Comments on: Scotts Classic Push Reel Mower Information

By: Reed Hedges

Reed Hedges — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:44:50 +0000

I think the right manual for this mower is the “2000-20 Owner’s Manual” available from this page: https://www.reelin.com/Manuals.aspx , at least it looks like it from the diagrams. I haven’t actually checked any of the instructions yet though.

By: steve

steve — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:42:51 +0000

@RandyR,

The Brill is superior in that its German engineered and not made in China. Also the blades do NOT make contact with the cutting bar and therefore the resistance is much less nothing when compared to most other mowers. The Great states mower is a good mower however it does make contact and is much heavier.

By: RandyR

RandyR — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 05:32:09 +0000

I’d be curious how this compares to the Brill Mowers and NaturCut Mowers (formerly Sunlawn.) I have the Great States 16″ mower which works the same as the Scotts Classic, but it’s really hard to push. It did get a lot easier though once I followed the instructions on this page on how to adjust the blade, thanks!

By: lars

lars — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 19:09:59 +0000

@Derek

If you’re getting a pretty good cut now, I probably wouldn’t mess with it. The Scotts Classic isn’t exactly known for its extremely precise manufacturing tolerances.

You could try tightening down the reel a little bit more to see if that gives you a little bit wider contact between the reel and the cutter bar. But be careful, because if you bring it in too close, then it’s going to be really hard to push the mower because there will be too much friction.

By: Derek Ferland

Derek Ferland — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 15:55:15 +0000

I just bought a Scott’s 20″ Classic on eBay for our townhouse and for the most part it has been great (especially the storage aspect). One question though, about 1″ to 1.5″ of each edge of the blades still has the factory green paint on them, which seems to indicate the mower has NEVER cut the full 20″ width even from new out of the box. Is this normal? I am wondering if I should keep trying to adjust the cutting bar to try and capture the full width or if I’m must wasting my time and settle on the roughly 16-17″ cutting width? Thanks for the descriptions & tips…very helpful!

By: steve

steve — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:38:53 +0000

@susann, It sounds like one of two things. Either the reel is warped or you still have not gotten it correctly adjusted. Double check the adjustment to be sure the reel is equally spaced with the cutting bar. In other words, flip the mower over and compare the distance between the reel and the cutting bar, making sure it just barely touching the same amount all the way across.
Good luck!

By: susann

susann — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:19:12 +0000

I ordered one of these from Ace. It does not work half so well as another reel mower I bought off the shelf at about 2/3 the price.
It is very hard to push and only cuts on the left side no matter how I adjust the screws. I have yet to cut a lawn with it although I’ve had it around a year

By: Milo

Milo — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:43:02 +0000

Hello All,

I really am considering one of these great mowers for the home I am currently shopping for.

My main questions is – is it reasonable to cut a half acre plus with one of these mowers? About how long would you expect it to take?

I live in south-west FL. The grass on most the places I am checking out is bahiagrass (one or the other) and Very few St augustine. I’ve never been the biggest fan of the augustine look. Nonetheless, how do these reel mowers perform on these different types of grasses?

Thank you so much for your time/input
(\/)ilo

By: Milo

Milo — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:28:08 +0000

Use a small application of Blue Lock-tite or similar product. You can get it at any hardware store, or even auto parts store. If you’re against using such a thing you cuold also consider a lock washer, but due to the vibration you should be more please with a lock-tite or similar substitute.

Warning – I wouldn’t suggest the Red – it is meant for a more permanent or heavy-duty application.

By: dan

dan — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 16:08:17 +0000

@John Taylor, I would go for the 20″ mower. Even with a smaller yard (and 1/4 acres isn’t that small!), you will appreciate not having to mow as much. Also, you end up overlapping the rows a bit, so you are probably only cutting with 16″-18″, with a 14″ mower, you might only be cutting 10″-12″ inch wide rows.