Best Reel Lawn Mower

Reel lawn mowers are great solutions for the upkeep of yards because they are inexpensive, require little in the way of upkeep, and operate in a relatively quiet manner. They are simple to store because they only require about a third of the storage space that is required for a conventional mower.

It is possible that reel mowers are better for the overall health of a lawn than traditional mowers. In a manner analogous to that of cutting with scissors, they make a clean cut along the top of the grass blade. The blades of traditional rotary mowers have a propensity to tear the grass, which results in ragged brown tips and increases the risk of disease.

However, despite their shared functionality, reel mowers come in a wide variety of designs and configurations. We put the following models through a series of tests to determine how the width of the blade, the height at which it cuts, the design of the handle, and a variety of other factors affect its performance in a variety of environments. Keep reading to find out what to look for when looking for a reel mower, and find out why the models that are described in the following paragraphs are among the best reel mower options that are currently available.
 

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What to Consider When Choosing the Best Reel Mower
 

Mowing is a reality of life that is required in the majority of neighborhoods for every home that has a lawn and is a requirement. Regular mowing is crucial to the cultivation of a verdant and lush stretch of land. When mowing is done properly, that is, when it is done regularly enough to remove no more than one-third of the height of the grass, it encourages the growth of dense grass that is consistent in appearance.

 

Manual vs. Powered

 

The most majority of reel mowers, in contrast to normal mowers, are operated by hand; however, customers can find a few types that are driven by either gas or batteries.

• Manual: Everything old is new again—or so it seems with more of these old-fashioned mowers popping up in home improvement centers and online stores. One of the drivers of the manual mower’s resurgence is its eco-friendliness. No fuel to store, no fumes, and no pull cord that can cause a struggle.
  The downside to mowing with a manual lawn mower is the near impossibility of cutting the grass if it’s allowed to grow too tall before mowing, especially if the lawn is dense. The thickness and coarseness of the grass help dictate if it is too tall, but if the grass is twice as tall as its recommended cutting height, it usually can pose a problem for a manual reel mower. For the best results with a manual reel mower, cut the grass more often during fast-growth periods, such as in early spring and the rainy season.

• Powered:  When compared to conventional rotary mowers, reel mowers can be driven by either gas or a battery, which makes it an incredible much simpler to cut grass that is particularly thick or long. Self-propulsion is a feature found on some gas and electric reel mowers. This feature essentially eliminates the need for the user to push the mower and instead requires them to just direct it.

• Electric mowers make less noise than gas mowers, although both types of mowers are louder than their traditional counterparts. Gas reel mowers are just as noisy as their traditional counterparts. However, because they still have a motor, they will make more noise than a reel mower that is operated manually. The decision of whether to use a manual or motorized reel mower is largely one that is driven by personal preference. If you have a large lawn, it is possible that a gas reel mower or an electric reel mower may be more practical for you.

 

Blades and Cutting Height

 

Mowers that use reels typically have anywhere from four to seven steel blades. For an easier mowing experience, certain models have blades that have been coated with a nonstick material. When there are more blades, the grass blade does not have to bend as far before it is severed, which results in a smoother cut. Mowers with four or five blades perform admirably on the vast majority of grassy areas. A few models of reel mowers include six or seven blades, which makes them ideally suited for cutting dense grass to a consistent height. Lawn striping is a method of mowing that leaves an appealing alternating pattern in the grass, and reel mowers can be utilized for this type of mowing as well.

On some reel mowers, the cutting height of the blade is already set, and it is often between 1.5 and 2 inches. This is an ideal setting for cutting short grasses, but it is not ideal for cutting tall-growing grasses like fescue. Other variants include height adjustments for the cutting blades. Think about the type of grass you have and the ideal height it should grow to. If you have a tall type of grass, you should look for a reel mower that has an adjustable cutting height so that you can get the greatest cut possible.

 

Swath Width and Grass Type

 

There are several different kinds of grass found on lawns in North America. Perennial rye, Kentucky bluegrass, and fescue are examples of species of grass that are simple to trim, and broader mower decks are ideal for mowing these types of grass. On the other hand, grasses with a thicker blade, such as Bermuda, St. Augustine, and zoysia, should be cut with a narrower cutting width when they are mowed (swaths). In either scenario, increasing the frequency with which you mow will make it simpler to use a manual mower.

The utility of a reel mower is affected both by the width of its cutting swath and the species of grass that grows in the yard. The swath widths of reel mowers typically range anywhere from 14 to 20 inches in width. Although having a wider swath means you won't have to mow as many passes, it also makes it more difficult to push the mower because there will be more resistance from the increased amount of grass.

Additional Features

Reel mowers don’t come with many bells and whistles, but a few added features can enhance the mowing experience.

• Grass catcher: Some prefer to allow grass clippings to settle back on the lawns. The clippings act as a mulch that biodegrades to offer organic nutrients to the soil. For those who prefer bagging grass clippings, look for models that feature a rear-mount grass catcher.

• Padded handles: Nonslip, padded foam handles make it easier to grip the mower handles and reduce the risk of blisters.

• Rollers: Reel mowers have two sizable front wheels, but some come with additional back rollers or front rollers that add stability to the mower and help the user maneuver the mower near borders and edges for clean cutting.

 

Our Verdict

 

The "clean, green, and quiet" qualities of these machines are typically given the most priority by individuals who are considering switching to a manual reel mower. The Great States 18-Inch Reel Mower is your best bet for a long-lasting mower that provides solid performance throughout a wide range of tasks. It is simple to operate and maintain, and it can be purchased at a cost that is not prohibitive. This makes it an excellent option for individuals who are interested in doing experiments with a reduced degree of danger.

The Fiskars StaySharp reel mower has a number of features that will appeal to customers who have some experience with reel mowers and are looking to graduate to a more advanced model. It makes a cleaner cut than its competitors, cuts faster, and requires less effort from the user. In our judgment, there is no question that the additional cost is justified.
 

How We Tested the Best Reel Mowers

 

We put these mowers through their paces in the middle of winter in a backyard in Georgia. This meant that there would be a mixture of dormant warm-season grasses (some Bermuda grass and some centipede grass), as well as a few areas afflicted with cool-season weeds, such as annual bluegrass, chickweed, henbit, dandelion, and wild onion. The test sites consisted of grass that was both level and inclined, in addition to grass that was uneven.

We sectioned off test areas on the grassy area so that each mower could demonstrate its performance under a range of distinct circumstances. In order for any mower to be considered for inclusion in this article, it needed to be able to successfully carry out the primary task for which it was designed, which was to cut the height of the grass by about a third. Then, in addition to the standard procedure of mowing a lawn that is free of weeds, we also evaluated each mower under the more difficult conditions of cutting grass that was overgrown and full of weeds. All of the mowers that were considered for inclusion in this guide readily passed the basic functionality test, and they gained bonus points by successfully overcoming at least one challenging circumstance that was mentioned in the evaluations.

 

The Advantages of Using a Reel Mower

 

Reel mowers are almost always powered manually. The physical pushing of the mower turns the blade cylinder, which in turn cuts the grass. Since they’re push-powered, reel mowers excel when cutting fine, straight-growing grasses but can bog down in coarse, wiry grass. The following are some of the advantages of using a reel mower.

• Avoid diseases. A clean cut helps grass avoid diseases such as “brown patch,” which can leave a lawn pockmarked with areas of dead grass.

• Affordable mowers. While pricing varies based on quality and design, expect to pay about half the cost of a powered push mower.

• Low maintenance requirements. Manual reel mowers only require occasional cleaning and blade sharpening. A gas reel mower requires the addition of oil, draining fuel over winter, and other maintenance tasks.

• Relatively compact and lightweight. Many reel mowers weigh around 20 to 30 pounds, and they often feature fold-down handles for easy storage.

• Free of exhaust and fumes. Breathe the aroma of freshly cut grass rather than toxic exhaust fumes.

See more :

• Best Push Lawn Mower Gas
• Best Manual Lawn Mower For Small Garden
• Best Lawn Mower For Hills
• Best Manual Lawn Mower
• Best Mulching Lawn Mower
   

FAQs best reel lawn mower

 

The reel mower is making a resurgence since it does not emit any harmful gases, does not require the user to store gasoline or charge batteries, and operates in a very quiet manner. You will be able to cut down on your carbon footprint while getting some exercise if you use this environmentally friendly mower. A couple of inquiries are to be anticipated from individuals who are contemplating purchasing a reel mower.

Q. Is it hard to push a reel mower?

Manual reel mowers are easy to push in thin sparse grass, but it takes more force to move one through tall, dense, or coarse grass.

Q. Can you mow wet grass with a reel mower?

Although a manual reel mower can easily cut through wet grass, doing so frequently is not advisable. As with other mowers, clippings will clump and look unsightly. Wet clippings that stick to the mower increase rust formation, dulling the blades prematurely.

Q. How often should you mow with a reel mower?

Mow as often as is necessary to keep from removing more than one-third of the grass’s blade. This may mean mowing two or more times in a week during the fast-growing grass season.

Q. When should I sharpen my reel mower?

In general, it’s a good idea to sharpen the blades on a reel mower after 20 to 25 hours of use. For some users, this may be once a year; others may need to sharpen blades two or more times in a season.

 

IN CONCLUSION

 

The Earthwise manual push reel lawn mower (US$129.99; available from Amazon) is a wonderful option for grass that is thicker and more difficult to manage. Choose the Scotts push reel lawn mower (available on Amazon for $144.98 USD) if you have a larger yard and need a broader cutting width, variable settings, and more options for adjusting the height of the cutting deck.

We hope that you found our analysis of the best reel mower to be informative. Consult our extra guides for more information regarding additional vendors that sell associated products such as lawn mower blades, bags, handles, or rollers.

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