Thread: reel mower

I am interested in buying a used reel lawn mower, I have seen one advertised for $200, it is a Yardman 18 inch 3 HP Briggs and Stratton engine self propelled. Is this a good model? I have a medium sized garden and I want to have a more manicured lawn, at the moment I am using a regular lawn mower (not a reel). I need some advise before I make a decision.

I can't speak of the specific model, but you would want to cut with it first. Professional reel mower sharpening doesn't come cheap and neither do repairs to the reel, bearings and bed.

I'm assuming this is a model 1040. The old school rear throw reel type. Usually they came with Briggs 60000 2hp engines. Probably 30 to 40 years old. I have a PDF of the manual which dates to before MTD acquired Yardman. That said, $200 is pretty stiff. For $200 to $300 you would be better served by a clean McLane 20" front throw. However, as previous poster indicated, sharpening is for professionals, and backlapping, while a home...