Do you dream of a lawn so perfectly manicured it looks like a green carpet? Many homeowners chase that pristine look, but the secret often lies in the tool you use. While gas and electric mowers roar and pollute, a quieter, greener option exists: the reel lawn mower. These classic machines offer a clean, scissor-like cut that modern mowers just cannot match, leaving your grass blades healthier and greener.
However, diving into the world of reel mowers can feel overwhelming. Should you choose a push reel or a powered reel? How do you know if the blades are sharp enough? Many people worry these mowers are too hard to push or only work on tiny yards. These concerns stop good gardeners from enjoying the benefits of a truly superior cut.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what reel mowers do best, compare the different types available today, and give you the simple steps needed to choose the perfect model for your yard size and budget. Get ready to ditch the fumes and discover how easy it is to achieve a professional-grade lawn finish. Let’s explore the best reel lawn mowers on the market!
Top Reel Lawn Mowers Recommendations
- SCISSOR-LIKE CUT: No ripping or tearing of grass blades for a better and healthier lawn
- DESIGNED FOR SMALL LAWNS: CUSTOMIZE YOUR CUT: Effortlessly change the height of your cut with 9 cutting positions varying between 1.1-inches - 2.5-inches
- MAX MANEUVERABILITY: Features an 18-inch deck and 10-inch front wheels for easy navigation around the lawn
- 4-blade reel mower with a cutting width of 14” and durable 8.5” polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability. Lightweight at only 19 pounds. Reel Lawn Mowers are great for small lawns..Deluxe hand-reel mower ideal for most turf grasses.
- This push lawn mower has an adjustable blade height of 0.5”-1.75”. Capable of cutting grass up to 4 inches tall and is less effective on taller grass.
- Manual grass cutter is environment-friendly alternative to other lawn mowers. This push mower is pollution-free, noise-free, low maintenance, lightweight and easy to use.
- Wider 18-Inch Cutting Path – Cover more ground with each pass, reducing mowing time while delivering a precise, scissor-like cut with the 5-blade reel.
- Adjustable Cutting Height – Easily switch between ½ inch to 2 ¾ inches for the perfect lawn height, tailored to different grass types and seasons.
- Ergonomic U-Style Handle – Designed for comfort and control, the cushion-grip U-handle provides a secure, comfortable grip to reduce hand and wrist strain.
- SCISSOR-LIKE CUT: No ripping or tearing of grass blades for a better and healthier lawn
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR CUT: Effortlessly change the height of your cut with 4 cutting positions varying between 1-inch and 2-inches
- MAX MANEUVERABILITY: Features a 14-inch cutting width and 10-inch front wheels for easy navigation around the lawn
- SCISSOR-LIKE CUT: No ripping or tearing of grass blades for a better and healthier lawn
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR CUT: Effortlessly change the height of your cut with 4 cutting positions varying between 1-inche and 2-inches
- MAX MANEUVERABILITY: Features a 16-inch cutting width and 10-inch front wheels for easy navigation around the lawn
- 7-blade reel mower for specific lawns. 7-blade reel mowers are best suited for grass types similar to Bermuda, tiff, bent grass and zoysia
- The 7-blade reel push mower is designed for the active lawn enthusiast enjoys maintaining their short thick grass types
- 7-blade reel with a cutting width of 16" and a newly designed durable 10" wheel for maximum maneuverability
- The Great States motor-less lawnmower with an adjustable cutting height of 0.5"-2.75" for a clean, even cut
- 18" cutting width 5-blade manual push mower with 5-blade ball-bearings, and 10" composite wheels
- Push mower blades are made of high-quality alloy steel that stay sharp longer
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Reel Lawn Mower
Reel lawn mowers offer a fantastic way to keep your grass looking sharp and healthy. Unlike noisy gas mowers, these push-powered machines use spinning blades to cleanly snip grass. This guide will help you select the best one for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Cutting Width: This is how wide the mower cuts in one pass. Wider mowers finish large lawns faster. Smaller widths (around 14 inches) are great for tight spaces.
- Cutting Height Adjustment: You need to control how tall the grass is cut. Look for easy-to-use levers or knobs that let you quickly change the height for different seasons or grass types.
- Number of Blades: Most quality reel mowers have five or seven blades. More blades mean a cleaner, finer cut, which is better for your lawn’s health.
- Wheel Size: Larger wheels roll easier, especially over uneven ground or thicker grass.
Important Materials That Matter
The materials used determine how long your mower lasts and how smoothly it cuts.
Blades and Bedknife
The blades must be strong. Look for mowers with blades made from heat-treated or hardened steel. These stay sharp longer. The bedknife is the stationary blade the reel blades cut against. A sturdy, well-aligned bedknife is crucial for a quality cut.
Frame and Wheels
Frames made of heavy-duty steel offer the best durability. Plastic wheels can wear out quickly. Choose mowers with durable metal or thick, high-quality composite wheels for better performance on grass.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few design choices really separate a great reel mower from a frustrating one.
Quality Boosters:
- Ball Bearings: Mowers using ball bearings in the wheels and reel assembly spin much easier. This reduces the effort you need to push.
- Easy Adjustment: Simple, tool-free height adjustments make maintenance simple.
Quality Reducers:
- Blade Rub: If the blades rub too tightly against the bedknife (creating a grinding sound), the mower will be hard to push and will dull the blades quickly. Good manufacturing prevents this.
- Flimsy Handles: Thin, wobbly handles make steering difficult and can break over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Reel mowers shine in specific situations. They work best on lawns that are mowed frequently.
Who Should Buy a Reel Mower?
These mowers are perfect for small to medium-sized yards (under a quarter acre). They are excellent if you cut your grass often—ideally every 4 to 7 days. They produce the best “striped” look on your lawn.
When to Avoid a Reel Mower
If your grass gets very long between cuts (over 6 inches), a reel mower struggles. They also do not handle thick weeds, sticks, or very bumpy, rough terrain well. Heavy-duty gas mowers handle that mess better.
Remember, the best reel mower gives you a quiet, eco-friendly trim that keeps your lawn looking like a golf course fairway!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Reel Lawn Mowers
Q: Are reel mowers hard to push?
A: Modern reel mowers are much easier to push than older models, especially if they have ball bearings and sharp blades. They require more effort than a self-propelled mower, but they are very light.
Q: Do reel mowers cut weeds?
A: They cut grass very well. They often struggle with thick, woody weeds or very tall grass. For the best results, mow before the grass gets too high.
Q: How often do I need to sharpen the blades?
A: If you buy a high-quality model, the blades might stay sharp for several years of regular use. Cheaper models might need sharpening every season. Some users sharpen them yearly as preventative maintenance.
Q: Can I use a reel mower on a hilly yard?
A: Yes, you can. However, you must push them straight up and down slopes, not side-to-side. Larger wheels help handle slight unevenness.
Q: Do reel mowers bag the clippings?
A: Most traditional reel mowers do not have bags. They naturally drop the fine clippings back onto the lawn, where they act as natural fertilizer (mulching).
Q: What is the “bedknife” on a reel mower?
A: The bedknife is the fixed, lower blade that sits stationary. The spinning reel blades cut the grass against this fixed edge, similar to using scissors.
Q: Are reel mowers loud?
A: No. They are very quiet. You will mostly hear the sound of the blades cutting the grass, which is much quieter than a gas engine.
Q: What is the best cutting height for a reel mower?
A: Most reel mowers cut between 1 and 2.5 inches. They are best for shorter lawn heights, typically between 1 and 1.5 inches.
Q: How do I store my reel mower during winter?
A: Clean off all grass clippings. Lightly oil the metal parts to prevent rust. Store it in a dry place, like a shed or garage.
Q: Why is my reel mower not cutting cleanly?
A: This usually means the blades are dull, or the gap between the reel blades and the bedknife is too wide. You may need to adjust or sharpen the cutting system.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!