6 Best Lawn Mowers for Bermuda Grass – Reviews 2021 Buyer Guide. Front throw lawn mower

10.06.2023 Fordrejurus bermuda, best, lawn, mowers

Best Lawn Mowers for Bermuda Grass – Reviews 2021 Buyer Guide

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When mowing a Bermuda grass lawn, you want a precise, clean cut that leaves behind a greener, healthier and very attractive lawn. To get that right, the best lawn mower for Bermuda grass is one that snips the leaf blades instead of hacking, splitting, tearing, and chewing up grass blades.

If you have a Bermuda grass lawn, you should choose a reel mower over a rotary mower – all the time. It will produce the best cut without damaging the leaves of your lawn, causing browning and possible disease attacks.

But since there are quite many of them out there, I’ll recommend the very best (from testing) and tell you why they’re the best.

Top 3 Compared

Clean, even cut at 1-4 inches (no hacking grass blades).
60% easier to push than other reel mowers.
Won’t scalp your lawn even at low cutting height.
Directs clippings downward (but not on your feet)!
5-position height adjustment 1.25 inch to 3.3 inch.
Best budget-friendly self-propelled mower.
Cuts 400sq. meters on a single charge.
Clean, even cut with rear bagging and mulching.
Very clean cut at 1″ to 3″ height adjustments.
Lightweight (34lbs), easy to push and maneuver.
Wide cutting deck. 20-inches.
Does not jam even in tall Bermudagrass.
Clean, even cut at 1-4 inches (no hacking grass blades).
60% easier to push than other reel mowers.
Won’t scalp your lawn even at low cutting height.
Directs clippings downward (but not on your feet)!
5-position height adjustment 1.25 inch to 3.3 inch.
Best budget-friendly self-propelled mower.
Cuts 400sq. meters on a single charge.
Clean, even cut with rear bagging and mulching.
Very clean cut at 1″ to 3″ height adjustments.
Lightweight (34lbs), easy to push and maneuver.
Wide cutting deck. 20-inches.
Does not jam even in tall Bermudagrass.

Affiliate links and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-06-10

Without a doubt, the best lawn mower for Bermuda grass lawns is a reel mower type as opposed to a rotary one. However, you can still use good rotary mowers if you have and maintain sharp blades (super important for grass health).

Top 6 Reel Lawn Mowers for Bermuda Grass Lawns

If you mow Bermuda grass tall, it will easily go to seed. If you mow it too low, you’ll cause brown patches in your lawn due to scalping. You have to get the mowing height right. That also goes with the lawnmowers. Bermuda grass thrives when cut between 3/4″ – 1.5″, so be sure to set the height setting on your mower in that range.

Here’s a list of the 6 best push reel lawn mowers for Bermuda grass lawns. Be sure to check out user reviews and the best in the links I’ve provided.

Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower – Best For Smaller Lawns

Some Bermuda grass varieties are tough and can be hard to cut, but this lawnmower makes the job lighter.

Quality Yardcare Tools: Designed to help you take back your yard, Fiskars lawn and gardening tools are equipped with Smart technologies and award-winning, ergonomic features that make it easier and more enjoyable to transform your outdoor space.Advanced design is 60% easier to push than other reel mowers
Advanced Technology for best-in-class cutting performance: The InertiaDrive Reel boasts twice the cutting power of standard reel mowers, while the StaySharp Cutting System eliminates the cost and inconvenience of manual blade sharpening.
Superior Ergonomics: Reversible grass chute can direct clippings away from your feet making it easier to mow tough patches while limiting messiness. One-touch handle height adjustment enhances your comfort and control.

Affiliate links and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-06-10

New technology makes it cut grass without touching.
A lot less friction which is perfect for pushing when mowing Bermuda grass.
Has a cutting height of 1-4 inches, which is perfect for Bermuda grass.
It does have high-quality blades for long-lasting performance without costly annual blade sharpening.
It is easier to push and turn the Fiskars reel push lawn mower – it weighs 52lbs only.
This mower is quiet and will cut 99% of your grass perfectly.

First of all, reel mowers are my absolute favorite for mowing Bermuda grass lawns. Why? Because you don’t want to scalp and cause brown patches (reel mowers won’t scalp your lawn). If you have a few dips here and there, a reel mower will simply scalp the areas regardless of the setting you use.

The Fiskars Stay Sharp Max Reel Mower is one of the best for Bermuda lawns. Formerly known as the Fiskars Momentum Lawn Mower, this advanced push-mower is great for cutting Bermuda grass even when it gets really dense during the months of summer.

This mower does a great job mulching your lawn although it does not leave a thick layer of clippings on the grass. I wouldn’t recommend heavy mulching anyway because if you’re using a reel mower to cut your grass, the next time you mow will definitely be a big task of pushing through the mulch.

The only disadvantage of the Fiskars 18’’ lawn mower is that it struggles to cut anything that’s taller than 6 inches. If you want to enjoy its work, ensure you mow your Bermuda lawn frequently enough to prevent it from growing too tall for an easy cut. Check out this interesting article I did on the best mowing frequency and height for Bermuda grass. You’ll find it useful.

Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower

Classic Scotts 20 inch push no-motor manual reel rotary lawn mower features 20″ cutting width, 5-blade ball bearing reel, and 10″ dual tracking wheels
Quick-snap 1″-3″ cutting height adjustment for a clean, even cut every time with this Scotts classic hand push reel rotary 20 inch lawn mower
Blades on the Scotts classic hand push reel rotary 20 inch lawn mower are made of quality, heat-treated alloy steel for staying sharp longer

Affiliate links and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-06-10

Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and great features of this mower for Bermuda grass:

Has the widest blade width and cutting path: 20 inches
It is lightweight and very easy to maneuver, weighing only 34 lbs
Allows an adjustable mowing height of 1 and 3 inches, which is recommended for Bermuda grass
Produces a clean cut with blades snipping evenly across, leaving no torn blades.
Has great maneuverability and stability for a 34-pound lawn mower.
This mower is the easiest to adjust thanks to the quick-snap adjusters.

What should interest you most if you own a Bermuda grass lawn is getting a clean and healthy cut when mowing. For one of the healthiest cuts, the Scotts 200-20 push reel lawn mower gave the best in this sense.

The 2018 version of the Scotts manual walk-behind reel mower comes with a sharpening kit as well as a grass catcher, which is definitely a value add in my opinion.

While testing and reviewing this reel lawn mower, it did not jam at all unlike most other mowers on the market today. You’ll notice that there’s a lever for each wheel for adjusting the cutting height. This produces an accurate height setting, which is very important when mowing different varieties of Bermuda turfgrasses.

Mowing Bermuda grass at 1-1.5 inches produces great turf quality in terms of thickness and health. See this guide on ways to make a Bermudagrass lawn thick.

On the downside, like with all other reel mowers with a push-behind feature, you have to keep tabs on your lawn not to allow the grass to overgrow. The Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower did struggle a little bit when I pushed it through an overgrown, dense patch of Bermuda grass. That is expected since it’s intended use is on grass that’s well-manicured and mowed at least twice a week.

Great States Lawn Mower 1815-18 18-Inch Push Reel Mower

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

Affiliate links and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-06-10

Fine grass cutting-height adjustments from ½ inch to 2 ¾ inches.
The 5 tempered alloy steel blades are very durable.
18-inch blade width means faster mowing of your lawn with fewer passes.
10-inch wheels mean this mower is balanced with very strong traction.
Plated loop-type handle with full-length foam grip

In a few words, the Great States mower 1815-18 is one of the most durable reels out here. That’s thanks to its tempered blades that last long without the need to sharpen.

The wide cutting width is also impressive, meaning you’ll cut your lawn faster. But what makes the Great States Lawn Mower 1815-18 18-Inch Push Reel Mower great for Bermuda grass lawns?

This lawn mower comes with a fine cutting height adjustment capability. You can literally adjust from as low as ½ an inch to 2¾ inches height.

Bermuda grass is a tough southern grass species and can pose a great challenge to most push reel lawn mowers. You need a mower with great traction and this Great States Lawn Mower brand is just the one for this job.

Weight is a major concern when choosing a lawn mower, so with this, you get a lightweight reel mower for your Bermuda lawn. Yes, it is light enough and you can easily lift it, push and pull, and move it to store. Needless to say, you should keep your hands away from those sharp blades.

On the cons side, the Great States mower 1815-18 suffers similar shortcomings like other competitors on this list.

One of the major issues is cutting grass that is too long. This lawn mower will struggle to cut grass that’s above 5 inches long. This, however, is not a unique problem to this model since almost all reel mowers struggle with weeds and long grass.

Another issue is that it does not mow anything when pulled back. Again, this is common with most push mowers so it shouldn’t be a big issue.

Greenworks 18-Inch Reel Lawn Mower 25062

18″ cutting path gets the job done quicker and more efficiently
2-in-1 feature provides mulching and rear bag capabilities
9 position height adjustment offers a range of cutting height from 1 3/4″ to 2 3/4″ for the perfect cut on all grass types

Affiliate links and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-06-10

When I tested this one, I didn’t expect much since most push lawn mowers can be a challenge to use in a large area. However, I was impressed with the Greenworks 18-Inch Reel Lawn Mower on the large areas of Bermuda grass I pushed it over.

This mower is great because it allows you to cut down to 1.75 inches, which is good for Bermuda grass lawns. It also comes with a grass catcher bag included in the package, which is something I liked about it. The other lawn mowers we tested did not include it as part of the overall price.

In a nutshell, here are a few good things and features of this Greenworks reel lawn mower for Bermuda grass lawns:

It is available in varying deck sizes from 18 inches to 20 inches.
The 20’’ version is fast.
What I did not like is that the mower gets easily snagged on twigs and sticks.
Like most top push lawn mowers for Bermuda lawns, it is very easy to adjust the cutting height.
It is VERY lightweight and easy to maneuver around the yard

Overall, this is a great push-behind reel lawn mower for Bermuda grass. However, there are quite a few things I did not like about it.

One of the biggest concerns is the amount of noise it makes. While it is easy to push, I found it makes quite a lot of noise than I like. The blades cut with ease, but the faster you push them, the noisier they become. To me, this is quite a bit of a turn-off because I prefer a quiet lawn mower.

If you’re looking to mow a very small Bermuda lawn, you might want to consider this Greenworks 18-Inch Reel Lawn Mower 25062. For an acre of lawn, this may not be the best for guys who like a quiet mowing time.

Great States 415-16 16-Inch 5-BladeLawn Mower

Manual mechanical mower with a quick, adjustable cutting height of 1″-2.5″ for a clean and even
Lightweight lawn mower has 16″ cutting width, 5-blade ball bearing reel, and 10″ composite wheels for optimal maneuverability
Push blade mower with high-quality heat-treated alloy steel blades that stay sharp longer

Affiliate links and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-06-11

Here are the great features you’ll like on this lawn mower:

Produces a clean cut on grass blades, leaving no damage on Bermuda grass.
Precise cutting height with easy adjustment.
Lightweight reel mower – only 27 lbs
Easy to maneuver – the highest model of the range has 10’’ composite wheels.

This handy yard tool is an absolute pleasure for anyone looking for a solid performance in cutting tough grass using a push reel lawn mower. It comes in 4 deck sizes – 14-inch 4 blades, 14-inch 5 blades, 16-inch 5 blades, and 18-inch 5 blades.

When shopping for the best reel mower under 100, this has got to feature on your list but not just for the price. It comes with some decent features worth considering.

The most important feature that makes this reel mower suitable for Bermuda grass is the clean snip. The cut is so clean you’ll not notice any brown crowns on your Bermudagrass lawn after mowing.

One of the main problems with this Great States push lawn mower is its inability to cut some tough weeds. It also has an 18-inch cutting deck width, which is quite small compared to some of the best models and brands on this list. You’ll need to do a lot more passes to mow a 2000 sq. ft. Lawn with this as opposed to fewer passes with a 20’’ model.

It also does poorly in lawns with sticks. It will get stuck quite often. If your lawn is under a shade with sticks littering it, you may want to consider a gasoline mower rather than a push reel.

Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Hand-push reel mower with 16″ cutting width, 7-blade ball bearing reel, and 10″ composite wheels; Durable steel side plate design
Versatile Earthwise Power Tools by ALM push lawn mower for cutting bent grass- Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine, and Seashore Paspalum
Alloy steel 7-blade mower stays sharp longer

Affiliate links and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-06-10

In my reviews of the top lawn mowers for Bermuda grass lawns, the Earthwise push reel mower comes in second. I highly recommend it for not only Bermuda grass but also paspalum, zoysia grass, St. Augustine grass, and centipede grass.

Here are the great features that make this lawn mower perfect for Bermuda grass:

It has an adjustable cutting height between of 0.5″ and 2.5” which is perfect for Bermuda grass turfs.
Available in 16-inch 7 blade, 18-inch 5 blade, and 20-inch 5 blade options
It is very easy to assemble without the need for any tools.
I found the handle well-cushioned for comfort while mowing Bermuda lawns. This lessens hand fatigue.
It has heat-treated alloy steel blades that remain sharp for long.
The 7 blades make it a lot easier to mow and get a clean cut with just one pass.

The Earthwise push lawn mower is a great recommendation for Bermuda grass lawns because it produces a very precise, clean cut, which is exactly what we want when mowing lawns.

It is a piece of lightweight lawn equipment, weighing just 29.5 lbs, meaning you can easily mow a small to the medium-sized lawn without feeling fatigued. I’ve to remind you, though, that you have to time the mowing properly and cut before your grass grows taller than 6 inches.

One of the major disadvantages I found with the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is that you can’t adjust the mower without unscrewing the wedges on both sides. This is not the same case as the 5-blade version. This means you’ll take quite a bit of time to adjust the deck. They should’ve made it a lot easier to adjust everything here.

Another issue I noticed with the 7-blade version is the locking up of the rollers when mowing areas with heavy mulch from the last cut. I think this is caused by the rollers on the reel mower. I prefer wheels to rollers, as these hardly lock up while in use even in areas with dense Bermuda grass.

Best Rotary Mower for Bermuda Grass

Rotary mowers are not the best for Bermuda lawns because they tend to hack and chew up grass blades. They simply leave your lawn looking awful after a few days of mowing.

However, if your lawn is too big (as in the case of golf courses), you’ll need to use a rotary, gas-powered or electric lawn mower to cut the grass.

The top-rated rotary mower for Bermuda lawns is the Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Lawn Mower. You charge this thing, and you’re ready to go out there and mow your lawn.

This one is good if you have a smaller yard, like under 1000 sq feet.

CORDLESS LAWN MOWER – Get more done, faster, with Greenworks electric lawn mowers. This 40v push lawn mower provides the power you need with up to 45 minutes of runtime on a fully charged 4.0Ah battery. The battery completely charges in 120 minutes.Brushless motor : No
LIGHTWEIGHT, EASY TO USE – A lightweight 16” cutting deck allows for easy maneuvering through small to medium yards (up to ½ acre) more efficiently. Easy push button start and lighter weight make it a great choice for your lawn.
VERSATILE – Battery powered lawn mower has a single lever 5-position height adjustment with a cutting height range from 1-1/4″ to 3-3/8″ for the best cut in all environments. The 2-in-1 feature offers versatile use with mulching and rear bagging options.

Affiliate links and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-06-11

If you have over 1000 sq feet to mow then here is something more powerful yet still green. I’m getting more and more impressed each year on electric mowers.

80V 21” MOWER. Provides up to 60 minutes of run-time with 2 fully charged 80V 2.0Ah batteries (varies based on grass condition and operator technique)
TRUBRUSHLESS MOTOR – 2 x more torque, more power, longer runtimes, quiet operation, and extended motor life
GAS-LIKE PERFORMANCE

Affiliate links and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-06-10

Take a look at the review of the Greenworks Pro 80V in this video:

Reel Mower vs Rotary Mower for Bermuda Grass

If you want a lawn that has a soft and inviting appearance, then your best choice is a reel push mower. Rotary mowers that are corded or powered with gas or batteries can give your lawn a “chewed” look at the tip, making it start to brown.

One of the advantages (the one that interests me the most) is the precise cut of the rotating reel along the bed knife at the bottom of the mower. It cuts like a pair of scissors.

The reel cut is beautifully clean and is easier on the grass than a rotary blade, which can tear the grass blade if it is not extremely well-maintained.

Buying Guide: What to Consider

Although reel mowers are the best for Bermuda grass, it doesn’t mean you cannot use a rotary mower at all. Choosing the best lawn mower comes down to your personal preference and most importantly, things to consider.

Here are factors and things to consider when choosing a lawn mower for Bermuda grass:

Cutting height adjustments

Grass cutting height is perhaps the most important feature to look for when choosing a great mower for Bermuda grass lawns.

You want to be able to cut your grass as low as 1-inch. Too low can easily scalp the lawn and cause bare spots.

Pro tip: Choose a mower with the finest cutting height adjustments from 0.5 to 3 inches. This will give you great control in taking care of your Bermuda grass at all stages.

Size of the lawn

Your choice of lawn mower really depends on the size of your lawn. If it is more than 2000 sq. ft., you’ll be so exhausted after each mowing that you’ll not mow often enough.

Bermuda grass requires frequent mowing for the best health and growth.

Is the lawn level enough?

Reel mowers can easily leave swirls in your lawn if it has bumps and uneven ground. To avoid this, you may want to buy a rotary mower for a lawn that’s not level enough. However. For level lawns and yards, a push reel mower is a great choice.

Cutting width (blade width)

The width of the blades on the reel mower, or any other mower for that matter, determines how many passes you’ll need to make to mow the entire yard.

The best push mowers for Bermuda lawns have a blade width between 14’’ and 20’’. For the fastest cut, choose the widest blade width.

However, wider cutting decks might not always be the easiest to push. It can mean more load for you to push and cut, and that may affect maneuverability.

Weight of the mower

Since all of the reel mowers on this list are self-propelled, you want to get a very lightweight mower. This will ensure you get less tired but mow your lawn with ease.

The weight of the mower also affects maneuverability. If your body is well built, you can consider a slightly heavier model in the range of 30 lbs and above. However, most people consider the best reel lawn mower below 28 lbs.

Maneuverability

How easy is it to move around, turn and twist the lawn mower. Bermuda grass is quite tough and you want to move the mower around the lawn without too much struggle.

Lightweight mowers are easier to maneuver. However, you need to check factors that affect maneuverability such as the following:

To best determine this, read and watch reviews to see what to expect when you buy the lawn mower.

Durability

Needless to say, models that give you a longer lifespan for the buck are the most preferred. Most of the mowers I reviewed above come with great strength, durability, and price.

When checking durability, consider the material that makes up the blades and other important parts such as wheels. Some blades are made of tempered steel alloy, meaning they stay sharp and durable for long.

Warranty

A 2-year warranty is a great sign the manufacturer has confidence in their product. So, when buying a push reel mower for Bermuda grass, check if there’s a warranty before making the purchase.

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Hi, Alex Kuritz here. Growing up I remember that my family had one of the best lawns in the neighborhood. Richly green and lush. I did a lot as I grew up in terms of caring and tending for not only my family’s lawn but also my neighbors. I can say I have years of experience, and I am here to share it with you.

1 thought on “6 Best Lawn Mowers for Bermuda Grass – Reviews 2021 Buyer Guide”

Depending upon individual likes and preferences, a person can either opt for a traditional gasoline-operated mower or go in for the electric variety. Both kinds of mowers – that is, gas-operated as well as electric mowers – have their own individual features. While selecting a mower for a lawn, the overall area of the lawn is a prime consideration. Thank you for the tips and the list. I love this.

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A Broken Chain Can Be a Reel Problem

Time to Read: ~3 min

I started cutting my lawn with a reel mower in May 2014. Before that, I’d used a Neuton battery-powered mower, but the battery life kept diminishing. That, and the plastic handle cracked one day. Why not throw back to how people really used to cut their grass? Thus began my relationship with the original model of the Fiskars 18 Inch Staysharp Max Reel Mower.

Several years into using it, the reel mower became incredibly difficult to push. I found a fellow owner who theorized that removing the grass chute would help. The way it was designed, grass clippings were thrown forward, resulting in mowing the same blades of grass multiple times. When I removed the grass chute, I was instantly thrilled. Instead of being thrown forward, grass clippings now delightfully flew out of the top of the mower, dispersing in the direction of the wind. I felt like a kid pushing one of those toy bubble mowers! So fun. Fiskars likely knew this was a problem, too, since their current model can throw grass forward and through the rear of the blades. It’s currently Wirecutter’s #2 pick for reel mowers.

Fast-forward to present day, and I had my mower out for the second time of its 7th season of use. The chain had been falling off of the drive wheels fairly often since the prior summer and I really hadn’t taken the time to register that it was slackening. There’s a spring that’s supposed to push down on it to take up slack, but the chain had slackened far too much for that to have any impact. To my dismay, the chain snapped in two when it got caught up on a turn. After sheepishly borrowing my father-in-law’s zero-turn mower to finish the job, I set about finding a way to fix my reel mower.

My first go-to resource was Fiskars, but my quick Internet search led me to conclude that they don’t sell replacement parts for this mower. Really? A few results later, I found an owner who had replaced the chain and posted some photos about it. “Chain stretch” is a thing, and I was not alone! Knowing that I didn’t have any chain or tools, I thought of the next-best option. A local bike shop? Maybe. I emailed John Compton, owner of Main Street Bike Shop here in Trumansburg. I asked how he was, hoping that he was weathering “this nonsense” well (looking at you, pandemic), and asked my question. His response:

Hey, I’m good. Hope your guys are!Cool.Yeah. Bring it in. Fun.

I was so grateful for his willingness to tackle the job! Within just a few hours of dropping it off, John emailed me that it was all set to pick up. Phenomenal. I cut the grass yesterday with my renewed mower, with no slack in the chain. It cut like a dream again. Thank you, John! If this happens to you, hit up your local independent bike shop. They might be able to help!

Update May 9, 2021

Tori emailed me to let me share their story about the very same issue. They bought their Fiskars StaySharp Max reel mower in 2011 and used it every season since then. going into 10 years of weekly mowing a rural home lot for 8 months out of the year.

I had chain issues this year; on my 4th mowing the chain slipped off 6 different times and I was beyond frustrated. I didn’t really want to spend another 200 for a new Fiskars so I emailed their warranty dept. explaining that I knew I was not in a warranty period but needed a new chain and possibly a large sprocket because I thought it might be bent. Their response: “Anyone that has a 10 year-old reel mower that has performed faithfully deserves new parts”. Seriously! They sent me a new chain, a chain tensioner (something new that mine did not have), and a new large sprocket. I had them 8 days later. Absolutely no cost to me. Fiskars rocks! If you have problems in the future you might want to try their warranty dept. I suspect you will have the same positive experience I had.

What a great story from Tori! Fiskars’ warranty email is warranty@fiskars.com.

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In Praise of the Push Reel Mower

I recently became a homeowner and along with my first house came another first: my very own little piece of land to tend. And since Kate and I had been living in apartments for all our married life, I needed to buy a mower to take care of our lawn. Like most Americans, I grew up using and being surrounded by gas-powered mowers. The sound of two-stroke engines firing up around the neighborhood was the unofficial soundtrack of my boyhood summers.

But despite my immersion in the cult of Lawn Boy, I’ve always been intrigued by old-fashioned manual/push reel mowers. Maybe my curiosity about them came from flipping through old magazines depicting a happy 1950s suburban dad mowing his small patch of green heaven. Or maybe it was from watching groundskeepers use giant reel mowers to mow the infield at baseball stadiums.

Whatever the reason for my lifelong pull towards the manual reel mower, when I was in the market for my own mower, I decided to look into whether the old-fashioned push reel mower was a viable option for my lawn mowing needs. To my great surprise, I discovered that the reel mower isn’t just a viable option, but is in some instances superior to its gas-powered cousins.

How a Push Reel Mower Works

Your typical power rotary mower has a spinning blade that chops off the top of the grass as it rotates like a helicopter, resulting in torn and shredded turf. Instead of tearing and chopping your grass, a reel mower cuts your grass just like a pair of scissors. It’s easier to understand how this works when you can see the mower, rather than just describing it, so check out the video below for a full explanation:

Oh, and it goes without saying, but unlike a power mower that requires gas or electricity to work, you provide the power to your manual reel mower.

Choosing a Push Reel Mower

Mowing with my Fiskars Push Reel

The basic construction of a reel mower is pretty much the same across brands. They mainly vary in characteristics like:

Weight. How heavy will it be when you’re pushing it?
Cutting width. The longer and bigger the mower is, the heavier it will be, but the less passes you’ll have to make back and forth on your lawn, and thus the faster you’ll get the job done.
Cutting heights. What’s the range of heights you can adjust the blades up and down?
Direction of grass spray. Does the grass spray behind the mower or out in front? Obviously the latter has an advantage in not covering your feet with clippings.

When I was looking for a reel mower, I did a lot of research and finally brought home the Fiskars Staysharp Max Push Reel Lawn Mower. This thing isn’t your grandpa’s heavy old contraption. The folks at Fiskars have taken the old manual reel mower design and updated it for the 21st century: it’s 60% easier to push than other manual mowers, boasts twice the cutting power of competitors, sprays the grass out in front of you, and the blades only need sharpening every 5-10 years (that’s the “StaySharp” bit). It’s fast, powerful, and maneuverable. Not to mention kind of fun to use. After mowing with my Fiskars for nearly two months, I can confidently say that it’s given me the best mowing experience I’ve ever had. Kate and I even fight over who gets to mow the lawn now (the compromise: I mow the front; she mows the back). I can’t sing the mower’s praises highly enough ( and I don’t have any affiliation with the company whatsoever, by the way–just a very happy customer ).

Look at that beautiful cascade of grass.

If your only experience with a push reel mower was using a heavy clunker in your youth, I highly recommend giving the Fiskars a try. It will change your mind about manual mowers.

The Benefits of a Push Reel Mower

Push reel mowers are better for your grass’ health. This was my biggest motivating factor for purchasing a push reel mower as opposed to a power rotary mower. As mentioned above, power rotary mowers cut the grass by chopping and tearing your grass, while reel mowers cut the grass by snipping it cleanly like a pair of scissors. Torn and shredded grass leaves your lawn vulnerable to disease and insect attacks; grass that is cleanly cut with a reel mower heals faster and is less vulnerable to those maladies.

Push reel mowers make your lawn look nicer. Not only are reel mowers better for your grass’ health, they leave your lawn looking professionally manicured. Again, it all goes back to the scissor-like way the reel mower cuts the grass. Clean and even cuts make for a clean and even-looking lawn. The reel mower’s superior cut is the reason why groundskeepers at professional baseball stadiums and golf courses use large reel mowers pulled by tractors. The reel cut makes the grass look purty.

Push reel mowers are quiet. One of the things I hated the most about the old gas-powered Lawn Boy of my youth was the noise. First, it’s just grating to have to listen to a loud and obnoxious two-stroke engine for extended periods of time. Second, because the thing was so stinking loud, I couldn’t mow the grass too early or too late in the evening, lest I disturb the neighbors. That’s not a problem if you live in, say, Vermont, where summer days are pleasantly warm and idyllic (if it’s not raining). When you live in hot and humid Oklahoma, however, mowing your yard during the day with the sun beating down on you is downright miserable.

The push reel mower solves both of those noise-related problems. The only sound it makes is a satisfyingly quiet “snip-snip-snip” as the mower cuts the grass. I love hearing that sound. It’s actually rather soothing. And because my manual reel mower is so darn quiet, I can mow my lawn early in the morning without waking up the neighbors. Goodbye 107-degrees-with-a-heat-index-of-a-115 lawn mowing sessions!

Push reel mowers don’t emit pollution. Don’t let the smallness of your power lawn mower engine deceive you. That sucker spits out a crap load of air pollution. If you let a typical gas-powered lawn mower run for an hour, it will produce as much air pollution as a sedan running for two hundred miles. Jeez-um!

The amount of pollution a push reel mower produces? Zilch. Unless of course you count the relaxing farts you rip as you cut the grass.

If you’re an environmentally-conscious guy, the choice is clear between power and manual. You gotta go manual.

Push reel mowers are hassle-free. Push reel mowers are simple machines. You push it and blades spin around and cut your grass. That’s it. No pulling starter cords or priming the engine before you can mow. Just start walking and–bam!–you’re cutting the grass. Also, you’ll never have to buy gas, oil, or spark plugs ever again. About the only maintenance you’ll have with your manual reel mower is blade sharpening, and some folks think that’s more of an enjoyable, mind-settling task than a chore. And again, with the Fiskars, you’ll only have to sharpen the blades every half decade or so.

Push reel mowers are cheaper. Even a “top-of-the-line” reel mower like the Fiskars costs less than most power mowers. And if you get one of the smaller, classic models, they can run you less than 100. Plus, there are no maintenance costs. With gas as high as they are, why waste a single drop tooling around your backyard?

Push reel mowers exercise your body. There’s no autodrive on a push reel mower. These bad boys are man-powered. The Fiskars is particularly heavy for a reel mower (52 lbs), but is designed in a way that makes it easier to push, and it gives me a nice bout of exercise; hard enough to work up a satisfying sweat, but not so hard it leaves me feeling exhausted. It’s kind of like pushing a Prowler Sled around your yard, except for that when you’re done, you’re in better shape and your lawn has been mowed.

Push reel mowers are safer than power mowers. In a careless moment a power mower can turn into a rolling death trap, or at least an appendage mauler. than 75,000 Americans, 10,000 of which are children, are injured in lawn mowing accidents annually, and, get this, 75 people die from lawn mowing accidents every year. Mowing over a grass-hidden rock can turn it into a projectile capable of traveling 200 mph and taking out someone’s eye, and the power mower’s fast-whirling blades have eaten up children’s toes and hands. And even if your power mower isn’t running, you’re still at risk for an accident. I burnt my hand on a hot lawn mower engine as a boy and still have the scar to prove it.

While some dangers still exist when using a reel mower, they’re much, much safer than power mowers. Unless I ran the thing right over someone Tom and Jerry-style, there’s little risk of it chewing up a limb. If you run over a rock, instead of shooting it out like a bullet, your mower just jams. Also, no hot engines to burn yourself on.

Push reel mowers make mowing a pleasure. As a young man, I saw lawn mowing as a chore that you had to do every week. I didn’t look forward to it. I just did it because I had to. Since I’ve started mowing with my Fiskars push reel mower, mowing the grass has turned from a chore into a pleasure. I actually look forward to lawn mowing day. Really! I love pushing it in the cool of the early morning as birds chirp at the day’s start. I love listening to the quiet “snip-snip-snip” of grass cutting. I love the physicality of it–how it feels a little like pushing a plow. I love watching tiny blades of cut grass spit out in front of my mower in a green cascade. Most of all, I love the satisfying feeling I get as I look over my cleanly cut lawn.

Is a Push Reel Mower Right For You?

In Gran Torino, Korean War vet Walt Kowalski calms his mind before confronting a violent gang by mowing his yard with a manual reel mower. Manly.

Now before you head to the home improvement store to pick up a push reel mower, you need to know that it’s not for everybody. Sometimes power or riding mowers are actually better, depending on a variety of factors. Below I highlight a few of these factors you should consider before switching to a push reel mower.

Your yard is a half-acre or smaller. Manual reel mowers are suited for small to medium-sized yards. Most experts agree that if you have to mow more than 8,000 square feet, you’re better off using a power push or riding mower. Although I will say that my yard is on the large end of a medium-sized yard, and it only takes me 45 minutes to mow with my manual mower. And if your yard is the size of most yards in suburban developments, there really isn’t any reason you shouldn’t use a push reel mower.

You can’t bag clippings. If you’re one of those folks who prefer to bag your clippings, then a push reel mower probably isn’t for you. While some push reel mowers have a basket that will catch your clippings, they don’t work very well, and many don’t offer any clipping catcher at all.

However, if you’re a devoted-bagger, you might reconsider your stance. Most lawn care experts agree that you shouldn’t bag your clippings and should just leave them in your grass. Grass clippings are fertilizer for your lawn. They provide the same beneficial nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium nutrients that are in commercial fertilizers, except they’re free.

Not great for excessively bumpy and overgrown yards. I’ve noticed that on areas of my lawn that have a lot of bumps, the reel mower doesn’t do a good job of cutting, mainly because the wheels can’t get good traction to move the blade. I’ll usually have to come back and trim that with my weed-wacker. It’s not a problem because there’s only one part in my lawn that gives me trouble.

Also, push reel mowers work best on yards that are already well-maintained. They don’t cut really long grass too well, so if you always let your grass get pretty long before you cut it, you’re better off using a power mower.

What sort of grass do you have? Manual reel mowers work better on some types of grass than others. Most reel mowers have a hard time handling extra thick grasses like Zoysia, St. Augustine, and Bermuda. Never fear. If you have a lawn that’s made completely of one of these grasses, you’re not necessarily relegated to just gas-powered mowers. Heavier, more powerful manual reel mowers like the Fiskars don’t have a problem with these types of grasses. Adjusting the height of the reel mower’s blades can also prevent the mower from getting bogged down in thick grass.

Shave Like Your Grandpa, Mow Like Your Grandpa

After a couple of months of using my push reel mower, I really don’t know why the manual mower isn’t more popular or why most folks get the gas-powered variety. It seems quite analogous to shaving. There are a few things where the classic turns out to do just as good a job (sometimes an even better one), and provides a more enjoyable and satisfying experience to boot. The safety razor is one of those things. And so is the push reel mower. Give it a try!

Lawn mower technology has advanced in the past few decades, but there are still many reasons to opt for a reel mower. Read on for top recommendations and tips on navigating this mower market.

By Glenda Taylor and Mark Wolfe | Updated Apr 20, 2023 12:27 PM

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Quiet in operation, simple to maintain, and largely affordable, reel lawn mowers can be Smart options for yard maintenance. Taking up about a third of the storage room needed by a traditional mower, they’re easy keepers.

Reel mowers also might be better for a lawn’s health than standard mowers. They make a sharp cut along the top of the grass blade, similar to the way scissors cut. Traditional rotary mowers have blades with a tendency to tear the grass, which causes ragged brown tips and increases the risk of disease.

While all reel mowers function similarly, there are differences among the options. We tested the following models to find out how blade width, mowing height, handle design, and other details affect performance in different settings. Keep reading to learn what to look for when shopping for a reel mower, and find out why the following models are among the best reel mower options available.

BEST OVERALL:Great States 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Great States 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
UPGRADE PICK:Fiskars StaySharp 18-Inch Max Reel Mower
BEST FOR SMALL LAWNS:Great States 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
BEST FOR TOUGH GRASS:Earthwise 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT:American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch 4-Blade Mower
BEST WITH GRASS CATCHER: Greenworks RM1400 14-Inch Lawn Mower
ALSO CONSIDER:Greenworks 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower

How We Tested the Best Reel Mowers

We tested these mowers in a Georgia backyard in the middle of winter. That meant a combination of dormant warm-season grasses (some Bermuda grass and some centipede grass) along with a few areas infested with cool-season weeds like annual bluegrass, chickweed, henbit, dandelion, and wild onion. The test areas included a combination of flat, sloped, and uneven lawn.

We divided the lawn into test plots so that each mower would have a chance to prove its capability under a variety of conditions. For inclusion in this article, each mower had to effectively perform the basic function for which it was built: mowing to reduce the grass height by approximately one-third. Then, beyond basic weed-free lawn mowing, we also tested each mower on the tougher conditions of overgrown and weed-infested grass. All of the mowers included in this guide easily passed the basic functionality test and earned bonus points by tackling one or more adverse conditions, noted in the reviews.

Our Top Picks

Using a reel mower is an environmentally friendly way to mow the lawn and get a bit of fresh air and exercise at the same time. We tested these manual models on our lawn to find out which would be the best reel mowers for different users and circumstances. Learn about the performance details in the reviews.

Great States 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Those wanting a wide swath on a reel mower may want to consider the Great States 18-inch five-blade mower that cuts a hearty swath to reduce mowing time. This reel mower is simple in design and allows for adjusting mowing height from as low as 0.5 inch to as high as 2.75 inches. It comes with 10-inch composite wheels and back stability rollers.

The blades are made from heat-treated alloy to retain their sharpness longer, and the handle comes with nonslip cushioning to help reduce blisters and to improve grip. The loop-style handle folds down for easy storage, and the mower weighs in at 27 pounds.

In our backyard test, this mower worked quickly, quietly, and easily. It was pretty easy to push in all but the thickest grass but was abruptly stopped by twigs or debris thicker than a pencil (as were the rest of these mowers). We liked the padded wide-loop handle that gave it the familiar feel of a conventional gas mower. Sharpening the blades—a task that most users would require once or twice a season—requires disassembly of one wheel to access the blade drive mechanism. The process is typical of these mowers and was only slightly complicated.

Product Specs

Wide swath cuts down mowing time; great for larger yards
Loop handle increases user comfort and control
10-inch wheels roll easily over uneven terrain
Alloy steel blades stay sharp longer; less maintenance required
3.5 inches from blade edge to outer edge of wheels means more edge trimming
Sharpening, when necessary, requires disassembly of the drive wheel
Hard plastic blade height bracket seems like it may wear out prematurely

Get the Great States 18-inch reel mower at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Great States 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

For affordability and mowing ease, this five-blade reel mower is a worthy option. It features a smooth cutting operation and a cushioned T-handle that makes it easy to maneuver around corners. Its 16-inch swath width makes the mower relatively simple to push, and it features back rollers for added stability.

This reel mower’s five heat-treated alloy blades resist dulling, and blade height is adjustable from 1 inch to 2.5 inches, making it optimal for mowing short grass species, such as buffalo or zoysia. At just under 25 pounds, it’s also easy to maneuver.

We found this 16-inch mower to be a good “middle of the road” option: narrow enough to move well through thick grass but still wide enough to get the job done quickly. Its T-style handlebar grips gave it a more “articulate” feel that was comfortable and easy to maneuver. The 16-inch blade moved slightly easier through dense grass than the 18-inch model but still cut a generous swath.

Product Specs

Lower profile for easy storage; great for busy gardeners with lots of tools to store
Comfortable handlebar style grips; ideal for prolonged use
Easy to use screw-knob-style height adjustment
Cuts too low for taller grasses like fescue
Sticks, acorns, and pine cones stop the blades abruptly
Does not cut to the edge; may need a trimmer tool

Get the Great States 16-inch reel mower at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Fiskars StaySharp 18-Inch Max Reel Mower

The saying “You get what you pay for” rings true with this reel mower from Fiskars. Boasting high-quality StaySharp blades that reduce the need for resharpening, this model also includes two small front rollers to help balance and stabilize the mower. It also features InertiaDrive, a design that allows the mower to power through thicker grasses.

At around twice the price of the others we tested, the Fiskars Stay Sharp Max mower delivered performance to justify it. Weighing in at a hefty 52 pounds, the build feels heavy duty but works smoothly and efficiently. The ergonomic handle was extremely comfortable, and the machine moved almost effortlessly over all but the roughest ground. The only criticism we had was that the 8.5-inch drive wheels felt somewhat undersized. Unlike other reel mowers, the wheels are offset in a way that prevents them from flattening the grass before it is mowed and allows the mower to cut within an inch of the edge rather than 3.5 inches from the edge like other reel mowers. The toolless lever height adjustment worked with one hand, in seconds. It was a pleasure to mow with this tool, and the completed cut was clean and even.

Cutting height is adjustable from 1 to 4 inches, and there’s an adjustable chute so the clippings can be directed to fall in front of the mower or behind it. The Fiskars mower cuts a generous 18-inch swath, making it well suited to mowing small and medium-size yards. An optional grass catcher can be purchased separately.

Product Specs

Heavy-duty construction can last for several years
Ergonomic design feel comfortable to use
Easy to adjust and maneuver with oversized wheels
Cuts closest to the edges so users can skip the trimmer
Twice the price of other reel mowers
than twice the weight of other reel mowers
Bulky design takes up slightly more storage space

Get the Fiskars StaySharp reel mower at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Great States 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

With just a 14-inch swath width and a ball-bearing reel, this little mower is just right for a small lawn and more petite users. This narrower-than-most reel mower is easy to maneuver around trees and corners, and it comes with a back roller for added stability. The blades are made from a heat-treated alloy to help reduce dulling, and it comes with a low adjustable cutting height from 1 to 1.75 inches, making it best suited to short grass species.

A narrow overall body width of just 20 inches, 8.5-inch rubber tires, and a traditional handlebar with padded grips makes this mower easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and it takes up minimal storage space. At just under 20 pounds, it is even light enough to hang on a wall hook. It is essentially a scaled-down version of our 16-inch Best Bang for the Buck pick, with similar height and blade adjustments. Unfortunately, this smaller model requires a wrench to adjust the height instead of using screw-knobs. However, the narrow body was even easier to push in dense grass but took almost twice as long to mow the same amount of space when the imperfections of walking a straight line, additional turnaround times, and overlapping edges are factored in. This could be a good pick for mowing a small grass patch around a townhouse or condo.

Product Specs

Compact size makes this easy to maneuver in small spaces
Lightweight and low profile for easy storage
No frills gardening tool makes for low maintenance
Does not cut close to the edges (3.5 inches from blade edge to outer wheel)
Too lightweight for mowing sloped areas
Height adjustment requires a wrench

Get the Great States 14-inch reel mower at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Northern Tool Equipment.

Earthwise 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

The Earthwise Reel Lawn Mower comes with seven blades—two more than most reel mowers—giving it extra oomph for powering through dense grass. The Earthwise mower cuts a 16-inch swath with its steel alloy blades that are designed to stay sharp longer. The grass-cutting height is adjustable from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, suitable for a range of grasses, including St. Augustine, buffalo, and Bermuda.

Weighing in at 26 pounds, this reel mower comes with a T-handle that makes it easier to maneuver around the corners of houses and trees, and the handgrips feature nonslip cushioning to reduce hand fatigue and blistering.

In our tests, this seven-blade mower gave the cleanest, most consistent cut. We even used it to scalp a section of dormant centipede grass, where it left a smooth, even finish. Unfortunately, the additional blades offered more resistance, making it a little harder to push than five-blade models. Because it has height adjustments ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, a good strategy would be to mow regularly at 1 or 1.5 inches and leave a little room to move higher if the grass gets ahead of you.

Product Specs

7 alloy steel blades are great for mowing coarse grasses
Easy-to-use height adjustment screw-knobs
Cleanly maintain dense grasses at low height
Harder to push than 5-blade models
Does not work as well if grass grows extra long between cuts
Not suitable for taller grasses like fescue

Get the Earthwise reel mower at Amazon.

American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch 4-Blade Mower

With a total weight of just 20 pounds, this 14-inch American Lawn Mower is the lightest reel mower in the lineup. It features four cutting blades made from heat-treated steel alloy to reduce dulling and has 8.5-inch polymer wheels and rear rollers to increase stability.

This smaller American Lawn Mower is well suited to mowing a small lawn, and its light weight makes it simpler for more petite users to operate. It comes with a T-handle and cushioned nonslip grips for comfortable mowing. The handle on this lightweight, low-maintenance reel mower folds down for storage, and it is light enough to be hung on wall hooks in the garage if desired. Cutting height is adjustable from 0.5 to 1.5 inches.

With only four 14-inch blades slicing against the bedknife, this mower offered the least resistance of all the mowers we tested, making it the easiest mower to push. However, fewer blades meant a less consistent finish in dense or overgrown grass. Overall the ALMC 14-inch four-blade reel mower felt strong and durable and was easy to use, but it required a second pass to clean up some of the more difficult areas. It’s probably a good choice for keeping up with pathways in the veggie garden or other secondary grassy areas.

Product Specs

Very budget-friendly compared to similar options
Easy to push, even in overgrown or dense grass
Durable construction yet still a lightweight and maneuverable design
Fewer blades produce a less thorough cut
Requires a wrench for height adjustments
8.5-inch wheels do not roll as well over rough ground

Get the American Lawn Mower Company reel mower at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Greenworks RM1400 14-Inch Lawn Mower

Bagging grass clippings is a cinch with the Greenworks Reel Mower. The mower cuts a 14-inch swath, and the mowing height adjusts from 1.06 to 2 inches, making it well suited to most low-growing lawn grass species. It comes with a T-handle that makes it easy to mow around tree trunks, and it features nonslip cushioned grips for comfort. The handle folds down for convenient storage.

The Greenworks mower comes with a handy grass catcher that connects to the rear of the mower for collecting grass clippings, and the mowing reel has five heat-treated steel alloy blades designed to remain sharp longer. The mower weighs 24 pounds.

In our trials, the Greenworks RM1400 was easy to push and maneuver, thanks to its lightweight frame, narrow wheel base, and T-style handlebar. The mowing height is easy to adjust with spring pins but only varies within a narrow 1-inch range. The sharpening process is similar to other reel mowers, with the exception of the bedknife mounting system. Where most manufacturers use pairs of set screws on both ends to adjust and hold the angle, Greenworks uses single spring-loaded bolts at the ends to hold the proper angle. The system seems less complicated but could offer less durability—only time and extended use will tell.

Product Specs

Grass catcher included; no mess left behind after use
Lightweight and easy to push; great for larger yards
Provides a clean, consistent finish
Full grass catcher makes the mower difficult to maneuver
Components feel less durable than other models
Wheel assembly is more difficult to disassemble for sharpening

Get the Greenworks 14-inch reel mower at Amazon or Greenworks.

Greenworks 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower

With a slightly wider swath than the other Greenworks mower in the lineup, this 16-inch reel mower deserves a look. The wider swath means fewer passes when mowing, and the 10-inch front wheels make the mower easier to push. This Greenworks model also comes with two rear wheels for stability, and it features a detachable grass catcher for collecting clippings when desired.

This Greenworks reel mower offers an adjustable mow height from 1.125 to 2.25 inches, and it comes with a cushioned ergonomic loop handle that folds to take up less storage space. The mower weighs 26 pounds.

Built on the same platform as its 14-inch sibling, this Greenworks 16-inch reel mower boasts a wider range of cutting heights and a comfortable ergonomic loop-style handle. In our tests the loop handle made it much easier to push and maneuver the mower, especially as the grass catcher filled. The swath size and five-blade configuration hit the sweet spot, balancing the ability to mow tall and dense grass without causing user fatigue. However, a few design features appear less durable, including lightweight plastic rollers and a two-bolt adjustment system for the bedknife. This one would make a good pick for regular use on an otherwise well-maintained lawn.

Product Specs

Handle folds down for compact storage
Easy-to-use spring-pin height adjustment
Comfortable ergonomic handle is ideal for prolonged use
Lightweight bedknife-adjustment system
Grass catcher may be somewhat undersize
Construction feels less durable than the competition

Get the Greenworks 16-inch reel mower at Amazon.

What to Consider When Choosing a Reel Mower

For any home with a lawn, mowing is a fact of life that is required in most neighborhoods. To cultivate a lush green expanse, regular mowing is essential. When mowing is done correctly—frequently enough to remove no more than one-third the height of the grass—it promotes dense, uniform growth.

Manual vs. Powered

Unlike standard mowers, the majority of reel mowers are manual, although consumers can find a handful of gas-powered and battery-powered models.

Manual: Everything old is new again—or so it seems with more of these old-fashioned mowers popping up in home improvement centers and online stores. One of the drivers of the manual mower’s resurgence is its eco-friendliness. No fuel to store, no fumes, and no pull cord that can cause a struggle. The downside to mowing with a manual lawn mower is the near impossibility of cutting the grass if it’s allowed to grow too tall before mowing, especially if the lawn is dense. The thickness and coarseness of the grass helps dictate if it is too tall, but if the grass is twice as tall as its recommended cutting height, it usually can pose a problem for a manual reel mower. For the best results with a manual reel mower, cut the grass more often during fast-growth periods, such as in early spring and the rainy season.

Powered: Like traditional rotary mowers, reel mowers may be powered by either gas or a battery, which makes it immeasurably easier to mow dense or tall grass. Some gas and electric reel mowers also include self-propulsion, which virtually eliminates the need to push the mower—the user needs only to guide it. While gas reel mowers are just as noisy as their traditional counterparts, electric mowers are not as noisy as gas mowers. However, they still have a motor and will produce more noise than a manual reel mower. Opting for either a manual or powered reel mower is mostly a matter of personal choice. For those with large lawns, a gas reel mower or an electric reel mower might make better sense.

Blades and Cutting Height

Reel mowers feature between four and seven steel blades. On some models, the blades are treated with a nonstick coating for easier mowing. blades lead to a cleaner cut because the grass blade doesn’t bend as far before it’s severed. For most lawns, mowers with four or five blades work well. A few reel mowers have six or seven blades, which makes them ideal for getting a uniform cut on dense grass. Reel mowers also are suitable for lawn striping, a mowing technique that leaves an attractive alternating pattern in the grass.

The blade cutting height is preset on a few reel mowers, often at around 1.5 to 2 inches, which is well suited to short grasses but not tall-growing varieties, such as fescue. Other models offer adjustable cutting heights. Consider your grass type and its optimal growing height. If yours is a tall variety of grass, opt for a reel mower that will adjust to the best mowing height for the grass.

Swath Width and Grass Type

North American lawns feature a multitude of grass varieties. Easy-to-cut grass types include perennial rye, Kentucky bluegrass, and fescue, and these are suitable for cutting with wider mowers. On the other hand, thick grasses, such as Bermuda, St. Augustine, and zoysia, are better suited to mowing in narrower cutting widths (swaths). In either case, mowing frequently will make using a manual mower easier.

The swath width of a reel mower and the type of grass the yard contains influence usability. Standard swath widths on reel mowers range from 14 to 20 inches. While a wider swath means you won’t have to mow as many passes, it also makes the mower more challenging to push because more grass means more resistance.

Additional Features

Reel mowers don’t come with many bells and whistles, but a few added features can enhance the mowing experience.

Grass catcher: Some prefer to allow grass clippings to settle back on the lawns. The clippings act as a mulch that biodegrades to offer organic nutrients to the soil. For those who prefer bagging grass clippings, look for models that feature a rear-mount grass catcher.
Padded handles: Nonslip, padded foam handles make it easier to grip the mower handles and reduce the risk of blisters.
Rollers: Reel mowers have two sizable front wheels, but some come with additional back rollers or front rollers that add stability to the mower and help the user maneuver the mower near borders and edges for clean cutting.

The Advantages of Using a Reel Mower

Reel mowers are almost always powered manually. The physical pushing of the mower turns the blade cylinder, which in turn cuts the grass. Since they’re push-powered, reel mowers excel when cutting fine, straight-growing grasses but can bog down in coarse, wiry grass. The following are some of the advantages of using a reel mower.

Avoid diseases. A clean cut helps grass avoid diseases such as “brown patch,” which can leave a lawn pockmarked with areas of dead grass.
Affordable mowers. While pricing varies based on quality and design, expect to pay about half the cost of a powered push mower.
Low maintenance requirements. Manual reel mowers only require occasional cleaning and blade sharpening. A gas reel mower requires the addition of oil, draining fuel over winter, and other maintenance tasks.
Relatively compact and lightweight. Many reel mowers weigh around 20 to 30 pounds, and they often feature fold-down handles for easy storage.
Free of exhaust and fumes. Breathe the aroma of freshly cut grass rather than toxic exhaust fumes.

FAQs

With no toxic fumes, no need to store fuel or charge batteries, and quiet operation, the reel mower is making a comeback. This eco-friendly mower will reduce your carbon footprint while offering some physical exercise. For those thinking of investing in a reel mower, a few questions are to be expected.

Q. Is it hard to push a reel mower?

Manual reel mowers are easy to push in thin sparse grass, but it takes more force to move one through tall, dense, or coarse grass.

Q. Can you mow wet grass with a reel mower?

Although a manual reel mower can easily cut through wet grass, doing so frequently is not advisable. As with other mowers, clippings will clump and look unsightly. Wet clippings that stick to the mower increase rust formation, dulling the blades prematurely.

Q. How often should you mow with a reel mower?

Mow as often as is necessary to keep from removing more than one-third of the grass’s blade. This may mean mowing two or more times in a week during the fast-growing grass season.

Q. When should I sharpen my reel mower?

In general, it’s a good idea to sharpen the blades on a reel mower after 20 to 25 hours of use. For some users, this may be once a year; others may need to sharpen blades two or more times in a season.

Why Trust Bob Vila

Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.

Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.

Sources:

https://www.crabgrasslawn.com/best-lawn-mower-for-bermuda-grass/
https://scottpdawson.com/a-broken-chain-can-be-a-reel-problem/
https://www.artofmanliness.com/lifestyle/gear/in-praise-of-the-push-reel-mower/
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-reel-mower/