in?

 

My understanding is there's not really a "U.S." model. The only difference between what they're selling overseas and in the U.S. is the motor, because while meeting emissions standards for EU and global markets, apparently the motor wasn't certified for use in the US, so they swapped. Other than that, it's all the same, and they're saying it can be backlapped.

 

The 25” model is now listed for sale on their web site. They indicate December delivery.

 

I currently have a McLane 25" with the Briggs and Stratton XR series engine (208cc version). I noticed on the website photos that the Rolux comes with the 127cc version of this engine. Any concerns about it being under-powered? I like the rear rollers, HOC adjustment and reel/bedknife adjustment of the Rolux much better than my McLane.

 

Current GM1000 lists a honda 120 at 3.5hp and thats a much heavier mower. I don't think power would be an issue. I'd like to see something besides b&s but that's a whole different debate. I'll probably still buy one if the initial reviews seem good.

 

Thank you for the info on the Toro Greensmaster. I am also leaning towards purchasing a Rolux 25". My only complaint with the Briggs engine on my McLane is the oil starvation safety switch. I have a sloped yard and I have to turn the mower a certain way at the end of a run on the slope to avoid the engine cutting off. I would probably have the same issue with this machine, but I do think the rubber-coated rear roller would offer better traction and would stripe rather than leave wheel marks.

 

Hi @roluxstu I tried emailing bruce but didn't get a response regarding my order.

But I was trying to also find out because these look like its the cox professional, if these groomer/verticutter reels would fit the x17 as I might order a second unit to have a dedicated groomer/verticutter.

Cox Grooming/Verticutting reel - Package | Trident Lawnmowers

Cox Grooming/Verticutting reel - Package including bottom blade holder.17" or 20". We have a variety of blades and spacings available. Spring steel blades are zinc plated which equals NO RUST and are harder than the stainless steel and hence will last longer. We recommend 12mm spacings for couch...

www.tridentlawnmowers.com.au

 

Hi Neverblu! I have messaged you directly too. Bruce’s mails are down for some reason. Thanks for messaging.

Indeed, we manufacture the Cox and these reels fit onto our mowers.

We are in the process of building our own original range of scarifiers/verticutters for the 17” so you won’t need to buy from Aus.

happy if you mail me directly at stuart@rolux.co.za or DM me on Facebook

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@roluxstu Thanks for the reply, I sent you a message on FB Messenger so might show up under message requests, since we aren't friends.

Thats interesting about your own original line of verticutter/groomer. Hopefully you can share some insight once you see my message on FB

 

I am definitely considering it. I wonder how loud it is; definitely not a mower to use early in the morning. Thank you

 

likely its just as loud as any powered reel, which seems to be louder than a manual, but not as loud as a rotary mower.