I’m a 56 year grand mom who started taking care of my lawn a few years ago. Purchased a new 25 inch Tru Cut 3 years ago and love it - except for the thumb drive. After seeing your video, I’m thinking about selling my Tru Cut for the McClane. I enjoy your videos. They are very knowledgeable.
Thanks - I just pulled the trigger today. Sold my Tru Cut and ordered the McLane. Can’t wait to get it. I’ll give you an update. By the way, the person who is bought my Tru Cut asked me if I grew up with a lot of brothers. I told him I was an only child - which I am. No brothers or sisters. I’m just fiercely independent and love taking care of my lawn.
Oh my goodness I just ordered the McLane and am so excited. 48 y/o mom whose lawn has been transformed w your videos! Used the Fiskars last year but need some more power!
I think what I enjoy most about your videos is knowing the pain your feeling when trying to do lawn care and lawn care videos... I spent about 9 hours yesterday between cutting my grass and putting down my pre emergent mix. I am about 2 hours west of you and typically we have the exact same weather conditions. So whether it's a bad day or good day, I know what those conditions were. Amazing how quickly you get these videos done doc! Thanks for all of the advice.
Last year I traded a saw stand for a McClane 20". My yard is 7,420 sqf. I was old and had a Briggs and Stratton on it. I did the Predator motor upgrade on it I saw on youtube. Many compliments about how nice my yard was. Worth the trade and it runs good with the Harbor Freight motor.. I would like a new one, but I'll wait till this one is no longer salvageable.
I have been looking at McLane, California Trimmer and Tru Cut. I eliminated California Trimmer because all of reviews said that it was difficult to maneuver. I have an Mclane edger I bought used and it has performed flawlessly. After watching this video, the McLane 25" is the mower for me. I am though a little shocked at the price on reel powered mowers. When I was growing up reel mowers were the most common and what my family had. When I bought my first house I picked up a used King-O-Lawn reel mover for $75.00. Too bad I sold it. However, that mower would make you run when you mowed.
I have Bermuda, my question is my yard isn't level. There's not necessarily hills but it's definitely not perfectly level. Can I use a reel mower? What is the best mower for me the have that beautiful cut
Doc, know you have both, but the Tru cut does climb hills better and is chain driven. For a lawn with no slopes, the belt driven is easier to handle. Just saying....
I bought the Fiskars push reel mower that you recommended. I love it. I have about a 5000 sqr ft yard and it does great. I’m saving up for one of the big dogs in a couple of years. :)
I have the fiskars as well. What it does to your yard is worth how much work it can be to push that thing around. As long as you only cut off about a quarter inch at a time, its not bad. But i tried to push it after letting the yard go for over a week....had to knock it down with my honda then finish with the fiskars.
I think the biggest advantage of a truecut is it's easy to adjust height of cut with the lever but can see how your thumbs would get worn out. I've been wanting to reel mower for years and I may be close to doing it.
Hey Doc - question for you. How do you scalp with the McLane 25” GR model (non-greenskeeper)? In reading the specs on the GR, its lowest setting is 3/4” whereas the greenskeeper’s highest setting is 3/4 inch. So if you keep your lawn at 3/4” would it make more sense to go with the greenskeeper model, cut on the highest setting (3/4”) and then scalp down to 1/2” or so? Or do you recommend getting the GR model, cut it a bit higher than 3/4” (say 7/8” or an inch) and then scalp down to the GR’s lowest setting (3/4”)? Hope that makes sense. Thanks for the videos.
So I watched this and couldn’t believe you had an issue with the TC drive mechanism. I had a 20” TC and the drive handle fit right at the base of my thumb and wasn’t a bother at all. Two days ago a brought home a 27” TC and the drive handle sticks out much further then the 20” and yes you have to reach with your thumb extended and it is bothersome. My plan is to either cut off a short amount and re-tap for a more comfortable distance or make a L-shaped piece to correct the problem. The ability to just sort of feather the drive is game changer for me.
@@HowTowithDoc I picked this one up for $1600, has the transmission speed reduction kit, all the TC back lap kit and tools for clutch adjustment. I didn’t realize that the TC back lap kit makes the reel turn backwards so you can use the Honda engine instead of drill or impact. Definitely keeping my limbs away from 5.5 hp spinning reel.
Hi Doc. I recently received the same McLane mower you are using. The mower on the rear axle setting it comes with the lowest cutting is .75. I spoke with the company and they sent me a new fact sheet on the height adjustments. In order to get to 0.5 or less the rear axle has to be lowered. Have you done that? Oh it also does not come with a grass catcher when ordered from the Dolphin site you recommend. It was extra.
Geo Zoysia Grass reel mower. Will the Mclane 25 or 20 work on Zoysia grass. I have 2800 sq feet of lawn, with just a couple of coconut palms on the edge. Zoysia is salt tolerant and my grass will get drenched in salt water regularly. Location is the Lower Florida Keys, near Key West. With only 2800 sq feet wouldn't it make sense to get the 20inch? I am mainly looking at the price difference if both mowers come with the same items. Will the 20 inch also come with the same Honda engine?
When the McLane is throttled down doesn't the reel speed slow down as well? My concern is getting the "stutter bumps" (for lack of a better term) if the reel isn't spinning fast enough. You can easily get these with a push reel during the peak of the growing season (unless you're inclined to cut every 24 hrs and only take off a very small amount of grass). With the Tru Cut this isn't an issue b/c even at medium throttle the reel is spinning fast enough to cut through just about anything smoothly and you can drive at any speed you want.
The RPM is matched well and NEVER any issues. Also, the walk speed is slower than most reel mowers. So most of the time your RPM is fairly high. I know of what you speak with a push mower. But have never had any with the mclane.
I just bought a 7 blade 25" mclane reel mower per Doc's advice and I was hoping that I could get clear cut video instructions on making the perfect clutch rod adjustments. The manual said to ensure that there is no slipping of belt so do I decrease the clutch rod tension if the belt slips. It seems when I am turning the upper control rod clockwise I am going into the coupler and not out of the coupler as the manual indicates. I want the best performance out of my new mower.
You have to remove the rod from handle connection FIRST... then make your adjustment and put it back. NOTE: I ordered a box of cotter pins from amazon.
@@HowTowithDoc Initially when installing the upper control rod I had to turn it several times into the coupler according to the manual but final adjustments is my concern. I watched all your videos but did not see this important one. Thanks for all the other videos they are very helpful and sometimes very entertaining.
I used to own a 17" reel mower. Small front and rear lawns. It was the ideal size. The issue that I had with it, was the front lawn had a steep slope descending to the road. Going up and down the slope was no good as the rear wheels would spin and rip into the lawn. Going across the slope, the rear wheels will slide down the slope. Reel mowers are not light, even at that size. In the end, the weight of the mower and the constant readjustments made it a severe disadvantage, and not a joy in mowing. So I sold it, and purchased a rotary mower that was lighter and easier to maneuver. That was 12 years ago, we have moved three times, and I still haven't purchased another cylinder mower. I still have the original rotary mower. BTW, it's a 4 stroke. If anyone is going to buy a 2 stroke rotary mower, get a 4 stroke instead. 12 years with the same mower. All I've done is to change the spark plug, and the oil every spring, and sharpen the blades every season.
Hi Doc, I have been learning a lot from your videos. I bought a brand new 20" True cut and I agree, the basket design is horrible, it also leaves tire tracks. I was not comfortable with True Cuts controls, too many of them I didnt like having my thumb constantly on the left control. The thing actually got away from me twice. Fortunately the dealer gave me a full refund. I live within an hour of the McClane factory and they have no showroom models or demo machines to try and look at...NONE!...McClane was sold 3 years ago and the no longer have any dealers in So Calif. So, your only choice is to order one sight unseen and take your chances and pay a 20% restocking fee to return it. The main thing I like about the McClane is the safety lever on the left that will stop the machine if you let go. I found a great local dealer that gave me 100% refund on the True Cut and is bringing a Calif Trimmer and a used McClane to my house to let me try them both. How's that for service!...Thanks for the great videos.
Hey Doc, I'm thinking of getting a reel mower. Was looking at Allett because if reel gets damaged or needs maintenance you can send it out. I live in New Jersey and not sure if there are any shops that deal with reel mowers. I would feel more comfortable knowing someone that could fix should there be reel damage . Any info would be helpful.
FYI - The front catcher mentioned at 7:04 in the video was a promotion and is no longer included with the purchase of the mower. But if you purchase the catcher at the same time you'll be able to get a discounted price.
Doc, Tried calling your distributor to get info on the 25" McLane GR-Series Reel Mower . No one answers the phone and the message says they will be closed from July 20th to the 28th, today is July 13th. I just sold my rider now stuck without mower. You sold me on the McLane reel mower. Any other distributors around?
I offer you this advice for the second time (25+ years McLane 20/7 with a Briggs owner, 2.0 Acres of Bermuda.). Instead of slipping belt "Clutch", simply adjust the throttle down to the pace you feel most comfortable walking. Much better for the machine and your back. Just saying....
Are reel mowers, particularly this unit, suitable for lawns with an incline/slope?. Have a typical GA home with a walk out basement so side yards have a decent incline. Does it cut well on a slope and will be hard to push uphill? Assuming the drive wheel is similar to the "self propelled" feature of a standard mower and will save my aging back?
don't froget that the Mclain might not be avaliable in other countries outside the US so i guess my question is have you ever tried a brand from the UK called Allet they do have distributors in the US and the actually have full length rear rollers
I have the McLane 25' reel mower bought from the manufacturer. I do not have any other equipment with this motor and I am not confident I am running or starting this mower correctly. The manual is not helpful. There are 3 switches/levers. I engage the start switch, then more the choke to choke, but beneath this switch is a lever I do not know what position it is to be in for starting or operation? Once the motor starts and I move the choke to the operating position the motor idles smoothly in the middle of the top or engine speed, but when moved to full throttle, it is not a smooth idle and I still do not know what to do with the lowest of the levers, the one with the gas icon? Thoughts?
@@HowTowithDoc Briggs and Straton XR Professional. Yes, have throttle - Choke - and fuel shut off. What do I so with the fuel shut off during operation? I tested the fuel shut off and moved it to both extremes and nothing. I expected the motor to shut off, but it did not after a few seconds. When I move throttle to full, the motor begins to rev up and down repeatedly and does not run at a full all out ans smooth full throttle. My guess is to back it off to a smooth throttle, unless what I just described sounds odd. Thanks
Nice review on a great mower. How about detailing some maintenance concerns such as back-lapping the reel or grinding the bed knife? To achieve a perfect cut, reel mowers need to be sharp.
Doc any more $ giveaways coming up? Would love to use it for a McLane! Your bermuda guide has transformed my yard and the reel mower is my only missing link!
Doc, the clutch system on the Tru Cut looks just like the one on the King-O'Lawn that I just inherited. Do you think I could buy parts that would work on it? I see nothing online, but it looks exact. Also, maybe I should swap out the castors for a roller? Should I send you a picture?
Doc, I purchased the Mclane 25 in reel mower and noticed the drive lever does not stay in top position like yours for manual push mode. Wheels will not stay up off lawn while lever will not lock in place. Please advise how to adjust or correct this. It is struggle mowing lawn having to make wide turns with drive wheels on ground.
It's got to be a simple fix... a bad spring or adjustment somewhere. Also check the way you installed it. After that you can call them and ask them . I have never seen that.
@@HowTowithDoc Thanks. Installed rod as instructions said and the picture. Will recheck and call them. The lever will not go all the way up with rod attached. if remove rod and put lever up; the rod does not reach insert hole. Maybe factory set spring off somewhat? I will try adjusting spring.
25" is the min width I recommend. Also, the two brands in the video handle rough lawns better. If you live on a small "golf green" then they are very well built.
Hey Doc, are these older models? I’ve seen different McClane ones were it looks like there’s 2 chair wheels in the front instead of the roller. What’s that about?
Hi Doc I’m in Phoenix Arizona and we consistently get days over 100 degrees it can get as high as 116. what is the warmest temperature you can use PGF complete and super juice?
I recently moved to Austin, TX from central NC. I bought the 25" model in early February for my new half acre Bermuda lawn. I went "all in" and got the edger as well. I am impressed with how easily the mower rolls, but wish I could self-propel it without spinning the blade when moving from the garage to where I want to start cutting. I also changed the position of the front roller so I could cut fairly low in the half to one inch zone. The factory position was too high. During the first use, the bearing on the drive handle popped out and the drive rod fell to the ground. I switched the direction of the bearing so the rod holds it in position and used a C-clamp to press it back into the drive handle. The prior owner had not treated for weeds since building the house two years ago. During the first cut to reduce the weeds, I noticed that the six inch dalisgrass would not cut because the front roller simply pushed it beyond the blades. So I had to do a lot of manual trimming with my string trimmer. I have done a full weed treatment including the granular pre-emergent so that should no longer be an issue. Thanks for your recommendation and all of the instructional videos.
