I have a newer push mower, 20", Scotts Classic, this one
(http://www.cleanairgardening.com/scotclasreel.html). The problem is that I
can't get the blades adjusted. If I tighten them to the point where they
will cut a piece of paper, they are so tight that the rear tracking wheels
will lift off of the ground and I get a very uneven cutting height. Any
looser and it doesn't cut well and still lifts up the rear wheels. Any
looser and it doesn't cut. I've had push mowers before, and have never had a
problem adjusting the blades. I'm really quite dissapointed with this thing.
Before I put it on the sidewalk with a Free Mower sign, does anyone have any
advice or comments about this mower?

"Zootal" wrote in message
news
I have a newer push mower, 20", Scotts Classic, this one
(http://www.cleanairgardening.com/scotclasreel.html). The problem is that
I
can't get the blades adjusted. If I tighten them to the point where they
will cut a piece of paper, they are so tight that the rear tracking wheels
will lift off of the ground and I get a very uneven cutting height. Any
looser and it doesn't cut well and still lifts up the rear wheels. Any
looser and it doesn't cut.

Here is the trick:

Loosen the blade and file part at the ends where the reel doesn't touch.
You'll see a small ridge there. That is where it's binding. To sharpen the
blade, after you file off the ridges, take off one wheel and put a small nut
under the ratchet pawl. That will allow the reel to turn backwards. Put the
wheel back on. Coat the edges of the reel with valve grinding compound and
pull the mower backwards up side down. Adjust the blade to get it flat and
if the blade is really rough on the edge, file it flat first.

Al