When it comes to taking care of your lawn, there is nothing more classic than using a reel mower to keep it neatly trimmed. Yes, many of you may think of this as an outdated piece of vintage equipment. However, a reel mower has some major benefits.
Compared to the heavy old manual lawn mowers of a different era, there are some fantastic modern reel mowers on the market today that can really change your perception of the tool. We have rounded up a short list of the best reel mowers available at the moment, and the benefits of using one.
Review Of Our Top 5 Best Reel Mowers
American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14
This built to last piece of machinery is the perfect tool for keeping your lawn neat and trim. This is a 14 inch, four blade push mower made by American Lawn Mower Company – a great name in the field. This mower will really get the job done, and with minimal effort too.
Featuring a four blade reel, you will have amazing versatility for all of the common grass types. Whether your lawn is of fescue, bluegrass, rye, or crabgrass type, this mower can perfectly adapt to the situation. This reel has a ball bearing which allows for ultra precision and care when cutting your lawn.
The mower has a 14-inch cutting width and 8.5-inch composite wheels. This really is a great size for such a tool as it is large enough to make an impact on your lawn but small enough to store with absolute ease.
A useful feature of this product is the adjustable height option. The mower can have a cutting height of 0.5 inch – 1.75 inch. This kind of cut is as clean as it gets, and can only be compared to using scissors.
As would be expected from American Lawn Mower Company, the blades are quality and built to last. Made from specialised heat-treated alloy steel, these blades will stay sharp for a good long time. This will give your push mower a very long life.
Main Features
- Four blade ball bearing reel
- 14-inch cutting width
- Adjustable height of 0.5 inch – 1.75 inch
- Attachable T handle
Pros
- Low maintenance
- Versatile for different grass types
- Easy to put together
- Lightweight
Cons
- Needs unscrewing to adjust the height
Great States 815-18
Now here is a push lawn mower that really means business. For those with a bigger lawn to maintain, it is necessary to consider a larger, more heavy duty mower. This product by Great States is one of the best reel mowers for bigger spaces. The 815-18 offers superior comfort and ease of use when pushing around your lawn for an extended period, while still giving you that bit of extra size and bulk needed for a big yard.
This mower boasts a five blade ball bearing reel for fantastic precision cutting. While rotary mowers will hack away at your grass, resulting in a torn up lawn, this push mower provides a clean cut with its precision blades. This is a super easy to use tool that offers great results.,
Featuring an adjustable cutting height of 0.5 inch – 2.75 inch, you can get more versatility and option in this mower. This makes it one of the best reel mowers for those wanting to use it on a variety of grasses and landscapes.
The mower has an 18-inch cutting inch, as well as 10-inch composite wheels. This is a good size for serious use. The handle is of the loop style with a really comfortable cushioned grip. Most gardeners prefer this style of handle when pushing their mower for an extended period. This kind of handle also tends to be sturdier and longer lasting.
This reel mower by Great States is quiet, easy to use, and made with lasting quality. The blades, which are made from a heat treated alloy steel, are perfectly sharp for a precision trim. This is a mower that is perfect for those who want to take their lawn maintenance to the next level.
Main Features
- 18-inch cutting width and 10-inch composite wheels
- Comfortable loop style handle
- Adjustable cutting height of 0.5 inch – 2.75 inch
- Five blade ball bearing wheel
Pros
- Built to last high quality
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- Tool-free assembly
- Great price
Cons
- Only cuts when being pushed forwards
Greenworks 20 Inch 5 Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher 25072
This high-performance machine is definitely one of the best reel mowers on the market right now. Greenworks has created a quiet, lightweight and precision push mower that is about as similar to a power mower as one could get. However, this still keeps all of the great perks that a reel mower has – such as being environmentally friendly, quiet to use, and of course, being nicely affordable.
Because this mower features an impressive 20-inch cutting width it would be a good choice if you have a larger lawn to manage or just want to get the job done quicker. Not only is the width greater though, but this mower also offers you more than many others.
The Greenworks push mower has four wheels – 10 inches in the front and 6 inches in the rear. Having this extra set of wheels adds to the maneuverability and ease of use. You will also get greater support and for those long sessions in the garden.
If you want to keep your trimmings or have an even neater lawn then the added grass catcher is fantastic. The mower comes with a really great feature with its 2-in-1 mulching and rear discharge capabilities. This lawn mower can seriously improve your gardening skills.
The height adjustment feature comes in 9 different available settings. This offers you a really wide range of options that can be applied to all types of grass. This mower is thoughtfully designed to not just make your lawn maintenance more environmentally friendly, but to keep your grass happier too.
Main Features
- 20-inch cutting path
- 5 blade push reel
- 4 wheels for greater maneuverability
- Comes with a grass catcher
- 2-in-1 mulching and rear discharge capabilities
- Steel deck material
Pros
- Easy to handle
- A wider cutting path for added efficiency
- 9 different height options
- 4 year warranty
Cons
- Handle height isn’t very adjustable
- Resistance increases with longer grass
Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20 Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower
This is such a classic push mower with some great modern features. If you are in the market for a reel lawn mower that has that real old school look and feel but is built with some of the best quality features that modern technology can offer, then this mower is a great pick. This model by Scotts Outdoor Power Tools will be sure to last you a lifetime if cared for properly.
Featuring a 20-inch cutting width, this mower can get the job done faster and with less effort. Not only is it efficient with its cutting size though, but this mower is also exceptionally easy to maneuver around due to its four-wheel setup. The 2000-20 classic push reel lawn mower’s dual wheel tracking will vastly improve the way you handle and push around this mower.
The clean and sharp cut that you get from this product is all thanks to the five blade steel reel. Made with top quality, heat treated alloy steel, these blades will stay sharper for longer, giving your mower an amazing lifespan.
This product also includes the nifty feature of a quick-snap 1-inch to 3-inch cutting height adjustment. This enables you to increase your versatility while taking care of the lawn and will ensure a clean, sharp cut of every blade of grass.
The ergonomic handle is a pleasure when it comes to handling this mower, and with the cushioned grip you can push it with ease over long periods. Not only is it really functional, but the mower also looks amazing. This is a classic looking piece of equipment that will greatly enhance any gardeners work.
Main Features
- 20-inch cutting width
- 5 Blade ball bearing reel
- Dual wheel tracking
- Rigid steel handle
- Quick-snap height adjustment
Pros
- Easy tool-free assembly
- Easy to maneuver
- Lightweight
- Looks great
Cons
- On the more expensive side
Sun Joe MJ501M Mow Joe
For what you pay for this piece of equipment, this is definitely one of the best reel mowers available at the moment. The Mow Joe offers you a list of quality features all packed into a mower that is budget friendly. This would be a great purchase for those wanting to get the most out of what a modern-day push reel mower can offer.
This product by Sun Joe is super easy to push and maneuver around small lawns. This is partly due to its lightweight, but also to its quad wheel setup. The Mow Joe consists of two large 10-inch wheel up front and two smaller 6-inch wheels at the back. This allows for a mower that is really easy to handle.
It has an 18-inch cutting width, so it is best suited for those with a smaller lawn. Remember that a smaller cutting width also means the piece of equipment will be easier to pack away.
There is also an easily detachable grass catcher. This is a perfect feature for those who want to collect their lawn trimmings and avoid a messy path of clippings behind them.
The Mow Joe also comes with a nine-position manual height adjustment feature. For those looking to get a clean and sharp cut on all types of grass, having a good height adjustment available to you will make a big difference.
Main Features
- 18-inch cutting width
- Four wheels for better maneuverability
- 6.6 Gallon grass catcher
- 9 Position manual height adjustment
- 5 Steel blades
Pros
- Really easy to handle
- The grass catcher is easy to detach
- Zero maintenance
- Comfortable foam grip
Cons
- Can get jammed or stuck
Buying Guide – What to Look Out For When Buying a Reel Mower
A manual push mower may seem like a very simple piece of equipment. Yes, this may be true. However, there are many different features and parts which can really affect the way your mower will perform.
When buying any new piece of equipment for your home, it is important that you know exactly what you are looking for. Here are some things to look out for when purchasing a reel mower.
Cutting Width
This refers to exactly how wide the blades of your mower are. Remember, your mower will only be able to cut as much grass as you can put through it, so having a decently sized cutting width can make your life far easier.
Basically, if you have a bigger lawn or want to push the mower around less, then go for a wider cutting blade. However, mowers with a small width are easier to store and easier to handle over a small lawn.
Number of Blades and Blade Durability
Having a greater number of blades on your mowers reel will results in a faster, better cut. Most standard push mowers will come with a five-blade reel. This is ideal for many situations and will result in a clean cut of your grass.
It is important to consider the blade durability as well. If the blades are made up of a stronger material and can stay sharper for longer, then this should ultimately lead to your mower living a longer lifespan.
Slope or Flat Terrain
Depending on the terrain of your lawn, you will need to carefully select your mower. If you plan on cutting grass that grows over a slope, it is vital that your push mower will be able to handle this. Make sure to check this feature out before purchasing.
Grass Catchers
Having a grass catcher attached to your reel mower is a great way to make your yard work a much neater event. A grass catcher will leave a clear trail behind your mower and will result in zero clippings lying around (which could mean more work for you).
Some mowers come with grass catchers that are easily detachable and easy to store.
Mower Weight
This is a hugely important thing to consider when looking for the right push mower. While push mowers come with so many benefits from not having a motor (such as being eco-friendly), they also require you to act as their power source. If you have a large yard and will be pushing a mower all over it, having a lighter product will make your life so much easier. Make sure that your mower is as light and easy to handle as possible in order to reduce strain on the person pushing it around.
Adjustable Height
Most good modern reel mowers come with the added benefit of having an adjustable height. Being able to adjust and control the height of the cutting blades will give you greater freedom and results when trimming the grass.
An adjustable cutting height means that your mower will be more versatile, and can adapt to different terrains and grass types easier. The greater the range of your cutting height, the more versatile your mower will be.
Why Get A Reel Mower
These days there are many different types of lawnmowers to choose from. Electric, gas powered, battery powered, or even robot lawn mowers all exist at the moment. So why would someone want to use a manual tool instead of a modern power mower? There are some clear benefits you can reap from buying a reel mower these days.
Reel Mowers Are Cheaper
Looking after your budget is always a major factor when purchasing household equipment. Buying a reel mower as opposed to a power mower can save you a great deal of money. Not only are they far cheaper to buy, but they also cost basically nothing to maintain.
A good quality modern reel mower can save you a great deal of money in the long run.
Better For Your Lawn
Many avid gardeners will agree that hand cutting your lawn is the only way it should be done. Any good reel mower will precisely cut each blade of grass and then seal it. This keeps your grass greener and healthier. Power mowers rather tear up your grass, something which can lead to a very unhealthy lawn. There is also a certain personal touch that a reel mower gives your lawn which just cannot be found from a power mower.
Better For You
Using a reel mower is not only good for your lawn, but it’s also good for you too! You can get some healthy aerobic exercise in when pushing a manual mower around the yard. This way you can get your lawn trimmed while keeping your health happy at the same time.
Better For The Environment
Wheeling around your human-powered lawn mower is way better for the environment than using a power mower. Whether it is gas or electric, these mowers can have a terrible environmental impact when in use.
Not only are the fumes and emissions non-existent, but there is also no noise pollution with a manual model.
Low Maintenance
Once you have bought your reel mower, there’s not really anything you need to do to it. These devices require the bare minimum in maintenance. There are no tricky parts or electrical issues to worry about, just a simple blade mechanism.
Easy to Store
Reel mowers are small and compact. Compared to bulky power mowers, you can store these almost anywhere. Inside, outside, in small gaps, or even hung on a wall.
With all of these benefits in mind, buying a reel mower is a brilliant idea for any enthusiastic gardener.
Start Mowing
Reel mowers are not just old manual inventions of the past. With the world needing to become more environmentally conscious wherever possible, reel mowers are more relevant than ever. With so many great benefits and reasons to use a push mower, why not try one out. There are some amazing modern reel mowers on the market today, so there really is no reason not to consider giving one of these gadgets a try.