Yes it is a reel mower, but unlike most reel mowers. The blades spin backwards and throw the cut grass forward. "California Trimmer." This unusual configuration is needed for mowing bentgrass golf greens.

Was that supposed to be in GREEN sup?
Blades spin forward and throw grass forward via the shield on the backside of the reel.

By "backwards" I meant it spins in the opposite direction compared to ordinary reel mowers. They are not real ordinary, nor are they ordinary reel, mowers. According to my understanding, this configuration is reel necessary for bentgrass greens. I have spent enough time behind reel mowers to know that they have one more advantage. They do not throw things toward the operator's face.

I've never seen a mower that spins backwards like you describe. I can't see how the grass would get into the cutting action of the blades against the bed.
This one works just like my McLane front throw as far as the spin action of the reel.

It spins the same way as a rear bagger.
 

I owned a Trimmer. The reel spins towards the cutting bar, upper blade moving away from the operator. It 'throws' the cut grass into a catcher that is in front, not out back because...because... that is where the chain driven drive roller is located.https://s15.postimg.cc/vhrp5evd7/D9_...2_ECBF1_E8.jpg

A pic is worth a Thousand words but a video is worth a Million words...

Original California Trimmer:: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD2qr3Obi2Q

If a greens mower has 3 reels (most do) they are sometimes also referred to as a triplex.

Self powered fairway mowers usually have 5 reels.

Then there are the gang type reel mowers - which are designed to be pulled behind a tractor. They can be put together in sets of 5-7-9 -?

I worked for a company that sold golf course equipment and manufactured their own so know a little about it.

We also manufactured renovation equipment such as aerators and dethatchers.

And fertilizer spreaders (rotary and Vicons) and many different types of sprayers.

As well as the control products, fertilizers, and seed.

One highlight of my career with that company was assisting with the grow in of both the Twins and Red Sox spring training facilities when they were first built back in the 90's in Ft. Myers.

Funny story - one of our agronomists left his company issued Chevy Citation at our branch one week so for the heck of it I drove it back and forth to work. The first time driving it there was a hellacious racket coming from the trunk area. I pulled over and popped the trunk and there was a reel mower (just the reel assembly) in there. It was rolling back and forth in there every time I rounded a corner. Other than that it was a fun car! :p

Some pics of me in my branch......I was the manager. Check out some of the inventory we carried. I'm holding a sales plaque we received in that one pic.

Not shown are the pallet racks with all the bagged fertilizer.

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http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1561935051.JPG

Nice! I've been looking for one for a while too, they sure dont give those things away!

Where'd you find that one?

My cousin sent me a facebook link to an online auction for a restaurant in Northern VA. I had to drive about 8 hours round trip to pick it up, but only paid $1600 for it.

Is it possible I could have been wrong? That's hard to believe.

(wink)

Is that one of these?:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1561940824.jpg

SmileWavy

No this is a batch freezer like the old hand crank machines when we were kids. Makes ice cream, gelato, Italian ice and such.

Curb find. Everything works, the leg clips and the lead screws are intact but it's dirty and the top is roached; I have a 200 with a better top, but this has the potential to be 100 better with just a little love and affection. I'm up for the challenge.

(I'll call Tim Hancock if I run into any trouble!!)


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Great score Herr Oberst!

I'm not familiar with those....portable work bench?

100-200-300 denotes weight capacity?

Finally...what in the world is a 'roached top'? Pot smokers used it? :D

I'm not sure what the numbers denote, but I know that the 300 is longer and wider and has a larger jaw opening than the 200 I bought new decades ago (which incidentally still works perfectly)....
I'm sure this one will be at least 100 "Workmate units" better, once I get it sorted and back in service.

"Roached" is just an idiom I use; it has the same meaning as FUBAR'ed. In this case, I believe this tool was left out in a damp area (like a covered lean to) and the particle board top has absorbed moisture, warped badly and is no longer a usable flat surface. It won't take much to make a nice new replacement.

You guys browse Facebook marketplace much? I’ve been scoring some good stuff cheap. Got a nice Dyson that was “broken” for $20 the other day. Cleared all the glass that was clogging up the plumbing and it works great. Needs a few little parts but I’ll be in it less than $50 when done.

I'm not on facebook, never have been, but my buddy occasionally sends a link via email to me for an interesting car he thinks I should check out. Only problem, he thinks Triumph Spitfires are interesting cars....

That is a weak spot with these things. I've seen the tops replaced with higher quality plywood and they work fine.

Picked up this perfect condition African Violet pot from a pile of stuff left curbside.

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http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1564859089.JPG