Top 10 Best Reel Mower: 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide

Every homeowner would want to see their lawn perfectly manicured. Instead of going for electric or gas mowers, one should opt for reel mowers as it is a smart decision. The best reel mower will operate on the manual push and will trim the grasses without the need for battery, gas, or oil.

A reel mower is a favorable option for people who are looking for eco-friendly alternatives for their medium or small-sized yard.  Reel mowers are going through a massive resurgence as they have advanced features and designs incorporated in them.

Top 10 Reel Lawn Mower In 2023

According to several professional gardeners, they define reel mowers as lightweight, easy to operate, and healthy for the environment and lawn—some of the top 10 reel mowers in 2023, which are currently available in the market, as stated below. 

1 – American Lawn Mower Company 18 Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower

American Lawn Mower Company 18 Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower has earned the top position in this review list of top 10 best reel mowers. The product is of a reputed brand serving the industry from 1895. The hand pushed lawn mower is easy to use and is sharp and reliable. The gripping portion is cushioned to reduce the tension from the hands of the user.

One can adjust the cutting height of this lawn mower from ½ to 2-¾ inches. The reel mower has an impressive cutting width of 18 inches and has five steel blades having ball bearing design. The product comes with two years of limited warranty. People who are looking for a reel mower that can offer precise cut should go for this one.

The lawnmower does not require fumes, oil, or gas to operate. The ergonomic design makes it easy to maneuver. The steel plates are made from unbreakable material, and one can cut any type of grass.

Key Features

  • Eighteen inches cutting width is perfect for a medium or small lawn.
  • Easy to maneuver and lightweight
  • Bed knife blade
  • Steel reel is made of tempered alloy
  • Adjustable cutting height with seven section roller. Adjust from ½ to 2-¼ inches.
  • Hub caps are molded, and it has ten composite wheels of durable material.
  • Four spider blade reel.
  • It does not require gas, fumes, or oil to operate.
  • The handle is plated with loop type
  • Foam grip
  • Radial tires

Pros

  • Comfortable grip
  • Precise cuttings
  • Lightweight
  • Steel side plates
  • Easy to assemble
  • Durable
  • Adjustable height
  • Easy to push

Cons

  • Fails to clear the lawn if a lot of cutting is needed.

2 – Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower

Fiskars staysharp max reel mower is well designed, adjustable, and sturdy, which makes it one of the perfect choices for people who want to manage the lawn cleaning task healthily. If you want to make the lawn look beautiful and professional, then you need this mower. This mower has advanced features that will make it easy for you to push the mower. It can easily cut different types of glasses as it has InertiaDrive reel.

Fiskars will glide through the tight spot and cut everything in 2x speed. If you want some long-lasting performance, then this is the right product. The inset wheel will allow the reel blades to extend the full width and eliminate the uncut strips.

Fiskars offers three years of limited warranty. It does not require electricity or gasoline to work. Unlike the existing lawn mower, the stationary reel and ground blades will allow the mower to offer comfortable mowing with extensive sharpness. One can easily adjust the height of the mower from 1 to 4 inches.

Key Features

  • Push the lawn mower quickly as it offers 60% more maneuverability.
  • The IntertiaDrive reel can cut grass of different heights.
  • Long-lasting performance as the system does not face wearing.
  • One can adjust the reversible grass chute to direct the grass clippings in the backward, downward, or away from the feet.
  • Three years limited warranty
  • StaySharp offers extensive sharpness in the blades.
  • Inset blades and wheels to trim tricky edges.
  • Adjustable height allows changing the height from 1 to 4 inches.

Pros

  • Sturdy
  • Easy to assemble
  • Lightweight
  • Versatile
  • Easy to push
  • 2x cutting power
  • Better edging
  • Long-lasting blade sharpness
  • Healthy solution

Cons

  • One needs to use it several times to get the perfect cut.

3 – American Lawn Mower Company 14 Inches 4 Blades Push Reel Lawn Mower 

American Lawn Mower Company is a lightweight and compact reel lawn mower that delivers exceptional performance. It is one of the most high-quality push reel lawn mowers available in the market. The mower has a cutting with 14 inches along with polymer wheels having four blades. The composite wheels have a dimension of 8.5 inches. One can easily adjust the height of the more from 0.5 inches to 1.75 inches. The mower has been designed to deliver a scissor-like cut, which is clean and precise.

The blades are of high quality and will stay sharp for a long time. People who are looking for eco-friendly options should go for this one because it does not require oil, gas and is easy to assemble with low maintenance.

One can cut different types of grass because the four blades offer versatile. The handle is of T-shape with ergonomic design and cushioning, which will allow you to push the lawnmower quickly.

Key Features

  • Cutting with a scissor action offers clean and precise reel mowers cut.
  • Adjustable height from 0.5 to 1.75 inches
  • Steel ball bearings with four-blade steel
  • 14 inches wide cutting path
  • Ergonomic design with cushions
  • T-shaped handle
  • Composite wheels of 8.5 inches
  • Low maintenance and hassle-free design
  • One will have to sharpen the blade every 3 to 5 years.
  • Lightweight design enables easy pushing.
  • One will not have to worry about maintenance, repairs, and fuel.

Pros 

  • Lightweight
  • Low noise level
  • Easy to assemble
  • Versatile
  • Adjustable height
  • Eco-friendly
  • Supreme quality blades
  • Needs sharpening every 3 to 5 years.

Cons

  • Fails to cut tall grasses.

4 – Fiskars StaySharp Push Reel Lawn Mower

Fiskars StaySharp Push Reel Lawn Mower is eco-friendly and has a smart design that helps to offer clean-cut without the use of gasoline, battery, oil, or electricity. The engine won’t create a lot of noise. This reel mower has the blend of all the advanced technology that will make it easier to push it in comparison to the other available reel mower.

The best part about the product is it offers a warranty of 2 years. It is 30% easier to push the mower. One can adjust the height from 1.5 inches to 3.5 inches. The cutting system needs less sharpening. The engine has an InertiaDrive reel that helps to get 2x cutting power. One can easily use it to cut grasses of all heights. The product will eliminate the need for sharpening the blades annually. The superior ergonomics will facilitate maneuverability.

Key Features

  • Advantaged design enhances maneuverability by 30%.
  • InertiaDrive Technology offers thick and large cutting blades of grass.
  • It does not require gasoline, electricity, battery, electrical cord to operate.
  • Low engine noise
  • Cutting height adjustment from 1.5 inches to 3.5 inches.
  • It does not require frequent sharpening of the blades.
  • Superior ergonomics
  • One can cut different types of grasses

Pros

  • Eco-friendly
  • Low engine noise
  • Blend of advanced technology
  • 30% easier to push
  • InertiaDrive reel offers 50% enhanced cutting power
  • Warranty
  • Height adjustment
  • Enhanced cutting power
  • Long-lasting sharpness
  • Eliminates the use of electricity or gasoline
  • Ergonomic design
  • Does not require annual sharpening

Cons

  • Poor manufacturing

5 – Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 5 Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Scotts Outdoor Power Tools is a classic reel lawn mower that offers an impressive cutting width of 20 inches with 10 inches of dual tracking wheel and ball bearing reel with five blades. One can adjust the height per their convenience from 1″-3″. Heat-treated good quality alloy steel is used on the blades.

The mower has an ergonomic design with cushioning to offer comfort gripping. It does not require any tool for assembling, and it is easy to use or operate as it is lightweight. The reel mower does not require any oil or gas for operating.

The dual wheel tracking helps to provide increased mobility. People who are looking for non-polluting, quiet, precision, and healthy cutting should go for this 20 inches reel mower. The best part is you can easily adjust the cutting heights in 9 ways. One can conveniently store them, and the blades are sharp like scissors, so you will get a healthy and green lawn: quick adjustment, dual tracking wheels, and wide cutting path help to make the process of mowing easy.

Key Features

  • Dual wheel tracking for enhanced maneuverability.
  • 20 inches cutting width
  • It does not require tools for assembly
  • 1-3 inches of height adjustment
  • Five blades to facilitate clean cutting
  • The handle is made of rigid steel.
  • Ergonomic grip with cushioning
  • Precise cutting with low noise.
  • Nine adjustments for cutting height
  • No hassle and no gas
  • Lightweight
  • Tears or wear the grass easily
  • Ball-bearing reel and precision blade technology offer impressive results.

Pros

  • Maneuverability
  • Reduces effort and time
  • Lightweight
  • Ergonomic design
  • Height adjustment
  • Easy to assemble
  • Cuts grass of different heights
  • Precise cutting
  • Easy to operate

Cons

  • The parts fall off easily.

6 – Great States Push Reel Lawn Mower 5 Blades 

Great State Push Reel Lawn Mower is adjustable and quick. One can adjust the height from 0.5 inches to 2.5 inches. To get clean and even cut, opt for this lawn mower. The cutting width of 16 inches offers fast cutting. One can quickly push the mower as it has 10 inches of composite wheels and five blades balls. Alloy steel treated under heat is used to make the blades of this push lawn mower. The handle has T-shape.

The lawn mower is lightweight, and the cushioned grip will allow you to use the mower easily. One can quickly assemble the lawn mower, and it offers excellent comfort. If you want to clean your lawn cleanly and quietly, then go for this one. The engine does not demand gas, oil, or electricity to work. You need to push the mower to cut grasses.

Key Features

  • Manual push lawn mower.
  • Adjustable height of 0.5-2.5 inches.
  • Sixteen inches of cutting width offer fast cutting.
  • Five blade balls offer easy maneuverability.
  • Alloy steel heat treated material is used for making the blades.
  • T-shaped handles offer ergonomic design and are lightweight.
  • It facilitates the tool-less assembly and is easy to operate.
  • Precise cutting
  • No hassle no gas
  • Easy to store
  • Low maintenance
  • Delivers clean and accurate cut to provide an attractive, healthy, and greener lawn.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • Lightweight
  • Enhanced mobility
  • Forward pushing mower
  • Cuts uneven spots
  • No hassles
  • Easy to use
  • Low maintenance
  • Easy to store
  • T-shaped handles
  • Ergonomic design
  • Cushioning
  • Adjustable height

Cons

  • Blades are not sharp enough.

7 – Greenwork 5 Blade Grass Catcher Reel Lawn Mower

Greenwood Lawn Mower is a well designed and simple lawn mower that will provide you with the flexibility to efficiently and quickly cut medium to a small lawn. It will leave your lawn look perfectly trimmed, healthy, and clean. The best part of this product is it is lightweight and affordably priced. As it comes with the rear bag, it will collect all the grass clippings.

The 20 inches cutting path allows the lawn mower to get the job done quickly and efficiently. The product comes with the two in one feature of rear discharging and mulching. One can adjust the height in 9 different positions starting from 1 ¾ ” to 2 ¾”.

The front wheel is 10 inches, and the rear wheel is 6 inches, which will make it easy for you to move it across the lawn. Steel is used for making the deck material. It does not require gas or fumes. People who are looking forward to a healthy lawn should use this easy to use and quiet lawn mower. It has a comfortable gripping that will make it easy for you to push the mower from one corner to another corner. The product is easy to assemble and use.

Key Features

  • Twenty inches cutting width offers efficient and fast performance.
  • The system of dual disposal allows rear collection or mulching.
  • One can easily use the rear wheel to control or move.
  • The rear bag will collect all the grass clippings.
  • Six inches rear wheel and 10 inches front wheel offers enhanced mobility.
  • Nine different positions for height adjustment.
  • To facilitate silent cutting, it has contact-free blades.
  • One can easily cut with the helical designed blades made of steel.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Maneuverability
  • Easy to assemble
  • Height adjustment
  • Efficient
  • Grass catcher
  • Silent cutting
  • No gas no fumes

Cons

  • Stop working on uneven ground.

8 – Snow Joe Manual Reel Mower With Grass Catcher

Snow Joe Manual Reel Mower is equipped with a grass catcher. This lawn mower has been designed for small or medium-sized lawns, and the wheels make it easy to push. One can adjust the height manually in nine different positions to get the right comfort.

You will have to push the mower, so it comes with a foam grip to reduce the stress from your hands. The deck is resistant to rust and is maintenance-free. While using the mower, it will store the grass clippings up to 6.6 gallons, and you can easily attach or detach it.

The lawnmower has 6 inches of small wheels in the back and 10 inches of large wheels in the front. People who were looking for an environmentally friendly lawn mower will find this one to be lightweight, easy to use, economical, and maneuverable.

The collection bag can be attached to the rear side, where you can store the grass clippings. The product is backed with a warranty of 2 years.

Key Features

  • Easy to push as it has two large wheels of 10 inches and two small wheels of 6 inches.
  • It does not demand high maintenance.
  • The deck is resistant against rusting.
  • The grass catcher that it has can comfortably hold 6.6 gallons. One can easily detach it from the mower.
  • One can adjust the height of the lawn more in 9 different positions.
  • The handle comes with a foaming group.
  • The wide cutting part of 18 inches will allow it to clean the yard efficiently.
  • Compact design
  • The wheels are suitable for any type of terrain.
  • Five steel blades help to offer a precise cut.
  • The dual wheel mower design helps to deliver cutting efficiency and accuracy.

Pros

  • Low noise level
  • Easy to assemble
  • Lightweight
  • Branded company
  • Precise cutting
  • Grass catcher
  • Suitable for small to medium yard.
  • Durable
  • Affordable
  • Height adjustment
  • Ergonomic design
  • Foam grip

Cons

  • The wheels get easily locked.

9 – Remington 18 Inches Reel Lawn Mower

Remington 18 Inches Reel Lawn Mower is an affordable and efficient reel mower that has been designed for small lawns that require regular mowing. The mower is equipped with durable and sharp blades that help to deliver crisp and clean cuts. It also comes with two in one feature of mulching that will help you to collect the clippings while performing mowing.

There is a dual lever for height adjustment. The lawn mower is environmentally friendly, and you won’t require gas to operate it. One can quickly move it because it has the foam grip with an ergonomic handle, which will make the user feel less fatigued. One can also add the rear collection bag to add versatility.

The mower also offers two options for disposal. One can adjust the cutting height between 0.75 to 2.5 inches. The cutting width of 18 inches will allow the lawn mower to cut the way they want quickly. The product is backed with a limited warranty of 2 years.

Key Features

  • Eighteen inches of cutting width will help to clean narrow areas and small lawns.
  • Adjustable height between 0.75 to 2.5 inches.
  • Five blades to offer efficient and clean cuts.
  • It will easily cut the thick weed and give the lawn a well-manicured and clean appearance.
  • The prices are low in terms of features.
  • Rear bag disposal for mulching.
  • Lightweight and sturdy wheels will offer easy mobility.
  • Durable wheels of 6″*10″ dimension.
  • Ergonomic handle with foam grip.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • Lightweight
  • Grass catcher
  • Precise grass cuts
  • Push mower
  • Height adjustment
  • Precise cutting
  • Efficient
  • Durable

Cons

  • The wheels get easily locked.

10 – Earthwise 7 Blade Reel Lawn Mower

Earthwise 7 Blade Reel Lawn Mower offers durability, lightweight and exceptional performance. Homeowners who are looking for clean and efficient cutting should go for this one because it is easy to maneuver and push. The 16 inches wide cutting will offer you the flexibility to quickly clean the tight spots. There are 10 inches of composite wheels, which will make it easy for you to move from one place to another.

One can use the lawn mower to easily cut the bent grasses like Centipede, Seashore Paspalum, Zoysia, Bermuda, and St Augustine varieties. Blades of alloy steel are used to offer sharp cutting. One can adjust the height between 0.5 inches to 2.5 inches. If you want to get even and clean-cut, then go for this eco-friendly alternative.

Key Features

  • Sixteen inches of cutting width will allow you to clean tight spots easily.
  • To increase the durability side plates are made of unbreakable steel.
  • Seven blades with ball bearing wheels are present.
  • One can adjust the cutting height from .5 inches to 2.5 inches.
  • Eco-friendly option in comparison to other gas-powered garden equipment or lawn equipment.
  • Alloy steel is used in the blades to get sharp cuts.

Pros

  • Precise cutting
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to maneuver
  • No hassle no gas
  • Alloy steel construction
  • Low maintenance
  • Easy to store
  • Cuts different types of grasses
  • Adjustable height

Cons

  • Handle design is poor. 

An Ultimate Buying Guide On Best Reel Mower

There are several reel mower brands and models available in the market. In case you are looking to buy a new reel mower for your lawn, then it is essential to purchasing the one that is the best and meets all your needs and makes it easy to maneuver the garden. The reel mowers that come today are a vast improvement over the traditional ones that used to reach 80 years back. Modern reel mowers have made mowing easier, simpler, and a quicker process.

In this comprehensive guide, we would be talking in detail about the types of mowers available in the market, parts of a reel mower, how to choose the best reel mower for your lawn along with the advantages and disadvantages of using reel mowers. We have also included some tips to maintain your reel mower, along with some frequently asked questions to address your queries.

Types of Mowers

Mowers are the best way to cut and clean the lawn-whatever be the size. They are of basically three types:

Reel Mowers

These type of lawn mowers is highly preferred by environmentalists, the frugal and cardio junkies. Since it does not have any motor, it does not cause any noise pollution. These types of reel mowers are best suited for small to medium lawns where the grass is not that tall. Cutting tall grass with these reel mowers can turn out to be a time-consuming and challenging task.

Rechargeable Electric Mowers

These types of mowers have an engine; however, they are powered by a battery. Hence, they run for a limited time- usually 45 minutes- before they run out of battery. These are best suited for lawns that have a size up to 5000 square feet. They are also eco-friendly as they do not produce any toxic fumes.

Electric Mowers

The electric mowers are best suited for small or medium-sized lawns. These mowers operate using an extension cord that can operate up to 150 feet away from the electrical outlet. It has a cutting swatch of about 16 to 20 inches. Since they do not have much weight, they are quite easy to push, start, and operate. They have a limited range.

Parts of a Reel Mower

Although the accessories and components in a reel mower can vary according to the brand and the model, these are some components that are common to all. A reel mower has the following major parts or components:

Blade reel/cylinder

A reel mower consists of several helical blades, typically between 3 to 7, that is attached with a rotating shaft. These blades then rotate and create a cutting motion, just like scissors against the bed knife.

Bed knife

The bed knife is a fixed horizontal blade which is mounted above the frame of the mower and provides a stationary cutting mechanism to the reel mower.

Body frame

The frame is the main structural frame of the reel mower on which the other parts of the reel mower are mounted.

Wheels

The wheels bring the reel mower into action as they help in pushing the mower forward. Most of the reel mowers have two wheels.

Push handle

The push handle is the powerhouse of the reel mower. It is a rectangular-shaped sturdy handle that is attached to the frame, blade chambers, and wheels.

Process of Using a Reel Mower

Before gas-powered and electric mowers came into the picture, the reel mowers were the most basic way for homeowners to maintain their lawns and keep them tidy. The reel mowers operate with the help of a collection of blades that start spinning as soon as you push the machine forward. As you advance, the grass falls between the blades of the reel mower, which snips the grass in the same way as a scissor. The reel mowers are a great way to keep the grass healthy and require minimal maintenance.

The process of using a reel mower is quite simple. The first step involves setting up the cutting height of the machine between 1.5 to 2.5 inches. The correct height depends upon an individual’s preference and the type of grass in the lawn. Most of the mowers come with the option of adjustable cutting height. This range can vary between half an inch to up to 4 inches.

The second step involves pushing the mower forward at a walking pace. This mechanism will allow the blades to rotate in a scissor-like movement, allowing the bed knife to do its work. Just walk through the lawn in a straight line and keep on repeating till the whole yard is mowed. Many reel mowers leave fine clippings of grass behind in the lawn. These can act as a natural fertilizer as they decompose and infuse nutrients such as nitrogen into the soil. Some models also come with a detachable collection bag, which helps you collect these clippings for disposal.

Factors to Consider before Purchasing a Reel Mower

With the considerable variety of reel mowers available in the market, it is essential to understand the factors that need to be considered before purchasing a reel mower for your lawn. Some of these considerations are as follows:

Cutting Height Of Grass

Reel mowers come with a specific height that they can reduce the grass in. Some of them can be quite low, i.e., up to half an inch, while others are capable of taller heights. Many reel mowers also come with an option of height adjustment as per your requirement.

Cutting Length Of Grass

The length of the reel mower is an essential factor to consider, especially if you have a big lawn and small reel mowers cannot cut through it. Having a reel mower with a larger width will help you in covering more length per run, although the weight of the machine might get increased, tiring you in the process. Consider the blade length before you pick up a reel mower.

Grass Type

The type of grass present can impact the kind of reel lawn mower that you require on the lawn. In case you have thick grass strands in your lawn, you need a reel mower with dull blades. For light grass, lighter mowers are required.

Slope

For the same level lawn, any type of reel mower can be purchased. However, in case of a sloped or bumpy lawn, you should consider a reel mower that can cut at different angles to avoid multiple runs of the mower on the same area of the lawn.

Number Of Blades

Reel mowers generally come with circular blades that can cut the grass efficiently. However, the number of blades impact the performance of the reel mower. The more the number of blades in a reel mower, the better it will cut the grass, and the longer and sharper it will last.

The Durability Of Blades

The blades of a reel mower, just like all other blades, can become dull after using them continuously for a long time. Thus, it is essential to shortlist a reel mower that has durable blades so that they last for a long time. This will also keep your mowing experience hassle-free.

Grass Spray

For better safety measures and to avoid the cut grass while mowing the lawn, it is a good idea to go for a reel mower that can catch the cut grass or the one which has a front grass spray.

Weight

The weight of a reel mower can be a significant factor to consider, especially if you mow for long periods or if you have a big lawn. It is better to find a reel mower with a middle ground between cutting performance and weight.

Wheel Size

Reel mowers come with side wheels that make it easier to push the mower around. A giant wheel results in smoother operation and enables ease of use even in uneven surfaces. Thus, it is vital to check the wheel size of a mower before purchasing it.

Capacity Of Collecting Bag

In case you mow your lawn regularly, then it is advisable to leave the grass cuts in the lawn as it will add nutrients to the soil. If not, it is a good idea to have a collecting bag along with a capacity that suits your needs.

Price

The cost of a product is one of the main deciding factors while buying something. Purchasing a reel mower should not be out of your budget. At the same time, do not compromise on the quality to save a few extra bucks.

Reel Mower Accessories

Although a reel mower is a simple tool in itself, two accessories in them make it much easier to mow a lawn. One is a grass catcher to give a tidy look to the lawn after mowing. The other is an abrasive plate which sharpens the blades when it is applied to them.

Warranty

The warranty of a reel mower is also an essential factor to be considered as this will help you in having a peace of mind in case you face any problem after purchase. Most of the manufacturers offer at least a one-year warranty for reel mowers.

Advantages Of Reel Mowers

There are several advantages of having a reel mower and using it to cut the grass in your lawn. Some of the benefits have been listed below:

Cheaper Option

In case you are looking for a low-cost lawn mower, the best option would be to go for a reel mower. Besides having a low upfront cost, this type of mowers also has a low cost of maintenance.

Requires Less Effort

It is easy to move around a reel mower. Other mowers run on the motor and require more effort to move around. It makes mowing easy as it is also quite light, and you do not need to take frequent breaks for adding gasoline or emptying the bag.

Saves Time

Having a reel mower saves time as you do not need to stop in the middle for refueling it or for another type of maintenance. The total time required for mowing the lawn typically depends on the size of the lawn.

Easy To Store

Reel mowers take up much less space in the shed or garage. Some can even be stored by separating the parts for making storage more straightforward.

Clips The Grass Easily

The grass clippings come out yet and precise cuttings. This would be helpful for you in case you use clippings as a fertilizer for your yard. This way, your yard would benefit without being visible.

Eco-Friendly

Since there are no harmful carbon emissions, reel mowers are an eco-friendly option. These mowers do not emit any stinky smells, nor do they produce noise. This way, there is no noise pollution.

Improves Grass Health

Reel mowers cut the grass neatly, similar to scissors. With lovely and clean cuts, the grass is sure to heal quickly and become less vulnerable to insects and diseases.

Enhances Lawn Appearance

Using a reel mower cleans the lawn neatly and fine-tunes the finish. There are also a lesser number of bare patches. This way, the lawn looks great and quite appealing.

Exercise

Using a reel mower for your yard can turn out to be a decent workout without giving much stress to your body. Pushing this around can help you remain fit.

Disadvantages of Reel Mowers

Although there are several advantages of a reel mower, as discussed above, one must also know the cons or disadvantages of reel mowers to make an ultimate informed choice. Reel mowers have the following limitations as compared to another type of mowers:

1. Not suitable if the lawn contains twigs and stones

In case your lawn has small stones, or if the trees shed twigs all over, then these might end up between the blades or cylinder. This can damage the machine and make it less durable. In case your lawn has such things, it is not advisable to go for a reel mower.

2. Cutting tall grass is difficult

Leaving the grass to grow for too long or if you are looking to cut tall grass, then reel mowers are not the best option as they are not able to reduce the grass entirely in a single pass. You would need to make multiple passes to get an ultimate neat and tidy look.

Tips For Maintaining Reel Mowers

Following are some useful tips recommended by experts that will help you in maintaining reel mowers so that they last for a long time:

  • The reel mower should be wiped regularly. This will not only keep it clean but also make it more durable.
  • The cutter bar should be adjusted appropriately without over-tightening it. With time, it might get loosened and should be tightened regularly. You can refer to the owner’s manual for further details.
  • One should lube the bearings of the lawn mower, usually along with the cutting edges.
  • It is not a good idea to use a reel mower when the grass is wet as it results in uneven cutting. Hence, mowing the grass during the raining season is not advisable.
  • The grass should be mowed in the correct direction as it can affect how the lawn ultimately looks. The growing pattern of grass can vary significantly between different grass varieties.
  • One should not mow for more than one-third of the blades of grass in this way; deep roots are encouraged. Having healthy roots helps the grass in seeking out nutrients and helps in avoiding weeds on the lawn.
  • In case you live in an area where it rains a lot, or if the weather is humid, it is a good idea to keep the reel mower in a separate compartment or covered area; otherwise, it can lead to rusting of this machine.
  • Purchase and use a sharpening kit for the mower’s blade. Check out the recommendation by the manufacturer.

Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I sharpen a reel mower?

A reel mower can be easily sharpened with the help of a process known as back lapping. It is a simple and efficient way of sharpening dull blades of a reel mower. There are several back lapping kits available in the market. These kits contain a handle and a sharpening compound. These compounds are generally grainy substances that can be applied to the cutting edges for sharpening the blades. The method involves attaching the handles of the kit with the reel mower and using a paintbrush to rub the blades with the sharpening compounds. This method needs to be repeated for all the blades.
After this process is done, the reel mower should be pushed backward. This will result in rubbing the blades and sharpening of the blunt edges. You can also drive the reel back; however, it might turn out to be a more tedious process requiring much more effort. If you have a power drill, it will make the process much easier and quicker.

Are reel mowers any good?

Reel mowers are an excellent option for a small lawn or at places where the mowing height is less, i.e., less than half an inch. For higher mowing heights or tall grass, rotary mowers are a better option and should be preferred. Reel mowers are also much more effective if the grass is not too wet. They also work better if the lawn does not have twigs and rocks.

How do I use a reel mower?

The process of using a reel mower is quite simple as compared to other types of lawn mowers. This has been illustrated in the following easy-to-follow steps:
Set the reel mower to the optimum or desired cut height
Start mowing and keep a check on the cutting of the grass with the blades
Remove or brush off any lawn clippings from the reel mower
Turn off the reel mower and keep it in a safe storage space

How do you maintain your reel mower?

A reel mower should have essential maintenance after every third use. The process of maintaining the reel mower is quite simple. Just put it on a workbench and grovel it at the required level. In case it is an old machine, it needs to be sharpened regularly. It is also a good idea to keep a check on the rubber wheels as if they are slick, they wouldn’t get traction, and ultimately, the reel wouldn’t turn in an efficient manner.

Can I cut tall grass with my reel mower?

It can be a challenging task to cut tall grass with the help of a reel mower. A reel mower cannot be set very high, as in the case of a powered mower. But in case you still want to use a reel mower, it is advisable to set the height of the reel mower to 5 or 6 inches or the maximum cutting height and continue with the mowing. This will ensure that you get a neat and tidy look with the reel mower too.

Is a reel mower good for the environment?

A reel mower is particularly a good option for the environment as it does not cause any type of air or noise pollution. The reason being that it does not have any motor, nor does it emit any toxic fumes. The reel mowers are an eco-friendly option and are a much-preferred option by environmentalists and people looking out for an eco-friendly choice.

Conclusion

Reel mowers are a great option to keep your lawn neat and tidy. It is also an eco-friendly and low-cost option that requires minimal maintenance. A reel mower should work according to our satisfaction. The best one is that you can satisfy all your needs and requirements without burning a hole in your pocket. This detailed guide would not only help you in choosing the best reel mower for your lawn but will also help you in understanding how to use it effectively.