Adelheid Christman

Written by Adelheid Christman

Published: 13 Feb 2024

Camryn Rabideau

Reviewed by Camryn Rabideau

7-best-reel-mower
Source: Reelrollers.com

Are you tired of using a noisy, gas-guzzling lawn mower? Then you might want to consider switching to a reel mower. 7 Best Reel Mower offers a more eco-friendly and quiet alternative to traditional mowers. In this article, we will explore the top 7 reel mowers on the market, their features, and why they are a great choice for keeping your lawn neat and tidy. So, if you're interested in learning more about the benefits of reel mowers, keep reading to find out which one might be the best fit for your lawn care needs.

Top Picks:

Overall Score: 6/10

The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a manual grass cutter with a cutting width of 14 inches. Its adjustable blade height ranges from 0.5 to 1.75 inches, making it ideal for most turf grasses. This push lawn mower is an environment-friendly alternative to other lawn mowers, being pollution-free, noise-free, low maintenance, lightweight, and easy to use. It uses a cutting action that does not damage the blades of grass and is recommended for small lawns with grass that is 4 inches tall at most. The mower features durable 8.5-inch polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability and a lightweight design at only 19 pounds.

Key Features

  • 1: 4-blade reel mower with a cutting width of 14"
  • 2: Adjustable blade height of 0.5"-1.75"
  • 3: Environment-friendly alternative to other lawn mowers
  • 4: Cutting action that does not damage grass blades

Specifications

  • Color: Red
  • Dimension: 20.00Lx24.00Wx42.50H
  • Size: 14-Inch, 4-Blade

Pros

  • Wide cutting width for efficient mowing
  • Environment-friendly and low maintenance
  • Durable polymer wheels for easy maneuverability

Cons

  • May not work well on grass taller than 4 inches
  • Struggles with cutting tall weeds and dense grass
  • Difficult to adjust blade height

The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a great choice for individuals with small, regularly maintained lawns. It offers an environmentally friendly and low-maintenance alternative to traditional lawn mowers. However, it may struggle with taller or denser grass, requiring more frequent maintenance to achieve optimal results.

Overall Score: 6/10

The Greenworks 14-Inch Reel Lawn Mower RM1400 is the perfect lawn mower for small yards and townhomes. It offers an eco-friendly cutting option, provides a scissor-like cut with its 14-inch cutting width, and includes a 5-blade, ball-bearing steel reel that is great for cutting all grass types. The mower also comes with an adjustable height feature and a T-style handle with a cushioned grip for comfort. With its compact design, this manual lawn mower is easy to use and store and is an excellent option for those who are environmentally conscious. While it receives mixed reviews, many users find the performance, value, and environmental benefits of this lawn mower outweigh its shortcomings.

Key Features

  • ECO FRIENDLY CUTTING – great for small yards, townhomes
  • 14inch CUTTING WIDTH – scissor-like cut, precision
  • 5-BLADE – ball bearing steel reel, cuts all grass types
  • HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT – adjustable from 1.06inch to 2inch
  • EASY TO USE – T-style handle with cushioned grip

Specifications

  • Color: Green
  • Dimension: 20.00Lx42.50Wx24.00H
  • Size: 14" Reel Mower

Pros

  • Good value for the price
  • Environmentally friendly cutting option
  • Compact and easy to store
  • Provides a clean, precise cut for smaller yards

Cons

  • Fragile blades
  • Inconsistent performance on rough terrain
  • Some users have concerns about battery life

Despite its mixed reviews, the Greenworks 14-Inch Reel Lawn Mower RM1400 provides a reliable alternative for those seeking a budget-friendly, environmentally friendly option for small yard care. With careful handling and proper maintenance, this manual lawn mower can offer a clean and precise cut. While it may not be suitable for every user, its compact design and eco-friendly features make it a standout choice among manual mowers.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a motor-less push mower with an adjustable cutting height, designed for a clean and even cut. It's a planet-friendly, quiet, and low-maintenance lawnmower that comes with high-quality alloy steel blades for longer sharpness. The loop-style handle with cushioned grips offers comfort and maneuverability. This 5-blade manual push mower has a cutting width of 18 inches, and the push mower is easy to assemble without special tools.

Key Features

  • Adjustable cutting height of 0.5"-2.75"
  • 18" cutting width 5-blade
  • High-quality alloy steel blades
  • Loop-style lawnmower handle with cushioned grips
  • Planet-friendly and quiet motorless design

Specifications

  • Color: Gray
  • Dimension: 25.00Lx14.00Wx10.50H
  • Size: 18-Inch, 5-Blade

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • High-quality assembly
  • Reduced carbon footprint
  • Quiet operation
  • Planet-friendly design

Cons

  • Can't mow as close to objects
  • Bogs down in tall, dense grass
  • Handlebars not height-adjustable

The Great States Push Reel Lawn Mower is a highly efficient and planet-friendly choice for those seeking an alternative to gas-powered mowers. It’s easy to use, lightweight, and offers a clean and even cut. While it may have some limitations with dense grass and handlebar adjustability, its overall positive impact on the environment and ease of use make it a great investment.

Overall Score: 7/10

The Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a hand-push reel mower that offers a planet-friendly alternative to gasoline lawn mowers. It has a 16" cutting width, 7-blade ball bearing reel, and 10" composite wheels. This versatile mower can cut various grass types and has an adjustable cutting height of 0.5"-2.5". The alloy steel 7-blade mower stays sharp longer and is designed for clean and even cuts. The mower is easy to assemble and use, making it ideal for small lawns. Although it struggles with very tall grass and doesn't cut dandelion stalks well, it's lightweight, quiet, and offers an affordable, eco-friendly mowing solution particularly for well-established lawns.

Key Features

  • Hand-push reel mower
  • 16" cutting width
  • Adjustable cutting height
  • Alloy steel 7-blade mower
  • Versatile for cutting different grass types

Specifications

  • Color: Gray
  • Dimension: 45.87Lx21.85Wx27.76H
  • Size: 16", 7-blade

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to push
  • Adjustable cutting height
  • Provides clean and even cuts
  • Quiet and eco-friendly
  • Durable and stays sharp longer

Cons

  • Struggles with very tall grass
  • Doesn't cut dandelion stalks well
  • Handle design makes it harder to push
  • Requires WD-40 lubricant for smooth operation
  • Initial assembly may take some time

The Earthwise 1715-16EW Lawn Mower is a cost-effective, environmentally friendly option for maintaining well-established lawns. While it may not be suitable for very tall or weedy grass, its lightweight design, adjustable cutting height, and quiet operation make it a great choice for small lawns. Overall, it provides a clean, even cut and offers the convenience of a planet-friendly alternative to gas-powered mowers.

Overall Score: 7/10

The American Lawn Mower Co. SK-2 Reel Lawn Mower Hand Sharpener is designed to keep your reel mower blades in optimal cutting condition. It is safe, easy to use at home, and compatible with all American Lawn Mower, Great States, Earthwise, and Scotts reel mowers. The sharpener comes in a carefully packaged fitted box along with a detailed manual for use.

Key Features

  • Compatible with all American Lawn Mower, Great States, Earthwise, and Scotts reel mowers
  • Keeps your blades in optimal cutting condition
  • Safe and easy to use at home
  • Specially designed for reel lawn mowers
  • Carefully packaged in fitted box with detailed manual for use

Specifications

  • Color: Blade Sharpener
  • Dimension: 3.35Lx1.25Wx2.50H
  • Size: Hand Sharpener

Pros

  • Safe and easy to use at home
  • Carefully packaged with detailed manual
  • Effective in sharpening reel mower blades

Cons

  • Priced as expensive by some customers
  • May require DIY adjustments for different mower brands

The American Lawn Mower Co. SK-2 Reel Lawn Mower Hand Sharpener is a valuable tool for maintaining reel mower blades. While it may require some DIY adjustments for different mower brands, it is safe, easy to use, and provides effective results. It makes an ideal choice for reel mower owners looking to keep their blades in optimal cutting condition.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower offers a simple, efficient, and eco-friendly way to maintain a small yard. With an 18-inch cutting width, 7-blade ball bearing reel, adjustable cutting height, and heat-treated alloy steel blades, this mower is maneuverable and easy to operate. The cushioned handle provides a comfortable grip, and the mower is easy to assemble and store. It works well on small, uneven grounds, though it may struggle with tall weeds. Overall, it's a lightweight, affordable, and low-maintenance option for those looking to avoid the hassle of gas or battery-powered mowers.

Key Features

  • 18-inch cutting width, 7-blade ball bearing reel
  • Adjustable cutting height of 1" to 3"
  • Quality, heat-treated alloy steel blades
  • Comfortable handle with cushioned grip
  • Easy to assemble and operate

Specifications

  • Color: Green
  • Dimension: 41.93Lx24.02Wx31.22H
  • Size: 18-Inch, 7-Blade

Pros

  • Maneuverable and easy to operate
  • Comfortable handle with cushioned grip
  • Easy to assemble and store
  • Affordable and eco-friendly

Cons

  • May struggle with tall weeds
  • Uncomfortable handle for those over 5ft
  • Minimum factory setting is at 2"

The Scotts manual reel mower is a great choice for those seeking a low-maintenance and eco-friendly mowing solution. While it may not handle tall weeds well and the handle might be uncomfortable for taller users, the overall ease of use, quality of cut, and affordability make it a solid option for small yards.

Overall Score: 4/10

The American Lawn Mower Grass Catcher is a specially designed grass catcher for American Lawn Mower 14-Inch and 16-Inch reel lawn mowers. It is made of high-quality and durable materials, and includes a detailed instruction manual for easy assembly. The catcher is designed to collect leaves and grass to prevent them from being strewn across your lawn.

Key Features

  • Specially made for American Lawn Mower reel lawn mowers
  • Collects leaves and grass to prevent lawn mess
  • Made of high-quality, durable materials
  • Includes detailed instruction manual for easy assembly

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 12.00Lx16.00Wx19.00H
  • Size: Fits: 14/16-inch Reel Mowers

Pros

  • Easy to use to scoop up yard waste
  • Works well when stays on push mower

Cons

  • Flaws in design and quality
  • Does not stay on push mower

The American Lawn Mower Grass Catcher is a convenient tool for collecting leaves and grass while mowing. However, it has multiple flaws and does not stay securely on the push mower. While it may work for some specific purposes such as picking up yard waste, it falls short of expectations for its intended use as a grass catcher for lawn mowers. Potential buyers should carefully consider their needs and the limitations of this product before making a purchase.

Buyer's Guide: Reel MowerBenefits of Reel Mowers:

  • Environmentally friendly – no harmful emissions
  • Quiet operation – no noise pollution
  • Low maintenance – no need for gasoline or oil
  • Promotes a healthier lawn by cutting grass cleanly

Considerations Before Buying a Reel Mower:

  • Size of your lawn – larger lawns may require more effort with a reel mower
  • Type of grass – reel mowers work best on certain grass types, such as Bermuda, zoysia, or bent
  • Your physical ability – using a reel mower requires pushing it manually, so consider your strength and stamina
  • Budget – reel mowers can vary in price, so consider what you are willing to spend

Features to Look for in a Reel Mower:

  • Cutting width – wider cutting widths can save you time
  • Height adjustment – allows you to customize the cutting height for your lawn
  • Durability – look for a sturdy build that will last a long time
  • Easy to maneuver – consider the weight and ease of pushing the mower

Maintenance Tips for Reel Mowers:

  • Keep blades sharp – sharp blades result in a cleaner cut
  • Clean after each use – remove grass clippings and debris to maintain performance
  • Lubricate moving parts – to keep the mower running smoothly
  • Store properly – protect your mower from the elements to prolong its life

Where to Purchase a Reel Mower:

  • Local hardware stores
  • Online retailers
  • Secondhand options such as yard sales or online marketplaces

Additional Tools for Reel Mower Maintenance:

  • Sharpening kit for the blades
  • Lawn mower cover for storage
  • Lubricating oil for moving parts

Final Thoughts:Before purchasing a reel mower, carefully consider the size of your lawn, the type of grass you have, and your own physical abilities. Look for a mower with the features that best suit your needs, and be prepared to provide regular maintenance to keep it in top shape. Happy mowing and enjoy your environmentally friendly lawn care!

Frequently Asked Questions about 7 Best Reel Mower

How often do I need to sharpen a reel mower blade?

Reel mower blades should be sharpened at least once a year to ensure a clean and precise cut for your lawn.

Can a reel mower cut tall grass effectively?

Yes, reel mowers are specifically designed to handle tall grass with ease, making them a great option for overgrown lawns.

Are reel mowers difficult to push?

Reel mowers are generally lightweight and easy to push, making them suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Do reel mowers require regular maintenance?

Yes, like any other tool, reel mowers need regular maintenance, such as cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting the blades for optimal performance.

Can I use a reel mower on uneven terrain?

Reel mowers are best suited for flat and even terrain, as they may struggle to cut grass evenly on bumpy or uneven surfaces.

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