Imagine a lawn so perfectly manicured, it looks like a golf course. Is that just a dream, or is it within your reach? For many homeowners, achieving that dream lawn can feel like a challenge, especially when faced with the dizzying array of lawn care tools available. If you’ve been curious about reel lawn mowers, you’ve probably noticed they’re a bit different from the gas-powered machines you might be used to. It can be confusing to figure out which one is best for your yard and your needs.
Choosing the right reel mower isn’t just about picking a pretty color. It’s about finding a tool that makes lawn care easier, not harder. You want a mower that cuts cleanly, is easy to push, and will last for years. But with so many types and brands, where do you even begin? This is where we come in. By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll understand what makes reel mowers special and how to pick the perfect one for your home.
We’ll break down the important features to look for, discuss the pros and cons of different models, and give you the confidence to make a smart choice. Get ready to learn how a reel mower can transform your lawn care routine and give you that beautiful, healthy grass you’ve always wanted. Let’s dive in and discover the world of reel lawn mowers!
Our Top 5 Reel Lawn Mower Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Reel Lawn Mower Detailed Reviews
1. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Rating: 8.6/10
Looking for a simple way to keep your small lawn looking neat and tidy? The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower in vibrant red is a fantastic option. This manual mower offers an eco-friendly way to trim your grass, providing a clean cut without the hassle of gas or electricity. It’s designed for ease of use and is perfect for maintaining most types of grass.
What We Like:
- It’s lightweight at only 19 pounds, making it super easy to push and maneuver.
- The 4-blade reel with a 14-inch cutting width gives your lawn a clean, scissor-like cut that’s gentle on the grass.
- Durable 8.5-inch polymer wheels help it glide smoothly across your lawn.
- It’s pollution-free and noise-free, which is great for your ears and the environment.
- Maintenance is a breeze with this manual mower.
- The blade height is adjustable from 0.5 to 1.75 inches, letting you choose your ideal grass length.
What Could Be Improved:
- This mower works best on grass up to 4 inches tall; it’s less effective on longer grass.
- For the best results, you should avoid mowing when the grass is wet.
- Overlapping your passes is recommended if your grass is 4 inches or taller.
This reel mower is a smart choice for anyone with a small lawn who wants an environmentally friendly and effective way to keep it looking its best. You’ll enjoy a healthier, greener lawn with this simple yet powerful tool.
2. LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade
Rating: 9.1/10
Looking for a simple way to keep your lawn looking its best? The LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower is a great choice. It’s designed to give your grass a clean, healthy cut every time.
What We Like:
- The scissor-like cut is amazing! It doesn’t rip or tear your grass, which helps your lawn stay healthier and look much nicer.
- You can easily change the cutting height to fit your needs. There are four different settings, from 1 inch to 2 inches.
- It’s super easy to move around your yard. The 16-inch deck and big 10-inch front wheels make it simple to steer, even around obstacles.
- This mower is good for the environment because it doesn’t use gas or batteries. You just push it!
- It’s built tough with strong steel blades that are made to last a long time.
What Could Be Improved:
- For very thick or tall grass, you might need to make more than one pass to get a clean cut.
- It might be a bit challenging to use on uneven terrain or hills compared to a gas-powered mower.
The LawnMaster LMRM1602 is a fantastic option for anyone wanting a clean cut and an eco-friendly way to maintain their lawn. It’s a solid, reliable mower for a beautiful yard.
3. Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of noisy gas mowers and messy gas cans? The Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower in Grey offers a greener, quieter way to keep your lawn looking sharp. This sturdy mower is designed for easy handling and delivers a clean cut for a variety of grass types. It’s a planet-friendly choice that works just as well as many gas-powered mowers.
What We Like:
- It has a 16-inch cutting width, so you can mow your lawn efficiently.
- The 7-blade reel with ball bearings makes mowing smoother and easier.
- It features 10-inch composite wheels for good maneuverability.
- The durable steel side plates mean this mower will last a long time.
- It’s great for cutting different kinds of grass like Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine.
- The alloy steel blades stay sharp longer, so you won’t have to replace them as often.
- You can adjust the cutting height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches for the perfect lawn height.
- It’s an eco-friendly option that doesn’t use gas or oil.
What Could Be Improved:
- This mower is best suited for smaller to medium-sized lawns.
- It requires some effort to push, especially in thicker grass or on hills.
- Sharpness of the blades may decrease over time, requiring occasional sharpening.
If you’re looking for a simple, effective, and environmentally friendly way to maintain your lawn, this Earthwise reel mower is a fantastic option. It provides a clean, quiet mow and is built to last.
4. Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Rating: 8.6/10
The Great States 815-18 is a classic push reel mower that gives your lawn a neat, even cut. It’s a motorless option, meaning it’s good for the planet and very quiet. This mower is designed for easy use and maintenance, making lawn care less of a chore.
What We Like:
- It cuts grass cleanly and evenly with its 5-blade design.
- You can easily adjust the cutting height from 0.5 to 2.75 inches.
- The high-quality alloy steel blades stay sharp for a long time.
- It’s easy to put together without needing any special tools.
- The cushioned grips on the handle make it comfortable to push and steer.
- It’s a planet-friendly choice because it doesn’t use a motor.
- Maintenance is very low, saving you time and effort.
- The 10-inch composite wheels help it roll smoothly over your lawn.
What Could Be Improved:
- Push reel mowers require more physical effort than gas or electric mowers, especially for thick or tall grass.
- It might struggle with very overgrown or tough weeds.
For a simple, eco-friendly way to keep your lawn looking sharp, this Great States mower is a solid option. It’s a great choice for maintaining a healthy, tidy yard.
5. Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of noisy gas mowers and expensive electric cords? The Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower offers a classic and eco-friendly way to keep your lawn looking neat and tidy. This mower is designed for ease of use and delivers a clean, precise cut every time, making lawn care a breeze.
What We Like:
- It has a wide 18-inch cutting path, so you can mow your lawn faster.
- The 7-blade ball bearing reel cuts grass smoothly and evenly.
- You can adjust the cutting height from 1 to 3 inches to get the perfect lawn look.
- The blades are made of strong steel that stays sharp for a long time.
- It has big 10-inch wheels that make it easy to push and steer.
- The handle has a soft grip, so it’s comfortable to hold while you mow.
- Putting it together is simple, and it’s easy to move around your yard.
What Could Be Improved:
- It requires manual effort to push, which might be tiring for larger lawns or for people with physical limitations.
- It may struggle with very tall or thick grass, requiring more passes or pre-trimming.
If you’re looking for a simple, effective, and environmentally friendly way to maintain your lawn, the Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower is an excellent option. It’s a great tool for achieving a beautiful lawn without the hassle of gas or electricity.
Your Guide to a Greener Lawn: Choosing the Right Reel Mower
A reel mower, also called a manual or push mower, is a great way to get a healthy, beautiful lawn. It cuts grass by shearing it with spinning blades. This is different from rotary mowers, which use a spinning blade to chop the grass. Reel mowers are eco-friendly and give your grass a clean cut.
1. Key Features to Look For
When picking out a reel mower, keep these important features in mind:
Cutting Width
- A wider cutting width means you’ll finish mowing faster.
- Most reel mowers have a width between 14 and 30 inches.
- Choose a width that fits your lawn size.
Adjustable Cutting Height
- You need to be able to change how tall your grass is cut.
- Look for a mower with several height settings.
- This lets you cut grass at the best length for your lawn type and the season.
Blade Material and Quality
- The blades are the heart of a reel mower.
- High-quality steel blades stay sharp longer.
- Sharper blades give a cleaner cut and are easier to push.
Wheel Type and Size
- Larger wheels make it easier to push the mower, especially on uneven ground.
- Pneumatic (air-filled) tires offer a smoother ride than solid wheels.
Handle Comfort and Adjustability
- You’ll be pushing this mower, so a comfortable handle is a must.
- Look for padded grips.
- Adjustable handles let you set them to your height.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a reel mower affect its durability and performance.
- Blades: High-carbon steel or hardened steel blades are best for sharpness and longevity.
- Frame and Housing: Steel is common for frames because it’s strong. Some mowers use lighter materials like aluminum for the housing, which can make them easier to handle.
- Wheels: Rubber or composite materials are used for wheels. Solid rubber wheels are low maintenance, while pneumatic tires offer better traction and shock absorption.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a reel mower great or not so great.
What Makes a Reel Mower Better
- Precision-Ground Blades: Blades that are ground precisely cut grass cleanly. This helps prevent disease in your lawn.
- Smooth Bearings: Good bearings in the reel and wheels make the mower easier to push.
- Sturdy Construction: A well-built mower will last longer and be more reliable.
What Can Make a Reel Mower Worse
- Dull Blades: Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it. This looks bad and can harm your lawn.
- Flimsy Frame: A weak frame can bend or break, making the mower hard to use.
- Poorly Designed Reel: If the reel doesn’t spin smoothly or is hard to adjust, it will be frustrating.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Reel mowers are best for certain lawns and users.
Who Loves Reel Mowers
- Homeowners with Small to Medium Lawns: They are perfect for yards that aren’t too big.
- Environmentally Conscious People: They don’t use gas or electricity, so they are good for the planet.
- People Who Want a Quiet Mowing Experience: They are much quieter than gas mowers.
- Those Seeking Exercise: Pushing a reel mower gives you a good workout.
When Reel Mowers Shine
- For a Classic, Striped Lawn: Reel mowers can create those beautiful stripes you see on golf courses.
- When Grass is Dry: They work best when the grass is dry. Wet grass can clog the mower.
- For Regular Mowing: They are ideal for mowing frequently to keep grass at a consistent height.
Choosing the right reel mower means considering these points. With the right mower, you can enjoy a healthier, more beautiful lawn with less effort and a happier planet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are reel mowers hard to push?
A: It depends on the mower’s quality and your lawn. Good reel mowers with sharp blades and smooth wheels are surprisingly easy to push. Tall or thick grass can make them harder to push.
Q: How often do I need to sharpen the blades?
A: High-quality blades can stay sharp for a long time, sometimes a whole season. You’ll know they need sharpening when they start tearing the grass instead of cutting it cleanly.
Q: Can reel mowers cut tall grass?
A: Reel mowers work best when grass is cut regularly and is not too tall. If the grass is very long, you might need to make multiple passes, lowering the cutting height each time.
Q: Do reel mowers bag the grass clippings?
A: Most basic reel mowers do not come with a grass bag. The clippings are usually left on the lawn to act as a natural fertilizer.
Q: Are reel mowers good for uneven yards?
A: Larger wheels and a well-balanced design help with uneven terrain. However, very bumpy or rocky yards can be challenging for any reel mower.
Q: How do I maintain a reel mower?
A: Maintenance is simple. Keep the blades clean and sharp. Lubricate moving parts occasionally. Store it in a dry place to prevent rust.
Q: What’s the difference between a 3-blade and a 5-blade reel mower?
A: A mower with more blades (like 5) will give a cleaner cut and can often cut at lower heights than a 3-blade mower. It also spins more times per wheel revolution, leading to a smoother cut.
Q: Can I use a reel mower on a lawn with weeds?
A: Yes, but it depends on the weeds. Thin weeds are usually cut fine. Larger, tougher weeds might bend or get pushed over rather than cut cleanly.
Q: Are reel mowers noisy?
A: Reel mowers are very quiet. You’ll mostly hear the whirring of the blades and the sound of the wheels. They are much quieter than gas-powered mowers.
Q: What is the lifespan of a reel mower?
A: With proper care and maintenance, a good quality reel mower can last for many years, often decades.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.