Techniques/Methods

There are two methods of sharpening reel mowers, backlaping and grinding.

1.) Backlaping is the easiest and is used to maintain a sharp cutting edge. This is done by applying a grind paste to the cutting blades and turning the cutting cylinder in reverse rotation either by hand or with a backlaping machine set at about 100 rpm. Additional grinding paste is applied as necessary. When a sharp edge is restored the grinding paste is washed off and the unit readjusted. Remember, the cutting cylinder and the bed knife should barely touch, just like a pair of scissors!

2.) If the cutting surfaces are badly rounded over, nicked, or pitted then the reel lawn mower needs to be sharpened on a grinder. There are two different methods of grinding, single blade grinding and spin grinding. The single blade machines are generally found in the lawn and garden equipment shops. It may take several telephone calls to locate a dealer with the correct grinder. The newer style spin grinder is typically found at a golf course. Some golf course mechanics will take in extra work during the winter months, sharpening home owner mowers.

These companies make equipment to sharpen reel lawn mowers.

American Lawn Mower Company Great States Corp. P. O. Box 369 Shelbyville IN 46176-0369 1-800-633-1501 http://www.reelin.com	Bernhard & Co. Ltd Bilton Road Rugby   CV22 7DT England 01788 811600 http://www.bernhard.co.uk
Foley - United 393 Troy St. River Falls WI 54022 1-800-225-9810 http://www.foleyunited.com	Eric Hunter Grinders Ltd. Hobson Industrial Estate Burnopfield Newcastle Upon Tyne   NE16 6EB England 01207 270316
Neary Technologies 1173 Benson Street River Falls MN 54022 1-800-233-4973 http://www.nearytec.com	R. B. Tec GmbH & Co. KG In der Neuen Welt 8 D-87700 Memmingen Germany 011-49-8331-944130 http://www.system-ettrich.de
Simplex-Ideal-Peerless P.O. Box 1236 Oldsmar FL 34677-0022 1-800-888-6658 http://www.sipgrinder.com	-

jricci@reellawnmower.com