Reel Mower Maintenance, Inspection & Seasonal Care

While this article and video are primarily geared towards maintaining Mascot and Clipper reel mowers sold by Cottage Craft Works, the processes discussed apply to most push reel mowers.

A reel mower is mechanically simple, but it isn't maintenance-free. Keeping it clean, properly adjusted, lubricated where specified, and protected from corrosion can greatly improve long-term performance.

Clean the Mower After Use

Don't allow grass and debris to remain packed around the reel, bed knife, rollers, and frame.

Remove buildup after mowing.

It is best to brush and blow clippings and debris out with a leaf blower and a stiff-bristle brush. Avoid washing unless necessary.  If a garden hose or pressure washer is used, do not direct high-pressure water onto bearings or other components unless specifically permitted by the manufacturer. Immediately dry with a leaf blower or hair dryer, then spray the reel blades and bedknife with a thin coat of lubricant, such as WD-40. The objective is to not allow rust to develop along the reel blades that are touching the bedknife. Never store the mower while wet.

Inspect the Cutting Surfaces

Look for:

Nicks.

Rust.

Rounded edges.

Uneven wear.

Damage from debris.

Loose bolts or nuts

Look for string that has been picked up and wrapped around the wheels and shaft, causing pressure against the bearings.

Check Reel-to-Bed-Knife Adjustment

Don't wait until the mower stops cutting completely.

Periodic paper testing can identify declining performance early. (watch video)

Inspect Wheels and Rollers

Make sure wheels rotate properly and inspect rollers for excessive wear or damage. Check that the wheels are straight up and down and are not leaning or loose. Tighten the axle nut so that they remain snug. A wheel running at an angle will cause uneven wear on the wheel and pinion gear.

Remove the Wheels

As shown in the video, wheels should be removed at the end of the season and brushed out on the inside to remove grass clippings and debris buildup. The pinion gear is removed to lubricate the pawl, being careful to keep the shaft horizontal so that the pawl doesn’t fall out. Use a heavy oil, not grease, to lubricate the pawl, the outside of the pinion gear, the inside of the wheel gear, and the wheel axle before reassembly.

Lubricate as Specified

Unlike a rotary mower, there is no oil or transmission reservoir to change oil on a reel mower at the end of the season. They do, however, require lubrication to keep them operating efficiently and to protect the operating parts from unnecessary premature wear.

Follow the mower manufacturer's lubrication instructions rather than indiscriminately applying oil to every component. Too much oil attracts dust and grass clippings that build up inside the wheel, interfering with proper gear alignment and meshing.

Some components may use self-lubricating bearings or materials that don't require routine oiling.

Cottage Craft Works currently identifies self-lubricating wheel bearings as a Mascot and Clipper mower feature.

The objective is to keep the reel and bedknife free of rust and corrosion, and the moving parts well lubricated, without buildup of dirt and debris from grass clippings and dust.

Generally, heavy-weight oil such as 30-weight and a spray can of lubricant, such as WD-40, are all that you will need. Avoid heavy grease, as it will only attract dust and pack grass clippings around the inside wheel gear assembly.

Lubricate other moving parts.

Turn the mower on its side and apply heavy oil to the end of the roller shaft, allowing it to seep down along the shaft while turning the roller(s)

Apply a small drop of oil on each side where the handle attaches to the mower head.

Apply a small drop of oil at the pivot points on the wheel adjustment levers.

Inspect Gang Mower Hardware

Tow-behind owners should additionally inspect:

Hitches.

Pins.

Outriggers.

Lift mechanisms.

Winches or levers.

Frame hardware.

Seasonal Storage

Store the mower clean and dry.

Inspect it before long-term storage so problems aren't discovered when the next mowing season begins.

Spray and rotate the reel assembly and bedknife with a thin coat of lubricant.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for general educational purposes. Always follow the mower manufacturer's instructions and observe appropriate equipment, blade, towing, and operating safety practices.