echris 1,425 #1 Posted November 4, 2020 @pfrederi's thread about his dangerous score reminded me of another manly machine. When working at the small engine shop as a teen, I worked on a lot of National Mowers. The boss had contracts with all the local golf courses. So there were always a few in the shop. To me, they're so much like a WH. Just, much, much simpler. (Until you start playing with the reels.) Old Joe took me under his wing to show me how to service/sharpen the reels. Nothing says "Big biceps" like drilling out and hammering back in National Mower 36" reel bed knife rivets all day long. Old Joe's test of a perfectly tuned reel; stick a strip of newspaper in the reel, spin in backwards by hand. It should slice off clean, no tearing. Repeat along the entire reel. Here's a random blurry video of the model I worked on the most. Great, simple machines! 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DennisThornton 4,769 #2 Posted November 4, 2020 Nothing cuts like a reel! Very interesting machine! Never seen a single tube down the center frame. No hoods? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #3 Posted November 4, 2020 There's 1 similar for sale local by me. On my project list is to finish a pull behind gang reel mower Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,707 #4 Posted November 4, 2020 Reel mowers make a nice cut.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 6,998 #5 Posted November 4, 2020 31 minutes ago, pfrederi said: Reel mowers make a nice cut.... Agree. BUT, you need to keep up with the grass, as they don't cut long grass very well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
echris 1,425 #6 Posted November 4, 2020 4 hours ago, DennisThornton said: Nothing cuts like a reel! Very interesting machine! Never seen a single tube down the center frame. No hoods? No sheetmetal at all. Just as simple as can be. Barely any belts guards either. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DennisThornton 4,769 #7 Posted November 4, 2020 I'm a fan of simple but of course that won't fly in today's market. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,336 #8 Posted November 5, 2020 And the motor is backwards! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
echris 1,425 #9 Posted November 8, 2020 On 11/5/2020 at 6:15 AM, The Tuul Crib said: And the motor is backwards! EVERYTHING about National Mowers was backwards. They seemed to be designed as death traps. That's why we loved them so much. Aside from that, the rest of the tractor was about 8 parts. What's not to like about that? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
