Here at Arlington Service, we have a jig type Ideal Sharpening Machine (see above pictures), in addition to a Bed Blade Grinder. The sharpening machine puts a uniform razor sharp precision edge on the reels while the bed blade grinder puts a new cutting edge on the bed blade. Needless to say, when the unit leaves here the mower is sharper then when purchased new!

Some words of caution. If you attempt to sharpen a reel mower freehand using a file or a grinding wheel on a drill gun you're simply going to ruin your machine. I also do not recommend the little sharpening kits that are available at various stores. So, be sure that whoever sharpens your mower has a jig type sharpening machine like the one pictured above or you'll just be throwing your money away.

Reel mowers are fragile -- that is to say that dropping or jarring them can put the bed blade out of adjustment. Also, binding sticks, small stones, and other similar debris between the reels and bed blade will bend the bed blade on some models. It's a good idea to check and clean your yard before you mow. Of course, in most cases, we can make the necessary repairs to put your machine back into like new working order. You'll notice a set of two adjusting screws on each side of the bed blade. If you make an adjustment to them, be sure that the reel rotates freely, just barely touching the bed blade. You should hear a crisp "whooosh" sound as the reel turns.