OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums General Discussion Forum Lawn Care & Maintenance New Playground for all my Scotty's

Use another mower. These are for finely manicured low cut lawns aren't they, such as bowling greens?

Hi MF,

Please don't take this the wrong way, but there is a bit of misconception that cylinder mowers are purely for manicured lawns only and that these mowers turn weeds into golf courses, well that's so far from the truth it's not funny. One must remember that the cylinder mower was around long before the rotary and was the norm (sorry Norm) in mowing grass.

My father in law bought a Model 45 back in 1973 purely to mow his large Buffalo lawn in the back yard in Cheltenham SA, now anyone who knows this suburb will know how large the blocks are there and will realise that a self propelled mower was the best option and there weren't many rotaries back then that were SP.

The trick to Buffalo is, not to let it get too thick and spongy, which is what many Sir Walter owners seem to do thinking they might ruin it by cutting it down every few years. It's just another self rejuvenation species that you can't kill, same as Kikuyu.

Now the reasoning behind using cylinder cut machines opposed to rotaries is that the cutting action is far more finely controlled as you are cutting like a pair of scissors opposed to slashing with a fast moving scythe.

I hope that this clarifies the generalised misconceived views on cylinder mowers.


Cheers,
BB.

Sorry BB, but that is analogous to saying pushrod engines in cars were around before O.H.C. Maybe the rotary was a better all round proposition with a similar result in most conditions, with a far simpler maintainance.
You have kind of defeated your own argument by saying buffalo grass is hardy and self regenerating but then pointing out how well the reel mower cleanly snips the blades of grass with precision.
You would need a magnifying glass to appreciate the difference of both finishes. A slashed lawn from a rotary still gives the same attractive result in most conditions.

Hi MF,

Santa Ana Couch is also hardy and self regenerating as is Kikuyu, so what's your point ?

Plants prefer to be cut than torn, its less traumatic to them so I don't see your last point between Rotaries and cylinder. My main point was that Cylinder mowers are just not suitable for manicured lawns, but I will agree that they are now the preferred weapon of choice in better finishes.

Cheers,
BB.

They have been relegated to more specialist duties these days. Grab the steel deck Powertorque Victa for everything else.

G'day Mod BB, MF and all lawn-loving folks.

I have pondered this issue for most of my life and I am compelled to say something
as the forum historian. It is, inexcusably, a long post.

It is true that reel mowers are now for 'manicured lawns'.
I guess 'manicured' might be defined as 'extra care' lawns.
In that case, both BB and MF make a similar point - but different!.

This does not mean they should be thought of as "bowling
green mowers". That is so far from the truth and ... my reality!

Reel mowers now have a niche domestic market; a stronger general
professional market (domestic, public areas, parks and sports grounds); and
a ubiquitous role in professional turf management.

In other words, there is an historical case here to favour Mod BB's comments.

Reel mowers are for manicured lawns, but MF's example of the bowling green is
deceptive. I feel Mod BB's points are good ones here.

I am always amazed - and amused - when reel mowers are described as
'bowling green mowers' in FOR SALE ads. Reel mowers have changed as a
single role (before rotaries) - to a dual role - in that they can deliver different
aesthetics in both domestic and professional spheres. But most reel
mowers could never be used on bowling greens!

Long live the reel mower!
Long live the rotary mower!

Not at all. The 'scissor' and 'slasher' action produce vastly different cuts to the naked eye.

But the conditions and resultant aesthetics vary too.
This is universally accepted as fact.

Some of the most beautiful spaces of lawn I have seen have been cut with rotaries.
But the aesthetic is hugely different to reel cut spaces.

Universally, public spaces for general use will be cut with rotaries.
Universally, public spaces for specific purposes will be cut with reels.

MF raises a great point in dire need of clarification.
History tells us the rotary mower is - almost - ubiquitous today.

It won the battle - with the reel - because of the reasons MF said:
- a better 'all round' proposition
- simpler maintenance (I would say, much simpler, and much cheaper, maintenance.)

I feel MF is right in saying, "...with a similar result in most conditions".
But there's the catch: and why Mod BB and MF seem to disagree ...
I do not feel they disagree too much at all.

The results are vastly different in specific conditions!

I feel Mod BB is right in saying that there are difference in the
aesthetic effects in the choice of cutting method.

I guess it is a question of: What do you want?

Cheers
Jack

p.s. Want a nice, 'manicured' Buffalo lawn?
Use a reel mower - but spend the time to make the right lawn!
The rewards are there for the right person!!

I certainly recognise this cracking example of a patch BB. I bought a 17 inch model 45 from you around March? last year. The patch is even nicer in person. Loved seeing how you got it established to this point. Well done

Hi GTX,

Thank you very much for your kind words. Yes I do recall the machine as it was one that I couldn't find a use for and I didn't want to see it deteriorate any further, thus I decided to give someone the opportunity to restore it and give it a second chance of life, something that you have done so beautifully.

Maybe you could put up a photo of the two machines you have onto this thread for historical purposes.

Cheers,
BB.

With pleasure BB.

From the state when taken off your hands, to complete - with a semi identical twin.

Cheers :)

And the side angles.

Gobsmacked is about the only word you can use, another word is incredible.

And just to clarify the mower in the before shot is now the one on the right which is a groomer.

I'm really glad one of the surplus machines that I've cut loose has gone to a good home and gets to see a second chance at life with a good Master.

Cheers,
BB.

Basically, altered beyond recognition, never to be the same again. What about the Kirby engine? Repurposed to anchor a tinny now?
Are the new engines Chondas?

Thanks for the compliments BB and Norm.

MF obviously not a like for like restoration which I can appreciate a purist wouldn�t be too keen on. This was clearly not my intention. I wanted to create two refreshed and functionally improved work horses for maintaining my Santa Ana couch patch. Which, like what you see or not, both do extremely well.

Neither of these two machines had Kirby�s. Both were B&S - one 2.5 and the other 3HP. Their model numbers can confirm both B&S engines were the originals. And I still have both of them - in the shed taking up space and collecting dust on my shelves.

These engines are newer gen B&S 550 IC series. Think of it as like an LS1 transplanted into a Torana ;)

GTX, have you ever fitted an LS1 into an LX/LH Torana? Try getting the exhaust to legally clear the right hand upper control arm without having to squash the pipe

GTX, I really appreciated your explanation. My post might have come across as slightly snide upon my re-reading it but that was not my sentiment in the least, merely my take on it. Very slick job you've done sir and many hours may it serve in it's new lease on life.

Norm - no, just analogically saying. But I would love the challenge someday. That kind of project just doesn�t quite fit in with the present young growing family circumstances.

MF - thank you :)
I do actually have another machine which I have some more �classic� restoration plans for down the line. I already know what�s going to happen with that when it�s complete though - I will refuse to use it!

Anyhow, I don�t wish to take BB�s thread too much further off track. Happy to discuss more privately or elsewhere appropriate.

Cheers!

Hi Lawn Lovers !

Just an updated photo of the front of my property and how the lawn is coming along in it's 3rd. season now. Sorry correction it's into it's 5th season now.

We've just had huge rains after all the heatwaves and Fires we've had to endure and there's one thing I've really noticed and that is one night of good rain is far better than two weeks worth of watering out of the tap. I'm convinced that the water out of the tap is sterile opposed to the water that loads itself full of nutrients as it falls from the sky.

Anyway here's an update photo of how things are currently situated compared to the early photos of how the place appeared at the beginning of this 3 page progressive thread.

Hi BB,
that can't possibly be 3 years, seems like only yesterday when you were getting it prepared, if this is correct, then no wonder I'm feeling old. It does look fantastic

Hi Norm,

Correction, it's just over 4 years now, 4 years and 4 months to be exact, so it's into it's 5th season now. Yep that surprises me too.

That means the side lawn is just over 5 years old as I did that one a season before the front area.

Doesn't time fly when we're all having sooooooooo............ much fun.

Cheers,
BB.