Just when I start to think reel mowing may finally inch its way into the main stream, there is already a battery one. Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it!
I wish you had talked about some of the negatives of this machine. I ordered one recently. I wanted to love it, but after I received it, I didn't want to use it. It sat in my garage for 3 days, I contemplated a lot, discussed my issues with Swardman and then decided to send it back. It's a neat concept, but the build quality and construction reminds me of a high school science project - 1. The mower can't be washed. So unlike my other mowers (including the Ego 56V battery mower) that I hose off with a garden hose after each use, I can't clean it. Clearly the glass clippings, dust and debris will collect over time and ruin it. 2. There is a cable at the back of the mower (just above the roller) that has a "telephone" jack and connects the motor to the control panel. What was Swardman thinking, keeping that telephone style cable jack exposed on an outdoor machine? 3. Under the control panel, is an exposed circuit board. Yup..it is completely exposed. No cover, no protection...guess what happens when a circuit board is exposed to the elements? 4. The battery and motor compartment is not sealed. Try opening the cover and you'll see all the cables, connections, electric motor and battery, pretty much tied together without any weather/dust protection. I can't imagine what Swardman engineers were smoking when they designed it. Very poor engineering! 5. The handlebar has flex, it should have been of a thicker guage steel and being two piece, it flexes even more. Maybe the new HD handlebar might solve the issue. I'll wait for the version 2.0 or even 3.0. The way this mower is right now, it is not ready for prime time.
Just ordered an Electra from Lee at reelrollers. Can’t wait to try it out next week when it’s delivered. Watching your videos and talking to Lee really helped me make my decision.
I just saw the 22 inch for 3900. Looks nice but very hard to justify it,especially if you are still learning about getting your lawn looking its best with a rotary
Someone other than Gardena needs to develop a cordless reel mower for lawns up to three quarters of an acre priced in the mid range market. Considering that Sun Joe and Greenworks produce scarifiers I don’t see why they haven’t but that would be the lower range. So much the better. Anything developed by mid range and upper range would be better than the entry level and the market would fill in. It seems to me that a 20” cordless with a collapsible handle would store in a corner of a garage well. There is no difference between an electric or gasoline powered reel mover in terms of performance at all so the benefits of minimal maintenance tells me that the average homeowner would want to convert to a cordless reel over a rotary reel which still have performance shortcomings compared to their gasoline counterparts. Moreover if one of the cartridges was a lawn sweeping brushroll it could be used as an electric lawn sweeper in the fall and a sidewalk sweeper year ‘round making it an all around outdoor maintenance tool for suburban owners. Everyone’s lawns would look better, mowing will be quieter, no gas will be burned, maintenance would be something you think about every eight years, and no dolphins would be hurt. It’s time for a cordless reel revolution and it won’t need to be forced. With a potential market of product consumers would most likely find them the most preferred option and everyone’s lawns will look better.
Hardly the first Litium-Ion battery powered cylinder mower on the market. The 40v Allett Liberty 43 has been out for over 2 years and it’s a cartridge based machine as well. It’s only $1,900. They also have a new 34” 80v model.
New Greensmasters cost that much. You'll have to wait for a used market to develop. Connor's pretty smart to refurbish run down equipment.. there's a way to make it work
Just so I have the correct info out it starts at 3399 for the Electra 55 which is shown in the video. It's an investment and there's no doubt about that, but so is a John Deere tractor or zero turn and people buy those for yards all the time. It depends what you want to achieve and what look you're going for!
@@ryanknorrlawncare Ryan, you are correct. But I was playing on their website, and of course priced in the 6 bladed reel, the scarifier and verticutter, the trick blue color, leather handlebars, and the like. It came to $4706. I believe shipping is free, but probably have to throw in sales tax. So $5k is close for one with all the bells and whistles. It is coming down to a Tru-Cut 27 inch reel mower (for $2700 bucks or so, with some accessories) or this Electra. The Tru Cut is a tank. The Electra looks elegant and slick. Maybe you can demo it for this season to help me make my decision.
Thanks for the video, very informative. Something Strange happen today. I start mowing and suddenly no more battery. I plug it and it was showing 4 Lights (charge)... bizarre...do you know why? Thxs
Out of my price range as well. I have a Brill battery reel mower - a basic push reel mower with battery assist. Their original batteries are no longer available, but there’s a guy on RUclips that shows you how to convert it over using Kobalt 24 Volt lithium ion batteries. I’m going to convert my Brill and sell it on Craig’s List, cut height is too low for tall fescue 🙁
So? New Toro Greensmaster reels cost more. That's the nature of reel mowing.. expensive. The lower noise levels and easier maintenance are pretty big advantages for this Electra model over the Toro
Greensmaster new is at least 10k but most people will buy a used and refurbished. There are many avenues to get into reel mowing which will become an addiction, I can assure you of that. :)
May this reel go up a small grassy hill? Is this reel good for tall fescue grass type? Can you push it in the concrete? Im also guessing I have to maneuver over the tree roots that are coming out the ground?
@@ryanknorrlawncare This information about Fescue solves my issue. I have 1/3 acre of fescue on a sloped lawn in WV. Sticking with a rotary, but the next mower will be electric
There are backlap kits or mine have usually been staying sharp enough to last the season...then they have a reel sharpening service where you can take the reel out and mail it in, they will sharpen it and send it back to you.
Just when I start to think reel mowing may finally inch its way into the main stream, there is already a battery one. Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it!
Chickachickaaaaaahhhhh
@@RocketScientist Whomp whomp 😎
@@kyles8396 ohhhhhh yeahhhh
OOOOOO YAAAAAAAAA!
That’s some real deep shit, Al. You are the thinking man of lawncare.😁
I wish you had talked about some of the negatives of this machine. I ordered one recently. I wanted to love it, but after I received it, I didn't want to use it. It sat in my garage for 3 days, I contemplated a lot, discussed my issues with Swardman and then decided to send it back. It's a neat concept, but the build quality and construction reminds me of a high school science project -
1. The mower can't be washed. So unlike my other mowers (including the Ego 56V battery mower) that I hose off with a garden hose after each use, I can't clean it. Clearly the glass clippings, dust and debris will collect over time and ruin it.
2. There is a cable at the back of the mower (just above the roller) that has a "telephone" jack and connects the motor to the control panel. What was Swardman thinking, keeping that telephone style cable jack exposed on an outdoor machine?
3. Under the control panel, is an exposed circuit board. Yup..it is completely exposed. No cover, no protection...guess what happens when a circuit board is exposed to the elements?
4. The battery and motor compartment is not sealed. Try opening the cover and you'll see all the cables, connections, electric motor and battery, pretty much tied together without any weather/dust protection. I can't imagine what Swardman engineers were smoking when they designed it. Very poor engineering!
5. The handlebar has flex, it should have been of a thicker guage steel and being two piece, it flexes even more. Maybe the new HD handlebar might solve the issue.
I'll wait for the version 2.0 or even 3.0. The way this mower is right now, it is not ready for prime time.
A newer version is now available and addresses some of your issues, not all.
Just ordered an Electra from Lee at reelrollers. Can’t wait to try it out next week when it’s delivered. Watching your videos and talking to Lee really helped me make my decision.
That's great!! Enjoy the new addiction :)
@@ryanknorrlawncare thanks!
3 years later and that "free shipping" cost me $199! Through they didn't add any tax to the final price, so that was nice.
Allett have had an electronic cylinder mower out for years.
The Swardman mowers are impressive with their cartridge system, and all the options.
That is a really cool reel mower! Thanks for sharing this with us, Ryan!
They cost about S3500.00 AUD in Australia. That's about $2500.00 USD. And that's just the starting rate. I can't justify those prices.
I just saw the 22 inch for 3900. Looks nice but very hard to justify it,especially if you are still learning about getting your lawn looking its best with a rotary
@@5wisher5weet Where was that? I'd rather spend the money on a holiday.
I get many questions about the Electra and how it works, features, etc so this was a video for those interested in that. No worries if you are not.
@@ryanknorrlawncare She'll be right, I still find it interesting, just out of my price range....like everything in Australia.
Someone other than Gardena needs to develop a cordless reel mower for lawns up to three quarters of an acre priced in the mid range market. Considering that Sun Joe and Greenworks produce scarifiers I don’t see why they haven’t but that would be the lower range. So much the better. Anything developed by mid range and upper range would be better than the entry level and the market would fill in. It seems to me that a 20” cordless with a collapsible handle would store in a corner of a garage well. There is no difference between an electric or gasoline powered reel mover in terms of performance at all so the benefits of minimal maintenance tells me that the average homeowner would want to convert to a cordless reel over a rotary reel which still have performance shortcomings compared to their gasoline counterparts. Moreover if one of the cartridges was a lawn sweeping brushroll it could be used as an electric lawn sweeper in the fall and a sidewalk sweeper year ‘round making it an all around outdoor maintenance tool for suburban owners.
Everyone’s lawns would look better, mowing will be quieter, no gas will be burned, maintenance would be something you think about every eight years, and no dolphins would be hurt.
It’s time for a cordless reel revolution and it won’t need to be forced. With a potential market of product consumers would most likely find them the most preferred option and everyone’s lawns will look better.
Hardly the first Litium-Ion battery powered cylinder mower on the market. The 40v Allett Liberty 43 has been out for over 2 years and it’s a cartridge based machine as well. It’s only $1,900. They also have a new 34” 80v model.
Awesome amount of information! Really enjoyed this video, Ryan.
I really want one but the $5000 price tag makes my Timemaster look like a bargain
YOLO
New Greensmasters cost that much. You'll have to wait for a used market to develop. Connor's pretty smart to refurbish run down equipment.. there's a way to make it work
Just so I have the correct info out it starts at 3399 for the Electra 55 which is shown in the video. It's an investment and there's no doubt about that, but so is a John Deere tractor or zero turn and people buy those for yards all the time. It depends what you want to achieve and what look you're going for!
@@ryanknorrlawncare Ryan, you are correct. But I was playing on their website, and of course priced in the 6 bladed reel, the scarifier and verticutter, the trick blue color, leather handlebars, and the like. It came to $4706. I believe shipping is free, but probably have to throw in sales tax. So $5k is close for one with all the bells and whistles. It is coming down to a Tru-Cut 27 inch reel mower (for $2700 bucks or so, with some accessories) or this Electra. The Tru Cut is a tank. The Electra looks elegant and slick. Maybe you can demo it for this season to help me make my decision.
Very neat, it’s like the electric super car of reel mowers.
The one thing i got out of this video is " 1/2 inch or lower" Go for it Ryan!!
1/2 inch is where I have been for first 2 mows...I'm going to need to level a bit for it too look as perfect as I want it to
This mower for President!
Thanks for the video, very informative. Something Strange happen today. I start mowing and suddenly no more battery. I plug it and it was showing 4 Lights (charge)... bizarre...do you know why? Thxs
Allett in the UK have battery powered reel mowers that are far cheaper than the Swardman.
definitely a cool mower.... but its going to take a special person to buy it i think.
Nice, I just bought a Fiskars manual for $250 with the grass catcher.
Super nice mower! One of these days I will switch out my Tall Fescue so I can reel mow.
Just be careful....it might become an addiction :)
Out of my price range as well. I have a Brill battery reel mower - a basic push reel mower with battery assist. Their original batteries are no longer available, but there’s a guy on RUclips that shows you how to convert it over using Kobalt 24 Volt lithium ion batteries. I’m going to convert my Brill and sell it on Craig’s List, cut height is too low for tall fescue 🙁
What does a long season of no use (Winter months) do to it? Any concerns?
Reely cool Ryan😎
@striperman might be a plan👍🤣
We have to include the First Aussie too👌
striperman 🤣
Shared custody....love it
Ohhhhh yeahhhhhhhhhh
Battery's are replicable/ swappable ?
can i use this commercially ?
15,000 SQ FT is about 1/4 ACER thats crap !
That is reely sweet man....
Nice😁👍👍
$3,492.00 + an extra $18.00 for the cup holder in case anyone was wondering.
The $18 cup holder is a deal breaker for me
So? New Toro Greensmaster reels cost more. That's the nature of reel mowing.. expensive. The lower noise levels and easier maintenance are pretty big advantages for this Electra model over the Toro
Greensmaster new is at least 10k but most people will buy a used and refurbished. There are many avenues to get into reel mowing which will become an addiction, I can assure you of that. :)
m.ruclips.net/video/fRx2xpJCwHo/видео.html
Enjoy the snow mow.
Looks to be north of me...luckily
My next mower.
Free ship, good to know
Covet! But, this year I went with an irrigation system, so this will have to wait :(
Hi Ryan that is some machine you have there it would make some nice 👍 stripes on my small lawns ❤️🇬🇧David
She’s a beaut Clark!!! 😍
Christmas Bonus spent
Clark Griswold wanted his pool...this is a better option :)
Nice
May this reel go up a small grassy hill? Is this reel good for tall fescue grass type? Can you push it in the concrete? Im also guessing I have to maneuver over the tree roots that are coming out the ground?
It can do small hills...won't work for fescue unless you want to cut it low which is not a common thing fescue likes
@@ryanknorrlawncare This information about Fescue solves my issue. I have 1/3 acre of fescue on a sloped lawn in WV. Sticking with a rotary, but the next mower will be electric
These guys are nutts, 3500.00 bucks my ego starting to look better price wise
First
Connor Ward sixth... but close enough.
Winter hibernation is over.😁
Very nice machine! Gotta have one!
I think you should get one. :)
@@ryanknorrlawncare Is yours blue? Thats what i want!
Ryan how do you maintain your reel blades? Do you take them somewhere or DIY?
Back lapping. You put the reels in reverse and apply a coarse liquid to the blades with a paint brush
There are backlap kits or mine have usually been staying sharp enough to last the season...then they have a reel sharpening service where you can take the reel out and mail it in, they will sharpen it and send it back to you.
Last year they said the batteries were lead-acid (to everyone's surprise). Interesting that they decided to change it ...
I believe that was in Europe but I'm not certain on that...
Very nice machine but couldn’t justify that price for a push mower specially when I mow 4 acres
Auf Deutsch wäre echt super 😮
Droool
In Germany Please 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
With that price I’ll have to wait for Ryobi or EGO to make one 😬
Almost equivalent.... www.ryobi.com.au/outdoor/products/details/18v-one-35cm-cylinder-mower-skin-orm1800?list=current_category&list_name=lawn-mowers
We ought to have many options in between a Swardman and the Ryobi below
I want
2nd
Overpriced! Period!
Seven
way too expensive
First