California Trimmer Vs. McLane: In-depth Differences And Features

Buying a lawnmower involves a hell lot of considerations. It makes the situation more complex if you are confused between California Trimmer and McLane. 

But no worries. Read my California Trimmer and McLane review, and you will know which brand you should go for. 

California Trimmer offers two types of lawnmower: reel mowers and hover mowers. On the other hand, McLane also has two types of mowers: reel mowers and rotary mowers. 

Choosing the best mower requires a lot of knowledge about both brands. Here I will show you the features and differences between the mowers of both brands. 

So, let’s get going. 

A Quick Comparison Table 

Here is a quick comparison table between California Trimmer and McLane mowers: 

Aspects	California Trimmer	McLane
Available Models	4 Models	3 Models
Special Feature	Offers A Heavy-Duty Clutch System	Belt And Chain Drive
Engine Type	Honda, Brigg & Stratton	Honda, Brigg & Stratton
Cutting Performance	High Performing	High Performing
Warranty	2 Years & 3 Years	1 Year & 90 Days
Price	Lower Than McLane	Higher Than CalTrimmer

In-Depth Comparison Between California Trimmer And McLane

This time we’ll know every nitty-gritty about both brands. I will show you some of the key differences between these two brands’ mowers. 

So, let’s get into more details. 

• Available Models 

The number of available models shows how many and what types of mowers are available under both brands’ hoods. 

California Trimmer has 4 models available in its portfolio. RL205H/HC and 207H/HC Classic Reel Mower, RL205/207 Commercial Reel Mower, RL255/257 Commercial Reel Mower, and RC190 Hover Mower. 

On the contrary, McLane has 3 available models in their pocket. You can choose from 20 Inches Reel Mower, 25 Inches Reel Mower, and Greens Keepers 25 Reel Mower. So, California Trimmer has more models available in their store than McLane. 

• Key Features 

Both lawnmower manufacturers make their machines with various features so that buyers get an optimal grass cutting experience and your lawn looks like a golf course. 

California Trimmer offers a heavy-duty clutch system with their reel mowers. These mowers come with a solid welded steel frame and provide excellent maneuverability, and you’ll get an extra-large grass catcher with these mowers. 

At the same time, California Trimmer Hover Mowers come with an engine brake lever for added safety. It will glide over grasses smoothly and mulch while it cuts. 

On the contrary, McLane lawnmowers come with optional grass catcher options. You will have to pay extra money to get a grass catcher. 

Nevertheless, all McLane mowers are made from induction heat-treated armor-plated reel and bed knife. 

For a more reliable and consistent result, you will get both belt and chain drive with all McLane mowers. 

• Engine Type 

The engine is one of the essential elements of a mower. It runs the machine and gives the power to cut even the dense grasses. The good news is both brands offer powerful engines with their mowers. 

California Trimmer provides lightweight and efficient Honda engines with their reel mowers. But you will get Brigg & Stratton 550EX engine with its Hover mower. 

In contrast to CalTrimmer, McLane gives you the chance to choose your motor between Brigg & Stratton and Honda motors. So, you can choose between these two motors in any of their three models. 

• Usage & Cutting Performance 

You can use California Trimmer mowers with all types of grass. Besides, these mowers offer cutting widths of 20 inches and 25 inches.

A 9 inches large deep thread drive roller makes them a superior machine. 

The cutting height for these machines is 3/8 inches to 1-7/8 inches and ¼ inches to 1-½ inches.  

On the other hand, McLane works on all types of grass, but these mowers work excellently on Bermuda grasses, Zoysia grasses, and Augustines grasses. The cutting widths are also 20 and 25 inches. 

You will get cutting height from ¼ to 11/16 inches, 7/8 to 13/16 inches, and 1-½ inches from McLane lawnmowers. 

• Warranty 

Warranty varies with engine type and usage for both brands. You will get 2 years frame/body warranty for residential use and 1 year with commercial use with California Trimmer mowers. 

For the engine, you will have 2 years limited warranty with Brigg & Stratton engine for residential and commercial use. Honda GC160 comes with 2 Years, and Honda GX160 comes with 3 years warranty for all applications. 

By contrast, McLaren offers 1 year of Limited Warranty for residential use and 90 days of warranty for commercial use regardless of model and engine type. 

• Price 

A 20 inches California Trimmer Reel mower with a Honda GX160 engine costs $1400. A 25 inches Reel mower with the same engine costs about $2100. 

But a 20 inches McLane Reel mower with a Honda engine and grass catcher costs about $1716.30. 

California Trimmer: Precise Cuts with Low Maintenance

First introduced in 1928, the original California trimmer pioneered the modern reel mower industry. Generations later, the legacy continues with a classic push reel model featuring an all-steel 20” cutting deck and advanced 5-blade ball bearing reel.

Pros

• Provides an exceptionally precise 0.5 – 2.5” cut – great for those who want a “golf course” finished look
• Lightweight at just 25 lb but with a sturdy steel deck
• Equipped with heat-treated alloy steel blades and sealed bearings for years of use
• Cuts nice and clean without tearing grass blades
• Easy to push and maneuver thanks to thick composite wheels
• Simple no-frills design is nearly maintenance free
• Very quiet operation compared to gas or electric mowers
• No emissions and chemical-free for an eco-friendly way to mow

Cons

• Does not handle taller grass as well as some reel models
• No grass catcher attachment available
• Longer mowing times compared to rotary or powered reel mowers

The California trimmer excels on flat, smooth lawns under 1/2 acre. It’s a great low-maintenance and quiet mower for the eco-conscious homeowner who doesn’t mind putting in some extra “elbow grease” to create crisply cut stripes.

While it lacks advanced features, its precision cutting performance and long-term durability make up for it.

McLane: Robust Construction with Superior Traction

Based in Ohio and specializing in golf course equipment, McLane has been engineering high-quality mowers since 1951. The McLane 20” push reel lawn mower is built rock solid and designed to provide excellent traction and convenience for mowing larger areas of thick, hilly grass.

Pros

• Rugged steel deck and alloy steel reel can power through tall, thick grass
• Deep 0.5 – 3.5” cutting height range
• Equipped with an easy-to-install grass catcher bag
• 10” alloy front wheels and proprietary rear wheels grip terrain exceptionally well
• Weighs 35 lb for added stability on slopes and uneven ground
• Renowned for quiet, smooth cutting performance season after season
• Life-long warranty on the reel and cutter bed
• Higher max speed than the California thanks to larger wheels and traction

Cons

• One of the heaviest reel mower models at 35 lb
• Noticeably louder than some competing reel mowers
• Expensive initial purchase price

With its robust build, wider cutting specifications, and superior traction, the McLane reel mower stands out for those seeking a high-performance push mower for large, challenging lawns. The addition of a grass catcher and rugged wheels let it power up and down hilly terrain with ease.

If your property demands a reel mower that can handle thick grass under any condition, the McLane is easily one of the toughest and most capable options money can buy.

Which Mower Brand You Should Go For? 

Well, it’s a close call between these two brands. Both of their mowers are well-performing, strong, and long-lasting. But if you ask me, I suggest you go for California Trimmer mowers. 

They are more elegant and have more models to choose from. Besides, they are not as expensive as McLane but do fine work. 

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) 

Final Thoughts 

A lawnmower is an expensive machine. You must meticulously consider many things because choosing the wrong one will have many downside consequences, and you’ll have to suffer both mentally and financially.  

But the good thing is, after reading my California Trimmer and McLane reviews, no worries, as you know which mower you should go for. So, I wish you good luck.