My problem is that the seed shoots just get laid flat against the lawn and look unsightly after the mow.
G'day Mod BB and tgarland and all,
I'm thinking that the reference to seed shoots are what the Brits called 'Bents'. These grass seed shoots spring up so fast (overnight) in season on some grasses. I have experienced this first-hand.
No domestic reel mower can cut them - because their height surpasses the reel's capability.
In the old days, scythes were used but many makers offered 'bent cutters' to deal with this. Today, use a line trimmer or rotary first, if seed shoots spring too high.
I'm not quite sure what you are referring to regarding height as I've never had an issue cutting these unsightly invaders with any of my mowers, but in saying that I've found reel set to be the major issue with them being cut or simply laid over.
Cheers, BB.
I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.
G'day Mod BB This was when I had Queensland Blue Couch. In season, some seed shoots would spring 150mm in 24 hours. That's ridiculous! Thanks Queensland!
My 14" SB 45 would not cut these. I would use the newly introduced electric 'Weed Eater' line trimmer to cut these.
Strange, but true. ------------------------------- Jack
I've only ever encountered around 2 inches in seed shoot height and thus why the Reel Mower can easily handle that, but 6 inches ?, now that's ridiculous, you need a weed whacker for that.
Cheers, BB.
I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.
Mower is in mint condition, new knife, grind and lap at start of season. Seems others of you have seen same issue!
These things come up so fast. Mow on a Sunday and come Tuesday they are around 50mm high.
In saying that it made me double check my mow height. Dragged the Bonnar into the house onto the tiles (sorry wife) and used a metal ruler. I reckon I am mowing at about 9mm which surprised me.
As a newbie I need to ask. Is this normal? too high? too low? for healthy couch.
I'm starting to wonder how you've got your reel set to your bed knife, as I've always found that these shoots will always be cut if your reel / bed knife relationship is correct, when it's not then you'll get the result that you're getting.
Cheers, BB.
I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.
Just did my lawn this morning and again it's full of seed growth after our 46.6 degree heat and the mower had absolutely no issues with it at all.
I feel that Tony's reel to bed knife clearance is just way too much and it's not the roller that's actually bending them over but rather the reel teasing them flat and then the roller doing the final push over as if to say "now you're totally down and out".
Tony you'll have to adjust your reel so that it barely makes contact with the bed knife, but in saying that we really don't know what condition your cutting surfaces are in.
As you are in Adelaide and if it's convenient, I'd be more than happy to take a look at it for you. You'll have to let me know what area you're in.
Cheers, BB.
I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.
Thanks for the offer to take a look. What a great community.
I am told Steve is the Boss when it comes to SB sharpening and tuning. Was very apparent when I visited him. Other people seem to be addressing this issue in WG couch with growth inhibitors like golf courses use. Not going to go that far though as kids lay on the lawn.
After front roller lays seed flat, it does not have a chance to pop back up to encounter the reel I am thinking. Regardless, I am going to book back in for another service and make sure all is in alignment as I have hit a few bits of bark etc on occasion.
Still cuts paper over 90% of bedknife surface but what can it hurt.
This is something you should be able to do yourself and save a whole lot of money............and at the same time learn a skill that will stay with you for life.
Cheers, BB.
I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.
Well it's that time of year again where we say goodnight to our couch lawns for quite a few months and give our machines a rest along with some TLC and well deserved maintenance.
My machine most certainly deserves it and come next October we'll be off and firing again starting the whole process of scalping, scarifying and top dressing all over again.
This is the hobby we love, but for now I'm giving myself a break and concentrating on building my next machine up ready for the next better and brighter season.
Cheers, BB.
I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.
