Should I buy this McLane reel mower

9 years ago

I posted this in the lawn mower section but this forum seems to be a bit more active.

Anyway, I've mentioned in some other posts that I am really considering getting a reel mower for my bermuda lawn. I was exclusively looking at manual mowers because I just was not going to shell out all of that money for a gas powered reel mower. While messing around on craigslist, I found a guy selling his reel mower for $100 obo. I e-mailed back and forth with him and come to find out it's about 14 years old (yikes!!), is a McLane 7 blade 20" cut w/ a 3hp Briggs engine and self propelled, needs a tune up, and the blades need to be sharpened. The motor does start up and runs well. I don't know squat about reel mowers and don't know if this is a good deal or not. At first glance I say yes, but due to the age and cost of sharpening the blades I don't know. I do have a dremel and am more than willing to try to sharpen them myself if it is possible.

What do you all think? Here is a link to his ad.

http://greensboro.craigslist.org/grd/4548523203.html

Comments (5)

krnuttle
9 years ago
I would be highly suspicious. If the seller is willing to admit this much is wrong with the mower what is he not telling you.

On the other hand it may be OK, but I don't believe I would buy it with out seeing the mower in person, and not through the net.
dchall_san_antonio
9 years ago
I would find a local guy who repairs these things and ask him. It might be junk or it might be a steal.
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iriasj2009
9 years ago
I bought a McLane about a month ago from sears at around 580 with tax (on sale). I've heard more negative feedback than positive but I still went for it. Seems like a well built machine and I haven't had any misalignment issues (reel+bedknife). I mow 2k sqft. 2ÃÂ per week. I was also thinking about buying a used one for 300 but decided to go new. So far I give it a good review.
sherm1082
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the feedback guys. The age is a little concerning to me. A 14 year old lawnmower makes me a little nervous but the price is so good. I'm still pretty undecided but I will keep you all posted.
BamaJames
9 years ago
Never attempt to sharpen your real mower blade with a drimmel. I take my reels to a buddy of mine that works at a golf course. The machine they use to sharpen these blades run in the neighbor hood of 30k. As for the McLane mower don't waste your time if your lawn isn't level as it probably has caster wheels instead of a solid roller, which will sink into uneven spots in your lawn and scalp it badly.