Adjusting Reel Mower Height for a Healthy Lawn

The ideal mowing height for a reel mower is between 2.5 and 3 inches, as this allows the grass to grow tall enough to develop a deep root system, making it more resistant to drought and disease.

Mowing too low can stress the grass, making it more susceptible to pests and diseases. This is because the grass is not getting enough sunlight to undergo photosynthesis, which is essential for its growth and development.

Grasses that are naturally more prone to lodging, such as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, benefit from a slightly higher mowing height, around 3.5 inches. This allows them to grow more upright and resist wind and rain damage.

Maintaining a consistent mowing height is crucial for a healthy lawn, as it helps to promote even growth and prevents the grass from becoming too stressed.

Worth a look: Mowing with Reel Mower

You can lower the cutting height of a Scotts reel mower to as little as 2 inches if you wish.

The normal cutting height is the default setting, but you can adjust it to suit your needs. To lower the cutting height, look for the two notches on the wheel hubcaps.

Pry off the hubcap with a flat-head screwdriver and find the retaining ring located between the wheel hub's center bolt head and the hub itself. Use the screwdriver to pry off the retaining ring and pull the hub out and away from the mower.

Rotate the wheel adjustment assembly to its lowest notch and secure to the mower frame with the nut and bolt. Then, slide the wheel hub off the bolt's head and slip the retaining ring in between the bolt head and wheel hub.

Repeat the process on the other side to ensure even cutting.

Consider reading: Push Mower Wheel Bearings

You can adjust the reel mower's normal cutting height by disengaging the adjustment levers one at a time, located between the wheels and mower frame. Pull the lever toward the wheel and move it up and down to the height you want.

To find the correct notch on the adjustment plate, place the lever into the corresponding notch. This will ensure your reel mower is set to the desired height.

The cutting blade adjustment requires you to find the two adjustment screws on each side of the mower. These screws are farthest from the cutting blade.

Turn each of these screws counterclockwise the same amount with a Phillips screwdriver to adjust the cutting blade.

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