How to Replace the Caster Wheels or Front Roller on Your Reel Mower

When you first buy a reel mower, chances are it will come with stock caster wheels. While there’s nothing wrong with them, they won’t give you that perfectly level, super shortcut, or those beautiful lawn stripes.

Adding or replacing the front roller on your reel mower is an essential maintenance task that helps ensure a smooth, even cut and optimal performance. The front roller stabilizes the mower and allows it to glide smoothly over the ground. Over time, the roller can wear down or become damaged, necessitating a replacement. 

This guide will walk you through the steps to safely and effectively replace the caster wheels or front roller on your reel mower and explain the benefits of using a quality front roller from Reel Rollers.

Why Choose a Front Roller from Reel Rollers?

Reel Rollers is the original, patented creator of the front roller for Tru Cut, McLane, and California Trimmer reel mowers. When you purchase a front roller from Reel Rollers, you are buying directly from the manufacturer. Our rollers are made with durable bearings and thick, precisely cut aluminum, matching the exact height of your mower’s stock front wheels. Manufactured by us here in the USA, these rollers can be installed in under 10 minutes, allowing you to maintain full adjustability of your mower’s cutting height.

The Benefits of a Front Roller

Reel mowers are designed for cleanly cutting warm-season grasses at short heights, promoting thick, healthy turf. However, lawns with hills, uneven soil, or landscaping features like flower beds, sidewalks, and driveways present challenges. Standard front wheels can often drop into low spots, resulting in scalping, which not only damages the turf but also dulls your mower’s blades. 

Replacing the stock caster wheels with Reel Rollers’ patented front roller (available in smooth or grooved options) ensures that the mower remains level across uneven terrain, preventing scalping and creating a smooth, striped lawn.

Smooth vs. Grooved Front Roller: Which One to Choose?

When replacing the front roller on your reel mower, you’ll have the option of selecting either a smooth or grooved front roller. Each has unique advantages depending on your lawn conditions and desired mowing results:

• Smooth front roller: The smooth roller provides a uniform, even glide across the lawn, which is ideal for flat surfaces or slightly uneven terrain. It minimizes friction and distributes weight evenly, making it an excellent choice for general lawn maintenance and creating a classic, clean-cut look. The smooth roller is especially beneficial for homeowners who want to avoid any marks on their lawn and prefer a simple, seamless finish.
• Grooved front roller: The grooved roller features ridges that help channel the grass and provide better traction, particularly on slopes, damp grass, or uneven ground. This roller type is ideal for lawns with hills, rough patches, or challenging mowing conditions, as it helps prevent the mower from slipping and promotes a consistent cut. The grooves also enhance striping effects, creating a more pronounced pattern that gives your lawn a professional, striped appearance.

Selecting the right roller depends on your lawn’s needs. For smooth and level lawns, a smooth roller provides excellent control. For lawns with slopes or where you want enhanced striping, the grooved roller is the better option.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you start, gather the following tools and materials:

• Front roller (specific to your mower model)
• Wrench set (or socket set)
• Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips, as needed)
• Grease or lubricant (for bearings)
• Clean cloths or paper towels
• Safety gloves
• Safety glasses

[FIND THE FRONT ROLLER FOR YOUR MOWER]

Step-by-Step Instructions

Below is a step-by-step set of instructions on how to replace the roller on your mower — but note that this is just a general guide as each mower will have different fittings. 

For information on how to change the roller on your brand of mower, follow these instructions:

• Tru Cut Front Roller
• McLane Front Roller
• California Trimmer Front Roller

General Guide

1. Safety First

• Turn off the mower: Ensure the engine is turned off and the spark plug wire is disconnected to prevent accidental starting.
• Work in a well-ventilated area: If you’re working indoors, ensure proper ventilation, especially when handling lubricants.

1. Prepare the Mower

   • Clean the mower: Before starting, clean any debris, grass clippings, or dirt from around the front roller area to ensure a clear workspace.

2. Access the Front Roller

   • Tilt the mower: If needed, tilt the mower back to access the front roller easily. Ensure it is stable and will not tip over. The best way to do this is to use our SideKick Mower Stand.
   • Remove any obstructions: If there are guards or covers obstructing access to the front roller, use a wrench or screwdriver to remove them.

3. Detach the Front Roller

   • Identify the fasteners: Locate the bolts or fasteners securing the front roller to the mower chassis. These are typically found on either side of the roller.
   • Loosen the fasteners: Using the appropriate wrench or socket, loosen and remove the fasteners carefully. Keep these fasteners in a safe place for reinstallation.
   • Remove the roller: Gently pull the front roller away from the mower, being mindful of any attached bearings or spacers.

4. Prepare for the New Roller

   • Inspect bearings: Check the bearings in the roller assembly. If they appear worn or damaged, consider replacing them at the same time.
   • Lubricate bearings: Apply a light layer of grease or lubricant to the bearings to ensure smooth operation.

[BUY REPLACEMENT BEARINGS]

1. Install the New Front Roller

   • Position the new roller: Align the new front roller with the mounting brackets on the mower chassis.
   • Secure the roller: Insert the fasteners you removed earlier and tighten them securely. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can cause damage.
   • Reattach any covers: If you removed any guards or covers to access the roller, reattach them securely.

2. Final Checks

   • Inspect the installation: Ensure the roller is properly installed and aligned. There should be no excessive movement or play.
   • Reconnect the spark plug wire: After completing the installation, reconnect the spark plug wire.

3. Test the Mower

   • Start the mower: With the roller replaced and everything securely in place, start the mower and let it run for a minute.
   • Check for proper functioning: As you mow, observe the performance of the new roller. It should rotate smoothly without noise or resistance.