What Is The Best Reel Lawn Mower

Greenworks 25072 Push Reel Lawn Mower

Model is a Mulching and Rear Bagger Model

This Greenworks reel lawn mower is one of the best reel mowers available. It boasts a 20-inch cutting path, making it ideal for a moderately sized yard. The 10-inch front wheels and six-inch rear wheels make this one of the best for maneuverability. It’s also remarkably easy to push. It has nine positions for an adjustable cutting height – choose cutting heights from 1 3/4″ to 2 3/4″. This range makes it ideal for all types of grass.

The mower is a two-in-one because it has both mulching and rear bag capabilities. You decide if you want to bag the grass or spread it across your landscape to act as a mulch. The contact-free 5-blades are very quiet, so you never have to worry about bothering your neighbors.

What We Like About It: We love the design. The large 10-inch front wheels and the smaller six-inch rear wheels are great. You can easily push this mower over rugged or uneven terrain without getting stuck or bogged down. The helical blades cut different grass varieties well. The contact-free blades also provide peace of mind. This easy-to-use reel mower works well for a moderately sized yard with its wide 20-inch cut.

Material

Amanda Shiffler

Advantages Of A Reel Mower

Reel mowers are much cheaper than power mowers and require very little maintenance. They are environmentally friendly since they have no emissions and are also less dangerous.

Push mowers require less space for transport or storage and operate with little noise. They are also much better for the health of your lawn, since they dont tear the grass like a rotary mower.

A reel mower delivers a clean and precise cut, whereas a power mower sucks up the leaves and then chops them off, tearing the grass and disturbing its natural growth, which can cause the lawn to dry out and brown.

Since a reel mower is much less damaging, it is also able to achieve a lower cut. Rotary power mowers cannot produce a quality cut lower than 1.5 inches, while reel mowers can cut as low as 0.5 inches.

How We Picked & Tested

1. Calculate the Manufacturers Reputation

One of the best ways to make up a total test score when picking and testing for the best lawnmowers is to calculate the manufacturers reputation. Need to know how highly they are rated by consumers, lawn care professionals, and other industry experts? Check out consumer rating sites and reviews, and industry magazines, and ask your local lawn care specialist for their opinion. 2. Take a Look at the Power Source

Its important to consider if you want gas-powered or electric-powered lawnmowers when selecting your top choice. Gas-powered mowers offer greater power but require more maintenance and cost more upfront than electric models do. Electric models can be as powerful as gas-powered mowers, but dont need refueling or as much maintenance. 3. Assess Your Lawn Size

This will help determine which type of lawn mower is best for you riding or push style? Riding mowers have larger cutting decks and can cover more ground faster while push-style are smaller and easier to store in tight spaces like sheds or garages. Determine your yard size before making your final decision. 4. Consider Cutting Quality

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Push Lawn Mower By American Lawn Mower Co

Since its founding in 1895, this firm has focused on making its reel mowers simpler to use and maintain. This reel mower features a 14-inch cutting width and a ball-bearing reel with five blades. The blades are tempered alloy steel that may be sharpened as necessary.

It offers a cutting height adjustment of 0.5 to 1.75 inches, which is a reasonable range, if a little limited. The rear-roller bar aids in maintaining balance, and the ergonomic T-shaped grip makes navigating obstacles simpler.

This reel mower’s 21-pound weight and 8.5-inch composite wheels make it easy to push. As with the other reel mowers on the list, it is simple and tool-free to construct. A grass catcher is available for separate purchase and has a one-year guarantee.

Pros

Best Reel Lawn Mowerfiskars Staysharp Max Reel Mower With Inertiadrive Reel

With its Inertiadrive technology drive reel, this Fiskars Stay Sharp Max reel mower features twice the cutting power of other mowers.

The grass blades stay sharper longer with the StaySharp technology, while the reversible grass chute moves cut grass out of the user’s walking path. The cutting reel is durable, and the five blades can tackle even the toughest grass-like St. Augustine, Zoysia, or Bermuda grasses.

One reviewer explained, My yard has a lot of weeds and crabgrass, and who knows what This mower is quiet, it smells nice when I mow, and it’s actually a little easier to mow with than with my old gas mower.

Specifications

Mower Blades Material: Precision-ground steel

Adjustable Cutting Height: 14 inches

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How To Cut Tall Grass With A Riding Mower

Cutting tall grass with a riding mower can be an easy task if done correctly. Begin by ensuring the riding mower is properly serviced and the blade is sharp. Then, adjust the height of the mower deck to the highest setting. Start at one end of the area to be mowed and mow in a back and forth pattern until the entire area is cut. When mowing tall grass, it is important to go slow and make sure each pass overlaps the previous one, otherwise the grass may not get cut evenly. If the grass is too thick, it may be better to use a push mower or a string trimmer. Finally, if the grass is really tall, it may be necessary to mow multiple times to get it to the desired height.

Best Manual Reel Mower For Longer Grass

Friskars takes a slightly different approach to its mower design with the Friskars StaySharp 362080-1001 Reel Mower. This machine has a cutting range of 1-1/2- to 3-in., so its set up to tackle longer grass right out of the box.

Friskars prides itself on ergonomic design. It claims this model is 30 percent easier to push than other reel mowers and can clip through twigs that would jam up a normal reel mower. Friskars also says this 17-inch-wide mower uses precision-ground, hardened steel blades, reducing friction and wear so the blades dont need to be sharpened as often.

All the above factors combine to make it a great manual reel mower if you prefer to let your grass grow long.

Via Merchant

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Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Reel Lawn Mower

EDITORS PICK

This Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 304-14S Reel Lawn Mower is another popular device that ticks all the right boxes. The 14-inch, five-blade reel makes light work of your lawn while its simple yet user-friendly design doesnt overcomplicate the situation. Its 8.5-inch composite wheels can also deal with your average lawn and rugged terrain to boot. Additionally, the T-style handle features a cushioned grip for improved comfort, while the devices cut-back design makes it easier to store and transport than most.

Can I Use A Reel Mower On Tall Fescue

Because of the height requirement, reel mowers should not be used for St. Augustine grass, Bahia grass, or tall fescue grass. However, moving reel mowers, or their gasoline-powered counterparts, on Bermuda grass or Kentucky bluegrass can be very effective.

Dont Scalp Your Lawn: Reel Mowers Not Ideal For Tall Grasses

Cutting the grass on a mower varies by model. Short grass, for example, is an excellent choice when it comes to mowers, but tall grasses, such as fescue, will not. While reel mowers are generally not recommended for lawns that are more than three inches tall, St Augustine, Bahia, and tall fescue can be mowed higher. If you cut your tall fescue too short, it can be difficult to keep it straight. scalping may weaken your lawn and even kill it, and it will limit its ability to absorb nutrients, allowing weeds to thrive. As a result, when it comes to tall grasses, it is not a good idea to use a reel mower.

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American Lawn Mower Company 1204

Ideal Model for Mowing Taller Grass

The American Lawn Mower Company has been in business since 1895. They focus on creating lawn mowers that require very little, if any, maintenance. They’re also affordable. This classic push reel mower is quiet and eco-friendly. It’s also easy to maneuver with a 14″ cutting width. It will effortlessly slice through grass up to 4 inches tall. From the minute you receive this classic push reel lawn machine, you can quickly assemble it – there’s no waiting around! The handle features cushioning, which is comfortable to grip and hold even on a hot day when your hands start to sweat. This gas-less mower scores great mower reviews. It’s a definite return-to-basics model that’s sure to please anyone seeking a simple machine.

What We Like About It: You can mow your yard quickly and easily with this lightweight model. It’s not difficult to maneuver and works great in small yards with tight turns and spaces. It has a scissor action cutting ability that effortlessly slices through most grass types, making mowing your lawn effortless.

Reel Width

Amanda Shiffler

A more narrow reel cuts less grass per path, so it may take longer to mow your lawn than a wider model. Bigger isnt always better, though. A smaller reel is lighter and you can walk faster, covering ground quicker. Consider your storage options, too a larger reel takes up more room when not in use.

Great States 14 Inch Wide 5

Courtesy of Amazon

This 14-inch wide mower has five steel blades and 8.5-inch rubber wheels. The t-style handle is cushioned, and its the only part youll have to assemble out of box, though you wont need any tools. Cutting heights can be adjusted from 0.5 inches to 1.75 inches. It throws grass behind and to the left of the mower so keep driveways or walks to the right to prevent making additional work for yourself .

At 21 pounds, its lightweight and maneuverable so its ideal for small yards. The company has been around for 125 years and was acquired in 1936 by American Lawn Mower Company, which makes nearly identical reel mower models under other brand names including Earthwise and Scotts. This mower has a one-year limited warranty. Its great for a small yard but dont let the grass get taller than 4 inches or youll have to make multiple passes.

Price at time of publish: $100

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Blade Cutting Deck And Height

One of the first things to look at when checking out reel mowers is the cutting deck width and height. The term cutting deck refers to the area that contains the blade reel. The length of the blades is how you measure the cutting deck width. Reel mowers are available in numerous widths. Youll find small ones that are only 8 inches wide and large ones that span as much as 24 inches.

The wider the deck, the harder the mower is to push and maneuver. However, some push mowers feature a Staysharp max reel mower design that makes pushing a little easier for big models. Fiskars Staysharp max is an example of this. With the Fiskars Staysharp max reel, the models are 30 to 60 percent easier to push, even when large.

Individuals who are mowing long or wet grass find the large cutting deck beneficial, But for small yards, a compact cutting deck is ideal. Most homeowners are happy with a 16 to 22-inch cutting deck.

Depending on the model, it should also have an adjustable cutting height. You can make the decision between three to nine cutting heights with an adjustable cutting height reel mower model.

Reel mowers have two rollers on the rear of the machine that holds the cutting deck level. The rollers are always in operation and help cut grass to the required height.

Black+decker 20 Corded Battery Powered Lawn Mower

This BLACK+DECKER lawn mower is great for landscaping. It has technology that allows users to mow right up to fences and other lawn fixtures safely and effectively for a manicured appearance.

The grass bag on this model is large, which means you dont have to worry about grass clippings littering your yard.

In addition, it comes from a trusted brand, and buyers report that their unit is durable and long lasting despite the body being made of plastic. However, the plastic body does have benefits, as it makes the mower lighter and easier to transport.

Like most corded lawn mowers, this model does not come with an extension cord, so you will have to supply your own.

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Fiskars 6208 Push Lawn Mower

The blades of the Fiskars reel mower are shielded by a protective cover, and the grass is thrown forward rather than behind the reel. This function is useful if you dislike getting grass on your feet.

A stay-sharp cutting technology lowers the frequency with which the blades must be sharpened. The design prevents the blades from coming into touch with one another, minimizing cutting resistance and friction.

The five-bladed reel has a larger diameter and its blades are thicker. The height is easily adjustable from one to four inches, providing it the greatest cutting height of all the reels on our list. The breadth of the blade is 17 inches.

The Fiskars reel mower is the heaviest at 40,2 pounds, which may make it tough to push on uneven terrain or hills, but the loop-style padded grip will help. It is simple to put together, features twin tracking wheels, and comes with a three-year guarantee. For this model, a grass catcher may be bought separately.

Pros

Is Husqvarna As Good As John Deere

In comparison more than 30% of Husqvarna lawn tractors will need repair. For zero turn mowers, John Deere wins again. John Deere ZTRs come in at a 30% chance of necessary repairs in 4 years, and Husqvarna proved the least reliable ZTR on the list, with 55% of mowers requiring repair by the fourth year.

Is Cub Cadet as good as John Deere?

The Verdict In the end, the Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 and John Deere D130 are both terrific riding mowers. So terrific in fact that they’re tied in our ratings, each earning a spot near the very top of the pack. That’s impressive in a category where models can easily exceed $3,000.

How long should a lawn mower last?

Most mowers will last around 10 years, but that may vary based on how often you use it, the climate you live in, and the size of your lawn. If you notice any of these problems with your mower, it may be time to look into purchasing a new one.

How often should you Backlap a reel mower?

It can be as frequent as after each mowing or it can be once every week or two. The key to backlapping is that you are maintaining the sharpness, while not trying to re-establish like when you are grinding. So, backlap before you lose your edge. Backlapping should never be a substitute for grinding.

How many blades should my reel mower have?

Blade Count: The number of blades varies by reel mower. Four, five, and seven blade models are common. A general rule of thumb is that, the lower you want to cut your grass, the more blades you need.

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Buying Guide Of Reel Mower

Push mowers are available in a variety of power configurations, including manual reel mowers, rotary mowers, and gas or electric mower versions. Reel mowers have several cutting blades that are activated when pulled, whereas rotary mowers have a single blade that is propelled by gas or electricity and rotates at a greater pace. The many kinds of push lawn mowers and their applications are covered here.

Electric Or Gas Powered Reel Mowers

Reel mowers are available in electric or gas-powered models but, similar to other gas or electric mowers, arent as eco-friendly as manually-powered reel mowers. When opting for a manual reel mower, a lawn must be maintained regularly as grass that is allowed to grow too tall will get tangled in the blades, whereas this isnt the case when its an electric or gas mowers.

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Reel Mowers With Gas Or Electric Power

Reel mowers are available in electric and gas-powered variants, but unlike other gas and electric mowers, they arent as environmentally friendly as reel mowers that are propelled manually. When using a manual reel mower, a lawn must be maintained often since too thick grass may tangle in the blades, unlike when using an electric or gas mower.

Best Reel Mower Under $100

First we have the best reel mowers sitting at a price range of under $100. These are great for those looking for a great quality reel mower without breaking the bank.

Earthwise 5- Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

This Earthwise push reel lawn mower is very affordable at well under $100, and its lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Some notable features are its T-style handle which allows for better control, as well as its lightweight construction sitting at just 19.5 pounds.

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Fiskars 18 Inch Staysharp Max Reel Mower

• This is the pick of the bunch, it is the best made in term of quality of materials and craftsmanship. The most important maintenance feature of a reel mower is ensuring that blade is hard and will stay sharp cut after cut.
• Fiskars established in 1649 in a small Finnish village have always had good quality tools and they are especially good at making sharp blades.
• I have bought many Fiskars tools -some made a long time ago and they are better than many of the newer tools brought out by other companies today.
• At over $200 it make seem an expensive purchase but you will find that its ease of use and low maintenance will more than pay for itself.
• This model has its depth adjusting wheels at the front. The other models i have looked at have them at the rear. It is beneficial to have the adjustment at the front as all the pushing force is directed onto the reel driving wheels instead of the height adjusting wheels. This gives the mower more traction in wet or slippery conditions and is easier on the adjusting mechanism.