Blade Adjustment & Sharpening Guide

ManualsBrandsCalifornia Trimmer ManualsLawn MowersClassic High Cut 20 in. 7-Blade Briggs & Stratton Gas Walk Behind Self-Propelled Reel Lawn Mower

REEL BLADE / BED KNIFE ADJUSTING & SHARPENING

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Here’s a QR code image that can be used to access this document on a portable device.

Reel Mower Cutting Fundamentals

The reel mower’s cutting ability is the result of the corner edges of the reel blade and bed knife

crossing each other in a precise manner (proximity and speed)

to achieve the scissor action. These edges are sharp, but not

in the same way as a knife or even a rotary mower blade.

They are squared, with the width of the blade material ground

at specific angles to reduce the amount of surface area that

contacts the bed-knife. The bed knife’s top and front surfaces

are also ground at precise angles to provide the proper

contact with the blades’ leading edges as it rotates.

All our blades are manufactured using a computerized grinding

and balancing process and the cutting action (the rotational

contact between the blade and bed knife) is pre-adjusted during

assembly. We also use a relief grind to reduce friction and

extend the life of the blade. We back-lap every unit to ensure

the components are “seated” (conforming to each other) for

consistent engagement and light contact. However, since it’s a

motorized, mechanical machine with chain driven functions,

normal wear and use of the unit will make it necessary to

periodically perform maintenance and adjustments. If there’s

indication that it’s not cutting properly – such as uneven cut heights, you can check the cutting action

to see if it’s engaging across the entire width and that the reel blade/bed knife contact is light. You

also need to check the condition of the blade and bed knife surfaces and edges.

Reel Mower “Sharpening”

Many people first think of sharpening as having to re-grind the blade and bed knife. If the surface or

edges are damaged (pits, gouges, or rounded), then grinding will likely be necessary. However, if they

are in good condition, there are 2 other steps that can be taken which contribute to an effective

scissor cutting action… adjustment and back-lapping. To make this determination – and to adjust the

blade / bed knife contact or back-lap them, you need to prepare the unit (and yourself) so that the reel

blade, bed knife and the overall cutting action can be effectively accessed and inspected.

Preparation - Overview

WARNING: ALWAYS STOP THE ENGINE AND WEAR GLOVES WHEN DOING ANY

MAINTENANCE OR INSPECTION OF THE REEL BLADE AND BED KNIFE. A BENT, CRACKED OR

BROKEN REEL BLADE AND/OR BED KNIFE MUST BE REPLACED ENTIRELY.

IMPORTANT! Please review the information on the following pages to familiarize yourself

completely with all the instructions and gather all the necessary tools and recommended supplies

before beginning any adjustments or maintenance, as it will help make all the steps go more smoothly.

Summary of content (5 pages)

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REEL BLADE / BED KNIFE ADJUSTING & SHARPENING Here’s a QR code image that can be used to access this document on a portable device. Reel Mower Cutting Fundamentals The reel mower’s cutting ability is the result of the corner edges of the reel blade and bed knife crossing each other in a precise manner (proximity and speed) to achieve the scissor action. These edges are sharp, but not in the same way as a knife or even a rotary mower blade.
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REEL BLADE / BED KNIFE ADJUSTING & SHARPENING Preparation – Tools & Supplies Following are tools and supplies that are required and recommended (all models) … ➢ Back-Lapping Kit # H0907 or H0907S ➢ Service Stand # BLS100 (included in H0907S) ➢ 3/8” or 1/2” variable speed /reversible drill ➢ 1/2" square drive socket adapter ➢ Ratchet with short extension and 1/2” socket ➢ 1/2" open-end wrench ➢ Small or medium adjustable open-end wrench ➢ Small flat blade screwdriver ➢ Needle nose pliers ➢ Plain printer pape
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REEL BLADE / BED KNIFE ADJUSTING & SHARPENING Preparation – Disassembly / Inspection (RL20H Series) ➢ Remove the reel chain guard, then find the master link, identify the open end of the outer clip, and use a small flat blade screw driver to push it off. Remove the link and chain and place them inside the reel chain guard. TIP: hold a rag around the area to help prevent the clip from getting lost. It’s also helpful to use tarp, large towel or cardboard underneath the unit.
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REEL BLADE / BED KNIFE ADJUSTING & SHARPENING Adjustment (RL20H Series) ➢ If the cutting action does not shear the paper strip consistently across the width or if the rotation of the blade is excessively tight, use the adjustment posts on each side of the frame to move the bed knife’s position against the reel blade.
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REEL BLADE / BED KNIFE ADJUSTING & SHARPENING Back-Lapping (continued) ➢ Place a small amount of grinding compound on the brush tip and begin spreading it on the cutting edge of the reel blade and across the entire width as it’s rotating (slowly). ➢ Repeat this a few times to ensure enough compound is applied to all the cutting edges of the blade. ➢ Continue rotating the blade for 3-5 minutes or until the compound texture become smooth and lighter in appearance.