Meet the MJ502M
Key Components
Foam grip — padded handle area for comfortable pushing
Upper handle — top handle frame used to guide the mower
Upper handle knobs and bolts — secure the upper handle to the middle handle bars
Middle handle bars — connect the upper handle to the lower handle
Lower handle knobs and bolts — secure the handle assembly to the lower handle section
Grass catcher — 8.5-gallon rear collection bag for grass clippings
Height adjustment levers — 9-position manual cutting height adjustment
Quad wheels — two 10-inch front wheels and two 6-inch rear wheels for stability
5 steel blades — manual reel cutting system for clean grass cutting
Hex wrench — included for cutting bar adjustment during the paper test
Technical Specifications
| Specification | MJ502M |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Manual quad-wheel reel mower with grass catcher |
| Best Use | Small to medium residential lawns |
| Power Source | Manual / human-powered |
| Rotor | 5 steel blades |
| Cutting Width | 20 in. / 50.8 cm |
| Cutting Heights | 1.2 in. – 2.4 in. / 30 mm – 61 mm |
| Height Control | 9-position manual height adjustment |
| Grass Catcher Capacity | 8.5 gal / 32 L |
| Front Wheel Size | 10 in. / 25 cm |
| Rear Wheel Size | 6 in. / 15 cm |
| Features | Push mower, lightweight, 9 height positions, rugged all-terrain wheels, 5 steel blades |
| Foldable Handle | Yes |
| Product Dimensions | 48 in. D x 26.6 in. W x 50.4 in. H |
| Net Weight | 30.4 lbs / 13.8 kg |
| Warranty | 2 Year Warranty |
What's in the Box
| Included Item | MJ502M |
|---|---|
| Reel mower body | ✔ |
| Upper handle | ✔ |
| Middle handle bars | ✔ 2 |
| Lower handle | ✔ |
| Handle knob and bolt sets | ✔ 6 |
| Grass catcher | ✔ |
| Hex wrench | ✔ |
| Paper test strips | ✔ 20 |
| Manual | ✔ |
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 the knobs until assembly is complete.
Attach the lower handle
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 over the posts and press inward to ensure a secure fit.
Attach the grass catcher
Hook the pre-assembled grass catcher onto the mower body by connecting the hooks to both ends of the steel shaft.
Adjust the grass catcher strap
Secure the locking strap on the grass catcher to the center bar on the lower handle. Adjust the strap so the grass catcher does not rub against the ground while mowing or transporting.
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
Move the 9-position height adjustment levers to the desired setting. The levers are located next to the smaller rear wheels.
Set both sides evenly
Both height adjustment levers must be set to the same position before mowing.
Use the highest setting for tall grass
For extremely 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
Each end of the cutting bar can be adjusted separately. Adjust the side that cuts intermittently until the mower slices the paper evenly.
Adjusting the Mower Blades
Find the adjustment bolts
The two adjustment bolts are located at the back of the mower. They move the cutting bar closer to or farther away from the reel blades.
Loosen the blades if the mower is hard to push
Use the included hex wrench and turn both adjustment screws by an equal amount counterclockwise.
Tighten the blades if the mower does not cut cleanly
Turn both adjustment screws by an equal amount clockwise until the paper test shows clean cuts across the cutting bar.
Do not overtighten
Both screws should be tight during final adjustment, but overtightening can damage the cutting bar.
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 Cause
- Blades are adjusted too tight against the cutting bar
- Grass is too tall or cutting height is set too low
- Debris is caught in the blade area
Solutions
- Use the hex wrench to turn both adjustment screws equally counterclockwise
- Raise the cutting height for the first pass
- Remove debris with a wood or plastic cleaning tool; never use hands
Possible Cause
- Blades are misaligned
- One side is tighter than the other
Solutions
- Run the paper strip test
- Insert a strip between the cutting bar and reel blades
- Slowly turn the wheel by hand
- Adjust the side that cuts intermittently
Possible Causes
- Blades are dull or too loose
- Grass is too tall
- Tall weeds, such as dandelions, are bending under the reel
Solutions
- Tighten both adjustment screws equally clockwise
- If dull, sharpen with 100–240 grit lapping compound
- For grass over 4 inches, remove excess turf mass before mowing normally
- Mow more frequently to prevent tall weed growth
Possible Cause
- Blades are too loose
- No contact between reel and cutting bar
Solutions
- Tighten both adjustment screws clockwise by equal amounts
- Repeat the paper strip test
- Continue adjusting until paper cuts cleanly across the full bar width
Possible Cause
- Height levers are set to different positions on each side
Solution
- Check both height adjustment levers
- Confirm both levers are set to the same position before mowing
Possible Cause
- Locking strap is too loose
Solution
- Re-adjust the locking strap
- Set the grass catcher so it rides level and clears the ground during mowing and transport
Possible Cause
- Handle knobs were not fully tightened after assembly
Solution
- Check and fully tighten all 6 handle knobs
- Confirm the lower handle is securely fitted over the mower body posts
Possible Causes
- Debris is in the blade area
- Blades are overtightened
Solutions
- Stop immediately
- Tilt mower on its side
- Remove debris with a wood or plastic tool; never use hands
- If noise remains, back off both adjustment screws slightly
Possible Cause
- Lapping compound residue was not cleaned from the blades
Solution
- Clean all compound and debris from the cutting bar blade, reel blades, pinions, and pawls before use