Why the McLane Reel Mower is the Ultimate Choice for Home Lawns

If you’re serious about achieving a golf course-quality lawn at home—especially if you’re growing Bermuda grass—then it’s time to talk about reel mowers. Not all reel mowers are created equal, and among the most respected names in the industry is McLane. Known for their precision, durability, and professional-grade performance, McLane reel mowers have become the go-to choice for lawn care enthusiasts, homeowners, and turf experts alike.

In this post, we’ll break down why McLane stands out among reel mower brands, explore the difference between 10-blade and lower-blade options, and help you understand the benefits of a smooth roller versus a grooved roller. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge you need to confidently invest in the right mower for your dream lawn.

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What Makes Reel Mowers Ideal for Home Lawns?

Cleaner Cuts: Reel mowers use a scissor-like motion to slice the grass cleanly, as opposed to rotary mowers that tear the blades.
Healthier Lawns: A clean cut reduces stress on the grass, minimizing disease and brown tips.
Stripe Capabilities: With the right roller, reel mowers can create professional-looking stripes.
Low Cutting Heights: Ideal for warm-season grasses like Bermuda, which thrive when cut low (often between 0.5 and 1 inch).

Why McLane Is a Standout Reel Mower Brand

McLane is a legacy American brand with over 75 years of experience in commercial and residential lawn equipment. Their reel mowers are built with high-quality materials, precision engineering, and user-focused design.

Key Benefits of McLane Reel Mowers:

Commercial-Grade Precision for Home Use: Delivers the same cut quality seen on golf courses.
Self-Propelled Power with Push Control: Offers gas-powered and push-only models for flexibility.
Adjustable Cutting Heights: Easily adjust for ultra-low cuts perfect for Bermuda grass.
Durability: Heavy-duty steel frames, high-torque engines, and precision reels built to last.
Made in the USA: Built with quality materials and domestic craftsmanship.

Blade Count: Why the 10-Blade McLane Mower Wins

7-Blade Reel:

Ideal for general-purpose mowing.
Works well on lawns cut between 1″–2″.
Less frequent sharpening required.
Suitable for thicker grass types.

10-Blade Reel:

Offers a finer, more precise cut.
Best for low mowing heights (under 1 inch).
Perfect for Bermuda, Zoysia, and hybrid grasses.
Reduces stress on the grass blade tips for a carpet-like lawn.

Bottom Line: If you want a lawn that turns heads, the McLane 10-blade reel mower is the best choice for accuracy, smoothness, and results.

Smooth Roller vs Grooved Roller: What’s the Difference?

Smooth Roller:

Best for Flat, Even Lawns
Provides a clean roll and is easier to maneuver.
Minimizes turf damage.
Ideal for creating striped lines.

Grooved Roller:

Great for Slightly Uneven Lawns
Provides more traction.
Helps channel grass into the reel more effectively.
Reduces risk of scalping on uneven surfaces.

Recommendation: If you want show-stopping lawn stripes, go with a smooth roller. If you’re still leveling your yard or want more grip, opt for a grooved roller.

Side-by-Side Feature Comparison: McLane vs Other Brands

Feature	McLane Reel Mower	Common Alternatives
Blade Count Options	7-blade, 10-blade	Usually 5–7 blades
Cutting Height Range	0.166″ to 1.5″ (adjustable)	Often starts at 1″ or higher
Build Quality	Commercial-grade steel	Lightweight aluminum/plastic
Roller Options	Smooth or Grooved	Usually one fixed option
Propulsion	Push or Self-propelled Gas	Mostly push-only
Lawn Compatibility	Ideal for Bermuda, Zoysia	Less precision for hybrids
Price Range	$$$ (premium)	$$ (mid-range)

How to Maintain a McLane Reel Mower for Longevity

Sharpen the Blades: Every 25–30 hours of use.
Clean After Mowing: Use a brush to remove clippings.
Check Blade Contact: Use a paper strip to test reel-to-bedknife alignment.
Grease Bearings: Lubricate reel and roller axles regularly.
Level Your Lawn: Use topdressing to prevent scalping.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your McLane Mower

Mow 2–3 Times Weekly during the growing season.
Overlap Slightly to prevent missed strips.
Use a Roller for professional-looking stripes.
Never Mow Wet Grass to prevent damage and clumping.

Want to Buy a McLane Mower? Here’s My Insider Tip

If you’re ready to invest in a McLane reel mower and want to speak directly with someone who knows these machines inside and out, I highly recommend contacting Eduardo Garcia, the Sales Manager at McLane Manufacturing.

📞 Call Eduardo at: (562) 633-8158

🗣️ Tell him that Yard Guy, Ryan Marks, sent you! Eduardo is a true professional who can walk you through the best McLane model for your yard and help with purchasing, shipping, and setup questions.

Personal Note: I personally own the 25-inch McLane Greenskeeper model, and let me tell you—it has made my mowing experience absolutely amazing. The precision, the clean cut, the power… there’s no comparison. If you’re serious about your lawn, this is the mower to get.

🎥 See My McLane Mower in Action

Check out this quick video of my personal unboxing and setup of the McLane 25” Greenskeeper.

▶️ Watch the video on Facebook

This video was my Christmas in July from McLane!

🎬 The Beautiful Cut from My McLane 25-Inch Greenskeeper

Want to see the results for yourself? Here’s a quick TikTok I posted showing the amazing cut my McLane 25-inch Greenskeeper delivers. It’s smooth, sharp, and absolutely stunning on Bermuda grass.

📲 Watch on TikTok

You’ll see why I never mow with anything else.

Final Thoughts: Invest in Precision Lawn Care

The McLane reel mower is more than just a tool—it’s a gateway to lawn excellence. Whether you’re a beginner learning to care for Bermuda or a seasoned turf pro, choosing the right mower can dramatically change your results.

From the 10-blade reel that delivers clean, consistent cuts, to the roller options that shape your lawn’s appearance, McLane offers unmatched control and performance. It’s a premium investment—but one that pays for itself in curb appeal and satisfaction.