Meet the MJ500M
Key Components
Foam grip — padded handle area for comfortable pushing
Upper handle — top handle frame used to guide the mower
Handle knobs and bolts — secure the handle sections during assembly
Middle and lower handle bars — connect the upper handle to the mower body
Grass catcher — 6.6-gallon rear collection bag for catching clippings
Wheels — turn the reel blades as the mower is pushed forward
5 steel blades — manual reel cutting system for clean grass cutting
4-position height control — adjusts cutting height for different lawn conditions
Hex wrench — included for cutting bar adjustment during the paper test
Technical Specifications
| Specification | MJ500M |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Manual push reel mower with grass catcher |
| Best Use | Small to medium residential lawns |
| Power Source | Manual / human-powered |
| Rotor | 5 steel blades |
| Cutting Width | 16 in. / 40.6 cm |
| Cutting Height | 0.59 in. – 1.57 in. on product page; manual range may vary by version |
| Height Control | 4-position manual height adjustment |
| Grass Catcher Capacity | 6.6 gal / 25 L |
| Front Wheel Size | 9 in. |
| Rear Roller Bar | 15.6 in. roller bar |
| Product Dimensions | 23.6 in. L x 21.3 in. W x 45.7 in. H |
| Product Page Net Weight | 16.09 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 Year Warranty |
What's in the Box
| Included Item | MJ500M |
|---|---|
| Reel mower body | ✔ |
| Upper handle | ✔ |
| Middle handle bars | ✔ 2 |
| Lower handle bars | ✔ 2 |
| Handle knob and bolt sets | ✔ 8 |
| Grass catcher | ✔ |
| Hex wrench | ✔ |
| Paper test strips | ✔ 20 |
| Manual with registration card | ✔ |
Assembly
Build the upper handle section
Secure the two middle handle bars to the upper handle using the first set of knobs and bolts. Do not fully tighten all knobs until assembly is complete.
Connect the lower handle bars
Connect the two pieces of the lower handle bars using the second set of knobs and bolts. Tighten enough to hold the parts in place.
Join the upper and lower handle assemblies
Attach the upper and middle handle assembly to the lower handle using the remaining knobs and bolts. Tighten the knobs on each side for a secure fit.
Attach the handle to the mower body
Line up the holes at the lower end of each handle arm with the short posts on the side plates of the mower base. Pull both sides of the lower handle bars over the posts and press inward so they fit securely.
Assemble the grass catcher
Fit the support rod into the tube of the grass catcher, then clip the protective leather profiles onto the support rod.
Attach the grass catcher
Hook the grass catcher onto the mower by connecting the sockets to both ends of the roller bar end shaft. Secure the locking strap to the center bar on the lower handle and adjust the strap so the catcher does not rub the ground.
Getting Started
Inspect the lawn
Clear the mowing area of rocks, wire, toys, sticks, and other objects that could be thrown by the reel blades.
Check mowing conditions
Do not mow wet grass. Wear proper footwear, avoid sandals or bare feet, and use eye protection while operating.
Set the cutting height
Pull out the height adjustment knobs on both sides of the mower frame and rotate them to the desired position. Use the same setting on both sides.
Use the highest setting for tall grass
For very tall grass, start with the highest cutting position for the first pass, then reset to the desired height and mow again.
Push at a steady walking pace
Walk behind the mower and maintain proper footing and balance. Do not run.
Follow the cut path indicator
Align the cutting path indication arrow with the previously cut path. Do not use the wheels as the grass cut line reference.
Ensuring a Clean Cut
Place mower on a flat surface
Remove the handles and grass catcher, then turn the mower reel upside down to expose the cutting bar.
Insert a paper test strip
Place one of the supplied paper strips between the cutting bar and reel blades, then slowly turn the wheel by hand.
Check the cut
All blades should slice the paper evenly along the entire length of the cutting bar while the reel turns smoothly.
Adjust if cutting is intermittent
Use the included hex wrench to tighten the adjustment bolt closest to the intermittent cut. Turn clockwise about 1/8 turn until the reel blades make contact.
Back off if too tight
If the wheel becomes difficult to turn by hand, loosen the adjustment bolt slightly by turning it counterclockwise. Test again with a new paper strip.
Mowing Tips
Mow regularly
Mow at least once a week during the growing season for best results.
Use incremental cutting for tall grass
If grass is extremely tall, mow first at the maximum height setting. Then reset to the desired height and mow a second or third time.
Do not overload the lawn with clippings
Do not cover the grass surface with a heavy layer of clippings. Use the grass catcher or consider composting clippings.
Cut tall weeds often
Manual reel mowers can have difficulty cutting tall weeds such as dandelions and may bend them instead of cutting them. Cut often to prevent this.
Maintenance & Care
Keep the mowing area clear
To avoid damage to the mower or blades, keep the lawn free from debris before mowing.
Lubricate regularly
For best results, regularly apply lubricant to the cutting surfaces, cutting reel axle shaft, and wheels.
Keep the cutting bar adjusted
Use the paper test to check for clean cutting and adjust the cutting bar only as needed.
Sharpen when needed
Use lapping compound on the front edge of the reel blades and adjust the cutting bar so the blades have light but firm contact across the full width.
Clean before storage
Clean the exterior thoroughly with a soft brush and cloth. Do not use water, solvents, or polishes.
Clean the blade area safely
Turn the mower on its side and use a wood or plastic cleaning tool to remove compacted grass from the blade area. Do not place hands inside or near the cutting area.
Store dry
Store the mower in a dry place and do not place other objects on top of it during storage.
Troubleshooting Guide
Only perform the checks below. Keep hands, fingers, and feet away from the reel and cutting area.
Possible Causes
- Grass is too tall
- Cutting height is set too low
- Blade adjustment is too tight
- Debris is caught in the blade area
Solutions
- Raise the cutting height for the first pass
- Use incremental cutting for tall grass
- Back off the adjustment bolt slightly if the wheel is difficult to turn by hand
- Remove debris with a wood or plastic cleaning tool
Possible Causes
- Blades and cutting bar are misaligned
- Cutting bar is too loose or too tight
- Grass is too tall or uneven
Solutions
- Perform the paper test
- Tighten the nearest adjustment bolt clockwise about 1/8 turn if paper cuts intermittently
- Do not overtighten the adjustment bolts
- Mow tall grass in multiple passes
Possible Cause
- Grass catcher locking strap is not adjusted correctly
Solution
- Adjust the locking strap on the center bar of the lower handle
- Set the grass catcher height so it does not rub against the ground while mowing or transporting
Possible Causes
- Grass catcher sockets are not fully connected to the roller bar end shaft
- Support rod or protective profiles are not installed correctly
Solutions
- Reattach the grass catcher sockets to both ends of the roller bar end shaft
- Confirm the support rod is fitted into the bag tube
- Confirm the protective leather profiles are clipped onto the support rod
Possible Causes
- Left and right height knobs are not in the same position
- Knobs are not fully seated in the frame holes
Solutions
- Pull out both height adjustment knobs
- Set both sides to the same position
- Confirm both knobs are fully seated before mowing
Possible Cause
- Manual reel mowers may bend tall weeds instead of cutting them
Solutions
- Mow more frequently to prevent tall weed growth
- For overgrown grass higher than 4 inches, remove excess turf mass before resuming normal mowing