This five-blade mower has a wide 20-inch cut so you’ll get the job done in fewer passes. Lastly, it comes with a quick adjustment range of 1-inch to 3 inches for a vast range of grass heights. Now, crank for about ten minutes or so, still backward. She has written for Dotdash since May 2019. We choose the top most quality product, which comes with amazing features you’ve never heard before. Fiskars Stay Sharp Max Reel Mower, Best Budget: Greenworks 25072 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Best with Grass Catcher: If you choose to mow your lawn with your reel mower while the grass is wet, you will experience increased resistance, and you will burn more calories for sure. Apply the compound with a brush on the edge of each reel blade and turn the reel in a counter-clockwise direction (this is opposite of the normal mowing rotation). Reel mowers are not designed for large yards unless you have ample spare time and plenty of energy; most manufacturers suggest these mowers are best for lawns no larger than a quarter to a half acre. After a while, your arm may tire, so it might be a good idea to have another person who can take over cranking duties. If you have quick-growing, tall grass, a reel mower will be less effective. Because the reel usually is not removable, it’s a bit challenging. It’s great for a small yard but don’t let the grass get taller than 4 inches or you’ll have to make multiple passes. If you can't lift or move your mower with ease, you'll struggle to push and utilize it. Research shows that turf grasses do provide benefits such as storm runoff reduction, removal of impurities during percolation of the water through the root zone, and the ability to mitigate the urban heat island effect. This reel mower is easy to assemble and inexpensive at just $89.99, making it an excellent choice for any household, lawn, and grass type. Naturally, the more expensive options are equipped with great features. It has a 14-inch cutting path and measures 20 inches by 24 inches by 42.5 inches. This mower strikes a beautiful balance of being cost-effective, size, and weight. Every mower is a little different but in general, you’ll remove one wheel and the gear under it, then insert the crank handle into that same hole. A decent mower usually ranges between 70 to 300 dollars. Blade cutting height - Number of Blades- Reel mowers come with various blades; the most common range is five blades to ten blades. It’s pricey, but it’s built for durability with heavy commercial-grade parts. Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our The push reel mower is making a comeback for lawns across the United States. These grass types are traditionally difficult for reel mowers to cut, making this reel mower an impactful player for yards with these types of grass. Treehugger wants to help homeowners find garden tools which have no or little impact on the environment. Then, apply the lapping compound to the very edge of the blades. For example, there’s a big difference in how it feels to push a 20-pound reel mower versus a 50-pounder around the yard for 45 minutes, especially if you’re less active or have underlying health conditions. This scissoring motion creates a cleaner cut and is healthier for your lawn. If you have a hilly yard, it’s definitely a challenge to mow uphill! This reel mower is definitely the gold standard. Great States 14 Inch Wide 5-Blade Reel Lawn Mower, The Best Containers for Small Gardens and Spaces, Best for Medium-Sized Yards: There are plenty of YouTube videos to show you how it's done, or if this doesn't sound like your cup of tea, have it sharpened by a mower shop. Cutting heights can be adjusted from .5 inches to 1.75 inches. A: Reel mowers are lawn mowers with blades that spin vertically and use a scissoring motion to cut the grass. Reel Mowing Lawns and Best Reel Mowers. The brush bar at the bottom front of the mower presses the blades of grass downward as you push the mower forward. It’s like scissor blades coming together and sliding across each other to cut a piece of paper. If your lawn is small that needs weekly mowing, you may get an affordable model. The 8 Best Outdoor Compost Tumblers and Bins of 2021, Everything You Need to Know About Lawn Fertilizer, The 9 Best Patio Umbrellas and Stands of 2021, The 8 Best Biodegradable Trash Bags of 2021, The 7 Best Energy-Efficient Vacuum Cleaners of 2021, The 7 Best Sustainable Adirondack Chairs of 2021, The 6 Best Sharpening Stones to Maintain Your Knives, The 8 Best Eco-Friendly Dog Collars of 2021, The 8 Best Zero-Waste Travel Items of 2021. How do you sharpen push reel mower blades? You can rest easy knowing your purchase also comes with a 2-year warranty to protect your mower, making it a nice gift for gardeners. You will need three items, a crank or object to turn the blades, a lapping compound, which is an abrasive suspended in a thick goo, and something to apply the lapping compound with, like a paintbrush or other instrument. If you love to have the most cutting-edge technology, this is the mower for you. To keep lawn cuttings off your feet, this mower also has rear bag capabilities. Push reel mowers are healthier for your lawn and cut with a different motion than rotary mowers. This lightweight mower is 23.1 inches by 10.6 inches by 13.18 inches and has a 16-inch cutting width. This revitalized relic piece of machinery is less hazardous for the user and healthier for the lawn than a rotary mower. There’s also resistance from the wheels, which are what cause the reel blades to rotate. A: While most might assume you need a knife or blade sharpener or other instruments to sharpen the blades on your reel mower, this is not the case. You can opt-out at any time. However, this lawnmower weighs in at 24.1 pounds, making it easy to carry, store, and push. It's an affordable option, but that it tends to bend, rather than cut some tall weeds, which actually is typical for many reel mowers. At 21 pounds, it’s lightweight and maneuverable so it’s ideal for small yards. This package gets you some serious bang for your buck with this combo reel mower and blower package. You can be confident in your purchase with a limited three-year warranty. A 5-blade ball bearing reel and an adjustable cutting height of .5 inches to 2.5 inches make this mower versatile and capable of cutting lawns of many sizes with ease. You will get a workout cutting your yard with a reel mower regardless of size and weight, but how much of a work out depends on the above factors. This affordable mower provides a 14-inch cutting path and weighs less than 25 pounds. At $79, this lightweight mower is an excellent choice for any lawn and home, especially those who want something incredibly portable and lightweight. The 10-inch dual-track wheels and ergonomic handle with a cushioned grip make it easier to steer and move around your lawn. Lastly, you'll need to sharpen the blades occasionally. This mower offers a 14-inch cutting path; this size is on the small side. Like all things in life, if you don't take care of your reel mower, it won't last as long. "With an 18-inch-wide cut and two sets of wheels for cutting closer to edges, this mower is a good size for most medium yards. This length can range from 14 inches to 20 inches: the shorter the range, the more passes you'll need to finish mowing your lawn. Reel mowers are lawn mowers with blades that spin vertically and use a scissoring motion to cut the grass. While reel mowers cut does make for a healthier lawn, which is, in turn, better overall, they aren't suitable for all yards. A: This topic is quite the debate! After you finish mowing, make sure you wash off any remaining grass clippings. Our favorite of the best reel mowers is the Greenworks Reel Mower. Sun Joe MJ401C-XR 14-Inch 28V 5 Ah Cordless Lawn Mower w/Brushless Motor, Green 4.3 out of 5 stars 294 Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 415-16S 16-Inch Elite Push Reel Lawn Mower, Green Because they do not have an engine, require gas, spark plugs, or other electrical bits, their maintenance is a breeze. They’re also an alternative to electric corded or battery-powered mowers, which have a limited run time before requiring recharging. The five durable steel blades and nine-position adjustable cutting height of 1.1 to 2.9 inches make this mower surprisingly flexible and suitable for almost all lawns and homes. Maintenance - Reel mowers are generally much more low maintenance than rotary motors. Our Rating: (4.5/5) This Ariens riding lawn-mower is the perfect model for larger properties or commercial use. Hot engines can cause burns as well. With the right lawn mower, cutting your grass can be much less of a chore. Size - Reel mower size plays a factor in how easy it is to mow your lawn. ", "Rest easy with this budget-friendly mower's two-year warranty. However, turf isn’t all bad. Push lawn mowers are reliable, handy to have, and can accommodate a range of lawns and terrain types. You should consider your lawn size, terrain, and height before deciding if a reel mower will cut your grass better. The five steel blades cut grass and deposit it into the included grass catcher, so it doesn’t end up all over you or your lawn. Reel mowers typically have cutting widths from 14 inches to 21 inches wide. Arricca SanSone is a health and lifestyle writer, specializing in home, shelter, and gardening. It’s light and maneuverable and a good value. It weighs 32.4 pounds, has 10-inch front wheels, and 2-inch rear rollers, making it maneuverable for most users. These professional passions allow her the time to live life outside as a rock climber, skier, runner, backpacker, paddle boarder, swimmer, and explorer. American Lawn Mower Deluxe Hand Reel Mower, Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 20-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower, DuroStar 16-Inch 5-Blade Height Adjustable Reel Mower, Sun Joe 14-Inch Quad Wheel Manual Reel Mower, GET THE VERY BEST OF GEARHUNGRY STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX, I confirm I wish to sign up to the Gear Hungry mailing list, Editorial Guidelines: How We Create Reviews and Buyer’s Guides. If you don’t know what kind of grass you have, your local university county coop extension service (find yours here) can help you identify it. Most reel mowers need sharpened every year or two. The one-touch height adjustment ranges from 1 inch to 4 inches so it can accommodate different types of grass including tough species such as St. Augustine, Bermuda and Zoysia. Her product testing and feedback have shaped the design of everything from climbing shoes to candles. Reel mowers with wider cutting paths may be heavier and harder to push. This mower’s size makes it easy to use and excellent for younger folks and teenagers to use, too, as they learn to cut the lawn. The STIHL MS 271 – Farm Boss Chainsaw – Beshomegear.com . What's the Most Environmentally Sound Way to Care for My Lawn? The company says the steel blades stay sharp for several years, so you’ll be able to go a while in between sharpening tasks. High quality, luxury grade lawns and sports surfaces are mown with ALLETT reel mowers. The advantage of using a reel mower on Zoysia instead of a rotary one is that it prevents clipping clumps and stops potential scalping. A kit typically contains grinding compound, application brush, and a back-lapping crank. They’re also not great on lawns that aren’t completely level because the wheels can lose contact with the ground so it may miss spots. Enjoy our selection below of the best reel mowers. This is a product that does a decent job for a decent amount of … If you own a landscaping company and you’re searching for an affordable riding lawn mower that can handle heavy daily use, then the IKON is it. Best Reel Mower: Sun Joe 18-Inch Quad-Wheel Push Reel Mower This old school-style mower has a five-blade system and a five-position adjustable cutting height for hassle-free maneuvering. While there are still some dangers associated with reel mowers, they are exponentially safer than the alternative options. The cutting height adjusts from 1 inch to 2.5 inches. The easiest method is to invest in an inexpensive sharpening kit, sometimes called a back-lapping kit (view on Home Depot). The weight may also affect the storage and transportability of your reel mower. BEST VALUE: Great States 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower For affordability and mowing ease, the Great States 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is … In fact, the first U.S. patent for a reel type mower was 1868, and it looks almost identical to today’s version! Best Cordless Lawn Mowers of 2021: Whisper-Quiet Lawn Care, This product guide was written by Tuesday Kahl. You'll want to double-check each blade and make sure it's clean before storage. Typically, the only maintenance necessary is occasional lubrication of the bearings and blade sharpening every few years. We have filter more than 100+ of product to give you top […] This mower has a one-year limited warranty. They’ve developed the StaySharp cutting system for contactless cutting that increases the blades’ life and the time between sharpening them. If you choose a ten-blade mower for your lawn, you should be ready to mow three times per week. Some reel mowers come with grass catchers as well, though they’re typically small and need to be emptied often. This mower is quiet with contactless cutting, no more loud engines droning out the rest of the world as you mow. This mower has the same cutting-edge InertiaDrive and StaySharp technology as its counterpart earlier in this list, but with a slightly smaller cutting width and lighter weight. While this mower might be a little trickier to maneuver than some of its counterparts, it covers an unmatched surface area, making your mowing go by faster. For just $75, the DuroStar 16-Inch 5-Blade Height Adjustable Reel Mower provides an exceptionally versatile cutting ability for a low cost. They don't have the same maintenance issues as rotary mowers. During the hot summer months it’s often a good choice to reel mow later in the day when the temps are dropping and the sun is dropping. Reel mowers have limitations, though; they are not an optimal choice for rocky and uneven yards and cannot cut tall grass. Best with Grass Catcher: Sun Joe MJ500M Manual Reel Mower w/ Grass Catcher Buy on Amazon Buy on Home Depot This five-blade mower has a … A reel mower is like cart a with a long handle. Two sets of wheels (front 10-inch and rear 6-inch) make it more maneuverable on the lawn, and it discharges grass to the rear or into the included grass catcher. Six blade reel mowers are ideal for gardens. If you want a more powerful device, check out our selection of the best riding lawn mowers to buy right now. Reel mowers usually have an adjustable height range for the size of grass they can cut. If your yard is medium-sized, stick with wider cuts or you’ll need to make lots of passes. This mower is also one of the lightest on our list at just 20 pounds. Reel mowers will be more work when you use them, but as they are people-powered, you won't need to mess around with spark plugs, gasoline, motors, or anything of the sort. If you just want your grass cutting, you may decide on a rotary machine, but if you want a beautifully presented lawn like those you see at Major League baseball or EPL football grounds you should choose an ALLETT cylinder-reel mower. At the very least, mow less frequently, which recent studies have found is beneficial for pollinator populations. The 8.5-inch polymer wheels also make for excellent maneuverability around your yard. After you apply, you can use a crank or other instrument to move the wheels backward and continue applying until each blade has some lapping compound. This mower is a seven-blade ball bearing reel mower with a 16″ cutting width. Remington 16 in. This mower weighs in at a shocking 2.2 pounds, the lightest device on our list by far. Reel mowers are powered by you so you won't create planet-heating emissions or other pollutants while you cut the grass. It'll be more complicated than if the grass is dry, but if a workout is what you're after, then using your reel mower after a rainstorm might be a decent idea. After a while, you should start seeing the shiny edges appear with a bit of corrosion. It has an adjustable handle, aluminum wheels with standard 10-inch rubber tires, a stainless-steel shaft, and six riveted steel reel blades. However, the widest reel mowers need fewer passes because of the size of your cutting path. The Great States 5-Blade Push Reel Mower is the epitome of simplicity. Ten blade reel mowers serve a particular purpose. Weight - The weight of a reel mower will determine how hard it is to push. These mowers require less maintenance and are cheaper, but they need extra elbow grease to get your lawn mowed. The 10-inch heavy-duty wheels keep this mower mobile. The Fiskars 17-Inch Reel Mower is another technology-driven mower from the Fiskars line. The price tag of $105 sits in the mid-range of reel mowers’ prices, but the included blower makes this package a steal. The Greenworks 16-Inch Reel Mower provides a 16-inch cutting path and an adjustable 4 stage cutting height of 1 1/8 inches to 2 ¼ inches. The T style handle sits at a comfortable height for most users and features a cushioned grip for comfort while mowing. Wait…aren’t lawns bad for the environment? Reel mowers will damage your lawn if mowed while wet less than a traditional mower because of the way they cut, and their weight shouldn't change the terrain of your lawn as a rotary mower will. The American Lawn Mower Deluxe Hand Reel Mower is another smaller mower that packs a punch. Best Commercial-Ariens 915223 IKON-X Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower. If you’re looking for the best reel mower for Zoysia grass, you would be glad with FiskarStaySharp Max Reel. This factor could end up saving you more energy in the long run if you have to make fewer passes across your lawn but will require more effort output in that short time. Watch your fingers and wear gloves! This mower weighs in at just 26 pounds and is lightweight for all users and can fit into any storage shed. Other features include reversible grass chutes that adjust to send clippings forward, backward, or downwards and away from your feet, keeping you cleaner. It weighs about 52 pounds so you’re going to work hard. The downside? The helical contact-free blades also provide silent cutting and will save you from rotary mower headaches. Cutting height is adjustable on most mowers, ranging from roughly .5 inch to 4 inches. That depends on several factors, including your fitness level and the mower's size. ", " At 21 pounds, this mower is lightweight and maneuverable so it’s ideal for smaller lawns. ", "It’s pricey, but this mower is built for durability with heavy commercial-grade parts. They’ve improved the reel itself as well. The adjustable cutting height of 1 inch to 1.75 inches is smaller than some of the other ranges on this list but still provides plenty of range. Reel Lawn Mower at Walmart, Great States 14 Inch Wide 5-Blade Reel Lawn Mower at Walmart, Greenworks 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower at Walmart, Sun Joe Manual Reel Mower w/ Grass Catcher at Amazon, Clipper USA 19" Reel Mower at Lehmans.com, Best Overall: This mower also requires no tools for assembly so you can put this mower right to work. The Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower is the reel mower to get. Her fierce love for the outdoors fuels everything she does. A: Each reel mower comes with different dimensions, cutting paths, and weight. It weighs in at 31 pounds instead of 50, cuts a wide swatch and comes with a grass catcher. Reel mowing lawns and Doc explains his top pick for reel mowers. For more details, see our Privacy Policy. We’ve scoured yards and the internet for information about how to choose a reel mower and if a reel mower is right for your lawn and life. As the reel spins, the grass is caught in between the reel blades and the cutter bar, or blade, which is at the back of the mower. Ten blade mowers are best for maintaining bowling and putting greens or very short grass. However, you will need fewer passes with a wider path. If your grass grows quickly and you plan to mow a bit less, this mower is an excellent choice for your lawn. It has 10-inch wheels in front and 6-inch wheels in back for better maneuverability, and it comes with a two-year warranty. The Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 20-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower offers the most extensive cutting width of our selection of mowers. These two items shouldn't take long at all. That’s because clean cuts improve grass recovery after a mowing, decrease water loss, increase photosynthesis, and reduce risk of disease development. The 19-inch mower weighs in at 42 pounds, and Clipper also makes versions with 17 and 21-inch cutting widths. Consider the size of your lawn and how many passes you'll need to make with each mower before you make your purchase. It’s extremely quiet and does a good job for the price. The instructions for this process are below! In fact, this scissor action produces a clean, even cut, which is beneficial for turf health. The company has been around for 125 years and was acquired in 1936 by American Lawn Mower Company, which makes nearly identical reel mower models under other brand names including Earthwise and Scotts. Reel mowers also snip the grass like a pair of scissors, which is overall healthier for your lawn. Homeowner Range Today the Allett brand of walk-behind garden cylinder mowers from our homeowner mower range are leaders within their various market sectors, providing users with expertly-built, reliable, well-proven grass-cutting cylinder mowers which produce a seemingly effortless first-class finish to every lawn on which they are used. Manual Walk Behind Reel Lawn Mower, Best for Small Yards: So, it would be best if you didn’t break your bank trying to get a premium lawn mower when a reel mower can do the job even better. It comes with a two-year limited warranty. Regular rotary lawn mowers have evolved to help us manage these lawns and the regulations many homeowners’ associations have placed on them. ", "A grass catcher is included, making this a budget-friendly choice if you wish to pick up clippings. Best Gas Powered Reel Mower. While they follow the same principles and design as your grandpa’s mower, modern reel mowers have evolved for more comfortable use, less maintenance, and more versatility. Reel mowers also struggle with some types of grass. Turn the crank for about 10 minutes. Our top pick for its size and versatility is the Fiskars Stay Sharp Max Reel Mower (view at Amazon). If you want to buy the best manual reel lawn mower that also doesn’t cost you a huge amount, you may want to consider the American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower. It comes with a three-year limited warranty, one of the longer in the industry. Most reel mower blades are alloy steel. You should expect to sharpen the heat-treated allow steel blades every three to five years. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. It’s dimensions measure 20″  by 42.5 inches by 24 inches. It performs great, it is heavy to lift over obstacles. If you leave your mower out in the elements to rust or don't clean the clippings off your mower after you mow your lawn, you'll end up with a mower that doesn't last you long at all. This REEL mower is ideal for a homeowner looking to get their lawn in tip top condition. At $107, this mower specializes in cutting bentgrass. If you’ve long wanted a reel mower but haven’t found one suitable for your dense lawn, this choice is your answer. Assessing your lawn's size and what you can reasonably push is essential before deciding on a reel mower. Arricca SanSone specializes in writing about home, shelter, and gardening. At $139, this mower provides a lot of power for just a hair more money than some of our other selections. The adjustable cutting height from 1.5 inches to 3.5inches is one of the more extensive ranges on our list. A grass catcher is included, making this a budget-friendly choice if you wish to pick up clippings (such as when you let the lawn get too long before cutting). [responsivevoice_button voice=”UK English Female” buttontext=”Listen to Post”] How Reel Mower Helps Us In Gardening. Heavily watered and chemically treated lawns can have a big negative impact on the environment, and some pesticides used on lawns can even pose a health risk to children and pets. A reel mower or push mower may work for one yard, while a riding mower may prove best for another. But if you reduce the size of your lawn by replacing at least some of it with native plants and flowers, you’ll also decrease the resources needed for its maintenance. So you may get the job done faster. If they aren't totally shiny, apply more compound and keep going. In the video below he tells you the rules you should follow which include certain reel mower features to look for. Pay attention to this feature so that you choose one that will allow you to cut your grass at the correct height for its species to keep it healthy. Most turfgrass experts recommend you leave the cuttings on the lawn as organic fertilizer. Rotary mowers also come with additional maintenance, parts, and hazards.