7 Best Reel Mowers for Your Lawn Needs. Hand powered lawn mower

Best Reel Mowers for Your Lawn Needs

Choosing the best reel mower for your needs is crucial. Our buyer’s guide breaks down what you need to know and offers our recommendations.

If you want to keep your lawn well-manicured and your grass healthy, it’s time to invest in a reel mower. A push lawn mower is a perfect way to snip your grass without damaging it. Above all, it’s eco-friendly and, unlike gas-powered lawn mowers or electric mowers, you’ll never have to worry about engine maintenance or power needs!

But are all reel lawn mowers created equal? No, and that’s why we’re here. Here are our top recommendations if you’re looking for a reel mower for your yard. We’ll also break down the most crucial elements of its construction and durability that you’ll need to watch for to get a sturdy, long-lasting product.

Best Reel Mower Reviews

Great States 5-Blade Reel Lawn Mower

• Manual mechanical mower with a quick, adjustable.
• Lightweight lawn mower has 16″ cutting width.
• Push blade mower with high-quality heat-treated.

The first on our list is the Great States 415-16 push reel lawn mower, known for its excellent cutting power. With an adjustable blade height of 0.5-2.5″, this mower does a fantastic job of manicuring your lawn.

We chose it as our top pick due to the blade quality – constructed with heat-treated alloy steel, the blades retain their sharpness for a long time, making this reel mower a quality long-term investment. The sharpness of the blades allows you to create neat borders along your lawn. The mower comes with a cushioned and comfortable grip that is easier to push, even on the most overgrown lawn

All it needs is one push to get it started, making it a no-hassle manual lawn mower. The Great States 415-16 reel lawn mower is also lightweight, making it easy to maneuver across the yard.

The reels snip the grass off without any ripping or tearing, resulting in a well-trimmed, smooth lawn. And, if this wasn’t enough, the mower is also easy to store. You can hang it on a wall or tuck it in the corner of your garage.

• Blade height adjustment of 0.5”-2.5” for clean grass cut
• 16” cutting width with 5-blade ball bearing reel
• Smooth, composite wheels are easy to maneuver across the yard

Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Reel Lawn Mower

• Classic Scotts 20 inch push no-motor manual reel.
• Quick-snap 1″-3″ cutting height adjustment for a.
• Blades on the Scotts classic hand push reel rotary.

Our pick for the best-value reel mower for healthy, precision cutting is the Scotts 2000-20. They’ve really outdone themselves with this one. With a 20” cutting swath, the mower efficiently snips off grass in one single go without any tears or rips. You won’t ever have to run Scotts 2000-20 mower over your yard multiple times.

The blades are constructed with heat-treated alloy steel that stay sharper for longer and cut the grass with amazing precision. Blades can be adjusted from 1-3″ inches. The dual-tracking wheels enhance maneuverability on the lawn, allowing you to create a smooth green carpet.

Scotts 2000-20 Outdoor Power tools mower does its job exceptionally well. Its mower features ergonomic, cushioned handles that ensure proper posture as you mow the lawn. Assembly is easy and quick with no additional tools needed. This lawn mower is one of the best manual lawn mowers on the list at its price point as it’s easy to operate, store, and use.

• 20” cutting width allows less passes over your lawn
• Blade height adjustment from 1-3″ inches for a precision trim
• Cushioned, ergonomic handle for easy grip
• No-tool assembly
• Wheels can degrade quicker than other models
• Blades degrade quicker than other higher-priced picks

Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower

• Quality Yardcare Tools: Designed to help you take.
• Advanced Technology for best-in-class cutting.
• Superior Ergonomics: Reversible grass chute can.

Fiskars has re-defined reel mowers for lawns. With an 18-inch cutting swath, this reel mower takes only a few minutes to get the job done.

The quality of the StaySharp Max Fiskars reel mower blades allows you to cut grass for years without ever needing re-sharpening. Fiskars mower blades cut without any unwanted contact with the grass. This means there are no rips or tears, making for a smooth lawn-mowing experience.

The Fiskars StaySharp Max is really easy to push and maneuver across the yard. With its InertiaDrive reel, Fiskars performs with a superior cutting power to trim down tough spots without any damage to the grass. Fiskars also features a reversible grass chute that works amazingly to direct the clippings forward and prevent any mess. The cutting height is adjustable from 1-4″ inches, which is ideal for trimming down thicker tufts of grass.

The only possible drawback is that Fiskars is slightly heavier than other mowers. At 51 pounds, you will find it tedious to push it across the yard after a while. You might also want to store it in your garage instead of hanging it on the floor. Finally, the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower also comes with a 3-year warranty should anything go wrong.

• StaySharp cutting system ensures long-lasting blades
• InertiaDrive reel delivers superior cutting power and easily cuts through thick grass
• Inset wheels that allow blades to work across the mower’s full width
• Limited 3-year warranty
• At 51lb it’s heavier than other models
• Doesn’t perform well on a grade, common of all push mowers

American Lawn Mower Co. Push Reel Lawn Mower

• 4-blade reel mower with a cutting width of 14”.
• This push lawn mower has an adjustable blade.
• Manual grass cutter is environment-friendly.

The 4-blade classic push reel lawn mower by the American Lawn Mower Company is a fantastic, durable choice. With its 8.5” composite wheels, this mower is easier to push on a big yard. It comes with an adjustable height of 0.5”-1.75” for optimal grass-cutting. The blades are built from heat-treated alloy steel, which keeps them sharp for a long time.

This is a low-maintenance mower and an eco-friendly alternative to electric-powered mowers. The high-quality 4-blade system can snip various grass types, like bluegrass, rye, and fescue with supreme versatility.

The machine also has a T-shaped ergonomic cushioned handle that allows for an easy, comfortable grip. All in all, this 4-blade push reel lawn mower does a super-efficient and quiet job at cutting the grass with zero hassles.

• Efficient scissor-like grass cutting action
• 4 smooth-spinning blades that snip the grass without damaging it
• Height adjustability of 0.5”-1.75” for optimal grass-cutting
• Easy-roll wheels make the mower easy to push and maneuver
• Difficult to snip a lush, thick turf
• Might have to go twice over a piece of ground for proper grass cutting

GreenWorks Reel Lawn Mower

• 18″ Cutting path gets the job done quicker and.
• 2-In-1 feature provides mulching and rear bag.
• 9 position height adjustment offers a range of.

Next up is the 18-inch reel lawn mower by GreenWorks. This one has simple and practical features to get the job done quickly. The wide 18” cutting path will allow you to snip the grass more efficiently and in less amount of time. The mower also comes with a 2-in-1 feature with rear bag and mulching capabilities. This can serve as a lawn fertilizer while protecting you from the mess as you mow the lawn.

GreenWorks also features a versatile height adjustment with a cutting height between 1.75-2.75″ inches. This range can cover almost every grass type without running the mower over it multiple times. However, the main reason why this manual mower stands out is its dynamic wheel system. With 10” forward wheels and 4” rear wheels, these rotary mowers make maneuvering across the thickest tufts of grass a breeze.

• 18” cutting path with fast scissor-cutting action
• Rear bag and mulching features to fertilize the lawn while clipping
• Dynamic 10” wheel and 4” rear wheels
• Build quality isn’t durable over 3 years unless you’re careful
• Not good for thick, tough lawns

Sun Joe Manual Reel Mower

• [REEL MOWER]: Ideal to quickly mow Small to.
• [ADJUSTABLE]: Tailor your cutting Height settings.
• [RAZOREEL]: 5 durable Steel blades swiftly slice.

The 16″ Sun Joe manual reel mower is ideal for small lawns and yards. It is also the best reel mower for creating aesthetic borders around the boundary of your lawn. Its easy height adjustability and lightweight quality allow precision cutting in a short amount of time. Built with a rust-resistant deck, the mower will remain in pristine quality for a long time.

With two large 10” wheels and two smaller 6” wheels, this reel mower makes maneuvering on the lawns extremely easy. The comfortable foam grip and manual height adjustment with 9 potential settings make the Sun Joe Manual reel mower a good pick at the cheapest price on our list. However, this model does not include a grass catcher — if you want a grass catcher included, consider one of the others.

• Excellent for small lawns
• Comfortable foam grip to make pushing easier
• 10″ forward wheels and 6″ rear wheels
• Rust-resistant deck and lightweight
• The front wheels aren’t as durable as other models
• Height adjustment a bit too low
• Noisier than expected

Earthwise Push Reel Lawn Mower

• Hand-push reel mower with 16″ cutting width.
• Versatile Earthwise Power Tools by ALM push lawn.
• Alloy steel 7-blade mower stays sharp longer

The 16-inch Earthwise push reel mower offers some real advantages to gardeners. Earthwise has really outdone itself with this low-maintenance and zero-hassle machine. Perfect for both small and big yards, all the reel mower needs is a nice push to get started. If you’re ready for some exercise, mowing the lawn with this machine is going to be a wonderful experience.

But perhaps what truly makes it the best is its easy usage and storage. The lightweight build makes it super easy to move around and maneuver over the thickest of grasses. You can park this reel mower in a garage or hang it over a wall until the next use.

With the 7-blade ball-bearing deck, this reel mower is perfect for cutting through grass with precision in a short amount of time. You can cover large areas in one single sweep without having to run the mower multiple times. Blade quality is also quite nice at this price point.

• 16” cutting width with 7-blade ball bearing reel
• 10″ composite wheels with a side steel plate
• 0.5-2.5” adjustable cutting height
• The rollers on the blades can cause the mower to lock up sometimes
• Height is adjustable but requires unscrewing the wedges

What Is a Reel Mower?

Reel mowers feature a cutting reel that comprises 3-7 blades and a bed knife. They’re built with either two or four wheels to allow for noiseless, fast-cutting mowing of a lawn. When the mower is pushed forward, the blades begin to spin vertically. The motion causes the mower blades to lift the grass between themselves and the bed knife, in turn clipping off the grass blades in a scissor-like action.

Compared to cylinder reel mowers used in the past, these new models are easier to push and result in a cleaner, healthier lawn. The biggest benefit of reel mowers is that they don’t tear or rip the lawn during the cutting process. Like rotary mowers, reel mowers don’t hurt individual grass blades.

Are Reel Mowers Effective?

Reel mowers or push lawn mowers are effective as they improve the health of your grass, but they aren’t as powerful as electric or gas-powered mowers. The mower blades use a scissor-like cutting action that doesn’t tear up the grass blades.

The snipping action of a reel mower allows the grass to retain its natural moisture, thereby making it more resistant against insects and diseases. Grass blades become weak and vulnerable to diseases when they’re habitually torn or ripped apart as they would be with a traditional lawnmower.

Above all, most reel mowers are noiseless and extremely easy to use. All they require is a push to get the cutting started on the lawn. They are also economical and are relatively low maintenance. They don’t even require any gas or oil for power, resulting in zero fuel costs. Easy to assemble and lightweight with lots of bonus features, a push lawn mower is a great one-time investment for your lawn.

If you live in a close-knit neighborhood, the grinding sounds of a rotary mower can quickly annoy people…trust me! On the other hand, push mowers only make a gentle ‘snip-snip-snip’ sound. Before you know it, the job is done.

Lastly, push mowers are excellent for the environment. They don’t use any fuel and hence, don’t contribute to pollution. Push mowers are simple, practical, and hassle-free machines for modern gardeners.

Features of Reel Mowers

To determine the best reel mower for you, it’s important to analyze its different features. There are many things that constitute a high-quality reel mower. Here we’ve explained the major features of a reel mower.

Blade Cutting Height

A reel mower usually has an adjustable cutting height of a few inches, usually 1-3 inches. Staying in these parameters allows the blades to neatly cut the grass without harming it in the long term. Adjusting the blades at a proper height depends on the length of your grass blades.

By setting the right blade cutting height, your grass remains more vigorous and healthy.

Number of Blades

The number of mower blades greatly influences the performance of the machine. The number indicates how many times the blades can cut through the grass within a meter-long span. For example, a 5-blade reel with a high number of revolutions will result in cleaner and well-trimmed grass as compared to a 10-blade reel with a low number of revolutions.

A high revolution count can easily damage the blades with aggressive cutting. This can also influence the service life of the reels and the quality of their sharpness. The ideal rule is to ensure a high-quality cut with a moderate number of blades, somewhere between 4-7.

Blade Durability

The blades of a rotary mower can be aggressive and, therefore, not that durable. The rough cutting motion causes the blades to lose their sharpness quickly. When buying a reel mower, always make sure that the blades are constructed with high-quality material, preferably alloy steel.

A reel mower whose blades are heated with alloy steel tends to stay sharper for longer. Alloy steel has an extremely high tensile strength, which makes the blade resistant to corrosion and extremely durable over many uses.

Swath Width

The standard swath width of a good reel mower ranges from 15-20 inches. A wide swath width would mean that you have to mow more frequently. This can also make the machine difficult to push because the grass can become resistant. Therefore, a good swath width is around18 inches, which will help you use the mower blades to their maximum capacity.

Slope

If you have a uniform and level lawn, you can use any reel mower. However, if your yard is bumpy or slightly sloped, you should look for a reel mower that can cut across different angles. This way, you won’t have to run the mower multiple times across the same path.

Grass Spray

All the grass a reel mower cuts will eventually have to go somewhere. If you don’t want to be covered in the clippings, you can use a frontal grass spray to keep your feet away from the mess or select a mower with a grass catch.

Weight

It’s important to choose a lightweight reel mower as the weight can be a huge problem the longer you push the mower. You might be tempted to choose a heavy reel mower for a big lawn as it’s easier to push over a large area. That’s not a bad idea, provided you won’t become fatigued. Lighter machines are easier to push but can also not adhere as well to the ground over bumpy surfaces. The best reel mower will be light enough to push easily for a long period of time while still being heavy enough to effectively do the job.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Reel Mower

There are many factors to consider when you are looking for the perfect reel mower. When choosing a reel mower for your lawn, you need to inspect its effectiveness, affordability, maintenance, and price. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose a reliable reel mower – one that your lawn will love.

Effectiveness

The best reel mower will quickly prove its effectiveness on the lawn. Choosing a manual mower over the electric-powered one helps reduce carbon emissions. It also eliminates a major concern of damaging the grass due to tearing and ripping.

A high-quality reel mower should have an excellent cutting height and durable blades to be effective on different grass carpets.

Affordability

The best reel mowers offer great cutting power at an affordable price. Most budget models don’t cost more than 70, while premium ones are usually around 200. But perhaps the biggest financial benefit of reel mowers is that after the initial investment, they’re virtually cost-free. There are no fuel charges or replacement costs involved.

Limitations

Reel mowers are essentially built for mowing short grass. So, yes, you may face limitations with mowing grass taller than 4 inches. You will need to go over a few passes initially. However, maintaining the lawn is usually easy after that.

But keep in mind that due to their manual nature, even the best reel mowers are only practical for small or medium yards that are less than 3000 sq ft. Anything larger than this will require an electric, gas, or sit-on-top mower.

Price

One good thing about a reel mower is that it’s far more affordable than one powered by gas or electricity. Most of them usually cost under 200 and have zero maintenance or operating costs. A reel mower is truly a one-time investment for your garden.

Maintenance

The greatest benefit of a reel mower is that it’s maintenance-free. It doesn’t require any fuel, which means no oil changes, charging, refueling, or replacement parts. All you have to do is sharpen the blades once every few years.

Size of Your Lawn

Again, reel mowers are suited for small and medium-sized yards. This is because the average cutting width of these mowers is usually 14”-20”. Pushing them across a large-sized lawn will make the task extremely tedious.

Using a Reel Mower

The best reel mowers are those that are easy to use. Since the entire exercise is manual, a high-quality reel mower should offer easy maneuverability on the lawn. Here’s a quick guide to help you use your reel mower.

Sharpening Reel Mower Blades

The most major maintenance of a reel mower is sharpening its blades. Thankfully, you don’t have to sharpen the blades often as alloy steel doesn’t dull very quickly. They retain their sharp cutting edges for a long time. However, after a few years, it’s time to give them a quick sharpening.

Start by checking the alignment of the reel. If it’s fine, then sharpen the blades. You can do this with a backlapping sharpening kit. The kit usually offers a sharpening compound with a handle. Attach the handle to the driving gear of the reel mower and use a normal brush to put the sharpening compound on each of the blades.

Now, twist the mower in a reverse direction so that the blades can scrape each other down and become sharp again. While this is the best way to sharpen the blades, you can also do the job using a power drill with a sharpening attachment.

Cutting Tall or Thick Grass

Even when reel mowers are excellent for maintaining healthy and well-hydrated grass, they can get blocked while operating in overgrown lawns with thick or tall grass. It can be hard to push them forward. If your grass is taller than 4 inches, you can still use a manual lawn mower, but you will need a little patience.

The best technique is to mow by overlapping. What this means is that once you’re done mowing one row, you should turn back with your mower and start clipping while overlapping the previously mowed ground by a few inches. This will ensure that there are no high streaks of grass between each mowed row.

You can also do the job using the checkerboard pattern. Mow the lawn twice, except the second time, mow in the opposite direction. The crisscross pattern will ensure that there are no thick tufts of grass remaining.

Best Manual Push Mowers – The one I’d buy

The scissoring action of a manual push mower is unique to these mowers. It’s great for the health of your grass, as it cleanly cuts as opposed to a gas mower, which uses blunt force to cut grass, and I find them strangely satisfying to use.

The best manual push mowers are:

Who’s Edwin Budding?

The reel mower was invented by Edwin Budding in 1830 and has remained pretty similar to the original design, just shows you can’t improve on perfection. Well, cast Iron is pretty heavy so, I guess there was some room for improvement.

Today we have lighter materials and thanks to mass production, you can pick one up for the price of a tank of gas, but are they any good? Well, yes some are if you’re cutting under a 1/4 acre yard. But if your yard is larger, or very hilly, you’ll need something with more oomph.

Gas, Electric or Push

I know most of you have already made up your mind, you want a manual push mower, but for anyone on the fence, let’s take a look at some of the factors, that maybe you haven’t considered yet.

Gas Powered – After you buy it, you’ve got to maintain it, buy gas, oil and don’t forget a dry garage to store it over the winter months. If it’s an expensive mower you really should think about insuring it.

Electric Mowers – Electric is fine but then there’s the stupid cord to wrestle, while you’re already wrestling the mower. What about battery-powered mowers? Yes, they’re good, as long as you remembered to plug in the charger, and you’ll really need two batteries because one usually isn’t enough, and they aren’t cheap.

Manual Push Mower – Before purchasing a manual push mower, consider your physical ability, while it’s not any more stressful than a good stretch of the leg, it will require constant physical exertion. Consider also the time, it won’t be as fast as a gas or electric mower. A manual push mower isn’t going to be practical for a large yard or tall grass.

What Makes a Great Push Mower?

Manual mowers are simple and that’s good, but there are a few key components that make a good manual mower a great manual mower. The manual push mowers reviewed here have most of these features. Where ever you choose to buy your mower, be sure to check for these features or you will likely be disappointed in its performance.

Some of the pictures on this page link to Amazon.com where you can check the price and delivery of products. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Wheels – Strong wheels with good tires are very important.

Quality Wheels – This is essential for traction, as it’s the wheels that make the reel spin, if your wheels don’t grip the ground, you won’t cut grass. If the grass is in any way moist, cheap plastic wheels may slip and make cutting your lawn unnecessarily difficult.

Adjustable Cutting Height – At different times during the year you may desire different grass lengths. An adjustable cutting height will allow you to choose the desired cut. (Standard 2 inches) settings are better, obviously, and tool-less adjustment is the Duesenberg.

A Soft Hand Grip – Using a reel mower can be very physical, so it’s essential that the handgrip is comfortable, if it’s not, your hands may blister and you will tire easily.

Comfort – Because you’re pushing and pulling constantly, your hands need to be comfortable.

Blades – Four blades are standard, but five-blade reels are better. When to sharpen the blade will vary depending on your make of mower, the general rule is annual. If you’re kind to your mower, and by kind I mean, you don’t make it eat stones, it could remain sharp for years.

Lightweight – A heavy manual push mower will make cutting the grass extremely labor-intensive. And too light, will mean the wheels won’t grip the turf. Ensuring the manual push mower is the right weight will decrease workload and increase enjoyment dramatically.

Width – The width of your manual push mower is important as it determines the weight and time spent cutting. A wider mower will obviously be heavier but will cut more grass in less time than a narrow mower.

Adjustable Handle – Most won’t have adjustable, if you’re very tall, you may need to consider an adjustable length handlebar.

Collector – A collector is sometimes available as an option, but traditional users just allow the fine clippings to mulch into the lawn. The clippings are so fine they literally disappear. The two mowers reviewed here are not fitted with a collector.

Are Manual Push Mowers Hard to Use?

Manual push lawn mowers are easy to use, you do need to be in good health, but you don’t need to be marathon fit. If you can walk briskly, you can use a manual mower.

Some people enjoy cutting the grass while also getting in some exercise. Personally, I like them, I find the noise therapeutic, it’s got that nice slicing sound, very satisfying to use.

What Grass Type Will Manual Push Mower Cut?

Long or thick grass can be difficult to cut with a manual mower, Bermuda grass for example is extremely tough cutting. So check what type of grass you have before purchasing a manual push mower.

And you’ll have to be disciplined and cut regularly because if you let the grass get too long unlike a gas mower, a reel mower won’t cut it.

Now, let’s go ahead and look at two leading manual push mower makers, Scotts and Fiskers, and compare their offerings. We’ll begin with the Scotts mower.

Scotts the company was formed in 1868 by O.M. Scott, they traded as a seed company for the U.S. agricultural industry and later focused on lawn seed for the homeowner. You could say, they know grass.

Scotts 515-18S Ultra Cut has an easy push design, not unlike the Fiskars, they have eliminated reel bar contact. This reduces resistance, and that makes it easier to push. The Ultra cut is an 18″ reel with five blades and weighs 36 lbs. This is a premium mower. The quality in materials and workmanship is evident especially if you compare it to cheaper models.

This is a mower you’ll have for years, it’s likely it’ll become a family heirloom.

Front Throw – It’s got a front throwing chute and shield over the reel. Throwing the grass out front allows the mower to cut those clippings again, giving you a very fine mulch that disappears into the lawn. Its got a nine position height adjustment from 1″ to 3″ which is more than enough height options for any user. Show off!

Blade Reel – The Reel does all the heavy work. The blades and bearings collectively are known as the Reel. But the Reel won’t cut without the Bed-knife.

The Bed knife is a flat piece of steel that is positioned very close to the five-blade reel. The grass is corralled by the reel and directed at the bed-knife for clipping.

Scotts Reel and Bed knife are made from tempered alloy steel and together with top quality bearings keep the reel-spinning smoothly and quietly. Rear rollers are fitted, which flatten the grass and give you that really professional-looking strip lines.

Wheel – Top-quality wheels and tires ensure good traction which converts into reel speed.

Handlebars – The handlebars are a unique v shape, allowing for easy maneuvering in tight spaces. The v shape allows room for your body as you pull the mower towards you, clever.

The grip is soft padded and extends across the handlebars giving you lots of grip position choices. It looks pretty durable, but I wouldn’t let my dog chew on it.

Easy Push – Contact-less Reel.

Assembly – Like all the mowers, some self-assembly is needed, but it won’t challenge you. The handlebars are nicely made and assembly is made simple with tool-less thumbscrews.

Warranty – The Ultra Cut comes with a 1-year warranty.

Rollers – For the pro striped lawn look.

To Sum Up – This is my choice, I like quality tools and that’s what this is. I think if you take care of this mower you’ll have it for many trouble-free years.

Design, materials, and workmanship are all top-shelf. I want one! You can check out the Scotts here on Amazon.

Fiskars

Fiskars the company was formed in 1649 in Fiskars, Finland. The original company made its living as an Ironworks, and today it’s a global supplier of consumer products. The Fiskars 17″ Mower with StaySharp system uses precision ground cutting blades that don’t touch, this reduces friction, wear, and maintenance.

Reinvented – Fiskars have taken the manual push mower and made it their own. Like the Scotts the grass is thrown out the front, the operator is shielded by the reel cover. Its got four wheels which is great for stability, but a little clumsy in tight spaces. It’s well designed and made, no doubt, but it isn’t up to the Scotts standard. The wheels feel a little cheap.

Easy Push – Fiskars is fitted with a noncontact blade which as you know makes it easier to push. The marketing material states their mower is 40% easier to push and delivers 75% more power to the reel.

I don’t even know how you’d measure that. As an option, a grass catcher is available for this model, that will of course make it harder to push.

Soft Grip – Like the Scotts, the handlebars are nice in the hand.

Weight – This thing isn’t light at 41lbs it’s heavier than the Scotts reel mower, but it’s on four wheels so you don’t really notice the extra weight. Height adjustment is like a regular mower, the pull of a lever, 1.5″ to 3.5″ simple! but you won’t cut grass taller than four inches.

All Grass Types – Fiskars claim this push mower will cut all types of heavy, thick grass even St. Augustine, Bermuda, Zoysia, and Bahia. So if you’re in the southern states, the Fiskars is a better fit for these tougher varieties.

Heavy Grass – Good at handling southern heavy grass.

Assembly – Like all the mowers, some self-assembly is needed. assembly on this than the Scotts but you won’t need the manual.

Warranty – The Fiskars comes with a 2-year warranty.

Self Assembly – It’s not difficult, maybe 10 minutes work.

To Sum Up – This is a good mower, and if I didn’t have the Scotts to compare it to, I’d say we have a winner. I don’t see this mower still in service in 15 or 20 years’ time, I just don’t get that from it.

On the upside, it’s better able to handle tough grass, more stable on its wheels, better warranty, and is easier to push. So if you can live with it not lasting as long as the Scotts, it’s a perfectly fine mower and you can check the price of the Fiskars here on Amazon.

Manual Push Mower Safety

These tools are sharp and would have your fingers off in a heartbeat, so respect is advised. If you need to work on the blade then lift the mower off the ground so the wheels are free from contact or lock the wheels from moving. These tools are pretty safe, but if you have small children, I would advise storing the mower out of reach. Unlike a gas mower, the manual mower is just as dangerous when not in use.

Mower Maintenance

The manual push mower is a very Smart buy for those with a small garden. A spray of wd40 before every use will ensure your blade stays sharp and the wheels roll easily. A dull blade tears the foliage and causes damage and disease, evident by a yellowing of the grass.

Sharpening

Most reel mowers will only need bed knife adjustment every year and blade sharpening only every few years.

Winterising

To winterize your push mower, give it a good clean, use a clean paintbrush and compressed air if you have it. I don’t like to use a power hose or a hosepipe, which causes rust in bearings and other hard-to-see places.

A good spray all over with wd40 will protect it over the winter months. Store undercover and out of the weather, preferably indoors over the winter. Now you have a head start on the new season. Check out this post, it covers “Winterizing your mower”.

Related Questions

What is the best reel mower for Bermuda grass? The Fiskars manual push mower has a noncontact reel and stays sharp technology which will make it easier to cut tough Bermuda grass.

Hey, I’m John, and I’m a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience.

I’ve worked on all types of mechanical equipment, from cars to grass machinery, and this site is where I share fluff-free hacks, tips, and insider know-how.

And the best part. it’s free!

How to Use a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience.

Jessica Wrubel has an accomplished background as a writer and copy editor, working for various publications, newspapers and in public libraries assisting with reference, research and special projects. In addition to her journalism experience, she has been educating on health and wellness topics for over 15 years in and outside of the classroom.

Self-propelled lawnmowers work on a vehicle-like drive system that requires the operator to squeeze a bar (called a “bail”) on the handle to engage the mower. Squeezing the bar causes the cutting blades on a self-propelled rotary mower to spin and makes the mower take off. After that, the mower moves forward independently, not requiring your pushing power. You only need to control the direction it goes.

If you release your grip on the bar, the mower stops moving, and its blades stop spinning. You may be familiar with this type of device if you have a hand-guided self-propelling vacuum cleaner; it has its drive doing a lot of the moving for you.

If you’ve ever wondered how self-propelled lawn mowers work and if they’re worth considering for your lawn, read on to learn more.

What Is a Self-Propelled Lawnmower?

A self-propelled device means it has a drive and doesn’t require your strength to operate it. You still need to steer the lawn mower since it’s not an autonomous robot, but it can save you time and energy.

Self-Propelled Lawn Mower vs. Push Mower

Self-propelled lawn mowers are motorized and drive independently, only requiring you to steer and move along with the device. The machine does the heavy lifting while you guide it along.

On the other hand, a push mower tells you in its name that you will need to use your body strength to push it. Push mowers can vary widely from non-motorized reel push mowers to motorized push mowers powered by battery, gas, or an electric plug. Here are two different types of push mowers:

• Reel mowers: Best suited for small, flat lawns; using no power, only your push strength to turn the axles that push the blades and wheels; least expensive and lightest to transport, requires some effort to wield; not the best for all situations
• Motorized push mower: Uses gas, battery, or electric plug to run its motorized blades; still requires your pushing power to move the mower; requires less strength than a reel mower; a better option than a reel mower for larger, uneven lawns
• Heavier
• expensive
• Require less body strength and effort
• Best for large lawns and uneven surfaces
• Feels like less of a chore
• Requires gas or electric energy source
• Lighter in weight
• Cheaper
• Motorized types still need power
• Reel types require more strength and energy
• Reel types are safest; no mechanized parts
• Reel types are most eco-friendly option

Parts of a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

A self-propelled mower uses many parts in the mower’s drive and transmission system, including engine parts, blades, pulleys, belts, a power source, and the safety bail. Much like a car, these parts need regular maintenance and occasionally replacement. The list goes on, from bearings and bushings to axles and air filters. These mowers can offer speed controls, height adjustments, discharge bag attachments, and even cup holders.

Some higher-end models may have a special feature like a blade override system that makes the blade stops spinning when you release the bar, and the unit stops moving, but it does not entirely shut off. This feature is convenient for two reasons: You can move the mower from point A to point B using its drive but not cutting grass along the way, and you don’t have to restart the mower every time you release the bar.

Safety Considerations

The bail or squeeze bar safety feature is the norm nowadays, even on mowers that are not self-propelled, like a battery-powered push mower.

This safety feature works great to prevent accidents and avoid hazards in your line of sight, like giant holes on the lawn or sprinklers, rocks or boulders, children running around, or pet mishaps. If you slip and lose your footing, there’s less chance of spinning blades coming into contact with your body. Also, while sidestepping things in the way, you don’t have to fiddle with a switch to try to shut the mower off; you only release the bar.

Buying vs. Renting

You can get a decent self-propelled lawn mower starting at about 300. The price goes up from there. If you rent a lawn mower, it can cost you around 40 a day or 150 a week for a name-brand lawn mower that is listed for 450. Most lawn mowers will last many years and most good models come with a 2- to 4-year warranty. If you have any size lawn—whether small or large—it will require mowing. And, during the growing season, from spring to fall, you might need to mow it once or twice a week.

Rentals only work in your favor if you’re saving money to get a new machine, your mower is being serviced, or you want to try a newer model before buying it. Ultimately, purchasing the device is less expensive than renting it.

Keeping the Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Maintained

Your lawn mower will need a tune-up once a year. You can do this maintenance or call for a service to maintain your machine. Annual maintenance includes changing the engine oil, adding a fuel stabilizer to the fuel system or removing the gas from the system if it’s old or at the end of the season; replacing the spark plug and air filter; sharpening and balancing the mower blades; cleaning the housing; and winterizing your engine. Also, check your belts for wear and tear.

When to Replace Your Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Most lawn mowers have replaceable parts that can help you extend the life of your machine. Do the required maintenance, such as changing air filters and getting new gas and oil. But, as the years wear on, your costs to fix a problem may be more than buying a new one.

If your machine chugs, sputters, or makes a loud unexplainable noise, the rule of thumb is the costs of repair should not come close to buying a new model. If the motor, transmission, or crankshaft is gone on your machine, it’s probably time to look for a new lawn mower.

Reel Mower vs Electric Mower: Features That You Must Know

Reel mower vs electric is a confusion of both mower models, and how they are both important pieces of equipment for our outdoor spaces, with their differences. Some homeowners often have a preference for one lawn mower over the other.

Let’s explore what features each model possesses, as well as the benefits and drawbacks.

Electric Mower

Manual operation and will require physical effort to push

Powered by an electric motor and will require less physical effort

Little maintenance is required

May require occasional blade, as well as battery replacement

Can be noisy, especially with corded models

environmentally friendly since it emits no pollutants

May contribute to pollution depending on the source of electricity

Generally less expensive in terms of the purchase price, as well as any ongoing maintenance costs

Generally more expensive in terms of the purchase price but may have lower ongoing maintenance costs

• Key Differences Between the Reel Mower and the Electric Mower
• What Are the Specifications of Reel Mowers?

• – Operation
• – Maintenance
• – Low In Noise
• – Environmental Impact
• – Cost

• – Operation
• – Maintenance
• – Excessive Noise
• – Environmental Impact
• – High in Cost
• – Used With Cautiousness

Key Differences Between the Reel Mower and the Electric Mower

The main difference between reel and electric mowers is that reel mowers, are lawn mowers that are operated manually, and less noisy. On the other hand, electric mowers use an electric motor to power their blades, and they make more noise.

A reel mower may be used to mow large lawns. However, it may consume more time and effort compared to an electric model. A small area is preferable for a reel mower unless you intentionally want to exert more physical effort and take more time to mow the lawn.

On the other hand, if you are motivated by environmental impact, then the reel mower may be a good choice. In the end, your lawn mower choice will depend mostly on the factors listed in the table above.

What Are the Specifications of Reel Mowers?

The specification of reel mowers is that they require more manual labor because they should be pushed, but little maintenance is required in the long run.

They also make less noise and are more environmentally friendly, and are less expensive than other mowers.

– Operation

Reel mowers are manual lawnmowers that require more physical effort to operate. As a result, homeowners find them to be less convenient. This mower type has a series of blades that rotate as the mower is pushed forward to cut the grass, and you would do this by pushing them, and it would work by manual labor.

These blades are attached to cylinders that spin as the wheels turn. At the same time, the cutting height can usually be adjusted by pressing a lever, which would be adjusted by the one doing the work. This type of rotary mower is better suited to flat lawns since they require more effort if the lawn is inclined or rough.

One advantage is that this type of lawn mower is quiet when in operation since it does not require electric engines to operate. At the same time, they do not emit pollutants into the air or contribute to pollution caused by electrical consumption.

– Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of using reel mowers is that they require very little maintenance. Since the blades of a reel mower sharpen by themselves, they require sharpening rarely, and if they get dull, you should replace them.

In the event that the blades of the push reel mower become dull, they can be taken to a professional to be sharpened. Homeowners who have sharpening kits can use these to keep the blades of the rotary motors sharp.

Additionally, a reel lawn mower does not have any battery or engine. This makes the push reel mower preferable for homeowners looking to have a low-maintenance machine.

– Low In Noise

Reel mowers produce very little noise and are considered to be very quiet when in operation. The absence of engines or motors ensures that these types of lawn mowers do not produce unwanted noise.

This makes them preferable to electric models. Consequently, this rotary mower model is often used in urban areas or by homeowners who prefer a quiet mowing experience.

– Environmental Impact

A reel lawn mower model is considered more environmentally friendly compared to electric models. This is because this type of lawn mower does not emit harmful pollutants in the air, because you are using your force to move it; it is manual not automatic.

Homeowners who are concerned about their carbon footprint tend to use this type of mower. Even ordinary homeowners will find that their electrical bills are not affected by this particular type of this mower.

– Cost

This is the type of machine that tends to cost less than other types of models. This means that homeowners get the same result at less expensive prices. Being manually operated, the reel type of mower does not require maintenance or operational costs.

This makes it a good option for homeowners looking for a budget-friendly mower for their particular lawn care.

What Are the Specifications of Electric Mowers?

The specifications of electric mowers are that they run on battery, and would require maintenance every once in a while with blades or battery.

Also, they are loud when operating, and could have a range of that are often more costly.

– Operation

Electric mowers are powered by electric motors, making them easier to operate compared to manual mowers. There are two basic categories: the corded electric mower and the cordless electric model, and they are both machines that run on source of electricity.

Cordless models are more convenient since they do not have any attached cords that can get in the way of mowing activities, and they would be running on battery. Corded electric models may restrict homeowners when the area to be mown is large. Generally, electric mowers work well on all types of lawns.

Most electric mowers come with a mulching feature. This allows homeowners to mulch grass clippings and use these as fertilizer. If your electric model has this feature, this allows you to be more environmentally friendly compared to bagging and disposing of grass clippings.

– Maintenance

Electric mowers require occasional maintenance and repairs. These include blade sharpening as the blades can become dull over time. To sharpen them, homeowners can use sharpening kits or have them taken to a professional for a better sharpening experience.

Also, battery replacement is another factor that needs to be considered by homeowners. Cordless models require regular battery charging. Additionally, cordless models may need to have their batteries replaced every few years.

– Excessive Noise

Electric lawn mowers are noisier compared to manual lawnmowers due to their motors. The corded models are especially noisier than the cordless ones. This may be unappealing for homeowners who prefer a quieter mowing experience, this is due to their strong source of power.

– Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of electric mowers depends mostly on the source of electricity that is used to power them. The electricity of this machine is from non-renewable sources, which is why the gas lawn mower is not eco-friendly.

However, if the source of electricity comes from non-renewable sources, such as natural gas or coal, then electric models may add to the pollution. If homeowners are concerned about their carbon footprint, then they should opt to charge their electric mowers using renewable sources.

over, it is environmentally friendly only if it runs on a battery, which is source without any carbon emissions. The battery life of electric mowers depends largely on the model, and on a single charge, most batteries tend to last for up to an hour.

Some electric mowers may have longer battery lives while other models have shorter battery lives. To determine yours, check your owner’s manual from the manufacturer, and doing so will give you an idea of the operating time, as well as its overall battery life.

– High in Cost

Generally, electric mowers are more expensive than manual ones. In terms of the initial purchase price, the cost is higher. In terms of maintenance costs, the cost is also higher for electric mowers.

On the other side, electric models tend to be more efficient at cutting grass. Since they can handle larger lawns than manual mowers, homeowners can save more effort and time in the long run.

– Used With Cautiousness

In general, electric mowers are considered safe to be around children and pets. However, electric mowers still have parts that may cause accidents around children and pets, so it is best to exercise caution when using them.

Safety precautions can be found in the owner’s manual. The manufacturer should include safety guidelines to help homeowners supervise children and pets during mowing activities.

To avoid accidents, electric mowers should not be operated on wet grass or in the rain. Doing this can damage the mower and lead to serious and dangerous situations. If you are going to use electric mowers, always wait for the wet grass to dry or for the rain to let up.

Conclusion

You now have a better idea of what kind of lawn mower is more suitable for your lifestyle. Let’s do a quick recap on what we’ve learned so far:

• A reel model mower costs less, makes less noise, and requires less maintenance but will demand more physical effort.
• Electric mowers cost more, are noisier, and require more maintenance but will make your mowing experience easier.
• The most prominent feature of a reel mower is that it is manually operated and will require more physical effort.
• If you prefer electric models but are conscious of environmental impact, consider using renewable sources of electricity to charge your selected lawn mower.

Based on what you’ve learned, which one seems better for you? By measuring the right requirements that you need, you will be able to find the right type for you!