Right now I have Scott's classic 20" for my Bermuda I keep just 2". It's allright, I don't like how I can't seem to obtain the perfect adjustment. My yard is 1800 s.f. and a little bumpy in some areas. I don't know if this is what causes some "choppy" areas that makes me have to mow twice, at a 90 degre angle the second time. I've been seriously considering the Mascot 18" Silent Cut. Does anyone here have personal experience with both mowers that can give me an idea of how much better the Mascot is? Thanks a lot.

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I have the silent cut 18" and really like it. Never used the scotts.

I started the year at 1.25" and have since raised it to 2" to try to alleviate brown marks from where my Bermuda outgrew me.

Cut quality definitely suffers the higher you mow. These mowers really start to shine at 1"+/-.

What kind of adjustment problems are you having?

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Well, I can get it to where it's not too chatty, but the blades of grass aren't cut clean enough. Some are smooth, where others have the tip barely hanging from not being cut all the way through. Then, sometimes I see tips that are cut all the way off, but not real cleanly cut. Maybe Im expecting more than the mower is capable of, I don't know. All I know is I've spent hours trying to get this thing towhere it's not too loud while still giving a good, clean, even cut.

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Certain brands/models of reel mowers perform differently on cold season turf VS warm season turf, if you look at some of the internet reel mower retailers, they make different mower recommendations depending on the type turf you plan to mow.google reel lawn mower, and you will find these retailers to read their opinions.


Scotts uses the old fashioned contact blade system, where the reel blades actually contact and rub against the bed blade- this not only causes the noise, but requires more frequent sharpening......look for a NON contact blade system {Easun , Brill, and fiskars are examples}

As Michael said - the Mascot's do a good job on Bermuda so long as you don't try to go too tall.... In fact - most reel mowers don't do particularly well on tall grass or weeds....

I also have a Mascot - though it's a 21" model... Wouldn't recommend it for Bermuda unless you are a world class triathalete or perhaps an collegiate track star.... If you had Fescue or Bluegrass or Zoysia or St. Augustine - I would heartily recommend it....

The funny thing about the weight of the Mascot is that unless you are mowing hills - the weight helps... It adds Inertia - which helps power through thick spots without riding up on top and skidding.... Now - if you live on a slope... plan your route so you are mowing around your hill rather than up and down it.

There are several other mowers that would do a fine job as well... True-cut and McLane both make really good models... There are a couple 7-blade "Bentgrass" reel mowers that do a real nice job on bermuda as well....

Thanks

John brings to mind a good question.

How much are you willing to spend?

Think about perusing eBay all winter and wait for a powered reel to come up on the cheap.

I just lost an auction(ended 12 hours early WEIRD) on a tru cut reel. It was used, but looked to be in great shape for $425!

If you want a top quality cut, a powered reel is where its at, IMO.

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Awesome info, guys. Thanks a lot and if you can think of anything else, please don't hesitate, I'm open to any suggestions. So, John, would the 18" be much difference in the difficulty of pushing? I almost called and ordered one yesterday, but now I'm glad I reconsidered. Thanks again.

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I never had any problems pushing mine, but you HAVE to stay on top of mowing. If it gets too tall, it will make cutting more difficult.

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I mow either every day, every other day, or (very rarely) every third day. Sometimes I think I can SEE my grass growing. Are the Tru-Cut push reel mowers a "non-contact" design like the Mascot?

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The mascot is still a minimal contact mower.

Now, when I say contact, I mean very little contact. Think scissors. Very little contact, but contact none the less.

Not sure about the Tru-Cut. Mightyquinn?!?!?!?

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Yep - the 18" model is the one you want....

The Tru-cut models are professional golfcourse mowers.... Their only downside is that they don't do well on bumpy lawns - they are made for mowing tee-boxes, fairways, and putting greens..... It will make more sense if you look at a picture of them - they don't have normal "Wheels" like you are used to... They roll on 2 big long rollers - 1 in the front, 1 in the rear.

Actually, the rollers help with uneven turf. They prevent scalping.

How lumpy are we talking? I mean, no, if you stand the risk of rolling your ankle every 10 feet you walk in your lawn, then you'd need to work on that with sand or some other means of leveling existing turf.

But pool table flat isn't necessary, either.

Jltmaxx, can you give us an idea ho bad your lawn is level wise? Pics maybe?

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I have a powered 25" Tru-Cut with the roller on the front. I don't know which one JohninSC is talking about but mine has double wheels on each side in the rear and it came with double casters on the front which I replaced with the roller. Since you only have 1800 sqft, I can't see spending the money on a powered reel. I know you use to be able to buy a McClane powered reel mower at Sears for like $500-600 if that is in your price range.McLane Reel Mower This is the one I was talking about. How long does it take you to mow? 15-20 minutes? I know there are a few reviews on here on them but if you have any questions about my Tru-cut don't hesitate to ask!!!

Sorry, guys, was out of town dove hunting this weekend and just got back to update this thread.
Anyhow, my lawn isn't that uneven. It's just more noticeable with a reel mower, and since I've become a lawn weirdo. My property is long and narrow and I can tell the "valleys" run lengthwise from when I drug a pallet behind me before seeding. I had it very level, but I guess it settled. By "valleys", I mean maybe 1 1/2" in depth difference, and they are random. If I go over the yard twice, at a 90 degree angle the 2nd time, I can get all the grass cut that's noticeable if I only mow lengthwise. This takes 20 minutes, but I catch myself going over spots more than needed. I agree in that I don't need a powered unit for just 1800 sf. I also would have a hard time finding a place to sharpen the reel. The only reason I favor the Mascot is because of the "non-contact" type design.

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Any other thoughts?

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the Mascot is NOT a "non contact blade" design.

Hanlawn, I cannot for the life of me find a good pic of a non contact blade design. Would you mind posting a pic for us?

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Does it just have a relief cut on the reel?

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Here is the one I use weekly,at least Click here for more information


and another one I have Click here for more information


And another non contact model,Brill, here Click here for more information

And a comparison chart of many different mowers here Click here for more information

THANK YOU!!! A relief grind it is!

jltmaxx, if you watch the vid in the first link about checking blade setting, you can get a good idea about noise.

The mascot is going to have the "wisp" of the blades barely touching. Thats even the way they tell you to set it up in the manual.