Imagine a lawn so perfectly manicured it looks like a velvet carpet. Does that sound like a dream? For many homeowners, achieving that flawless look can feel like a chore, especially when faced with the noisy, gas-guzzling machines of the past. But what if there was a simpler, greener, and quieter way to get a beautiful lawn?
Choosing a reel lawnmower might seem straightforward, but the truth is, there are many things to consider. You want a mower that’s easy to push, cuts cleanly, and lasts for years. But with so many brands and features, it’s tough to know where to start. You might worry about the effort involved or if it can handle your specific grass type. We understand these concerns, and that’s exactly why we’re here to help.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about reel lawnmowers. We’ll explore the benefits, explain the different types, and offer tips to help you find the perfect one for your yard. Get ready to discover how a reel mower can transform your lawn care routine and give you that picture-perfect finish you’ve always wanted. Let’s dive in!
Our Top 5 Reel Lawnmower Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Reel Lawnmower Detailed Reviews
1. LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of noisy gas mowers and tangled cords? The LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade offers a simpler, greener way to a beautiful lawn. This mower uses a clever scissor-like cutting action, meaning it snips grass blades cleanly. This results in a healthier, more attractive lawn that heals faster. Its 16-inch deck and large 10-inch front wheels make it easy to steer around obstacles and tight corners. Plus, you can easily adjust the cutting height to your liking with four different settings, from 1 to 2 inches.
What We Like:
- The scissor-like cut is gentle on grass, promoting a healthier lawn.
- You can easily adjust the cutting height to get the perfect look.
- It’s super easy to push and steer thanks to its size and wheels.
- No gas or batteries means it’s good for the environment and your wallet.
- It’s built with strong steel blades that are made to last a long time.
What Could Be Improved:
- It may struggle with very tall or thick grass.
- Requires regular raking for best results, especially after mowing.
- The cutting height range is limited, so it might not suit everyone’s needs.
For a clean, quiet, and eco-friendly mowing experience, the LawnMaster LMRM1602 is a solid choice. It’s a great option for maintaining smaller to medium-sized yards.
2. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of noisy gas mowers and messy cords? The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower in red offers a simpler, greener way to keep your small lawn looking neat. This classic design provides a clean cut for your grass, making your yard work a breeze.
What We Like:
- It’s super light at only 19 pounds, making it easy to push around your yard.
- The 4-blade reel cuts grass cleanly, so your lawn looks healthy and doesn’t get bruised.
- It’s eco-friendly! No gas, no oil, no pollution, and no loud noise. Just quiet mowing.
- The 14-inch cutting width and 8.5-inch wheels make it easy to steer and maneuver, even in tight spots.
- You can adjust the cutting height from 0.5 to 1.75 inches to get the perfect grass length.
- It’s very low maintenance – no engine to fiddle with!
What Could Be Improved:
- This mower works best on grass up to 4 inches tall. It struggles with much longer grass.
- It’s not ideal for wet grass.
- You need to overlap your passes a bit if the grass is on the taller side (around 4 inches).
- It’s best to mow frequently, taking off no more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time, so this might not be for you if you let your lawn get very long between mows.
For small lawns, this red reel mower is a fantastic, earth-friendly option. It’s a simple tool that gets the job done effectively and quietly.
3. Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Rating: 9.0/10
Tired of noisy gas mowers and expensive upkeep? The Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower offers a simple, effective way to keep your lawn looking its best. This motor-less mower lets you enjoy a peaceful mowing experience while still getting a clean, even cut. Its adjustable cutting height means you can tailor your trim to your lawn’s needs.
What We Like:
- It’s planet-friendly and quiet because it has no motor.
- The 5-blade design with ball bearings helps it cut grass cleanly.
- The alloy steel blades stay sharp longer, meaning less sharpening for you.
- You can adjust the cutting height from 0.5 to 2.75 inches for the perfect look.
- The cushioned grips on the loop handle make it comfortable to push.
- Assembly is easy and doesn’t require special tools.
- It’s low-maintenance, saving you time and hassle.
What Could Be Improved:
- Push reel mowers can struggle with very tall or thick grass.
- It requires physical effort to push, so it might not be ideal for very large yards or those with mobility issues.
- The 18-inch cutting width means more passes for wider areas.
For a simple, eco-friendly lawn care solution, this Great States mower is a fantastic option. It’s perfect for smaller to medium-sized yards where you want a quiet and easy mowing day.
4. LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade
Rating: 8.7/10
Looking for a greener, healthier lawn without the hassle of gas or electricity? The LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade offers a simple, eco-friendly solution. This mower uses a unique scissor-like cutting action to trim your grass cleanly, promoting better growth. Its 18-inch deck and large front wheels make it easy to push and steer around your yard, even with obstacles. Plus, you can easily adjust the cutting height to get the perfect look for your lawn.
What We Like:
- The scissor-like cut makes grass healthier by avoiding ripping and tearing.
- You can choose from 9 different cutting heights, from 3/4 inch to 2 inches, to get the exact look you want.
- It’s super easy to move around your lawn thanks to the 18-inch deck and 10-inch front wheels.
- It’s good for the environment because it doesn’t need gas or batteries.
- The steel blades are strong and built to last a long time.
- It comes with a handy collection bag to catch grass clippings.
What Could Be Improved:
- Reel mowers can sometimes struggle with very tall or thick grass.
- You need to keep the blades sharp to ensure the best cut.
This LawnMaster mower is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting a clean, quiet, and earth-friendly way to maintain their lawn. It brings simplicity and quality to lawn care.
5. LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade
Rating: 9.0/10
Tired of noisy gas mowers and tangled cords? The LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade offers a simpler, greener way to keep your lawn looking its best. This mower uses a clever scissor-like action to cut grass, promoting a healthier lawn. It’s designed for smaller yards and makes mowing a breeze.
What We Like:
- It gives your grass a clean, scissor-like cut. This means no ripping or tearing, which is better for your lawn’s health.
- It’s designed for small lawns, making it easy to manage.
- You can easily adjust the cutting height. There are 9 different positions, so you can choose the perfect height from 1.1 inches to 2.5 inches.
- The 18-inch deck and 10-inch front wheels make it super easy to steer and get around your yard.
- It doesn’t need gas or batteries. This makes it good for the environment and saves you money on fuel.
- The steel blades are strong and built to last for many mowing seasons.
- It comes with a handy collection bag to catch grass clippings.
What Could Be Improved:
- It might be a bit challenging to push through very thick or tall grass.
- For larger lawns, it might take longer than a powered mower.
This LawnMaster mower is an excellent option for eco-conscious homeowners with smaller yards. It provides a clean cut and a simple, enjoyable mowing experience.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Reel Lawnmower Edition
Reel lawnmowers are a fantastic choice for a clean, healthy lawn. They work differently than the spinning blade mowers you might be used to. Instead of chopping grass, they snip it like scissors. This gives your grass a neat, precise cut, which helps it grow back stronger and healthier.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re choosing a reel mower, keep these important features in mind:
- Cutting Width: This is how wide the mower cuts in one pass. A wider mower covers more ground faster. For small to medium yards, a 14- to 18-inch width is usually good. Larger yards might need a wider mower.
- Adjustable Cutting Height: You want to be able to change how tall your grass is cut. Look for a mower with easy-to-adjust settings. This lets you keep your grass at the perfect height for the season.
- Wheel Size and Type: Bigger wheels often make the mower easier to push, especially on uneven ground. Some mowers have large rear wheels and smaller front wheels.
- Handle Comfort: You’ll be pushing the mower, so a comfortable handle is a must. Look for padded grips.
- Ease of Assembly: Most reel mowers are pretty simple to put together. Check reviews to see if it’s a quick and easy process.
- Bagging System (Optional): Some reel mowers come with a grass catcher bag. This is handy for keeping your lawn tidy.
Important Materials
The materials used in a reel mower affect its durability and how well it works.
- Blades: The blades are the most important part. They are usually made of hardened steel. Good quality steel stays sharp longer and cuts cleaner.
- Frame and Wheels: The frame and wheels are often made of steel or strong plastic. Steel is more durable but can be heavier. Plastic is lighter but might not be as tough.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things make a reel mower work better or worse.
- Blade Sharpness: Sharp blades cut grass cleanly. Dull blades can tear the grass, making it look ragged and weak. You might need to sharpen the blades yourself or have them sharpened.
- Blade Material: High-quality steel blades hold their sharpness longer. Cheaper blades can dull quickly.
- Alignment: The blades need to be perfectly aligned with the reel. If they aren’t, the mower won’t cut well. Many good mowers have blades that stay aligned.
- Ease of Pushing: A well-balanced mower that rolls smoothly is a joy to use. A mower that’s hard to push can be frustrating.
- Durability: A well-built mower will last for many years. Look for sturdy construction and strong materials.
User Experience and Use Cases
Reel mowers are best for certain types of lawns and users.
- For a Healthy Lawn: The scissor-like cut is great for grass health. It helps prevent disease and makes your lawn look lush.
- Quiet Operation: Reel mowers are very quiet. You can mow your lawn without disturbing your neighbors or family.
- Environmentally Friendly: They don’t use gas or electricity. You just push them! This is good for the environment and your wallet.
- Best for Small to Medium Yards: They work best on relatively flat lawns with grass that isn’t too long or thick.
- Exercise: Pushing a reel mower is good exercise. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and stay active.
- Not for Tall or Wild Grass: If your grass gets very long and thick, a reel mower can be hard to push. A rotary mower might be better for those situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Reel Lawnmowers
Q: How do reel mowers cut the grass?
A: Reel mowers cut grass like scissors. A spinning reel of blades works against a fixed blade to snip the grass cleanly.
Q: Are reel mowers hard to push?
A: They can be a little harder to push than some powered mowers, especially if the grass is long or thick. However, good quality reel mowers are designed to be easy to push on well-maintained lawns.
Q: Do I need to sharpen the blades?
A: Yes, you will need to sharpen the blades from time to time. How often depends on how much you use the mower and the type of grass you have.
Q: Are reel mowers good for all types of grass?
A: They are best for most common lawn grasses. They work very well on finer grasses. They might struggle with very coarse or thick grasses if they get too long.
Q: Can reel mowers cut tall grass?
A: Reel mowers work best when the grass is kept at a reasonable height. If the grass is very tall, it’s better to cut it with a different type of mower first, then use the reel mower to maintain it.
Q: How wide is a typical reel mower cutting path?
A: Cutting widths usually range from 14 inches to 18 inches. Some larger models might be wider.
Q: Do reel mowers come with a grass catcher?
A: Some do, and some don’t. It’s often an optional accessory. A grass catcher helps keep your lawn tidy.
Q: Are reel mowers noisy?
A: No, reel mowers are very quiet. You won’t need ear protection when using one.
Q: How do I adjust the cutting height on a reel mower?
A: Most reel mowers have adjustment screws or levers on the wheels or the front of the mower. You can change these to raise or lower the cutting deck.
Q: Are reel mowers better for the environment?
A: Yes! They don’t use any fuel or electricity. You power them yourself by pushing, which makes them a very eco-friendly choice.
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.