One season update of my refurbished McLane Reel Mower 

I have a 200 sq ft Bermuda Lawn and a 70 year old Ca. Trimmer, I have not used the lawn mower yet, it just sits outside and rust. I like the idea of people brining these lawn mowers back to life.

I went with outside the box option and heavily modded my fiskars staysharp max reel mower into a self-propelled, remote controlled, zero turning, auto backlapping, decently inclined lawn climbing, grass catching, battery powered and etc reel mower 😁

My experience w/ the old briggs L heads is you can get the starting up first pull: first off if it has points install an electronic ignition. Points are a pain in the butt and I've never had good luck with them. If the tank is rusty a good evaporust or vinegar treatment will clean it and as long as the reservoir is good the tank is good. Replace all the gaskets-the fuel diaphragm is essential but also the carb to tank gasket and the carb to motor gasket, if that has leaks and it will from being old/dry/brittle the motor won't run right, adjust the valves and clean the carbon off the engine. For the head I throw it in my ultrasonic and it comes out like new. I've done this about 3-4 times w/ 60's L head briggs I've gotten for free or next to free. Everyone ran perfect afterwords and when I started they were a disaster. I sold all of them as I didn't need them but hated to see them turn into scrap. Also for the electronic ignition, I've both both the exact one, which is expensive at around $40 and had no issues w/ a used 550 series coil. My understanding is as long as the coil was designed for the side flywheel it will be ok.

Thanks for the video. Same situation for me except swapping motors. The though came to mind and watching your videos helped. Thank you. Now, I am looking forward to swapping motors. Thanks

Good video. Great info.

Thanks for these videos. I just picked up a McLane 20' from Offer Up. I used the tips from your video when i purchased it.

Great video. A neighbor has a California Trimmer he also bought used. Still runs after 18 years. I started looking and just picked one up for $75 off markeplace (doesn’t run). Engine is from 2006 but was completely seized. No idea the age of the mower but it’s pretty rusty and needs serious TLC. I bought a replacement handle assembly with dead-man’s clutch off e-bay for $140. I’m trying to decide whether to just replace the engine or resurrect the existing one. Im not a mechanic but it seems the block, shaft and piston are all fine. A new B&S engine runs about $350. I think i can replace the parts i need for about $100. Looking forward to cleaning this unit up and putting it into action. Hoping its not a total money pit, but lots of used parts out there to bring it back to life!

Woohoo! I'm officially subscriber #78. Good luck with the channel! I'm in the same boat with a mclane, this will be my first season using it.

😎 Liking the review/recommendations!

Great video dude! I found a 80s cal trimmer and tuned it up. Runs fine , cut could be better just because the bed knife and reel are worn. Kinda wanna pull the trigger and get a brand new one. Keep up the solid vids.

Bought a 10 blade just the other day with a nice engine on it and everything - $300. Just gotta be patient and find the right one (to all who are still in the market)

Bought my used 2003 McLane 20" 7 blade reel mower for $200. It had several nicks on the reel but nothing major. I've had it sharpened twice and it cuts better every time. I did a partial tear down of the engine, de-carbonized the combustion chamber, and cleaned the carb. It now starts with one pull. Now just gonna repaint some of the parts to make it look top notch.

Briggs & Stratton makes great engines. In the 1980s Honda started making engines that would start with just a couple pulls on the rope. That was a huge selling point for small engines. But Briggs & Stratton engines have been used to power all sorts equipment probably since the 1930s or before. They were simple but kind of heavy for their size. Small engines tend temperamental if you don’t run them once in a while. It’s amazing what happens by running fresh fuel through them will do.

Just subbd your Mclane videos ate great! Picking up my 20” for $100 tomorrow morning

What do you think about the grooved roller? Weighing whether I want to pay extra for grooved

Sweet video I just picked one up for 250

Hi.. cool video. I’ve owned mine for about 17 yrs. i have a question does the front roller make a difference ,what do you notice?

I found a mclane for $425 with a new predator 212cc engine swap. Would that be a good buy for the price? I’m move only seen these mowers with the Briggs engine

I feel like I got a steal with my 20" mclane for $60

Great video...how did you measure to order the front roller??

Where did you get the grass catcher for that price?

Wish this video existed before started the process of buying my first McLane! Solid advice and basically have the same thought process. ;) Did you consider the Harbor Freight engines?

Can you please specify the engine series and number of cc please

Hey man, do you have any experience removing the rear axle?

can you send me or do on a u tube how to.adjust the cutting height

RR Reel has 27” blades for $200 buy it buy a Harbour fright engine build your own frame two drive motors split rollers bed knife buy curved fry roller fabricate one on a CNC

I would of went new and got a front roller, approx 1500. But you probably can recoup half when you sell it and upgrade to an Allett. : )

,you shouldnot have to adjust the blades evey couple of weeks i adjust my 75 in locke mowers once every month after backlaping them every weekbut i cutting 150 lawns mosty apartments i say backlapp your reel and check your bedknife i have mine done once a season

worthless audio.

Hi.. cool video. I’ve owned mine for about 17 yrs. i have a question does the front roller make a difference ,what do you notice?