McCulloch MCM2013 20-Inch Push Reel Mower Review
I can't believe how much bogus information is out there on reel mowers. Let me say that I read every single review on every single 20 inch reel mower on every site that sells them and one still finds it difficult to decide. Even the manufacturers' sites are horrible in terms of product information. Many of the retailers (not Amazon) push the Brill's and you have to question their advice when that's all they sell. The Brill's and other "high-end" no contact mowers are a lot more expensive, made of a lot of plastic, and are too small. Anyway, back to the McCulloch. First, I was attracted to reel mowers due to their simplicity, durability, and for some, their price. I'm not an enviro wheenie, just someone who appreciates a good, solid, product that works. Next, and after reading a ton of reviews, I decided I wanted a 20 inch mower. No matter what brand or model, most people complained that they which they bought a bigger model. Buying the 20" models limits your choices. The big seller is the Scotts and by most accounts it's a decent product. However, I was turned off by the fact that the gears in the wheels are made of plastic. To me, that was a deal breaker, especially after reading how some user's broke only after one season. Not a good design. The Gimour was next, but I've read a good bit of unfavorable reviews on it to. The big selling point is that it comes with a grass catcher that most users said was totally useless. So, the other choice I saw was the McCulloch. It had the 20" cut, all steel gears, and I read it was US made. I can vouch that it is 20", does have steel gears, but it is made in Taiwan, not the US. Also, that manufacturer site say it has 4 blades, nope - this has 5 blades. I got it today, put it together in 5 minutes, and then used it (it was real easy and the instructions were fine). I used to take me 30 to 45 minutes with my gas mower (I really move though) and it took me about the same time, maybe 5 minutes more. In terms of difficulty mowing, I just didn't see it. My gas mower was a 5.5hp, non self propelled Yardman (a Walmart special that ran fantastic I might add). It was different-I think this mower uses more arms, but less back (a good thing for me-I'm a fit 37 yo male). In terms of cut, I pulled it right outside of the box, attached the handle and mowed - no adjustments, and it mowed fine. I was preparing for the worst and was really surprised at how well it mowed and my yard is a mess of every crab grass, dandelion, chickweed, you name it, I have it. My yard is not flat either. Mowing was really easy and fun. I don't know if the fun will wear off, but it was. What kills me, is that I mowed in flip flops - something I never would have done with my gas mower. It was great, my 2 year old daughter was even out playing on the swing set. Overall, I'm happy with this purchase. When compared to the Scotts, it seems like a better deal - same cutting width, same 5 blades, all steel gears vs plastic on the Scotts, and this handle is quite sturdy - no flimsy at all. Even though it looks like a Scotts (made by American Lawn, but built in China), I called American Lawn Mower and asked their customer service and the girl said "No, it isn't made by us". If you are thinking about getting one of these, I wouldn't hesitate to make the jump - at this price and with Amazon's backing, this is a great mower I'm glad I bought. Sorry for the run on, but there is a lot of bad info out there and I want to help out. Good luck. The environmentally friendly McCulloch MCM 2013 20 inch Push Reel Mower has ball bearing blade spindles making it easy to push and safe to use.
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Customer Reviews
Works as it is designed to - Gordon T. Eldridge - Lexington, MS United States
I have been using reel mowers now for about five years and this one works as well as or better than some I have tried. The Scotts reel mower did not cut nearly as well as this one. It arrived Friday afternoon and on Saturday morning I put it together, re-adjusted the wheels and had my yard cut in about an hour on its lowest setting. Sure, twigs do stop it, but they stop other reel-type mowers as well. As long as you know the limitations of the equipment it is a very economical and less polluting way to cut your yard. I don't see myself using anything else, since I don't plan on moving to an area where I have a bigger yard to cut.
I really wanted it to worck but it did not - cage88mom - Texas
I was really excited when this mower came but noticed some fishy things right away like the roller assembly was on the wrong bolt hole and the cutting blades were not properly adjusted the reasons for these quirks were that two of the blades were longer than the other three which would have been obvious if the blades had been adjusted from the factory and the other bolt holes were drilled to small for the specialized bolts that hold the roller assembly on which is why the roller was on the wrong hole and yes i checked for over spray so i figure the quality control guy was not there when this mower came of the line
Mar 27, 2010 17:18:05
1 comments:
Hey,
To give our gardens the best look we really need the best reel mowers and you have written a good post on reel mowers.
I myself have bought one of the Best Reel Mowers, so that I can give my garden a new look and also help readers give right ratings and reviews about reel mowers.
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