Meet the MJ504M
Key Components
Foam grip — comfortable handhold for push mowing
Upper handle — main handle section used while mowing
Handle knobs + bolts — secure the upper, middle, and lower handle sections
Middle handle bars — connect the upper handle to the lower handle
Lower handle — attaches the handle assembly to the mower body
Height adjustment levers — set cutting height across 9 positions
Quad wheels — two front wheels and two rear wheels for maneuvering
5 steel blades — RAZOREEL cutting system for manual mowing
Technical Specifications
| Specification | MJ504M |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Manual quad-wheel reel mower |
| Best Use | Small to medium lawns |
| Power Type | Manual push |
| Drive Type | Walk-behind push mower |
| Cutting Width | 16 in. / 40.6 cm |
| Rotor | 5 steel blades |
| Cutting Heights | 1.1 in. to 2.9 in. / 27 mm to 73 mm |
| Height Control | 9-position manual height adjustment |
| Wheel Size | Front: 10 in. / 25 cm; Rear: 6 in. / 15 cm |
| Quad-Wheel Design | Yes |
| Foam Grip | Yes |
| Foldable Handle | Yes |
| Tool-Free Adjustments | Yes |
| Mulching Capability | Yes |
| Rust Resistant Deck | Yes |
| Assembled Dimensions | 29.5 in. D x 51.6 in. L x 22.4 in. W |
| Net Weight | 24.9 lbs / 11.3 kg |
| Warranty | 2-year limited warranty |
What's in the Box
| Included Item | MJ504M |
|---|---|
| Reel mower body | ✔ |
| Upper handle | ✔ |
| Middle handle bars | ✔ 2 included |
| Lower handle | ✔ |
| Handle knobs and bolts | ✔ 6 included |
| Paper test strips | ✔ 20 included |
| Hex wrench | ✔ |
| Manual with registration card | ✔ |
Before You Mow
Assembly
Attach the middle handle bars
Secure the two middle handle bars to the upper handle using the first set of knobs and bolts.
Connect the lower handle
Attach the upper and middle handle assembly to the lower handle using the remaining knobs and bolts.
Attach 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.
Lock the handle in place
Pull both sides of the lower handle bars over the posts on the mower body. Press inward on the handle bars to ensure a secure fit, then tighten all knobs.
Cutting Height Adjustment
Find the height adjustment levers
The levers are located next to the smaller wheels.
Lowest cutting position
Pull the adjustment levers on both sides, one at a time, and set them to Position A.
Highest cutting position
Move the adjustment levers on both sides to Position B.
Choose an in-between height
Use any of the settings between the highest and lowest positions to tailor the cutting height from 1.1 in. to 2.9 in.
Ensuring a Clean Cut
Place the mower on a flat surface
Remove the handles and turn the mower reel upside down to expose the cutting bar.
Insert a paper test strip
Place a sheet of paper between the blade reel and cutting bar.
Turn the wheel by hand
Slowly turn the wheel. The blades should slice the paper evenly along the entire cutting bar.
Adjust if needed
If the mower cuts paper intermittently, adjust the appropriate side of the blades for better cutting performance.
Adjusting the Mower Blades
| Adjustment | Direction |
|---|---|
| Move cutting bar away from blades | Turn adjustment screws counterclockwise |
| Move cutting bar closer to blades | Turn adjustment screws clockwise |
| Loosen blades | Use the included hex wrench and turn both adjustment screws equally counterclockwise |
| Tighten blades | Turn both adjustment screws equally clockwise |
Mowing Tips
Follow the 1/3 rule
Do not remove more than 1/3 of the total grass height in one mowing session, and never remove more than 1 inch at a time.
Mow regularly
Mow at least once a week during the growing season to support healthy turf and reduce tall weed issues.
Use incremental cuts for tall grass
For very tall grass, set the mower to the highest cutting height for the first pass, then lower the height for a second or third pass.
Do not force overgrown weeds
Manual reel mowers can have difficulty cutting tall weeds, such as dandelions, and may bend them instead of cutting them. Cut often to help prevent this.
Transporting the Mower
Care + Maintenance
Keep the mowing area debris-free
Remove rocks, sticks, and other debris before mowing to avoid blade damage.
Lubricate regularly
Apply lubricant to the cutting surfaces, cutting reel axle shaft, and wheels for smoother operation.
Keep the cutting bar adjusted
Check blade alignment when cut quality becomes rough, uneven, or difficult to push.
Use light spray oil
Clean and lubricate the cutting edges regularly with light spray oil.
Sharpening the Cutting Blades
Apply lapping compound
Spread a thin layer of lapping compound on the front edge of the reel blades.
Adjust the cutting bar
Set the cutting bar so the blade has light but firm contact across the full width of the bar.
Turn the reel
Turn the reel blades until the front edge of the cutting bar blade is polished.
Clean thoroughly
Clean all grinding compound and debris from the cutting bar blade, reel blade, pinions, and pawls.
Cleaning + Storage
Clean before storing
Clean the exterior of the mower 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.
Store in a dry place
Keep the mower in a dry storage area and do not place other objects on top of the mower during storage.
Troubleshooting Guide
Use these quick checks for common MJ504M concerns. Always keep hands and feet away from the reel and cutting area.
Possible Causes
- Blade alignment shifted during shipping or use
- Cutting bar is too loose or too tight
- Grass is too tall for a single pass
Solutions
- Use the paper test strip to check blade alignment
- Adjust both screws evenly with the included hex wrench
- Use the highest height setting first, then mow again at the desired height
Possible Causes
- Blades are adjusted too tight
- Grass is too tall or wet
- Debris is caught in the reel
Solutions
- Check blade alignment with paper test strips
- Loosen the adjustment screws equally if the blades are too tight
- Mow only dry grass
- Remove debris with a wood or plastic cleaning tool
Possible Causes
- Cutting bar is not evenly aligned
- One side of the blade reel needs adjustment
Solutions
- Adjust the appropriate side of the cutting bar
- Turn screws clockwise to move the cutting bar closer
- Turn screws counterclockwise to move the cutting bar away
- Retest with a paper strip after adjustment
Possible Causes
- Manual reel mowers can struggle with tall weeds
- Grass or weeds are too overgrown
Solutions
- Mow more often during the growing season
- Use incremental cuts for tall grass
- For lawns over 4 inches tall, remove excess height before mowing normally
Possible Causes
- Mower is being pushed in normal mowing direction
- Front wheels are turning the reel
Solutions
- Pivot the handle over the reel
- Push the mower from the opposite side for transport mode