Best Reel Lawn Mowers

A reel mower is a lightweight, simple to use, and environmentally-friendly solution to lawn mowing. Residential owners generally use it on small to medium-sized lawns.

They operate quietly and use a vertical spinning action, where the blades rotate vertically as you manually push the mower forward.

Using them undoubtedly takes time and effort, but you’ll also get proper exercise when you’re walking and pushing the mower. These traditional reel mowers are becoming increasingly popular, so let’s look at some of the best ones to get your mowing task started.

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10 Best Reel Lawn Mowers Reviews

Without further ado, let us dig into the top-rated list as per our ranking;

1. Greenworks 25072 with Grass Catcher | Editors’ Choice

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Overview

This mower features a 5-blade ball-bearing reel that has a 20″ cutting path. This wide swath helps in getting the task done quickly as it covers a greater area. Therefore, you can use it in medium-sized yards easily.

You can adjust the cutting height within a range of 1.75″ to 2.75″ by using the adjustable lever at the back. There are 9 height positions that you can choose from, and each one of them stays in its place when you move forward or backward.

The mower can move easily on inclined surfaces and even on moist grass. It is also fairly lightweight and compact in size, making it even easier to do mowing tasks quickly.

It also comes with a rear bag for storing grass clippings and is big enough for such a compact-sized reel mower. You can then dispose of the grass easily by unhooking the bag from the handlebar. It also has an ergonomically curved handle that gives a comfortable feel to it.

Some customers reported some issues, stating that the grass catcher doesn’t stay in place and that the handle is not sturdy enough. Several customers also complained that they were unable to cut tall grass and weeds effectively with it. But these issues were experienced after they used the mower for many years.

The front wheels are 10 inches in diameter and provide stability on uneven surfaces. For increasing maneuverability, they’ve added two 6″ rear wheels to the mower.

Both the front and back wheels have made of plastic and have treads for enhanced grip.

The company offers a 4-year product warranty, which is probably twice the average industry standard. So if things turn out bad for you, there is always an option to claim a repair or a product replacement.

2. American Lawn Mower | Cheapest Reel Lawn Mower

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Overview

The American 1204-14 is a lightweight but tough mowing companion. It requires less effort to push it and is pretty convenient in making turns on long grass. It operates quietly and is equipped with smooth running blades and a powerful build.

It has a 14″ cutting width, which is suitable for mowing small lawns. Its ball-bearing reel consists of 4 quality blades that deliver a clean cut every time you mow with it. They are heat-treated and made from alloy steel that is designed to last longer.

These blades can cut bluegrass, rye, and crabgrass, but some customers did experience some issues in cutting thick grass and weeds. They’ve complained about the reel getting jammed, making it difficult to operate, considering you have to remove them sometimes manually.

The reel’s height can be adjusted at your desired setting, which can also be used for striping your lawn if you want. You can use a wrench to adjust the screw position, which would lower or raise the reel. There are 3 different lengths that you can choose from, ranging from 1″ to 1.75″.

The mower has 8.5″ polymer wheels that make it super easy to maneuver on long grass. These are also very sturdy and have treads for a better grip.

The manufacturer has given a 90-day warranty period on the product. This is pretty low when compared to other reel mowers we’ve discussed here.

3. Great States Manual Push Reel Lawn Mower

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Overview

The Great States 1415-16 functions quietly and saves you from noise complaints from neighbors. It is extremely lightweight, which makes it easy to store and handle on rough surfaces. You can assemble it quickly, and it’s pretty simple to operate as well.

It cuts using 5 alloy steel blades that are equipped on a 4 spider ball bearing reel. The blades and cutter bars are heat-treated, which makes them tough and durable. It also features an unbreakable steel side plate and a 2-inch welded shrub bar for pushing it without much effort.

You can change the cutting heights at 3 different positions within a range of 0.5″ to 2.5″. The composite wheels are 10 inches in diameter, making it easier to push and cover great distances quickly. The tires are made from solid rubber, and it also has trodden on it to get that grip on rough tracks.

The mower features a flair-style handle with cushioned grips to lessen fatigue. You can collapse the handle to store it in your shed easily. You would have just to unscrew it from the handle part, and it would be much easier to store it that way.

You also receive a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer, which covers all parts of the mower with certain terms and conditions attached in the warranty documents.

4. American Lawn Mower Company | Manual Reel Mower

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Overview

This reel mower has a unique design with a solid build and impressive cutting performance. It has an 18-inch cutting swath which perfectly complements the big wheels and its lightweight design.

There are 5 blades made from tempered alloy steel on the ball-bearing reel and are knife-sharp. These blades can retain their sharpness longer than rotary mowers, which helps reduce maintenance costs.

You can adjust the height of the cutting reel from 0.5″ to 2.25″. You would have to change them with the help of a wrench as there is no adjustment lever. It normally takes around 10 minutes to change the height positions.

The wheels are 10 in diameter and have radial tires for enhanced handling. The big wheels would increase the coverage area, which would make it quicker to finish your mowing task.

The mower’s design is compact and lightweight so that it can fit in tight spots very easily. The handlebar is cushioned to provide added comfort, and it also helps improve maneuverability.

It comes with a 2-year consumer warranty, so you wouldn’t have to worry if anything breaks down while you’re mowing your lawn.

5. Earthwise Quiet Cut Cheap Reel Lawn Mower

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Overview

This reel mower is suited best for small and medium-sized lawns. It has an 18″ cutting path with a 5-blade ball-bearing reel that spins effortlessly and quietly. The bed knife blade and reel are made out of quality tempered alloy steel designed to last for years.

You can choose your desired cutting height from the single adjustment lever located on the mower’s right side. It has 3 positions that range from 1″ to 3″, allowing you to stripe your lawn if you wish. There is also a rear discharge option, but the bag has to be purchased separately for that.

The reel does not make contact with the blades when it’s spinning. This gives the user a quieter and smoother mowing experience. It also makes it easier to push the mower due to less resistance and prolongs the blades’ life. But this shouldn’t exempt you from sharpening the blades.

It has 10″ composite wheels with deep treads to be maneuvered on rough and uneven terrain. It won’t matter if the grass is too tall or thick; you would be able to push it easily.

The handle is pretty ergonomic, with cushioned grips on the bar. This would allow you to mow for longer periods without feeling much exhaustion.

The manufacturer also has a 3-year consumer warranty, representing the confidence they have over this product’s durability.

6. Scotts Outdoor Power Reel Lawn Mower Tools

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Overview

This one has a 14″ cutting path which is designed primarily for use in small residential yards. It has 4 quality blades made from tempered alloy steel that can provide a great cutting performance. Pushing the mower is made quite easier due to the ball-bearing assembly rolls that provide a smooth run.

The cutting height can be adjusted from 0.5″ to 1.75″ as per your specifications. To avoid shredding, it uses a scissor-type action to cut grass. The blades stay sharp and can give a good 3 to 5 years on regular use. All you have to do is take care of them, and they’ll serve your lawn for many years to come.

Wheels are made from high-impact polymer and have integrally molded treads to get a good grip. They are 8.5 inches in diameter and don’t go flat due to their material. They are durable and non-slippery, which makes them great for handling wet spots.

The handle is T-shaped to provide concentrated power on the central part of the reel. This brings the most out of the mower with limited force applied. It also has a cushioned grip like most of the reel mowers for added comfort.

The manufacturer has offered a 1-year limited warranty on the product and access to qualified technicians and customer service representatives.

7. Earthwise 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

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Overview

The 1715-16EW is a great addition by Earthwise to the reel mowers category. It is designed specifically to cut at low heights to get rid of creeping grass generally under an inch. It is considered an ideal choice for cutting bent grass such as Zoysia, Buffalo grass, Bermuda, and Kentucky bluegrass.

The mower has a 16″ cutting width capable of delivering a clean-cut as it is equipped with 7 alloy steel blades on a 4 spider ball bearing reel.

The blades and cutter bar are heat-treated while it has an unbreakable side plate made of steel.

You can select your desired height setting using the adjustment lever within a range of 0.5″ to 2.5″. So, the lower cap of 0.5″ basically helps to pull out the rough grass.

The mower is really quick and easy to assemble and works for long periods without any problems. The wheels are 10″ in size and have radial treads to get a good grip on wet surfaces.

They also allow the mower to run easily on tall and thick grass with ease.

The handle is T-shaped and has a cushioned grip to make the work fatigue-free. Since it is lightweight (only 26 pounds), it would further add to the convenience and make it easier to lift and store in your tool shed.

A warranty of 2 years has been offered by the manufacturer covering its parts and build, subject to certain terms & conditions mentioned in the warranty document.

8. Scotts Outdoor Power Reel Lawn Mowers

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Overview

This manual push reel mower is a quiet and healthy way to mow your lawn. Using it gets rid of all harmful emissions and helps reduce your carbon footprint. Apart from this, this mower can deliver a decent cut at an economical price.

The cutting path is 20″ wide, which means it can cut as wide as a gas-powered lawnmower. This significantly reduces the time needed to mow lawns, especially if they’re large in size.

It has 5 heat-treated cutting blades equipped with smooth ball bearings that help spice the reel efficiently. The grass is cut with precision, and some great mulch is left behind as you push forward.

You can also adjust the reel’s height by using the Quick-Snap adjustment lever located at the back. There are 9 different height options to choose from that range from 1 to 3 inches.

10″ front and 6″ back tires are made from solid rubber. They were primarily installed for achieving enhanced maneuverability, but several customers complained about the front wheels not being smooth enough.

They also experienced some difficulties in dragging the mower backward on lawns with weeds and long grass.

The handle is made from steel and has an ergonomic cushion grip for a soft touch. There are also no tools required to assemble it; all you need to do is screw the parts together, and it would be ready for use.

There is a 2-year consumer warranty on the product, which is subject to terms and conditions that you may find on Amazon or the manufacturer’s website.

9. Great States 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

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Overview

This manual push reel mower is extremely durable, equipped with high-quality blades and a ball bearing reel. It is designed to be used in small residential yards and is an environmentally friendly alternative to gas-powered mowers.

The mower has a cutting path of 18″ that is pretty wide and will make it easier to mow large areas quickly. It is equipped with 5 blades with a 4 spider ball bearing reel.

The blades are heat-treated, which stays longer and makes a quality cut.

The reel is made from tempered alloy steel with a 2″ shrub bar assembly and an unbreakable steel plate on the side. You would notice that the mower’s design is made to last for a long time and is made from superior steel. It has pretty good feedback from customers regarding its durability.

You can easily adjust the cutting heights at 3 different positions by lowering or raising the deck within a range of 0.5″to 2.75″. All reel mowers have a rear discharge function, and this one is no different.

If someone wishes to bag the grass clippings, they can attach a bag at the mower’s rear end. The rear bag, however, is not included in the box and has to be purchased separately.

The mower has 10″ composite wheels with solid rubber tires, making it convenient to roll on the grass and take turns, even in rough terrain.

It has a loop-style handle, which assists in pushing effortlessly, and has a cushioned foam grip to lessen fatigue.

You can easily assemble the mower in no time as it’s a wing nut assembly system that doesn’t require any tools.

If the mower gets damaged, you won’t have to worry as the manufacturer has given a 1-year warranty period on the product.

10. Fiskars StaySharp Max Lawn Mower | Best Overall

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Overview

This reel mower is simple & easy to use and delivers exceptional cutting performance. It has an 18-inch cutting swath that is lightweight and delivers a clean cut.

The cutting reel is equipped with 5 thick blades that provide enough strength to cut through long and tough grass.

Unlike many traditional reel mowers, this one has a cutting system where the blade and reel never contact each other, which lengthens the blade’s sharpness and makes it easier to mow.

It has a 10″rear wheel and a 7″ wheel at the front that provides exceptional support for manual driven mowers. These wheels offer great traction and enhanced maneuverability in rough terrain and soil conditions. The height of these wheels is big enough to provide a smooth run on your lawn.

You can adjust the deck height from two points using a lever on the back wheel side. This would allow you to cut at 7 different lengths (ranging from 1.5″ to 3.75″), making it possible for you to stripe your lawn.

The manufacturer has offered a 4-year warranty on the product, which indicates its confidence in the mower’s durability.

Buying Guide for Reel Lawnmowers

There are plenty of reel mowers that vary in price, the number of blades, weight, warranties, and other relevant features. The above list of top 10 reel mowers gives you a nice collection to make your selection from.

This buying guide tells you about some factors to remember when you’re going to buy a reel mower. This involves knowing about specifications, some terms, and the associated benefits and drawbacks of having them. So let’s discuss these factors and help you get that reel mower you’re looking for.

Cutting Width

If the cutting reel has a wider path, it will take less time of yours to mow your lawn. The wider coverage is the reason for this, which means more grass cutting with every pass.

Pushing the reel mower may take an additional effort of yours if it is not appropriately oiled and maintained. So remember to clean your reel after every use.

You can find reel mowers with cutting swath on the market that ranges from 14″ to 20″, with varying designs and build quality.

Cutting Heights

Almost every reel mower has the option to adjust its cutting height within a specific range. The heights allow the user to cut grass without harming the mower’s blades in the longer run.

You can find an adjustment lever at the back of the mower to change these height settings. Some that don’t have a lever require detaching the screws by a wrench, which would, in general, take around 10 minutes.

The height range is usually between 0.5″ to 3″, while some of the reel mowers also go at 4″. Cutting grass at shallow heights may mean that you could be back again mowing your fancy lawn in a while as it would grow in a short amount of time. The different cutting heights offered by the deck can strip your lawn to make an attractive place to be in.

Number of blades

The blades cut the grass efficiently in your yard and are the most important part of the mower to look after. Normally, mowers feature 4 to 5 blades that offer a smooth and clean cut.

Ensure that they are made from alloy steel and are heat-treated to bring the most out of them. However, you would have to sharpen them after a while to ensure their longevity.

Higher blades on a reel tend to make the task easier and quicker. It also makes the blades stay sharp for a long time as the workload is spread onto a higher number of blades.

Wheel sizes

Reel mowers came in all different wheel sizes and were made from different materials. With no motor or engine in place, you would have to power it manually.

So, pushing the mower could become tremendously difficult if the wheels and its tires are not correct.
Normally, the wheels are of 8″ to 12,” and some even have 4 wheels for extra control. In this case, the front wheels (next to the cutting reel) are bigger than the rear ones.

Smaller wheels make the mower less heavy, but it becomes easier to use in thick grass and inclined surfaces with large wheels. Some models also have both front & rear wheels, giving the mower some extra maneuverability on lawns.

Speed

The speed varies with the terrain’s quality and the type of lawn that you’re working on. If the surface is fairly flat, it would most definitely take less time of yours to finish the job, and there would also be less maneuvering required.

When the lawn is dry, your mowing work would be completed extremely fast. However, it may affect your mobility in damp conditions and take more time than yours to mow your lawn.

Also, the mower’s speed would alter a lot depending on the size and type of wheels plus the cutting reel that you have in place. A ball-bearing reel with good sharp blades tends to cut through the grass a lot faster. Bigger wheels take away that extra effort to push the lawnmower forward and backward, increasing speed and mobility.

Size and weight

This factor should be 100% considered because you may need to work on hilly spots or uneven terrain. So if the mower has more weight, there would be extra power required to push that lawnmower up on that inclined area.

A 20 to 30-pound lightweight reel mower would be less tiring to push than a heavier one. Also, keep in mind that the blades’ weight adds to the overall heaviness of the reel mower.

The size and dimensions of the reel mower count a lot as well. A reel mower with the right dimensions can get you through those tiny and weird angular spots with ease.

Durability

Reel mowers are made to last for a long time, but you should nonetheless look at whether the build quality is durable or not. These reel mowers have blades that spin and cut clippings as well as twigs and sometimes encounter stones. To ensure that the blades are tough as well as sharp to slice through those objects.

Warranty periods are between 1 to 4 years for reel mowers, and a product with a longer warranty usually means that it is reliable to use.
For reel mowers, in particular, it is best to choose those equipped with high-quality heat-tempered blades. These are generally made from alloy steel or stainless steel. Having these durable blades increases the mower’s life and makes it less costly in maintaining it.

Price

Reel mowers are less expensive than gas-powered mowers and those that run on batteries or electricity.

You would find them priced between $70 to $200, and they also require less maintenance that would save further costs. The blades need to be sharpened after a year or two (depending on the model), and there is also no cost for oil or fuel involved.

Advantages of a Reel Mower

Here are some benefits of using a push reel mower on your lawn:

• Healthy for the lawn as no fuel is required to run it, and toxic fumes are eliminated.
• The manual mower creates less sound, making it less stressful to operate without neighbors’ noise complaints.
• It is less expensive than other types of mowers. The price varies due to different build quality & design and the type and number of blades used.
• Mowing regularly helps prevent brown patches and other lawn issues that cause dead grass.
• Being generally lightweight, they are easier to store and can even be hung on the garage wall.
• Requires way less maintenance and servicing, sharpening the blades every 2 years and servicing the gear assembly.

Disadvantages of a Reel Mower

There are always some drawbacks and shortcomings associated with using a product when compared to others. Below are some disadvantages of using a reel mower:

• Not suitable for mowing large patches of thick and long grass with debris and weeds. It tends to clog up, and you would have to rake the debris off before mowing. However, small patches can be handled by this mower easily.
• In the spring season, grass tends to grow rapidly, making it frustrating to mow twice a week for a good 25 minutes on average.
• Sometimes, you would find yourself pushing and pulling the mower back & forth and trying different angles to mow properly on uneven surfaces.

Final Verdict

The reel mowers are free from fumes, require less maintenance, and provide exceptional power and performance. They are lightweight, and all you have to do is push them, which makes them pretty easy and straightforward to operate.
The only maintenance you would have to do is sharpen the mowing blade every 2 years and some lubrication on the gear assembly.
You are free to share with us any heater of your choice that should’ve made this list, along with some critical feedback on the content itself.

FAQ’s about Real Mowers

Here are a few questions answered about reel mowers;

What are the best reel lawnmowers in 2022?

Here is a list as per our recommendations;

1. Scotts Outdoor Power Reel Lawn Mower Tools
2. Earthwise 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
3. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Reel Lawn Mowers
4. The great States 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower.
5. Fiskars StaySharp Max Lawn Mower | Best overall

How hard is it to push a reel mower?

If you work in the right conditions on a leveled surface, pushing the mower becomes effortless. When there are too many twigs or debris on the lawn, it might clog the reel sometimes, which would make it a bit difficult to operate.

Since reel mowers are generally lightweight, they require less effort to push and handle tight spots. Ensure that your blades are sharp enough and are spinning smoothly before mowing your lawn to make it even easier to operate.

How long does the sharpness last?

As discussed earlier in this article, blades of push reel mowers require sharpening after an average of 2 years. This is quite less when compared with a gas-powered mower or battery mower, where you would have to sharpen them twice a season.

How many times should I mow the lawn?

Generally, reel mowers must be used every 2 weeks, depending on which height the mower was used previously and the season. Grass grows very quickly in the spring season, so keep that in mind as well.

What type of maintenance should I do?

You can follow the below tips if you want to keep your reel mower well maintained:

• Ensure that there aren’t any stones, sticks, or hard plastic on your lawn. These tend to get stuck in the reel and, in worst cases, may even chip off a part of your mower blade.
• Use a glove or clean cloth to clean the blades and wipe off excess dirt or debris.
• Lubricate the moving parts of the mower before using it for a smooth run. You can use a silicone spray such as WD-40 for doing this.
• Always check that the blades are rotating without any contact with either the other blades or the reel.

Do we need a grass catcher at the back?

It’s up to you entirely. If you wish to dispose of the grass clippings, you can buy a grass bag separately as an attachment (most of the mowers don’t come with a bag). Otherwise, you can leave the grass clippings to enhance the health of the lawn.

Are electric lawnmowers equipped with fuses?

If you trip a breaker or your mower has a fuse blown, electrical lawn mowers may stop working. Test the electrical outlet first by plugging in some inexpensive appliances.

How to sharpen a reel mower?

After several uses, the blades start to lose their sharpness. Therefore, you should always ensure that they’re cutting properly by moving them back & forth at the start and checking the results.

If the blades are not delivering a clean-cut, you use the following tips to sharpen them:

• Some companies have their specific kit that you can purchase online or from the manufacturer’s website directly.
• If there’s no specific kit, go for any back-lap sharpening kit with a sharpening solution and a handle. Simply connect the mower’s gear with the handle and apply the solution with a brush. To restore the edge, start moving the mower in the opposite direction.
• You can also use a power drill and a sharpening tool to make it work like a polishing job. But remember to remove the reel to avoid any injury or damage to the mower.
• It is always best to visit a proper servicing center to get the blades sharpened if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself.

How to retain the blade’s sharpness?

It is always advisable to use any edible oil to coat the blades after they have been sharpened. This would act as a shield against rust and corrosion.

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David Houghton

Construction Manager at Schlumberger

I am a content strategist and editor here at tools10.com. I have been working in Oil as well in the Construction Industry for years. The major projects I was involved in are Offshore Drilling and residential buildings. I have great hands-on experience in Tools & Machinery. Read More About Me

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