Keep your lawn a cut above with the best reel mowers. Self propelled reel mower
Keep your lawn a cut above with the best reel mowers
Keeping your lawn mowed eliminates pests and promotes healthy growth. Still, choosing the right lawn mower can be tricky. Gas mowers are loud and produce emissions, and battery-powered mowers can be inconvenient.
Reel mowers, on the other hand, don’t require a power source and are easy to maintain. When choosing a reel mower, you’ll want to consider the blades, cutting width and weight.
What to consider when buying a reel mower
Reel mower cutting width
Mowers with wide cutting widths help you cut your lawn faster. Many reel mowers have a 14- to 20-inch cutting width. Still, wider mowers can be more challenging to maneuver and may weigh more. Because the wheelbase is wider than the width of the reel, you’ll want to overlap slightly with each pass.
Reel mower weight
Using a reel mower can feel like an upper-body workout if you’re used to self-propelled mowers. It’s good to consider the weight when buying one, so it’s less strenuous to use.
Reel mower blades
These mowers generally have four to seven blades and a bed knife. Mowers with more blades are usually best for tall, coarse grass.
How to back lap your reel mower blades
To ensure you’re always getting a clean cut, you can sharpen up the blades with this simple method.
- Get your materials: You’ll need a back-lapping compound, a paintbrush, a way to turn your blades and an abrasive.
- Remove the drive wheel: Most reel mowers have a nut or pin that covers the drive wheel. The drive wheel is usually on the left side of the mower. Once you remove the wheel, you’ll see the gears that control the blades. Remove the gear, and you’ll be left with the shaft.
- Adjust the blades: There are different ways to adjust your blades depending on your mower. It’s best to read your instruction manual to understand how to adjust them. You’ll want to make them come in contact with your bed knife.
- Use your lapping compound: Spread the lapping mixture on your blades using a small paintbrush.
- Crank your blades: Begin cranking your blades backward. Crank them for around eight to 10 minutes and apply more lapping compound. Continue cranking the blades backward until you see a thin, shiny surface.
- Reassemble your mower: Put everything back together in reverse order, cleaning and greasing the parts as you go.
Reel lawnmower FAQ
Are reel mowers good for your lawn?
A. Rotary mowers leave a jagged edge on your grass. Alternatively, reel mowers function like a pair of scissors, leaving a smooth edge on the cut grass. The clean cut leads to healthier, better-looking grass.
Are reel mowers hard to push?
A. Reel mowers require upper-body strength to push. Still, they’re usually lighter than traditional mowers and shouldn’t be particularly difficult to move. If you feel your reel mower is hard to use, it may be due to bent or dull blades. You may need to sharpen the edges or bend them back in shape with a hammer.
Can you use a reel mower on wet grass?
A. They can be used on damp grass, but you shouldn’t run them through standing water. Rust may form if you let your mower sit while wet.
Are reel mowers effective on tall grass?
A. Reel mowers are best for short grass. If you own a reel mower, it’s a good idea to trim the grass at least once a week, or it may become difficult to use.
Best reel mowers
Reel mowers under 200
What you need to know: It’s easy to use and features a built-in grass catcher.
What you’ll love: It’s affordable and simple to assemble. The blades are sharp, and the grass catcher is ideal for those who want mulching capabilities. The reel is also adjustable.
What you should consider: The handle is relatively flimsy, and the blades may squeak.
What you need to know: It’s affordable and assembly is straightforward.
What you’ll love: This model is lightweight and features a simple design. Most people love how easy it is to maneuver, and the alloy steel blades stay sharp for a while.
What you should consider: The handle isn’t as durable as other reel mowers.
What you need to know: This is one of the most-affordable Fiskars reel mowers.
What you’ll love: It’s easy to assemble and use. It’s durable and efficient, and you can adjust the cutting height from 1.5-3.5 inches.
What you should consider: It isn’t as powerful as other Fiskars reel mowers.
What you need to know: It’s easy to use and features a straightforward design.
What you’ll love: Ideal for small yards, you can assemble this with no tools. The blades provide a clean cut.
What you should consider: It isn’t as durable as other reel mowers.
Reel mower above 200
What you need to know: This features a durable design and effectively cuts lawns.
What you’ll love: It’s easy to use and leaves you with a precise cut. It has an 18-inch cutting path and an adjustable handle. It’s also easy to assemble and adjust the blades.
What you should consider: It’s relatively expensive and heavy.
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Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
Keep your lawn a cut above with the best reel mowers
Keeping your lawn mowed eliminates pests and promotes healthy growth. Still, choosing the right lawn mower can be tricky. Gas mowers are loud and produce emissions, and battery-powered mowers can be inconvenient.
Reel mowers, on the other hand, don’t require a power source and are easy to maintain. When choosing a reel mower, you’ll want to consider the blades, cutting width and weight.
What to consider when buying a reel mower
Reel mower cutting width
Mowers with wide cutting widths help you cut your lawn faster. Many reel mowers have a 14- to 20-inch cutting width. Still, wider mowers can be more challenging to maneuver and may weigh more. Because the wheelbase is wider than the width of the reel, you’ll want to overlap slightly with each pass.
Reel mower weight
Using a reel mower can feel like an upper-body workout if you’re used to self-propelled mowers. It’s good to consider the weight when buying one, so it’s less strenuous to use.
Reel mower blades
These mowers generally have four to seven blades and a bed knife. Mowers with more blades are usually best for tall, coarse grass.
How to back lap your reel mower blades
To ensure you’re always getting a clean cut, you can sharpen up the blades with this simple method.
- Get your materials: You’ll need a back-lapping compound, a paintbrush, a way to turn your blades and an abrasive.
- Remove the drive wheel: Most reel mowers have a nut or pin that covers the drive wheel. The drive wheel is usually on the left side of the mower. Once you remove the wheel, you’ll see the gears that control the blades. Remove the gear, and you’ll be left with the shaft.
- Adjust the blades: There are different ways to adjust your blades depending on your mower. It’s best to read your instruction manual to understand how to adjust them. You’ll want to make them come in contact with your bed knife.
- Use your lapping compound: Spread the lapping mixture on your blades using a small paintbrush.
- Crank your blades: Begin cranking your blades backward. Crank them for around eight to 10 minutes and apply more lapping compound. Continue cranking the blades backward until you see a thin, shiny surface.
- Reassemble your mower: Put everything back together in reverse order, cleaning and greasing the parts as you go.
Reel lawnmower FAQ
Are reel mowers good for your lawn?
A. Rotary mowers leave a jagged edge on your grass. Alternatively, reel mowers function like a pair of scissors, leaving a smooth edge on the cut grass. The clean cut leads to healthier, better-looking grass.
Are reel mowers hard to push?
A. Reel mowers require upper-body strength to push. Still, they’re usually lighter than traditional mowers and shouldn’t be particularly difficult to move. If you feel your reel mower is hard to use, it may be due to bent or dull blades. You may need to sharpen the edges or bend them back in shape with a hammer.
Can you use a reel mower on wet grass?
A. They can be used on damp grass, but you shouldn’t run them through standing water. Rust may form if you let your mower sit while wet.
Are reel mowers effective on tall grass?
A. Reel mowers are best for short grass. If you own a reel mower, it’s a good idea to trim the grass at least once a week, or it may become difficult to use.
Best reel mowers
Reel mowers under 200
What you need to know: It’s easy to use and features a built-in grass catcher.
What you’ll love: It’s affordable and simple to assemble. The blades are sharp, and the grass catcher is ideal for those who want mulching capabilities. The reel is also adjustable.
What you should consider: The handle is relatively flimsy, and the blades may squeak.
What you need to know: It’s affordable and assembly is straightforward.
What you’ll love: This model is lightweight and features a simple design. Most people love how easy it is to maneuver, and the alloy steel blades stay sharp for a while.
What you should consider: The handle isn’t as durable as other reel mowers.
What you need to know: This is one of the most-affordable Fiskars reel mowers.
What you’ll love: It’s easy to assemble and use. It’s durable and efficient, and you can adjust the cutting height from 1.5-3.5 inches.
What you should consider: It isn’t as powerful as other Fiskars reel mowers.
What you need to know: It’s easy to use and features a straightforward design.
What you’ll love: Ideal for small yards, you can assemble this with no tools. The blades provide a clean cut.
What you should consider: It isn’t as durable as other reel mowers.
Reel mower above 200
What you need to know: This features a durable design and effectively cuts lawns.
What you’ll love: It’s easy to use and leaves you with a precise cut. It has an 18-inch cutting path and an adjustable handle. It’s also easy to assemble and adjust the blades.
What you should consider: It’s relatively expensive and heavy.
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
Keep your lawn a cut above with the best reel mowers
Keeping your lawn mowed eliminates pests and promotes healthy growth. Still, choosing the right lawn mower can be tricky. Gas mowers are loud and produce emissions, and battery-powered mowers can be inconvenient.
Reel mowers, on the other hand, don’t require a power source and are easy to maintain. When choosing a reel mower, you’ll want to consider the blades, cutting width and weight.
What to consider when buying a reel mower
Reel mower cutting width
Mowers with wide cutting widths help you cut your lawn faster. Many reel mowers have a 14- to 20-inch cutting width. Still, wider mowers can be more challenging to maneuver and may weigh more. Because the wheelbase is wider than the width of the reel, you’ll want to overlap slightly with each pass.
Reel mower weight
Using a reel mower can feel like an upper-body workout if you’re used to self-propelled mowers. It’s good to consider the weight when buying one, so it’s less strenuous to use.
Reel mower blades
These mowers generally have four to seven blades and a bed knife. Mowers with more blades are usually best for tall, coarse grass.
How to back lap your reel mower blades
To ensure you’re always getting a clean cut, you can sharpen up the blades with this simple method.
- Get your materials: You’ll need a back-lapping compound, a paintbrush, a way to turn your blades and an abrasive.
- Remove the drive wheel: Most reel mowers have a nut or pin that covers the drive wheel. The drive wheel is usually on the left side of the mower. Once you remove the wheel, you’ll see the gears that control the blades. Remove the gear, and you’ll be left with the shaft.
- Adjust the blades: There are different ways to adjust your blades depending on your mower. It’s best to read your instruction manual to understand how to adjust them. You’ll want to make them come in contact with your bed knife.
- Use your lapping compound: Spread the lapping mixture on your blades using a small paintbrush.
- Crank your blades: Begin cranking your blades backward. Crank them for around eight to 10 minutes and apply more lapping compound. Continue cranking the blades backward until you see a thin, shiny surface.
- Reassemble your mower: Put everything back together in reverse order, cleaning and greasing the parts as you go.
Reel lawnmower FAQ
Are reel mowers good for your lawn?
A. Rotary mowers leave a jagged edge on your grass. Alternatively, reel mowers function like a pair of scissors, leaving a smooth edge on the cut grass. The clean cut leads to healthier, better-looking grass.
Are reel mowers hard to push?
A. Reel mowers require upper-body strength to push. Still, they’re usually lighter than traditional mowers and shouldn’t be particularly difficult to move. If you feel your reel mower is hard to use, it may be due to bent or dull blades. You may need to sharpen the edges or bend them back in shape with a hammer.
Can you use a reel mower on wet grass?
A. They can be used on damp grass, but you shouldn’t run them through standing water. Rust may form if you let your mower sit while wet.
Are reel mowers effective on tall grass?
A. Reel mowers are best for short grass. If you own a reel mower, it’s a good idea to trim the grass at least once a week, or it may become difficult to use.
Best reel mowers
Reel mowers under 200
What you need to know: It’s easy to use and features a built-in grass catcher.
What you’ll love: It’s affordable and simple to assemble. The blades are sharp, and the grass catcher is ideal for those who want mulching capabilities. The reel is also adjustable.
What you should consider: The handle is relatively flimsy, and the blades may squeak.
What you need to know: It’s affordable and assembly is straightforward.
What you’ll love: This model is lightweight and features a simple design. Most people love how easy it is to maneuver, and the alloy steel blades stay sharp for a while.
What you should consider: The handle isn’t as durable as other reel mowers.
What you need to know: This is one of the most-affordable Fiskars reel mowers.
What you’ll love: It’s easy to assemble and use. It’s durable and efficient, and you can adjust the cutting height from 1.5-3.5 inches.
What you should consider: It isn’t as powerful as other Fiskars reel mowers.
What you need to know: It’s easy to use and features a straightforward design.
What you’ll love: Ideal for small yards, you can assemble this with no tools. The blades provide a clean cut.
What you should consider: It isn’t as durable as other reel mowers.
Reel mower above 200
What you need to know: This features a durable design and effectively cuts lawns.
What you’ll love: It’s easy to use and leaves you with a precise cut. It has an 18-inch cutting path and an adjustable handle. It’s also easy to assemble and adjust the blades.
What you should consider: It’s relatively expensive and heavy.
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
The Best Hybrid Mowers for Green Gardeners: Electric Reel Mowers
Want to green that lawn care but these cons outweigh the pros of both electric rotary push mowers and reel mowers?
Ivy at Shakyard and one reader named Indie both feel this way. In fact, Indie brought up a great question about it on a recent post about reel mowers.
“We bought a reel mower recently and it won’t cut some of the weeds. Since our “lawn” is almost entirely weeds, this is a problem. Any ideas? We plan to reseed the lawn, probably in the Fall, but in the meantime our lawn looks cruddy.”
Have you ever heard that complaint or, even worse, found yourself in the same boat?
An electric reel mower may be the answer to your green lawn care prayers.
What everyone considering a reel mower should know, is that many reel mowers are not rated to cut tall weeds or thicker varieties of common grasses — like Zoysia, St. Augustine, and Bermuda.
Where regular reel mowers fail is where the electric reel mower powers through.
It seems to me that there are only 2 real options when it comes to buying an electric reel mower, the Sunlawn 2007 EM-2 and the 2008 Brill Accu 38.
08 Brill Razorcut Accu 38
The Brill (pictured above) seems like it’d be the way to go.
- 24V cordless electric motor
- multipurpose 24-volt NiCad PowerAccu battery
- mows up to 2,500 sq. ft. on a full charge (30 minutes), battery gives approximately 500 charging cycles.
- weighs 29 pounds (no need for self-propulsion with the light weight of this cordless electric lawn mower, as it is lighter than even most unpowered reel mower!)
- flame hardened non-contact blade system outlasts any other reel push mower and rarely needs sharpening
- sealed, maintenance free ball bearings
- cordless electric mower operates as standard manual push mower as well
Did you catch that last one? Yeah, if your battery dies the mower is the only electric reel mower that can be used equally well as a regular push mower once the battery juice is used up.
David Temple from PeoplePoweredMachines told me via email that it is not suggested for bermuda grass (but Zoysia and St. Augustine should be fine when used as a POWERED reel mower).
You can purchase the Brill Razorcut Accu 38 from PeoplePoweredMachines (with free shipping). That price does not include the grass catcher.
07 Sunlawn EM-2
Even though the Brill Razorcut Accu 38 seems to be a smidge better of a choice, it doesn’t appear to be by much.
- Weight 35.2 pounds
- Cutting width 16 inches
- Cutting height.4 – 2.25 inches, easily adjustable
- Contact-free blade design for exceptional ease of pushing
- Precision ground, flame hardened, bearing mounted blades
- Expected reel mower blade life without sharpening 7 to 10 years
- Utilizes 2 commonly available 12V 7Ah SLA batteries — which can be purchased at Radio Shack (approximately 300 charges and will power the mower for 75 minutes each)
- 6 hours to full recharge
Wired Magazine reviewed the EM-2 against 3 other electric push mowers last summer and found it to be the best of all 4. Even though it officially cuts up to 2.25” high, their review said it plowed down 4”!
It’s also really important to note that the Sunlawn EM-2 is the ONLY electric reel mower I’ve found that is rated to cut the hardy (and annoying) Bermuda grass.
You can also buy the Sunlawn EM-2 from PeoplePowered Machines (with free shipping) and includes 2 batteries and the grass catcher!
So Which One Is The Best Electric Reel Mower?
The Sunlawn EM-2 has 7 blades, the Brill Razorcut Accu has 5.
The EM-2 can only be used as a powered reel mower, the Razorcut Accu can be used as either powered or manual.
The EM-2 currently comes with 2 batteries and a grass catcher for 379, the Razorcut Accu comes with 1 battery and no grass catcher for 429.
The EM-2 is alleged to have a choking problem — although it is probably being caused by walking too fast, mowing grass that’s too tall, or mowing at too low of a height–nevertheless, here is the video:
If you’ve tried a reel mower without much success, would you consider trying an electric powered reel mower? If you were considering a reel mower for the first time, would you spend a little extra to have the comfort of the extra power from the electric motor?
I think every little step toward living green is an awesome one… but eco-snobbery sucks! My goal is to help newbies learn the most important steps toward living green — individually and collectively. Personally, I strive to have as little impact as possible on Planet Earth while I’m here.
