I need a reel type pull behind mower.

[Tom_H]

I also am in the Central Valley. I grew up in GA where a lot of Bermuda was grown. I haven't seen any around the Sacramento area. Do you guys grow that much of it at that end of the valley? Our climate is the same, but maybe our clay soil is why nobody grows it here. You guys have a fairly sandy soil, don't you? The main blades do not get that tall on Bermuda, only the seed stems, so I would not think the "windrow" effect would be much problem. As for wet grass, Bakersfield is a place where grass (during mowing season) is never wet unless humans make it wet, so you can plan your irrigation days in advance as well as the days you want dry grass for cutting.

I too have seen the Pro Mow and American models at Northern. I'm not sure, but I was thinking they used to carry one made by Swisher. I would think that keeping those spiraling blade edges sharp and at a constant radius from the center of the reel (so there is a perfect scissor effect as the reel crosses the cutting bar) would make for challenging maintenance. I see that Northern has a special sharpening kit to go with the Pro Mow models.

 

[_RaT_]

Hi Tom, there is plenty of Bermuda grass here in Northern California, it's just not typical for folks to want to grow it. It should be though as our climate would certainly make it thrive. I'm trying to place your location, are you around the Ione area? I'm near Auburn.

 

[Tom_H]

Wilton, 10 miles east of Elk Grove. When you say lots of it in N CA, do you mean down here in the valley or up in the foothills where you are? Your soil is considerably different than mine.

 

[_RaT_]

In my area, we have primairly decomposed granite. You can see bermuda as one of the first "weeds" to take root around here wen you clear the soil depending on the time of year of course. I am familiar with Wilton, even have some of my wife's friends (cops) who live there.