Personally I would go with the Mclane. I recently bought one as a project for $75 and if I keep original Briggs motor I need to spend about $120 to get it running, mines in a lot rougher condition. Still a good investment in my eyes! The mclane above has the better reel on it. Being a 10 blade reel the only downside to that reel is it’s “best suited” for already well maintained yard that’s not very tall. It will still cut you’ll just have to go over it more than once

 

If I were to jump on something like this, I would be worried about jumping straight to a 10-blade reel. My yard is not ready for that lol

I was going to do my first PRG overseed this year and thought winter would be a good time to work on, restore, and learn reel mowing before next spring. Thanks for your input @Tyoung291 !

 

Be aware that you will likely want a front roller for either machine, which will likely set you back another +/- $150. My interest (now obsession) started with a 30 y/o Cal Trimmer but quickly upgraded to JD 220SL.

1. What‘s your budget?
2. Target height of cut?
3. Any slopes to contend with in your yard?
4. Are you located in Nashville? Saw another post might indicate such but those screenshots indicate Atlanta.

 

I haven’t really settled on a budget firmly but I would be curious if I could stay in the $500 range to get started. Making repairs and upgrades are fine. Again, this is a chance for me to tinker and learn.

I currently maintain 3/4” with a manual reel. Wouldn’t mind lowering to around 1/2”.

No slopes.

Atlanta is close enough to me that taking a Saturday to go pick something up is not out of the question.

Thanks for your insight! Really just looking for experienced reel mower users to sound off on what they would look for in a little project reel mower.

 

@dofdk3 No problem! The one I bought has the same 10 blade also and my yard isn’t near close enough for that yet. I plan on getting it close to that within the next year.

 

I’m not mechanically inclined enough to fuss with this but might pique your interest.

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I saw that one. Worries me a little that the seller immediately says it needs a new reel ($500) and one of the self drive wheels jams.

Plus, my yard isn’t ready for a full-on greensmower just yet lol

 

I’ve got a Trucut H20 with a front roller. Briggs engine. It cut pretty decent. Might need a new bedknife or a backlap, I haven’t used it in quite some time, mostly needed some adjustment on the reel the bedknife but worked awesome to cut my hell strip due to being skinnier than my 1600.
Shoot me a message. I’m south of Atlanta but make trips up to WNC often enough I meet on the way if you were serious.

if you are just getting into reel mowing they are all good investments. They work good, get around slopes and obstacles well. They can take a little work to get dialed in, and parts aren’t a bargain in some cases.