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Coming Home to the Land:  A Reel Lawnmower!  |
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Jen
Expedition Leader
1384 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
1384 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 21 2009 : 2:41:32 PM
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My in-laws let me rummage around their garage last weekend and excavate their long-dormant reel lawnmower. Yes, the kind that you push along, spinning the happy hamster wheel blades without a lick of noise or exhaust. Imagine my excitement!
The mower is a Great States model, made in the USA, and although it has a few years on it, it's not a dinosaur. The beauty of the thing, right off the bat, is that even after sitting for several seasons, it doesn't require any kind of tune-up beyond a serious sharpening of the blades. And even though the blades are currently as dull as the edge of my thumb, they STILL cut enough grass to give me hope that this newly blossomed relationship is going to last.
I'll keep you posted!
Jen
Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #9
The View From My Boots: www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
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katmom
outbound
12 Posts
Grace
Spokane
WA
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - Apr 21 2009 : 8:55:02 PM
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Oh Jen,
that is sooooo cool!
>^..^<
I'm a Gardener in need of a Dirt Manicure!
www.katmom4.blogspot.com |
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Jen
Expedition Leader
1384 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
1384 Posts |
Posted - Apr 22 2009 : 11:42:18 AM
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Thanks, Grace! I just researched how to sharpen the blades myself, so I've taken it apart and am ready to go. The mower should have come with a tool that helps you turn the blades backward to sharpen, but I don't have it, so my next task is improvising a "turning tool"...wish me luck 
Jen
Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #9
The View From My Boots: www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
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Jen
Expedition Leader
1384 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
1384 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2009 : 10:59:08 AM
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Well, I didn't do much in the way of sharpening - will have to get a deep socket or the actual tool. BUT, I adjusted the blades a bit, and the results are thrilling (I know, I'm a nerd). But I mowed the whole, big, bumpy, weedy yard - with NO gasoline! There are a few stubborn dandelions here and there, but nothing I can't overlook till next time. Yee-haw!
Jen
Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #9
The View From My Boots: www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
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Alee
outstepping
104 Posts
104 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2009 : 11:37:45 AM
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| That is so awesome Jennifer! I want a Reel mower so bad! But until I do get one, I have a compromise of a electric lawn mower. Yes, I have to drag an extension cord around, but I feel better using electricity than gasoline- and this way I don't have to worry about where the gas can is and if Nora or Sky can get into it! |
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Jen
Expedition Leader
1384 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
1384 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2009 : 10:54:59 AM
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Exactly. It feels so good to be "gas free"! 
Jen
Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #9
The View From My Boots: www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
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Elizaray
outspoken
680 Posts
Elizaray
680 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2009 : 12:32:41 PM
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Jen! I wish I could stumble into a real reel mower like that! Husband was flipping channels last night and we saw them being sold on QVC. I told him I want one and he just doesn't get it!
Elizaray |
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Jen
Expedition Leader
1384 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
1384 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2009 : 11:32:53 AM
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I know - mine was seriously skeptical, but when he saw the yard mowed, he stopped thinking I'd totally lost my mind. The trouble with him is that he'll have to get comfy with a little less perfection. A few missed dandelions are OKAY!
Jen
Farmgirl Sisterhood Member #9
The View From My Boots: www.bovesboots.blogspot.com
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Elizaray
outspoken
680 Posts
Elizaray
680 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2009 : 11:38:45 AM
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Yes, my husband said "Why would you want a manual mower...there is a reason the gas and electric ones were invented..." Sigh... I obviously have more work to do on him mentally! LOL
Elizaray |
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mikesgirl
outbound
37 Posts
Sherri
Elma
Washington
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2009 : 12:45:29 PM
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| We used a reel lawn mower for years, when we lived in town. Then built a house on acreage which had way too big of a lawn - silly size when I think of it! I loved the reel mower - no starting, no gas, no spark plugs to replace - and our lawn looked wonderful. Wonder what happened to that mower............? |
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Coming Home to the Land: A Reel Lawnmower! |
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A Reel Lawnmower!
