Great video. I have always wanted one, but converted everything over to Stihl battery products last year. AND THEN...today i found a 10 blade, 25 inch with Honda GX160 for $25.00 at an estate sale. A quick carb clean and she runs like a champ.
Meeting up tomorrow for a McLane 20 inch 10 blade with 3.5 honda engine grass Catcher and front smooth roller! Has it advertised for $650 definitely glad I clicked on your video made a check list to make sure I don't over look things from the excitement lol. I currently have a 17 inch 7 blade manual McLane and it's a workout!
Turned out to be a better deal than I thought! It actually has the 5.5 GX 160 engine. He knocked off $50 because he accidentally broke the plastic throttle cable assembly while demonstrating how to operate it. Already have a full metal replacement on the way for $30 from Amazon
Hey buddy. I just bought a 20 inch commercial McLane reel mower, reel is good shape, motor start with 2 pills, all is needed is a good cleaning, sharpening, maybe some painting and a score for $200. With roller and catcher
Picked up a ten blade modern style with B&S 4.75 HP for $550. Needed a throttle cable….tuned it….everything was great until the gas tank started leaking profusely. It developed some cracks. Problem was that model was discontinued. Found a used one luckily for $20. I’m about $700 all in now after a tune up….new belt…oil change and a good backslapping. It’s a loud engine though….kinda wish I coulda found a Honda. Next time. But the lawn looks great and that’s the main thing. Also came with grass catcher and grooved roller.
So I live in San Diego and I found a Mclane up in the Anaheim area. So it’s about a 2 hour drive. It’s used and selling for $250. Owner says motor runs good but could use a tune up. Comes with a catcher. Waiting on model number and serial number.
I have one it's like new condition everything on its as good as the day it was made starts first pull every time paint shines no scratches the rollers paint is solid red looks like this mower has been used only about 15 times has catcher my question is what should I sell it for price wise I bought it just to sale it to make something on it I gave $200 for it only because of how clean it was it a 20 inch 7 blade it said gs modle Briggs and stratin 5.5 and it has that safety lever u was talking about thanks for your time on helping me with this
That market is spotty. I see good deals on newer models but they’re in the middle of nowhere. Things to consider are people are looking to find those mowers that are nice like yours for $200. Once you start getting into the higher asking price, they usually start looking either towards a new one or commercial greens mowers. They also depreciate hard from their new sales price unfortunately. Here in the DFW area I’d start it high though. A new regular one is ~ $1600, so take a little off of that to start. Just an uneducated guess.. when the season starts around here, you would probably have it sold somewhere ~ $800-1000. Early spring is the hot market around here. You should do pretty well for what you described and only paying $200.
Looking to get into reel mowing, there are a few older looking models around the 50-350$ range, haven't ever used a reel mower before. But am contemplating one for added attachments found on a few of the higher end models such as dethatchers and brooms
If you don’t mind me asking, what type of grass are you cutting and square footage? I’m McLane biased and depending on your area, you can get a great deal on a used one. Plenty of videos and a great Facebook group to help. I would recommend joining an Allett and Swardman owners group on Facebook too, and you can read peoples issues and fixes for the cartridge mowers. I like the idea of them too. My biggest advice is get the one you want, because you’ll be the one using it multiple times a week. Let us all know what you end up with!
@@ReelGreenLawn as far as I can tell it is a Perennial Rye, fescue, blue mix, I live in the desert of Washington so alot of the seed mixtures have a few different things in them from the big box stores. And I did actually end up with a 7 blade McLane from 77, picked it up yesterday for 40$. Runs great and cuts paper
I picked up an 82 with the dead mans clutch for 120 bucks on craigslist. swapped the motor with the predator and cleaned it up. was able to have a golf course near me put a grind on it. also bought the smooth front roller from reel rollers to replace the casters. overall very happy with the restoration on it.
Oh man that sounds like a good build! Did you have to pull the reel off for them to grind it, or did they want it kept on the unit? I need to shop around and find a place to grind mine.
@@ReelGreenLawn they had me keep the reel on to grind it. I couldn't find any businesses around that would do a gas powered reel, so I literally just emailed every golf course superintendents I could find and eventually one said yes to sharpen it for me.
how do i find out the year of the tecumseh engine thats on my mower? I cant find a sticker with the DOM on it. I only have the model and serial number.
From what I can tell you would need something around 5.5 hp. For Predator that would be a 173cc. McLane owners group on Facebook seems to have endless information, so if you haven’t checked there, I’d almost guarantee someone has done a swap on a 25” model and can give you the best information on what works.
i paid 25 bucks for a complete fully running mower briggs motor.lawns look amazing.we never had rotor mower.BUTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!! why does mine only have two wheeel drive system!!!!!!it dosent have one big unit in the middle its has two on each end with a drive shaft that make contact yes its mc clean moweri cant find ant info on it
Hmmm I’ve never seen one like that either. Sounds like a True Cut or California Trimmer style…maybe it got some McLane parts swapped on to it? If you have Instagram.. shoot me a picture of it because I’m interested in what this thing is!
How long should the reel and bed knife last before needing to be replaced? The mclane I’m looking at is about halfway down on the two bolt adjustments. If you say 8yrs, would it be safe to assume I have 4yrs left on the reel and bedknife?
That’s a good question but I don’t know the answer on that. Mine has been in the lower position since I got it, and it’s coming up on its third season. I mow 2-3 times a week on average from March - October. It’s still in the same spot. I’ve been watching the used parts market on eBay for pre 1990 reels and bed knifes to for when the time comes.
I’m sure it would cut it, but I don’t really know how well it would actually do. Also, my McLane only cuts at a max hight of 2”…. And I cut my St Aug at 3-4” so I use my rotary for it
I have the same McLane with the Briggs engine shown on your video. The previous owner dropped it while transporting it and it couldn’t start. It sat for a few years before I got it for $50. I cleaned the gummed up carb, swapped the spark plug and cleaned out the gas tank. I also bought a new carb. The engine has spark, the gas is fresh, but I still can’t get it to fire up. Any suggestions?
For me personally, I wanted a more defined stripe. It also helps with potential scalp marks if your two front wheels that are originally installed don’t roll over the high area you’re mowing over. In the context of this video, if you seen one installed on one you’re wanting to buy, that can be an amenity that you won’t have to pay full price for later. Thanks for the question!
I'm going to have to drive 3 hours but found one that looks to be in good shape. Seller is asking $200 but I'm going to try and get him down to $100...we'll see. He claims it needs a new belt and a new bed knife soon. It looks to be a pre-1990.
Nice! Get it cheep just in case. Pre 1990 bed knives are hard to find, and same with the reel. Mine has worn too low this season from using it a lot, and I’m punting the good parts on it right now. It would be cheaper for me to find a post 1990 unit and put my good parts on it from my current mower than replace the parts to new post ‘90 reel, bedknife, and grass deflector. Overall I decided I need a larger unit for almost 7000 sq ft, so that’s why I’m getting rid of it all. Wouldn’t mind finding a nice 25” to play with but they don’t pop up very much around here. Let us all know how it turns out!
@@ReelGreenLawn given the length of the drive, I'm probably going to wave off on it. I didn't realize pre-1990 parts are hard to come by. It's the end of the mowing season for me so I think I can old out another month or two and keep mowing with my rotary. I'll try to find a reel mower between now and Spring 2023. No need to rush things, even if it is only $100. If it were closer, I'd buy it.
I got mine for free, it's post 1990 where can I find a manual and get reliable parts. (Commercial 40RC/RC40) 10 blade I need some stuff to attach the front wheel bar and I'd like to replace the blade&drive chain.
Nice! This may help knowing what parts you’re needing. I’ve only bought parts straight from McLane, but if they’re out of stock, maybe consider an eBay search. Seems like post 1990 parts are easier to come by on there.
300 dollars for a 7-blade with grass catcher! I'd been waiting for about 6 months for a good deal in my area. Told the wife I'm going away for a few months while the bermuda is off and running
That is a good deal! And I hear ya, once that Bermuda starts popping, you’ll be running that McLane hard… enjoy it man and thanks for sharing your awesome find!
I just pick up 2 separate mclane 20inchers. I had been looking for a little over a year and suddenly two came up for sale near me way cheaper than I had ever seen so I pounced The first is a 1999 seven blade, 3.5 hp briggs engine. No grass catcher, and no reel just wheels instead. It would start with lots of starter fluid but then immediately die. I paid $200. I threw a new $20 amazon carburetor on, put some new gas, new spark plug, new air filter... it started on the first pull! All in probably $250 and an afternoon in the garage. It was the model where the carb sits on top of and sort of inside the gas tank. The 2nd one I picked up is a 2005 five blade, 3.5 hp briggs engine. No grass catcher, no roller, leaking a little gas and a little tough to start. But would start and runs smooth once it's going. Paid $350. The wheel drive was in nice shape with new grooves and had a recent backlap on the blades. Excited to find a 5 blade. I like to cut mine pretty tall, 1.5 - 2 inches. The five blade model cuts the best this high. I bought a mclane grooved roller and threw her on the 5 blade already. Lawn is stripped and looking like Augusta national already 😂
I would buy a used Toro flex 21 instead, stock equiped with Kawasaki engine dual point adj reel cheap and easy to replace bedknives, grooved front roller and endless parts supply. they are just plain bullet proof for a homeowner.
Probably could add that they will hold their value more overtime too. Endless parts supply helps, my ‘81 isn’t easy to find good parts for since everything on the market is for post ‘90. Thanks for sharing man!
I hope it’s easy fixes for you and it still stays a good deal! Let us know what all you do to it to get it up to speed. Good luck and thanks for sharing
Thanks so much for your help! I just picked up a 20" 10 blade commercial series with front roller and B&S 3.5 in good condition for $440.
Nice! Hope you like it!
Just grabbed UG-17-3.5-10-SP for $150. 17” Mclane greens keeper mower from 1999. In nearly new condition with grass catcher. It’s awesome. Great deal.
$150! That’s awesome!
Great video. I have always wanted one, but converted everything over to Stihl battery products last year. AND THEN...today i found a 10 blade, 25 inch with Honda GX160 for $25.00 at an estate sale. A quick carb clean and she runs like a champ.
Holy Smokes! That’s an awesome deal!
Meeting up tomorrow for a McLane 20 inch 10 blade with 3.5 honda engine grass Catcher and front smooth roller! Has it advertised for $650 definitely glad I clicked on your video made a check list to make sure I don't over look things from the excitement lol. I currently have a 17 inch 7 blade manual McLane and it's a workout!
Sweet! Let us all know how it turns out!
Turned out to be a better deal than I thought! It actually has the 5.5 GX 160 engine. He knocked off $50 because he accidentally broke the plastic throttle cable assembly while demonstrating how to operate it. Already have a full metal replacement on the way for $30 from Amazon
How did it work out for you? I’m picking mine up tomorrow
thank you so much for this video. Literally watching the video on my phone and following along with McClane 20" i just picked up a few hours ago.
when i look on mcclanes site i do not see the 20" bedknife or reel.. at least nothing is coming up when i search. Could you drop a linK?
mclaneedgers.com/product/20bedknife-after-790/
mclaneedgers.com/product/7-blade-reel-20-2/
Looks like they are out of stock right now…. I’ve also seen a few of them pop up on eBay from time to time too in new condition
Hey buddy. I just bought a 20 inch commercial McLane reel mower, reel is good shape, motor start with 2 pills, all is needed is a good cleaning, sharpening, maybe some painting and a score for $200. With roller and catcher
Yep that’s a good find.. thanks for sharing!
I got a post 1990 for $100 , the drive belt was worn out and the gas cap was rusted on. It sat for years in a garden shed. She a good mower now
Awesome find… I’m hoping to snag another one this off season.
Just got into reel mowing. I got my McLane for 25$ and so far I've only had to buy the front roller and the bed knife.
Very helpful in my decision making. Thank you!
You’re welcome, and I’m glad it helped!
Picked up a 1995 model today for $200. Probably gonna have to spend some money on it to get it to my liking but overall, pretty happy with the price.
That is a good price!…. Got any upgrades planned for it? Roller or new engine?
@@ReelGreenLawn Oh yeah, it needs some work. May swap the engine with a Honda engine I have and then a front roller.
Thanks for the info . Good stuff 👍🏻
Let me know if you find anything good. Some people having been sharing some crazy finds out there, and they’re fun to read about.
Picked up a ten blade modern style with B&S 4.75 HP for $550. Needed a throttle cable….tuned it….everything was great until the gas tank started leaking profusely. It developed some cracks. Problem was that model was discontinued. Found a used one luckily for $20. I’m about $700 all in now after a tune up….new belt…oil change and a good backslapping. It’s a loud engine though….kinda wish I coulda found a Honda. Next time. But the lawn looks great and that’s the main thing. Also came with grass catcher and grooved roller.
That’s not bad at all!
So I live in San Diego and I found a Mclane up in the Anaheim area. So it’s about a 2 hour drive. It’s used and selling for $250. Owner says motor runs good but could use a tune up. Comes with a catcher. Waiting on model number and serial number.
That’s a good price with a catcher. Even if you had to engine swap it with everything else being good, you’d be sitting pretty. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks. I just picked it up! Turned right over. Just gonna give it a tune up and backslap the blades and she will be cutting!
Your best video yet. Good job!
Thanks man!
I have one it's like new condition everything on its as good as the day it was made starts first pull every time paint shines no scratches the rollers paint is solid red looks like this mower has been used only about 15 times has catcher my question is what should I sell it for price wise I bought it just to sale it to make something on it I gave $200 for it only because of how clean it was it a 20 inch 7 blade it said gs modle Briggs and stratin 5.5 and it has that safety lever u was talking about thanks for your time on helping me with this
That market is spotty. I see good deals on newer models but they’re in the middle of nowhere. Things to consider are people are looking to find those mowers that are nice like yours for $200. Once you start getting into the higher asking price, they usually start looking either towards a new one or commercial greens mowers. They also depreciate hard from their new sales price unfortunately. Here in the DFW area I’d start it high though. A new regular one is ~ $1600, so take a little off of that to start. Just an uneducated guess.. when the season starts around here, you would probably have it sold somewhere ~ $800-1000. Early spring is the hot market around here. You should do pretty well for what you described and only paying $200.
Looking to get into reel mowing, there are a few older looking models around the 50-350$ range, haven't ever used a reel mower before. But am contemplating one for added attachments found on a few of the higher end models such as dethatchers and brooms
If you don’t mind me asking, what type of grass are you cutting and square footage? I’m McLane biased and depending on your area, you can get a great deal on a used one. Plenty of videos and a great Facebook group to help. I would recommend joining an Allett and Swardman owners group on Facebook too, and you can read peoples issues and fixes for the cartridge mowers. I like the idea of them too. My biggest advice is get the one you want, because you’ll be the one using it multiple times a week. Let us all know what you end up with!
@@ReelGreenLawn as far as I can tell it is a Perennial Rye, fescue, blue mix, I live in the desert of Washington so alot of the seed mixtures have a few different things in them from the big box stores. And I did actually end up with a 7 blade McLane from 77, picked it up yesterday for 40$. Runs great and cuts paper
@@ReelGreenLawn also the yard is about 6000-7000sq ft
Great video. Thanks for the detailed info. Very helpful!
Thanks!
I got one used for $50 bucks! Still works but could probably use a few new parts.
Great find! You’ve got plenty of room for some upgraded parts and still be right side up... thank you for sharing your find!
I picked up an 82 with the dead mans clutch for 120 bucks on craigslist. swapped the motor with the predator and cleaned it up. was able to have a golf course near me put a grind on it. also bought the smooth front roller from reel rollers to replace the casters. overall very happy with the restoration on it.
Oh man that sounds like a good build! Did you have to pull the reel off for them to grind it, or did they want it kept on the unit? I need to shop around and find a place to grind mine.
@@ReelGreenLawn they had me keep the reel on to grind it. I couldn't find any businesses around that would do a gas powered reel, so I literally just emailed every golf course superintendents I could find and eventually one said yes to sharpen it for me.
how do i find out the year of the tecumseh engine thats on my mower? I cant find a sticker with the DOM on it. I only have the model and serial number.
I’m sorry I do not know anything about those motors. Hopefully someone can comment to help. When I find something out, I’ll put another comment.
Great video. Would you know which engine you swap with a 25inch McLane?
From what I can tell you would need something around 5.5 hp. For Predator that would be a 173cc. McLane owners group on Facebook seems to have endless information, so if you haven’t checked there, I’d almost guarantee someone has done a swap on a 25” model and can give you the best information on what works.
@@ReelGreenLawn Thank you. I didn't know they had a group on Facebook. I appreciate your videos which inspired me to do a swap.
i paid 25 bucks for a complete fully running mower briggs motor.lawns look amazing.we never had rotor mower.BUTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!! why does mine only have two wheeel drive system!!!!!!it dosent have one big unit in the middle its has two on each end with a drive shaft that make contact yes its mc clean moweri cant find ant info on it
Hmmm I’ve never seen one like that either. Sounds like a True Cut or California Trimmer style…maybe it got some McLane parts swapped on to it? If you have Instagram.. shoot me a picture of it because I’m interested in what this thing is!
How long should the reel and bed knife last before needing to be replaced? The mclane I’m looking at is about halfway down on the two bolt adjustments. If you say 8yrs, would it be safe to assume I have 4yrs left on the reel and bedknife?
That’s a good question but I don’t know the answer on that. Mine has been in the lower position since I got it, and it’s coming up on its third season. I mow 2-3 times a week on average from March - October. It’s still in the same spot. I’ve been watching the used parts market on eBay for pre 1990 reels and bed knifes to for when the time comes.
Thanks for the info. How do reel mowers do on St Augustine grass ?
I’m sure it would cut it, but I don’t really know how well it would actually do. Also, my McLane only cuts at a max hight of 2”…. And I cut my St Aug at 3-4” so I use my rotary for it
I literally just got home from picking up my first McLane, guy was moving out of state and I scored it for 100 bucks!
That’s a great deal!
@@ReelGreenLawn it mows beautifully, it looks like I need a new clutch belt. It falls off a few times per mow.
I think a new belt would be a good place to start before adjusting your clutch rod.
I have the same McLane with the Briggs engine shown on your video. The previous owner dropped it while transporting it and it couldn’t start. It sat for a few years before I got it for $50. I cleaned the gummed up carb, swapped the spark plug and cleaned out the gas tank. I also bought a new carb. The engine has spark, the gas is fresh, but I still can’t get it to fire up. Any suggestions?
I came across a 2020 7 blade with a catcher for $350. Reel is in good shape. Normal wear. How much would you say it’s worth?
Briggs engine
In my area, DFW, I would expect to $800 on a quick sale side - $1000. $350 around here for that wouldn’t be on the market very long!
Why change front wheel to a roller?
For me personally, I wanted a more defined stripe. It also helps with potential scalp marks if your two front wheels that are originally installed don’t roll over the high area you’re mowing over. In the context of this video, if you seen one installed on one you’re wanting to buy, that can be an amenity that you won’t have to pay full price for later. Thanks for the question!
Post a vid of this in it's natural habitat, too.
Got one! Thanks for watching..
ua-cam.com/video/KI1uDIvm7_U/v-deo.html
Was unsure about watching, but really useful info! You should actually change the title to "How to guide for used McLane Reel Mower"
I appreciate the tip! I took it, and thank you for watching!
Sears sold a McLane reel mower in the 90's but it was painted in much different colours so don't overlook the Craftsman badged ones.
Yep that's the one I own bought it in 1998. I changed engine once after 16yrd
That’s great advice Wayne... thank you for sharing!
I still own one of the Craftsman models, it is silver, still runs great
I'm going to have to drive 3 hours but found one that looks to be in good shape. Seller is asking $200 but I'm going to try and get him down to $100...we'll see. He claims it needs a new belt and a new bed knife soon. It looks to be a pre-1990.
Nice! Get it cheep just in case. Pre 1990 bed knives are hard to find, and same with the reel. Mine has worn too low this season from using it a lot, and I’m punting the good parts on it right now. It would be cheaper for me to find a post 1990 unit and put my good parts on it from my current mower than replace the parts to new post ‘90 reel, bedknife, and grass deflector. Overall I decided I need a larger unit for almost 7000 sq ft, so that’s why I’m getting rid of it all. Wouldn’t mind finding a nice 25” to play with but they don’t pop up very much around here. Let us all know how it turns out!
@@ReelGreenLawn given the length of the drive, I'm probably going to wave off on it. I didn't realize pre-1990 parts are hard to come by. It's the end of the mowing season for me so I think I can old out another month or two and keep mowing with my rotary. I'll try to find a reel mower between now and Spring 2023. No need to rush things, even if it is only $100. If it were closer, I'd buy it.
I’d say that’s a good decision. People tend to list them after the season is over and through the winter.
I got mine for free, it's post 1990 where can I find a manual and get reliable parts.
(Commercial 40RC/RC40) 10 blade
I need some stuff to attach the front wheel bar and I'd like to replace the blade&drive chain.
Nice! This may help knowing what parts you’re needing. I’ve only bought parts straight from McLane, but if they’re out of stock, maybe consider an eBay search. Seems like post 1990 parts are easier to come by on there.
cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2016/5199/files/McLane_Parts_Diagram_Zampree.pdf?v=1619561444
@@ReelGreenLawn thanks man!
300 dollars for a 7-blade with grass catcher! I'd been waiting for about 6 months for a good deal in my area. Told the wife I'm going away for a few months while the bermuda is off and running
That is a good deal! And I hear ya, once that Bermuda starts popping, you’ll be running that McLane hard… enjoy it man and thanks for sharing your awesome find!
Good video! Thanks!
Appreciate the comment… thanks!
Solid tips!
I just pick up 2 separate mclane 20inchers. I had been looking for a little over a year and suddenly two came up for sale near me way cheaper than I had ever seen so I pounced
The first is a 1999 seven blade, 3.5 hp briggs engine. No grass catcher, and no reel just wheels instead. It would start with lots of starter fluid but then immediately die. I paid $200.
I threw a new $20 amazon carburetor on, put some new gas, new spark plug, new air filter... it started on the first pull! All in probably $250 and an afternoon in the garage. It was the model where the carb sits on top of and sort of inside the gas tank.
The 2nd one I picked up is a 2005 five blade, 3.5 hp briggs engine. No grass catcher, no roller, leaking a little gas and a little tough to start. But would start and runs smooth once it's going. Paid $350. The wheel drive was in nice shape with new grooves and had a recent backlap on the blades.
Excited to find a 5 blade. I like to cut mine pretty tall, 1.5 - 2 inches. The five blade model cuts the best this high. I bought a mclane grooved roller and threw her on the 5 blade already. Lawn is stripped and looking like Augusta national already 😂
Nice find! Glad to hear they’re working out for you. Always feels good to get those at cheap prices.
Super helpful!
I would buy a used Toro flex 21 instead, stock equiped with Kawasaki engine dual point adj reel cheap and easy to replace bedknives, grooved front roller and endless parts supply. they are just plain bullet proof for a homeowner.
Probably could add that they will hold their value more overtime too. Endless parts supply helps, my ‘81 isn’t easy to find good parts for since everything on the market is for post ‘90. Thanks for sharing man!
Great video. One for sell near me at $125
Nice...if you pick it up, let us all know what you plan on doing to it. $125 leaves a lot of room for goodies!
$485 for the 7blade 17” McLane model.
I should have watched this before I bought mine today lol 😂 I think I bought a dud but hey I only spent $150
I hope it’s easy fixes for you and it still stays a good deal! Let us know what all you do to it to get it up to speed. Good luck and thanks for sharing
7 blade 20in mclane for $100
Nice find!!! Overall good shape?
115$ for a running mclane 3.5 in decent condition.
with a grass catcher
That’s a good find!
I just got one for free!
Nice!!!