An non-contact type reel mower includes a reel having a high rotational inertia, and a cutting gap adjustment system. The reel includes an axle, a plurality of blades helically disposed about the axis at a radial distance from the axis, and a blade support member coupling the blades to the axle, in a manner that locates a majority of the mass of the reel at a location as far from the axle as possible, while still fitting within the size constraints of a standard size mower package. The cutting gap adjustment system includes carrier plates having a forward end pivotally coupled at a forward end of the mower, and a mid portion that supports or carries the reel and a rearward end that is coupled to the mower chassis by an adjustment device. The plates operate as levers pivoting about the pivot points to raise and lower the reel relative to a fixed bedknife to adjust the cutting gap when the adjustment device is actuated at the rearward end of the plates. The adjustment device extends upwardly from the chassis to permit actuation by a user from the top of the mower. The bedknife also serves as a structural member for the chassis of the mower.
