Reel mower scalping

[Si.]

Calling all reel mower addicts out there. I have an Atco Balmoral. Bermuda about 2". I am scalping on the non-drive side. Not continual but sporadic scalping and it is peeving me. I know my lawn is not perfectly flat but I have and am rolling it. The lawn looks pretty sharp for the neighborhood but I really want to rid these unsightly scalps. The Craftsman powered reel mower (McClane look-alike) seemed to do a better job so it got me wondering. Firstly, I will add that the mow height is level so no issues there. Does the extra traction of rubber driver rollers power the mower through the grass better? Maybe it is the split rear drum, driven on the right, scalp on left, that causes the mower to slip and scalp? Finally, is it the uneven lawn (better than most but not Crown-Green) that causes the mower to 'bobble', if so, why on one side?

My feeling is, it is all 3, split rear driven drum slipping on uneven surface! I have thought of top dressing and reducing the cut height. Any guru's out there can help? - Please ....? sniff-sniff

plz del from Newbie forum!

 

[Xave]

Wish I could help. Don't know much about reel mowing except it looks cool.

 

[LandN]

Calling all reel mower addicts out there. I have an Atco Balmoral. Bermuda about 2". I am scalping on the non-drive side. Not continual but sporadic scalping and it is peeving me. I know my lawn is not perfectly flat but I have and am rolling it. The lawn looks pretty sharp for the neighborhood but I really want to rid these unsightly scalps. The Craftsman powered reel mower (McClane look-alike) seemed to do a better job so it got me wondering. Firstly, I will add that the mow height is level so no issues there. Does the extra traction of rubber driver rollers power the mower through the grass better? Maybe it is the split rear drum, driven on the right, scalp on left, that causes the mower to slip and scalp? Finally, is it the uneven lawn (better than most but not Crown-Green) that causes the mower to 'bobble', if so, why on one side?

My feeling is, it is all 3, split rear driven drum slipping on uneven surface! I have thought of top dressing and reducing the cut height. Any guru's out there can help? - Please ....? sniff-sniff

plz del from Newbie forum!

I am not familiar with the mower in question, but i use the non powered reel mowers, it sure sounds like your skinning the high spots....i'm assuming the mower is in good working order and all belts etc.are tight,i cut at 1 3/4"-2" and i'm not hitting the high spots in the yard....what if you change and mow a different direction and see the results. to me,if a mechanical thing was the culprit then i would say there is the problem but you say it is sporatic so that tells me more that its the ground....can someone else operate the mower while you have a look see at the mower while its going to spot the problem area....what if you raise or lower the height just to see any difference. post back i'm interested