Hey Doc!! - Thanks for the great tip on the drill attachment. I've been backlapping with the kit from McLane for 20 years and it is a royal pain. This tool makes it so easy, that I'll be doing it much more often!
Hey doc - I purchased a brand new Mclane last year and the back lapping kit. Anyhow, followed this video and also made a few adjustments to match your settings. Getting the chain on and off was the worst part. So, if I can do it - and I’m a 57 year old grandmom, anybody can do this. Thanks for this video. No way could I have done this without it.
Brilliant video Doc. I was at peace start to finish and feel more than confident to replicate. Just bought the same exact setup (only variation is mine’s smooth not grooved). Thanks Doc!
Doc, a tip for cleaning the chain of all that gunk, before you re-oil. Use paraffin oil (lamp fuel at Wal Mart) to clean the chain, with a toothbrush. This will remove all the grit and grime, without stripping the chain of it residual lubricating oil. Then, re-oil with clean chain wax lubricating oil. This chain specific lubricant comes in a spray can and will not "sling off" the chain as will common motor oil. This is a common procedure for bicyclists and motorcyclists who regularly maintain a healthy chain.
Sorry, I’m a 56 year old retired social worker n I followed ur vid n I think I did pretty ok, thank u for ur vid. I just got my McLane backlapping kit from Reel Mowers today. However, I have a question, what direction was my drill supposed to go, backwards or forward? I didn’t realize I had my drill in reverse for the most part then realized perhaps I went the wrong direction, so I did a few seconds going forward. 🤦🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️. I mowed my yard n it looks pretty good n the clippings are nice and clean.
How long are you backlapping with each grade of compound? 10 minutes? 30 minutes? My 25" mclane reel will cut with one blade and then just fold the paper with the next blade. Then two blades in a row will cut, then the next 2 or three will not cut. I am leaving the paper in the same spot on the bedknife, so it appears that the blades are not at the same outside diameter in that particular spot in relation to the bedknife. Mclane is telling me to lock down the roller with slight friction on the bedknife and backlap with 80 grit until there is no friction. Then lower the blade slightly (increase friction) and backlap again until no friction. Repeat these steps until all blades cut all the way across the bedknife. What do you suggest?
Hey Doc. I recently got the McLame 25", and after only 3 months use, the reel chain became very sloppy and almost drags on the chain guard cover. I ordered a new chain and it's better...but still has some play. During inspection to correct the issue, it appears that the holes for the rear wheel assembly shaft & gear and the center reel gear are set. Is there any way to adjust the reel drive chain slack ?? Their customer support appears to be non-existent for any help, advice or even a simple NO!
Great video on the McLane Reel Mower, it cleared up a lot of questions I had after reading the owners manual. I was thinking about raising the back wheels in order to get a lower cut, have you ever thought about doing this?
How To with Doc yes you are correct. Being an Aircraft Maintenance Technician, if I raise them the mower cuts lower, if I lower them the mower cuts higher. Hahahahaha
I just got the 25 inch mclane. Should the back wheel be able to freely roll? I tried rolling it out of the box but the unit just slides around because the back wheel does not roll at all. Stuck in place.
Hey doc, kinda off topic, just got a used mclane, looking to bring grass down to around 1 grass is currently at 2-2 1/2 inches, do I need to scalp first, and if so is it to late in season? I live outside of Raleigh, 15 day forecast shows 80s-90s with rain intermittent throughout, also when’s the latest I can level? Thanks doc, love the videos, watch everyone as they come
Doc, you mentioned loosening the chain. Can I tighten the chain that way? Mine is very loose and its a new chain. The bottom chains are also loose fordrive wheel. Appreciate any advice
Does this backlap adapter fit the McLane GR-25 series? Reel rollers website list the following note on their Mclane Reel Mower Backlap Kit. "Please note: This backlap adapter for the McLane models DOES NOT fit the McLane 17″ or manual, non-motorized reel mowers, “Greenskeeper” 25″, or the “GR-Series” 25″ reel mower."
Doc I just received my new Mclane. After cutting for about 30 mins the belt for the reel came out. I put it back, but keeps coming out occasionally. What could be the cause?
Hey Doc...Can you do a detailed video on how to back lap a Tru Cut reel mower... I’m having the hardest time to figure out how to do it. And there’s little to no content out there on UA-cam.... I know you have a video that you touched on it. But I keep getting stuck and I know it’s something that I missing...
Hi Doc! I have been using the chicken feed you reccomend. I recently had a soil test done and it came back with high PH and excessive calcium levels. The chicken feed says it is "calcium fortified". Is that a cause for my high calcium?
Hi Doc - very informative video. I should be receiving my McLane soon. I am unable to find the link for the back lap tool you mentioned. Please help? Thank you.
Thanks Doc! I just purchased my first GR series McLane reel mower and received it January 2022. Tired of using the push reel mower. This lap method of yours seems very easy. Though the video is over 1.5 years old, are you still using this method? Also, where can I purchase the adapter to back lap? I could not find the link...sorry, I'm blind. Thanks again for all your videos...I have watched many and learned much.
I know you made this video a while ago but…. I have a mclane and the reel to bedknife contact is so noisy. I have to get it tight to cut paper. It’s so noisy my neighbor has said something. Is your reel to bedknife noisy? I have a John Deere greens mower and that contact us very quiet.
You called yourself a dummy for putting the reel mower away wet at some point.... then it was used on Barb’s wet lawn... what do you do after that? Use WD-40 before putting it away?
I'm watching your reel maintenance video, oiling your chain with motor oil is almost useless, the viscosity is thick enough to not reach the internal pin, that's where the wear is. You use the best lawn products, use the best products for your mower. Best..Chesterton 601 chain pin and bushing lube, Good..CRC chain lube. Thank you for your lawn insight.
Wow - I spent 6 hours trying to get the chain on. I almost threw my new $2k mower out the window. Decided against it and had to take it to a machine shop.
Hey Doc!! - Thanks for the great tip on the drill attachment. I've been backlapping with the kit from McLane for 20 years and it is a royal pain. This tool makes it so easy, that I'll be doing it much more often!
Hey doc - I purchased a brand new Mclane last year and the back lapping kit. Anyhow, followed this video and also made a few adjustments to match your settings. Getting the chain on and off was the worst part. So, if I can do it - and I’m a 57 year old grandmom, anybody can do this. Thanks for this video. No way could I have done this without it.
17:46 Great tip and insight about the blade clearance in the middle. Answers my one worry about mine. Thanks!
The King of Bermuda. There are some out there trying to strip your title. Your Lawn is incredible. Thanks for all your videos.
It is a tribute to my boring life that I watch backlapping videos over Netflix!
Awesome informative video. Being a new McLane 25” reel mower, I learned a lot.
Brilliant video Doc. I was at peace start to finish and feel more than confident to replicate. Just bought the same exact setup (only variation is mine’s smooth not grooved). Thanks Doc!
Well done Doc! Saved me a tone of time!
Doc, a tip for cleaning the chain of all that gunk, before you re-oil. Use paraffin oil (lamp fuel at Wal Mart) to clean the chain, with a toothbrush. This will remove all the grit and grime, without stripping the chain of it residual lubricating oil. Then, re-oil with clean chain wax lubricating oil. This chain specific lubricant comes in a spray can and will not "sling off" the chain as will common motor oil. This is a common procedure for bicyclists and motorcyclists who regularly maintain a healthy chain.
Thanks for these videos, Doc. I have the MCLane reel.
The back yard is popping!
Sorry, I’m a 56 year old retired social worker n I followed ur vid n I think I did pretty ok, thank u for ur vid. I just got my McLane backlapping kit from Reel Mowers today. However, I have a question, what direction was my drill supposed to go, backwards or forward? I didn’t realize I had my drill in reverse for the most part then realized perhaps I went the wrong direction, so I did a few seconds going forward. 🤦🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️. I mowed my yard n it looks pretty good n the clippings are nice and clean.
Great video
Excellent job!!
How long are you backlapping with each grade of compound? 10 minutes? 30 minutes? My 25" mclane reel will cut with one blade and then just fold the paper with the next blade. Then two blades in a row will cut, then the next 2 or three will not cut. I am leaving the paper in the same spot on the bedknife, so it appears that the blades are not at the same outside diameter in that particular spot in relation to the bedknife. Mclane is telling me to lock down the roller with slight friction on the bedknife and backlap with 80 grit until there is no friction. Then lower the blade slightly (increase friction) and backlap again until no friction. Repeat these steps until all blades cut all the way across the bedknife. What do you suggest?
Hey Doc. I recently got the McLame 25", and after only 3 months use, the reel chain became very sloppy and almost drags on the chain guard cover. I ordered a new chain and it's better...but still has some play.
During inspection to correct the issue, it appears that the holes for the rear wheel assembly shaft & gear and the center reel gear are set. Is there any way to adjust the reel drive chain slack ?? Their customer support appears to be non-existent for any help, advice or even a simple NO!
Great video on the McLane Reel Mower, it cleared up a lot of questions I had after reading the owners manual. I was thinking about raising the back wheels in order to get a lower cut, have you ever thought about doing this?
I think you mean lower, but no.
How To with Doc yes you are correct. Being an Aircraft Maintenance Technician, if I raise them the mower cuts lower, if I lower them the mower cuts higher. Hahahahaha
Hey Doc. I have a question. how do you pickup all the clippings? or do you just leave them there?
I just got the 25 inch mclane. Should the back wheel be able to freely roll? I tried rolling it out of the box but the unit just slides around because the back wheel does not roll at all. Stuck in place.
Hey doc, kinda off topic, just got a used mclane, looking to bring grass down to around 1 grass is currently at 2-2 1/2 inches, do I need to scalp first, and if so is it to late in season? I live outside of Raleigh, 15 day forecast shows 80s-90s with rain intermittent throughout, also when’s the latest I can level? Thanks doc, love the videos, watch everyone as they come
Doc, you mentioned loosening the chain. Can I tighten the chain that way? Mine is very loose and its a new chain. The bottom chains are also loose fordrive wheel. Appreciate any advice
Does this backlap adapter fit the McLane GR-25 series? Reel rollers website list the following note on their Mclane Reel Mower Backlap Kit.
"Please note: This backlap adapter for the McLane models DOES NOT fit the McLane 17″ or manual, non-motorized reel mowers, “Greenskeeper” 25″, or the “GR-Series” 25″ reel mower."
20:39 is the clip supposed to stay on because mine disappeared
Doc I just received my new Mclane. After cutting for about 30 mins the belt for the reel came out. I put it back, but keeps coming out occasionally. What could be the cause?
Hey Doc...Can you do a detailed video on how to back lap a Tru Cut reel mower... I’m having the hardest time to figure out how to do it. And there’s little to no content out there on UA-cam.... I know you have a video that you touched on it. But I keep getting stuck and I know it’s something that I missing...
Hi Doc! I have been using the chicken feed you reccomend. I recently had a soil test done and it came back with high PH and excessive calcium levels. The chicken feed says it is "calcium fortified". Is that a cause for my high calcium?
For standard homeowner (not a gardener), how often is that back lap needed?
Doc, quick question. Do you find that the mcclane stripes better than or about the same as the Tru cut?
Hi Doc - very informative video. I should be receiving my McLane soon. I am unable to find the link for the back lap tool you mentioned. Please help? Thank you.
It's up now.
How long are you using your drill to spin the blades?
Thanks Doc! I just purchased my first GR series McLane reel mower and received it January 2022. Tired of using the push reel mower. This lap method of yours seems very easy. Though the video is over 1.5 years old, are you still using this method? Also, where can I purchase the adapter to back lap? I could not find the link...sorry, I'm blind. Thanks again for all your videos...I have watched many and learned much.
Please disregard...I found the link and ordered the adapter. :) Thanks again for all your videos.
I know you made this video a while ago but…. I have a mclane and the reel to bedknife contact is so noisy. I have to get it tight to cut paper. It’s so noisy my neighbor has said something. Is your reel to bedknife noisy? I have a John Deere greens mower and that contact us very quiet.
Use a business card not paper. You don't have to have it very tight.
No link to the tool here or on the website. Only link to the new mower.
The video doesn’t have any image doc
You called yourself a dummy for putting the reel mower away wet at some point.... then it was used on Barb’s wet lawn... what do you do after that? Use WD-40 before putting it away?
I'm watching your reel maintenance video, oiling your chain with motor oil is almost useless, the viscosity is thick enough to not reach the internal pin, that's where the wear is. You use the best lawn products, use the best products for your mower. Best..Chesterton 601 chain pin and bushing lube, Good..CRC chain lube. Thank you for your lawn insight.
Wow - I spent 6 hours trying to get the chain on. I almost threw my new $2k mower out the window. Decided against it and had to take it to a machine shop.
Loosen ALL the reel blade bolts so the reel moves freely. That will give you the 1/8' you need. Also adjust the roller height.
Nice warning lol