Cutting grass push mower. 6 Best Lawn Mowers for Bermuda Grass – Reviews 2021 Buyer Guide

29.07.2023 Boath cutting, grass, mower, push

Best Lawn Mowers for Bermuda Grass – Reviews 2021 Buyer Guide

Affiliate Disclaimer: My content may contain links to products I use and love. As an Amazon Associate and participant in various other affiliate programs, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I personally vetted!

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: 2023-07-21

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: 2023-07-21

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: 2023-07-21

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: 2023-07-21

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: 2023-07-21

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: 2023-07-22

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: 2023-07-21

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: 2023-07-21

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: 2023-07-21

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.

s

What are the Best Cordless Leaf Blowers? Reviews Buyer’s Guide

How to Replace the Drive Belt on a Husqvarna Zero Turn Mower

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.

About CGL

CrabgrassLawn is a Wiki for Lawn Enthusiasts by Lawn Experts.

Sunday is our Recommended DIY Lawn Care PlanSee Our Sunday Lawn Care Review

Need Recommendations? Start with our Lawn Care Product Recommendations

Are Reel Mowers Really Worth It? Learn Pros, Cons, Cost, and

If you have a small yard to mow and would prefer not to use a bulky, gas-guzzling mower to get the job done, a reel lawn mower might be the better option. These old-fashioned push mowers are quiet and easy to operate, and they produce zero emissions.

They also provide a clean, precise cut, which is better for the overall health of your lawn and grass. Read on to find out more about the benefits of a reel mower.

What Is a Reel Lawn Mower?

A reel lawn mower essentially snips your grass like a pair of scissors would. It doesn’t have a built-in power source; by pushing it, you cause the blades to spin. (Most push reel mowers are manual, although you can also find gas- or battery-powered ones.) Compact, quiet, and easy to maneuver, this type of mower is best for those with small lawns.

How Does a Reel Mower Work?

Most reel mowers have a long handle and two wheels on a single axle, with either four, five, or seven blades (keep in mind that more blades lead to a cleaner cut). They use these blades to pull grass into the mower so that the cutter bar can snip it. The blades spin vertically, rather than horizontally, using a scissoring action that cleanly slices grass.

The average cost for a new lawn mower is between 80 and 3,200, depending on its type and special features

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Reel Mower?

There are a few key pros and cons to consider when trying to decide if a reel mower is right for you. The biggest advantage of a reel mower is that it provides a cleaner cut, but if you have a massive yard, it might not make sense to use a push mower.

Carefully weigh the following pros and cons before making your decision:

Pros

There’s no denying the benefits of a reel mower. Most notably, reel mowers are better for your lawn’s health. They provide a clean, scissor-like cut, which helps your grass heal faster (and also makes for a tidier look).

In comparison, power rotary mowers rip and shred your grass, which can leave your lawn vulnerable to insect attacks and disease.

Reel mowers are also quiet in operation, resulting in a more peaceful user experience. They produce zero emissions, so they don’t degrade air quality like gas-powered mowers do. And, they’re easy to operate, easy to maintain, and affordable.

Cons

However, if your grass is too tall and/or dense before mowing, it’ll likely be impossible to cut it with a manual reel mower. In this case, a reel mower will just push the grass down and ineffectively roll over it.

You’ll also need to clean up any debris (twigs, leaves, etc.) from your yard before mowing since reel mowers can’t go over anything that’s not grass. In addition, since most reel mowers are manual, they do require some physical effort to operate, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

How Should I Care for My Reel Mower?

It’s important to know what goes into caring for and maintaining your mower, whether you’re focused on regular upkeep or trying to decide whether you should repair or replace your mower altogether.

Luckily, reel mowers require very little maintenance, especially when compared to gas mowers, which require regular upkeep in the form of oil changes, tune-ups, and more.

To ensure your push reel mower stays in tip-top shape, you should lubricate and sharpen the blades every two to three years. And of course, don’t forget to clean off your mower each time you use it. Just hose off all the grass clippings and let it dry.

A little mower maintenance will keep your grass green, short, and healthy

Is a Reel Mower Worth the Price?

Reel mowers generally range in price from 80 to 200, which is more affordable than other types of mowers. You also don’t have to pay for oil or gas like you do with gas-powered mowers.

Considering the many benefits of a reel lawn mower, if you have a small lawn and don’t mind the physical act of pushing your mower around the yard, a reel mower is very much worth the price.

That said, if you have a super-spacious lawn, it may not be worth it to purchase a reel mower since this type of mower is designed for small, flat lawns. Also, you have to put more time and effort into cutting your grass than you would with a gas-powered mower.

If you don’t have a ton of extra time to devote to your lawn, a reel mower might not be worth the price—in which case, you may want to hire a local landscaping company to take care of your lawn, so you don’t have to worry about it.

How to Mow Your Lawn

Knowing how to mow a lawn can make the difference between a lawn that you’re proud of and one that looks weak and stressed. Proper mowing leaves your lawn looking finished and attractive, and it promotes thick, lush growth. On the other hand, improper mowing makes your lawn more susceptible to environmental stresses such as heat and drought.

These lawn mowing tips can help you have the best-looking lawn on the block:

How to Choose the Ideal Mower

Choosing the right lawn mower for the job provides a smooth, clean cut, and makes the most of your mowing time. Choose from these common lawn mower types:

Manual reel mower – Environmentally friendly and quiet, manual push mowers rely on your strength and energy to mow. They’re a good choice for small, flat lawns.
Electric mower – Available in corded and cordless models, electric lawn mowers are less noisy than gas mowers and great for small yards. Corded mowers stay plugged into electrical outlets as you mow. Rechargeable cordless models offer more freedom, but they may need a recharge mid-mow.
Gas-powered push mower – Walk-behind, gas-powered mowers have more power and maneuver more easily than manual and electric types, especially when they’re self-propelled. They are ideal for medium-sized lawns.
Riding mower or lawn tractor – For large or sloped lawns, a riding mower or lawn tractor is the best option, allowing you to get a big job done fast.
Mulching mower – Designed to chop up grass clippings as you mow, mulching mowers leave small clippings on your lawn. Mulched grass clippings left on healthy lawns add nutrients and encourage beneficial microorganisms in the soil. 1

When to Mow and How Much to Cut

While regular mowing is important to a healthy lawn, avoid setting a firm mowing schedule for your grass. Base how often you cut your grass on its growth, not on the day of the week. Weather, the season and your grass type all affect how fast it grows.

As a general rule, maintain established lawns so you never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. Cutting more than that reduces the carbohydrates that support healthy grass growth. Remove too much at once, and your lawn becomes more vulnerable to stress from weather, insect pests, diseases and weeds. 2 Always mow when grass is dry; wet grass clumps and won’t cut evenly.

Proper mowing height for established lawns is especially important during summer months. During periods of warm weather, opt for the higher mowing heights to help shade grass roots and support deep root growth. Gradually lower your mower blades back to normal mowing heights as temperatures cool. Stop mowing your lawn in fall when your grass stops growing.

Guidelines for when to mow a new lawn after seeding or when to mow new sod are different than for established lawns. Newly seeded lawns may take one to two months of establishment before they’re ready for mowing. Wait to mow new grass until all of the seed has sprouted and it reaches one and one-half times its recommended height. Start mowing new sod about two weeks after it is laid.

Use the following chart to determine grass height ranges and mower settings for specific grass types. 2, 3, 4, 5 If your lawn grass should be kept at 2 inches high, for instance, set your mower to that height and mow when it reaches a height of 3 inches.

How to Maintain Your Mower and Your Grass

Proper maintenance of your mower and your grass help keep your fresh-cut lawn thick and healthy. These maintenance basics help ensure your lawn always looks its best:

Sharpen mower blades. Sharpen mower blades whenever they grow dull. Do at least one thorough or professional sharpening before the mowing season begins each year. Dull blades create ragged cuts that increase the risk of pests and diseases.
Change lawn mowing patterns. Grass tends to lean in the direction it’s mowed. Encourage upright, even growth by mowing in different directions each time you mow. Lawn pros may mow diagonally one time and in straight stripes the next. Choose any lawn mowing patterns you like, just switch it up each time.
Feed your lawn after mowing. Wait until after mowing to fertilize your grass with high-quality lawn foods such as Pennington UltraGreen Lawn Fertilizer 34-0-4, so you don’t dislodge fertilizer as you mow.
Avoid over-fertilizing. Fertilizing too often or using too much can burn grass or lead to thatch buildup—that thick, brown layer where grass stems meet roots. That means dethatching your lawn and more work for you. 3

A properly mowed lawn looks beautiful and feels great underneath your feet. By following these lawn mowing tips, you can help your lawn grow thick, lush and green. Pennington is here to help you grow the lawn of your dreams.

Pennington and UltraGreen are registered trademarks of Pennington Seed, Inc.

C.R. Wilson and T. Koski, Eliminate Grass Clipping Collection, Colorado State University Extension, March 2014.

M. Jones, et. al, Mowing Your Lawn, Iowa State University Extension, August 2009.

T. Koski and V. Skinner, Lawn Care, Colorado State University Extension, March 2012.

Reel Mower vs. Rotary Mowers

But one of the most unique distinctions between lawn mowers is whether the mower uses reel or rotary blades.

And no I’m not talking about manual push reel mowers. I’m talking about the REAL, gas-powered reel mowers like the one below:

So, which is better rotary or reel? Let’s find out!

Which is better a Rotary or Reel mower?

To determine which mower is better, we have to weigh the differences of each machine. As well as the pros and cons.

First up is the rotary mower:

What is a Rotary Mower?

A rotary mower is your standard everyday lawn mower. It’s likely what you immediately think of when you hear the word “lawn mower”. Rotary mowers use a blade that rotates parallel to the lawn they are cutting.

How do rotary mowers work?

Rotary mowers work by rotating at incredibly high speeds. This high speed creates a lift, forming a vacuum, which causes the grass to be sucked upwards. Meanwhile, the blade rotates quickly around (at about 200mph or 3000 rpm) and slices the grass at the blade height.

This suction along with the quickly spinning blade or blades is what cuts grass efficiently.

The Purpose of Rotary Mowers

Rotary mowers are all-purpose mowers that can cut just about any type of lawn. They are better for cutting grass on uneven ground, or on lawns where sticks and rocks are present. Further, rotary mowers are best for cutting grass at taller grass.

Pros of Reel Mowers: Can cut tall grass easily, and the blades are cheap and easy to sharpen. Are not easily affected by sticks or even rocks. To get your lawn ready for a reel mower, use these yard clean up tips.

Cons of Reel Mowers: Can not cut grass as low as a rotary mower, and does not cut as evenly as a reel mower can. Does not cut grass as cleanly.

What is a REAL reel mower?

Look, I was shocked when I found this one out myself. Reel mowers aren’t just rinky-dink pieces of metal that serve better as a lawn decoration than actually keeping grass cut.

No, there are also commercial grade high-end top-of-the-line reel mowers that offer some unique features that the traditional rotary mower can not. We will get to those features in a moment. But first…

How do reel mowers work?

Unlike a rotary mower which uses 1, 2, or even 3 quickly rotating blades that spin parallel to the ground, a reel mower uses 4, 5, 7 or even 11 blades on a single reel.

Get this, some top-end commercial reel mowers, like the TORO 121 Reelmaster® 7000 Mower, can have as many as 5 reels. With 11 blades on each reel. That’s 55 blades!

I would hate to be the one that has to sharpen the blades on a mower like that!

So, what the heck is so special about these “reel” mowers anyhow?

The Purpose of Reel Mowers

Here’s the deal, a reel mower isn’t for your average homeowner’s lawn. No, these precision-grade machines are for those who want a PERFECT lawn. And I mean perfect.

As far as use on residential properties, about the only people that use a high-end reel mower, are hobbyist homeowners who love perfecting their lawns.

However, when it comes to commercial properties like baseball stadiums, golf courses, soccer fields, and the like. A reel mower offers a far superior cut, with sharper stripes and a tighter cut.

Pros of Reel Mowers: Reel mowers are excellent at cutting grass low and tight to the ground, best of all they can provide a nice even cut on the lawn. They also offer a sharper, cleaner cut on the grass which avoids grass discoloration.

Cons of Reel Mowers: Easily jammed up by sticks and rocks. Further, they can not cut tall grass well either. Sharpening the blades is not a DIY project. The lower cut may lead to a lawn more likely to become brown in the summer heat. Grass needs to be cut more frequently (twice a week or more).

Which is Better Reel or Rotary Mower?

Well, to be honest. Each mower has its place.

Rotary mowers will probably always be the front-runner choice for most lawn care pros and homeowners. Simply put they are more versatile and easier for the average user to operate and troubleshoot.

However, reel mowers do seem to be growing in popularity among homeowners. The thing is while they offer a superior cut, unless you frivolously maintain your lawn, or pay top dollar to have your lawn perfectly manicured by lawn care pros. You will have more issues than it’s worth to operate a reel mower.

Should I invest in a reel mower for my lawn care company?

While in theory, a reel cutting service may appeal to some residential clients, very few are going to want to pay for 2 or 3 cuts a week.

In my experience, the only practical application for reel mowers is for lawn care companies that specifically service large commercial properties that are willing to pay top dollar to have their lawns perfectly manicured.

Or if you are specifically targeting VERY wealthy clients that want a perfectly maintained lawn and are willing to fork out

Reel Mowers are practical for cutting sports fields, and especially golf courses. So unless you have large commercial clients I would not recommend investing in a reel mower for your lawn care business. The bottom line is it’s not the type of equipment you want if you are just getting started.

In the words of one lawn care pro:

Rotary vs. Reel At the End of the Day

While there are certainly some amazing advantages to using a reel mower on certain properties, overall the rotary mower will always be a more practical solution for a lawn care company.

While they can be a fun hobby for your own lawn, the commercial use of a reel mower for a profitable lawn care company is strictly limited to VERY high-end residential clients and commercial clients that want a perfect lawn.

If you are looking for more great lawn care business tips, check out our lawn care pros section.

The Best Reel Mowers for Your Lawns in 2023 Buying Guide

Reel lawn mowers can be a wise choice for yard maintenance because they are relatively inexpensive, quiet, and easy to maintain. Plus, they only take up only a fraction of the space required by a typical mower.

But that’s not all, they are also better for the overall health of your lawn since they cut grass blades the way scissors would. This is unlike a traditional rotary mower that tends to rip and tear grass, leaving brown tips and exposing it to diseases.

If you’re wondering why else you should consider a reel mower and which ones are the best reel mowers in 2023, then this article was specifically written for a lawn owner like you!

We go over not only what the best reel mowers are, but also what exactly you should look for, and how they work to help you make the best decision for your lawn.

Scotts Classic

Produces NO toxic fumes for the environment to absorb.- just a couple of footprints!

What is a Reel Mower?

A reel mower has vertically spinning blades. This differs from the majority of lawnmowers, known as rotary mowers, in which the blade spins horizontally.

Historically, reel mowers are mechanically powered, necessitating the use of muscle to cut grass. However, today you can also find reel mowers powered by gas, which are particularly useful for cutting larger turf areas.

TOP 5: Best Reel Mower [2022] | Cut your grass without the pollutants! #shorts

How Does a Reel Mower Work?

Most motorized push mowers use rotary blades. The cutting edge is parallel to the ground and goes around and around in a clockwise motion (or maybe it’s counter-clockwise, but you get the point).

By contrast, a reel mower’s five to eight spiral steel blades spin at an angle perpendicular to the ground. As you push the mower, the reel turns and snips the grass in a scissor-like motion. It provides a finer cut than a rotary mower — no ripping or tearing — and seals the grass blade, which keeps moisture in and lawn diseases out.

People purchase reel mowers primarily due to their clean, short cut. The truth is that only reel mowers can achieve a cutting height of half an inch or less. If you’ve ever wondered how golf courses maintain such short grass, the answer is a gas-powered reel mower.

Also, unlike power mowers, which create a vacuum that pulls up the blades of grass as it cuts, the snipping action of a reel mower causes minimal disturbance to the natural growth pattern of turf.

This interwoven network of leaves (blades of grass) just above the soil level is a key element of turf’s natural ability to retain moisture and crowd out weeds. Reel mowers cut the grass in place, reducing the vertical height but leaving the grass with blades of varying lengths.

Professional groundskeepers prefer the cutting action of a reel mower because it allows them to cut at the lowest recommended height and still maintain a beautiful healthy look.

It also produces a natural mulch by dispersing clippings in a fine spray (no clumping) that decompose quickly. Left on the lawn, these clippings release nutrients into the soil. Over the course of a growing season, that mulch is equivalent to a free application of organic fertilizer.

Best Lawn Reel Mower. Push Reel Mower

Deluxe Light

Ideal for ALL grass types including Florida’s thick-bladed St. Augustine grass.

Why Consider Using a Reel Lawn Mower?

There are multiple reasons why you should consider using a reel lawn mower. Let’s look at some of our top reasons:

First of all, they start every time.
They’re much quieter than gas-powered mowers, so quiet that you can mow early Sunday morning without waking the neighbors.
They’re fuel-free unless you count those bowls of cereal or peanut butter sandwiches that power your engine.
They don’t degrade air quality (lawn mower engines are terribly inefficient and emit more than 10 times the hydrocarbons per amount of gas burned than auto engines).
Not only are reel mowers great for the environment, but they also require little maintenance and are a great means of exercise.
They’re cheaper than gas-powered mowers, both in initial outlay and operating costs.

Are Reel Lawn Mowers Better Than Gas Mowers?

Reel lawn mowers are definitely better than gas-powered, rotary mowers.

Rotary lawn mowers tend to tear off the tops of grass blades, leaving them exposed to disease. Ever notice how the tops of each grass blade turn brown after mowing with a gas machine?

A reel mower snips the grass, like scissors, leaving finer trimmings to mulch in your yard. This mulch not only nourishes your lawn but also prevents weed seeds from germinating.

Rotary mowers also create a vacuum as they pass (that’s why they’re great for cutting tall, droopy weeds). They literally vacuum the mulch layer off the ground, providing an opportunity for weeds to find space to take root.

On the other hand, reel mowers will cut shorter (approximately 1-3/4 to 2-1/2 inches depending on the model) without disturbing the soil surface.

What About the Disadvantages of Using a Reel Mower?

No doubt you’ve heard of the drawback associated with reel push mowers from some disgruntled neighbor or relative.

They’re just too much work.

They’re hard to keep sharp and don’t cut evenly.

They leave the dandelion crowns standing.

These concerns are mostly a thing of the past. New materials and technology have made reel mowers lighter and more efficient. And a few changes in your lawn care strategy will not only make life with a reel mower easier but will result in benefits to your yard — and your health — as well.

Standard Light

Easy to store whether you park it in the garage or hang it up on a wall.

When was Reel Mowers Invented?

Push mowers, invented in 1830 by Edwin Budding near Stroud, England (you can see one of the originals in the London Science Museum), have improved since I discovered that old reel back in the woodshed.

Today, they’re lighter, smoother rolling, and made of stronger alloys. Blades stay sharper longer — about twice as long as a power mower’s spark plug lasts — and some machines are designed for specialized uses such as cutting thick, low-growing Bermuda and Zoysia grass.

With a little care and planning, a push reel mower will not only give you years of quiet, fuel and pollution-free service. It will help you keep a better lawn.

Things to Consider When Buying a Reel Mower

Size and Terrain

Reel lawn mowers are best used in smaller, level yards. The wider a mower is, the harder it will be to push.

Steep hills can make mowing difficult (as they do with power lawn mowers) but maneuverability with a reel mower, especially those with rear wheels, is better than with most power mowers.

Still, a reel mower may require pulling the mower back and pushing it in the new direction. This assures a clean cut as it trims any grass missed while rotating the reel.

Weed Control

Push reel mowers tend to run over tall weeds, like dandelion flowers, rather than cut them. But a reel lawn mower makes weed control easier. You’ll want to inspect your lawn for obstructions as you mow. A rock can chip mower blades. I always cleared twigs and fallen fruit from beneath my trees before making a pass with the mower.

Type of Grass

It’s best to consider the type of grass you’ll be mowing and the height you prefer as this will affect the cutting width and number of reel blades to look for in your reel mower.

Most mower reels contain five blades and are fine for cutting Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye, fescue, and other common grasses. Thicker grasses found in the South and areas prone to droughts, like Zoysia, Bent, and Bermuda grasses, are best handled by seven-blade mowers.

Models with seven blades and an 18-inch cutting width are good for medium-sized lawns. If they are consistently maintained, most small to medium-sized lawns can be successfully cut by reel mowers with four or five blades and smaller cutting widths.

Cutting Height

In warmer, wetter climates where grass grows quickly, an adjustable blade height feature found on some more expensive reel models can be a lifesaver. Most of the time, these settings range anywhere from 0.5 to 4 inches.

Consider the amount of moisture your lawn receives and the kinds of use it gets so that you’ll know just how short to cut.

Other Features

To increase comfort when mowing medium-sized lawns, some reel lawn mower models feature ergonomic, cushioned handles, attached grass collection bins, and other features.

An InertiaDrive reel is another feature to look for in a reel mower; it provides a more precise cut and is especially helpful for cutting tall and thick grasses.

Planet Natural’s Picks for Best Reel Mowers in 2023

Here are our top picks for the best reel mowers you can buy in 2023:

Best Overall Reel Mower: Great States 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

The Great States 415-16 push reel lawn mower is the first on our list and is well-known for its cutting power. This mower does an excellent job of trimming and shaping your lawn thanks to its blade height adjustment range of 0.5 to 2.5 inches.

This reel mower is our top pick because of the high quality of its blades; they are made of heat-treated alloy steel and stay sharp for a very long time. The blades are sharp enough to use for trimming precise lawn borders. And the mower’s cushioned handle makes it simple to push through even the thickest grass with a solid grip.

It requires only one push to start, making it a hassle-free manual lawn mower. Plus, the lightweight design of the Great States reel lawn mower makes it easy to maneuver throughout the yard.

The reels cut the grass cleanly and efficiently, leaving behind a neat and even lawn without any ripping or tearing. In addition, the lawn mower is simple and easy to store. It can be hung on a wall or tucked away in a garage nook and so requires minimal storage space.

Best Wide Cutting Width Reel Mower: Scotts Outdoor Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower

The Scotts 2000-20 is our top pick for a reel mower with a wide cutting width for healthy, precise cutting.

The mower’s 20-inch cutting swath allows it to quickly and cleanly remove grass in a single motion, without tearing or ripping the blades. With the Scotts 2000-20 mower, you’ll never have to go over your lawn more than once.

The blades are made of heat-treated alloy steel, which maintains its edge for a longer period of time and allows for exceptionally precise grass cutting. The blade adjustment range is from 1 to 3 inches.

The enhanced maneuverability on the lawn is a result of the dual-tracking wheels, which allow for a more even cut when moving around your lawn.

Mowing is a breeze with the Scotts 2000-20 Outdoor Power Tools mower. Ergonomic padding on the mower’s handles promotes healthful posture as you cut the grass.

It can be quickly and easily assembled with no extra hardware and tools required. It’s one of the most user-friendly and space-efficient manual lawn mowers on the market, making this model a top pick at its price point.

Best Lightweight Reel Mower: American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch 4-Blade Mower

With being the lightest reel mower on the list, the 14-inch American Lawn Mower weighs just 20 pounds overall. It has four cutting blades made of a steel alloy that has been heated to prevent them from becoming dull. It also has 8.5-inch polymer wheels and rear rollers to make it more stable.

This smaller American Lawn Mower is ideal for mowing a small lawn, and its light weight makes it easier to operate for smaller individuals. It has both a T-handle and a padded handle to make mowing more comfortable.

Plus, this compact, low-maintenance reel mower has a fold-down handle for storage and is light enough to hang in the garage if preferred. The cutting height can be adjusted from 0.5 to 2.75 inches.

Since there are only four 14-inch blades cutting against the bedknife, this mower provides the least resistance out of all the models on the list, making it a good one if you’re a beginner or worried about manual mowers being too difficult to push.

Overall, this four-blade reel mower is sturdy and simple to operate, though it might need a second pass to finish cleaning up tougher patches due to having fewer blades.

You could use it to maintain the paths in your vegetable garden or other low-traffic grassy areas effectively with this manual mower.

Best High-Quality Reel Mower: Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower, 18 Inch

This Fiskars reel mower might be pricey, but you certainly get high quality in return for the price. This model has two small front rollers for better balance and stability, and its high-quality StaySharp blades require less frequent sharpening.

In addition to that, it has a design called InertiaDrive that enables the mower to cut through grass that is denser.

Even though the Fiskars Stay Sharp Max mower costs roughly twice as much as the others on the list, it easily outperforms them in every way. The construction, which weighs a hefty 52 pounds, has a heavy-duty feel but operates efficiently.

Even on the roughest terrain, the machine can be maneuvered with relative ease thanks to the ergonomically designed handle.

The wheels on this reel mower are offset in a way that prevents them from flattening the grass before mowing, allowing you to get closer to the edge of your lawn (only an inch away) than you would with most other reel mowers (typically 3.5 inches).

The lever’s height can be altered quickly and easily with one hand and the cutting height can be adjusted anywhere from one to four inches, and the chute can be moved in either direction, allowing the clippings to fall either in front of or behind the mower as desired.

This Fiskars mower has a cutting width of 18 inches, which makes it an excellent choice for maintaining lawns in both smaller and larger sizes. Plus, you can buy a grass catcher on its own if you want to.

If you’re looking for unbeatable quality, you can’t go wrong with this reel mower.

Best Reel Mower for Tall Grass: American Lawn Mower Company 16-inch Reel Mower

Unlike most reel lawn mowers, this 16-inch push reel lawn mower from American Lawn Mower Company has blades and a bed knife made of tempered steel, as well as an unbreakable steel side plate.

This built quality is incredible and definitely worth checking out. The blades slice through grass blades up to 4 inches tall, just like a pair of scissors would without ripping them like rotary mowers would.

One of the things that we love the most about this particular mower is how easy it is to use! If you’re concerned that a manual reel mower will be a lot of physical work, then consider trying this one by American Lawn Mower Company; it makes mowing a breeze and is easy to move through tall grass even with one hand.

How To Use a Manual Push Mower

Single Pass

Back when your grandpa was using a reel mower, the common grass-cutting technique was to saw–pass the mower back and forth in a sawing-like motion. That’s because the blades weren’t all that sharp. Today that’s unnecessary. Just walk at a normal pace and a single pass (or sometimes two) will suffice.

Cut to Shortest Recommend Length

Always cut to the shortest recommended height. That makes it an easier job for both you, the pusher, as well as for the reel push mower.

You’ll want to keep your grass at a proper mowing height (no more than three to four inches) and try to mow no more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. This helps feed the soil and ensures that your lawn will have deeper roots, which makes the grass healthier and discourages weeds.

Stay Regular

That is, it’s better to mow a little bit and frequently instead of waiting for the grass to be too high. Usually once a week will do the trick.

Avoid long gaps and tall grass between mowings. Tall grass means too much work and it will be harder on you and the mower

Overlap Your Mowing Lines

Overlapping wheels while bicycle racing causes accidents. In the case of your lawn, overlapping the mowing pattern is a good thing. It makes it easier to mow and helps catch any errant grass blades that the push mower missed the first time around. (One good hint: if you get sloppy and wait until your grass is too tall to cut, try increasing the amount of overlap between passes.)

Add Variety

Variety adds spice to life and to mowing, so experiment. Try mowing in different patterns and seeing what makes your lawn look best. Heck, if you’ve really got a lot of time on your hands, you could work on becoming the next Picasso of the playing field.

Change Method Depending on Season

To every season, there is a method of cutting. You may find that you need to change your mowing technique as conditions change.

For example, grass grows fast in the spring and is brimming with moisture. You may need to set your push mower at a higher cutting height and mow more frequently than in the fall when the growing season is coming to an end.

Similarly, during the peak of summer and summer heat grass has less moisture and is thinner. You may need to reduce the mowing height to get your lawn to look its best.

Weed Control Tips

If dandelions or other “willowy” weeds take up residence, you’ll find that mowing isn’t the best solution.

This is because they are so tall that when the mower pushes over them, they do not spring back up to be cut by the blade. You’ll be pushing and the mower will be cutting, but the weeds will escape.

Instead of futile mowing, either start attacking weeds with the mower while they are still short enough to be easily cut or explore other forms of weed control.

How to Maintain Push Reel Mowers:

Other Lawn Guides from Planet Natural:

Sources:

https://www.crabgrasslawn.com/best-lawn-mower-for-bermuda-grass/
https://www.angi.com/articles/reel-lawn-mower-right-you.htm
https://www.pennington.com/all-products/grass-seed/resources/lawn-mowing-101
https://www.yourgreenpal.com/blog/reel-mower-vs-rotary-mowers-which-is-best-for-mowing-grass
https://www.planetnatural.com/reel-lawn-mowers/