Reel Mower Troubleshooting | Won't Cut, Hard to Push & Uneven Cut

Most reel mower problems can be traced to lawn conditions, debris, reel-to-bed-knife adjustment, dull cutting surfaces, wheel or drive problems, or damaged components. 

This article uses photos and videos from the Amish Reel Mowers, US Clipper, and Mascot, but these are common issues that can occur with any reel mower. Fast-forward videos to the adjustment and maintenance discussions. The bedknife adjustment mechanism shown may be different than yours, as some mowers will have adjustment screws on each end of the bedknife. The concepts are the same for any reel mower: adjust the bedknife relative to the reel assembly to properly cut strips of newspaper.

Use the symptom first, then inspect the most likely causes.

Why Won't My Reel Mower Cut Grass?

Possible causes include:

Grass is too tall.

Reel-to-bed-knife clearance is incorrect.

Cutting edges are dull.

Grass is being pushed over.

Reel isn't rotating correctly.

Parts are worn.

Why Does It Cut on One Side Only?

Check the cutting relationship across the full bed knife using strips of newspaper.

Take precautions to protect your fingers, hands, and knuckles, as the cutting surface is very sharp. Using mechanics gloves helps protect skin while remaining flexible enough to handle tools.

If paper cuts cleanly on one side but not the other, inspect and adjust according to the manufacturer's procedure. This is adjusting the bedknife closer or further from the cutting reel until the paper cuts smoothly across the width of the mower (view the  video section)

Why Is My Reel Mower Hard to Push?

Possible causes include:

Grass is too tall or dense.

The bedknife is adjusted too tight against the reel.

A stick or foreign object is lodged in the cutting unit.

String might have been picked up and is wrapped around the inside of the wheels.

Wheel or roller movement is restricted.

Cutting components are damaged.

The internal wheel gear and the pinion gear might be worn.

Why Did the Reel Suddenly Stop?

Stop immediately and inspect for a twig, rock, wire, or other obstruction.

Don't force the mower.

Why Is It Leaving Strips of Grass?

Possible causes include:

Uneven adjustment.

Dull cutting edges.

Bent or damaged components.

Insufficient pass overlap.

Grass conditions outside the mower's practical range.

Why Does My Gang Mower Cut Unevenly?

Inspect each individual mower head.

Because a gang system uses multiple reels, one improperly adjusted or damaged head can produce a visible strip even when the others are working correctly.

Have someone walk behind the mower heads and see if one of the unit wheels is locking up and dragging the mower head.

Why Is My Mower Noisy?

Investigate unusual noises rather than continue operating. Such as an inconsistent grinding or clicking.

Depending on your mower manufacturer's recommendations, the blade may be set to just touch the reel or adjusted slightly away from it. If it is based on the old Scotts vintage Silent Night Mowers used on the Clipper and Mascot reel mowers, it will barely touch and will make a consistent, faint clicking or swishing noise when adjusted correctly.

Check for debris, loose hardware, damaged components, and improper adjustments to the cutting system.

Grass and debris can accumulate inside the wheel and pinion gears, causing interference with proper meshing.

If the axle nuts have become loose to the point where the wheels are sitting at an angle, then the alignment of the wheel gear and pinion gear is off, causing uneven wear or damage to the gears on the inside of the wheels. It is important to keep the axle nuts tight, loosen them to make wheel height adjustments, and tighten them back down each time. Do not loosen enough to make height adjustments with the adjustment lever like on a rotary mower.

When Is It Time to Sharpen?

If adjustment cannot produce a clean cutting test and the reel and bed knife are otherwise properly aligned, sharpening may be required. Check out our resource page on How to Sharpen & Hone a Reel Mower to see whether backlapping is an option for sharpening your mower.

When Is It Time to Get a New Mower?

The issues in this article can happen with any reel mower, including the high-end USA Clipper sold by Cottage Craft Works. However, one has to accept that cheaper models sold in box stores are deliberately engineered to have a short expected lifespan, known as planned obsolescence. If the issue comes down to not being able to find parts, or the need for too many parts, such as a new reel and bedknife, pushes the justification of repairing your reel mower, then it might be time to consider a new one. Reel mower purchases follow the old saying: you get what you pay for, and in today's market, you shouldn't expect much durability or lifespan from a reel mower costing a couple hundred dollars unless you only have a postage stamp-sized yard that you can mow with a few passes.

Disclaimer

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