Mclane Reel Mower Review
Finding the best Power Reel Lawn Mowers



Mclane Reel Mower


Engine options
- 4.75 HP Briggs and Stratton GT single cylinder side valve 4 stroke engine
- 5.5 HP Briggs and Stratton single cylinder overhead valve 4 stroke engine
- 5.0 HP Honda single cylinder overhead valve 4 stroke engine
- 5.5 HP Honda single cylinder overhead valve 4 stroke engine

Propel options
- Push ( with power reel)
- Powered reel wheels

Drive clutch
- Touch-O-Matic engine clutch control
- Belt and chain drive

Reel Options
- 5, 7, or 10 blade reels
- 17”, 20”, or 25” cutting width
- Induction heat treated bed knife and reel blades ( standard)

Frame construction
- Heavy duty
- Grass diverter fins to keep the clippings in the catcher
- Steel ball bearings on all wheels and rollers

Cutting height adjustment
- Single hand lever raise or lowers the roller wheels on both sides
- Cutting range 1/4” to 2 1/2”

Blade engagement - Reel and wheel drive clutch lever (Deadman type)
- Manual wheel drive lever on handle (spring loaded)

Accessories
- Polyethylene catcher ( frame attached)

Country of Manufacture
USA

Price range:
About $680.00 - $1535.00

Visit the manufacture’s web site!



Mclane Manufacturing Company has been around since the 1940’s, and has consistently built one of the best reel mowers in history. Located in California, these quality machines are used worldwide where a well manicured lawn is demanded.

Mclane also features a unique bedknife design, which penetrates thick grasses better, resulting in a cleaner cut.

Be aware that no reel mower will cut tall grasses and weeds efficiently. For lawn areas that are consistently taller than 3-4 inches, a rotary type lawn mower will provide better performance. If you wish to maintain a short, well manicured lawn that looks great, there is no substitute for a power reel mower.





Mclane reel mowers use the ‘front throw’ design. This has a ‘sweeping action’ in the lawn, as the bedknife leads the way in the front of the mower. The grass clippings are discharged to the font of the mower, keeping the flow of grass away from the operator’s feet.

Both the bedknife and reel blades are induction heat treated, which makes the steel much harder. This keeps the sharp edges more durable and longer lasting.

The frames on all Mclane reel mower models is heavy duty steel with ball bearings on the wheels and reel. An exclusive grass diverter on the frame keeps the clipping where they belong - in the front with mounted catcher.

Models are available in 2 basic versions - a powered reel mower that is pushed ( no engine power goes to the wheels) or the traditional self propel design with a powered reel. If a mower has the option of both self propel and push, the self propel model numbers will end in SP. The push models with the powered reel are limited to the 17 inch cutting width.

Every self propel Mclane reel mower features a two step method of engaging the drive wheels. First, a ‘deadman type’ lever is flipped, delivering power to the reel. At this point, the drive wheels are not turning. A spring loaded lever located on the handle must be depressed to engage the drive wheels. If the operator should let go of the handle, then the drive wheels and the cutting reel come to a stop.

Model 17-4.75GT-10 is a 10 blade power reel mower that is not self propelled. Cutting width is 17 inches, which is the minimum width Mclane offers. It comes equipped with a 4.75 HP Briggs and Stratton GT engine, which is built to last. The 10 blade reel ensures a great cut is seen while pushing at a variety of speeds. This machine is ideal for small applications where self propel might be a hinderance. The twin models 17-4.75GT-7-SP and 17-4.75GT-10-SP are both self propelled versions, with either a 7 or 10 blade cutting reel.

Count on spending between $700.00 to $835.00 for the 17 inch cutting width mowers.

The next step up for cutting width are the 20 inch models. Here there is a choice of engines - either the Briggs and Stratton 4.75 HP, or a Honda 4 HP overhead valve engine. The numbers of cutting blades on the reel varies from 5, 7, or 10 blades.

Model 20-4.75GT-5 is a 5 blade power reel mower that is self propelled. Cutting width is 20 inches. It is powered by the standard 4.75 HP Briggs and Stratton GT engine. The 5 blade reel helps keep the price down, and does a good job of cutting with most lawn types when mowed at slow to moderate speeds.

Models 20-4.75GT-7 and 20-4G-7 is a 7 blade power reel mower that is self propelled. Cutting width is again 20 inches. It is powered either by the standard 4.75 HP Briggs and Stratton GT engine, or the Honda 4 HP overhead valve ( OHV) engine. The 7 blade reel adds versatility when it comes to mowing a variety of grasses, at even moderately fast speeds.

Model 20-4G-10 is a 10 blade power reel mower that is self propelled. Cutting width remains 20 inches. It is powered by the Honda 4 HP overhead valve ( OHV) engine. The 10 blade reel is the ultimate for a reel type lawn mower, tackling the toughest mowing jobs with ease.

Count on spending between $930.00 to $1300.00 for the 20 inch Mclane reel mower models.

There are four models offered by Mclane that feature a 25 inch cutting width. The engine size is a standard 5.5 HP, but two models each are offered with either a Briggs and Stratton or Honda engine.

Models 25-5.5RB-7 and 25-5.5G-7 are 7 blade power mowers that are self propelled. They are powered by either the standard 5.5 HP Briggs and Stratton, or the 5.5 Honda engines. The 7 blade reel tackles the toughest turf, but still leaves a finished cut that is pleasing to the eye.

Models 25-5.5RB-10 and 25-5.5G-10 are similar to the other 25 inch cut mowers, but have been upgraded to a 10 blade cutting reel. This is a nice extra when tough grass and high standards are found together. They are again powered by either the standard 5.5 HP Briggs and Stratton, or the 5.5 Honda engines.

This kind of quality and performance does not come cheap. Budget for about $1200.00 to $1500.00 for the 20 inch Mclane reel mower models.

Most customers that purchase a Mclane reel mower are sold for life. These are great machines, and will last for a very long time.





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