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Best Reel Mowers

Fiskars 17 Inch Staysharp Push Reel Lawn Mower

Fiskars 17 Inch Staysharp Push Reel Lawn Mower

Fiskars


A breath of fresh air for your lawn, reel mowers are a fantastic and eco-friendly option for homeowners looking to make their grass-care routine greener and more sustainable. A reel mower is a purely mechanical device that cuts your grass with precision, using a scissoring action that leaves your lawn healthier and more attractive.

In 2023, the market is flooded with a variety of reel mowers, each offering unique features. This guide will help you navigate through these options and choose the best reel mower that suits your lawn needs.

Top 5 Reel Mowers of 2023:

1. Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower

Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower

The Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower offers the perfect blend of design and functionality. Its patented InertiaDrive Reel delivers twice the cutting power to glide through tough spots, while the StaySharp Cutting System reduces the need for regular blade sharpening. It's ideal for all grass types and can cut from 1-4 inches in height. The reversible grass chute can be directed away from your feet for convenience.

Pros:

  • Sharp blades that are designed to stay sharp longer. This means less trimming and edge work after mowing.
  • Good for small to medium sized lawns up to 1/4 acre in size.
  • Manual push operation means no gas, oil, or engine maintenance.
  • Quiet operation - no gas engine noise.
  • Environmentally friendly - no emissions.
  • Durable all-metal construction.

Cons:

  • Requires physical effort to push. May not be suitable for some users.
  • Limited cutting width of 17 inches means it takes longer to mow compared to a riding mower.
  • Can be difficult to push through long, thick grass.
  • Requires a higher level of precision when maneuvering and controlling speed compared to a powered mower.

2. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower

Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S

Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S is a 20-inch reel mower with a 5-blade ball bearing reel and 10-inch dual tracking wheels. It offers a quick, adjustable cutting height of 1"-3" for a clean, even cut. The mower is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and the blades are made of quality, heat-treated alloy steel for staying sharp longer.

Pros:

  • Larger 20-inch cutting width means faster mowing compared to narrower reel mowers.
  • Adjustable cutting height from 1 to 3.5 inches.
  • 5 sharp blades stay sharp and are easy to replace.
  • All metal construction is durable.
  • Quiet operation with no gas, oil, or engines needed.
  • Simple design requires little maintenance.
  • Environmentally friendly - no emissions.

Cons:

  • Requires physical effort to push. May not be suitable for some users.
  • Difficult to maneuver and control speed precisely compared to a powered mower.
  • Limited climbing ability on uneven terrain and tall grass.
  • Takes more time and effort to mow larger lawns compared to a powered mower.
  • Blades can become dull over time and may require sharpening or replacement.
  • Limited to flat or slightly hilly lawns.
  • Heavier than some reel mowers - about 42 lbs.

3. Great States 415-16

Great States 415-16

Great States 415-16 features a 16-inch cutting width, 5-blade ball bearing reel, and 10-inch composite wheels. The blades are made of high-quality, heat-treated alloy steel for staying sharp. This mower also includes a T-style handle with cushioned grips for comfort, and it's easy to assemble and low maintenance.

Pros:

  • Inexpensive option for a manual push reel mower.
  • Lightweight at only 18 lbs for easy maneuvering.
  • Adjustable cutting height from 1 to 3 inches.
  • 5-blade design cuts grass quickly and evenly.
  • Simple, minimalist design requires little maintenance.
  • Quiet operation with no gas, oil, or engines needed.
  • Environmentally friendly - no emissions.

Cons:

  • Small 16-inch cutting width means slower mowing.
  • Plastic construction may not be as durable compared to all-metal mowers.
  • Wheels not sealed and could allow grass clippings inside.
  • May struggle with longer or thicker grass.

4. American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14

American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14

This reel mower from the American Lawn Mower Company is an excellent option for smaller yards. It has a 14-inch cutting width, 5-blade ball bearing reel, and 8.5-inch composite wheels. The adjustable blade height of 0.5"-1.75" offers a scissor action cut. It's lightweight, easy to maneuver, and requires less maintenance than gas-powered mowers.

Pros:

  • Inexpensive budget option for a manual push reel mower.
  • Lightweight at 16 lbs. for easier maneuverability.
  • Adjustable cutting height from 1 to 3 inches.
  • 5 sharp blades cut evenly and quickly.
  • Simple design requires little maintenance and upkeep.
  • Quiet operation with no gas, oil, or engines needed.
  • Environmentally friendly - no emissions.

Cons:

  • Small 14-inch cutting width means slower mowing times.
  • Plastic construction may not be as durable as all-metal designs.
  • Wheels are not fully sealed which could allow grass inside.
  • May struggle with longer and thicker grass.
  • Limited climbing ability on uneven lawns.

5. Greenworks 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Greenworks 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Greenworks 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is designed for efficiency and reliability. It offers a 20-inch cutting path with a 5-blade quick-adjust cutting height. It's lightweight, maneuverable, and the zero fumes feature makes it environmentally friendly.

Pros:

  • Reasonably priced mid-range option for a manual push reel mower.
  • Lightweight at 21 lbs. for easier maneuverability.
  • 18-inch cutting width provides faster mowing than narrower options.
  • 5 sharp blades cut quickly and evenly.
  • Adjustable cutting height from 1 to 3 inches.
  • All-metal construction feels durable.
  • Quiet operation with no gasoline, oil or engines required.
  • Environmentally friendly - no emissions.

Cons:

  • Requires physical effort to push. May not suit all users.
  • Difficult to control speed precisely compared to a powered mower.
  • Limited climbing ability on uneven terrain.
  • Still slower than riding or push mowers for larger lawns.
  • Blades may require occasional sharpening.
  • Wheels do not pivot, so you lift to turn the mower.
  • No transport wheels, so you lift the mower between uses.

What to Look For in a Reel Mower

  • Cutting Width: The cutting width determines how much grass you can cut in a single pass. Wider mowers reduce mowing time but can be harder to push, especially in thick grass. Choose a width that suits the size of your yard and your physical ability.
  • Number of Blades: The number of blades can affect the quality of the cut. Generally, 5-7 blades are perfect for fine grass, while 4-5 blades work well for longer, coarser grass.
  • Cutting Height: Different grass types require different cutting heights for optimal health. Most reel mowers offer adjustable cutting heights. Choose a mower that can be adjusted to suit your specific grass type.
  • Wheel Size and Type: Larger wheels make the mower easier to push, especially on uneven terrain. Some mowers have dual tracking wheels for better stability and maneuverability.
  • Weight and Maneuverability: Reel mowers are generally light and easy to maneuver. However, keep in mind that very light mowers may require more passes to cut thick grass effectively.
  • Price: While reel mowers are generally less expensive than their gas or electric counterparts, the price can still vary significantly. Consider your budget and the features you need before making a decision.
  • Maintenance: Reel mowers require less maintenance than gas or electric mowers. However, they still need occasional blade sharpening and cleaning. Choose a model with 'stay sharp' blades or similar technology to minimize maintenance.
  • Environmental Friendliness: Reel mowers are eco-friendly, producing no emissions and requiring no electricity or gas. If environmental impact is a concern for you, a reel mower is an excellent choice.

Final Thoughts

Reel mowers are not only a greener choice for lawn care, but they also provide a better cut and are more beneficial for the grass. When choosing the best reel mower for your needs, consider the size of your lawn, the type of grass, and your physical ability to push the mower.

Our top pick for 2023 is the Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower, which offers innovative features and excellent performance. However, all the mowers on this list are great choices, depending on your specific needs and budget.

Keep your lawn green and healthy with a top-of-the-line reel mower in 2023. Happy mowing!