Mower Maintenance – Bed knife and Reel back lapping

Keeping your cylinder mower in top condition is crucial to achieving a clean, consistent cut — and that means regular reel and bed knife maintenance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to sharpen the bed knife and back lap your reel, ensuring your mower performs at its best throughout the season.

Why Reel & Bed Knife Sharpening Matters

A sharp cutting unit is essential for a healthy lawn. Dull blades tear rather than slice the grass, leading to bruising, browning, and disease susceptibility. Regular back lapping and occasional bed knife sharpening keeps the mower cutting like scissors — clean and precise.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

Back lapping compound (80–120 grit)
Long-handled brush or paintbrush
Cordless drill with appropriate socket adapter
Cleaning cloths
Hose or spray bottle.

Step-by-step Process

1. Preparation – ensure mower is off, tilt mower backwards but not too far.
2. Clean mower.
3. Get tools and equipment ready.
4. Loosen off the reel.
5. Run Bed Knife buddy along the bed knife.
6. Re-adjust Reel – bed knife contact. Slight contact – little by little.
   BE PAITIENT DON’T RUSH
7.  Set mower up to spin the reel in reverse.
8. Set it to run and apply back lapping paste.
9. Stop reverse spin.
10. Wash down once grinding noise stops.
11. Repeat steps 6-9 again (usually 2-3 times)
12. Dry the mower, blower or rags will do.
    Pro tip – a light application of white oil can stop the occurrence of surface rust.

When to back lap?

The best tell is to look at the grass after you mow, if you are noticing some ripping or tearing, this is a sure sign that the reel is starting to – or is blunt.
OR 
Once a month during the growing season.

Buy Back lapping compound here

Buy the bed knife buddy here

Still unsure – see the video below