Maintaining your yard neat and green should not be a hard task. For many people, they despise the idea of having to trim grass in the yard because it can be effortful. Others would rather pay a local handyman to do the job. There is, however, a good way to make things easier on your end – invest in a reel mower. This is an innovative product that can prove to be highly effective in keep our lawn well-manicured. All that you have to do is to make sure that you will be choosing the best option.
Are you looking for the best reel mower that is available on the market? There is no need to search any further. Allow us to share our expertise with you. Keep on reading and we will have short reviews of some of the best brands and models that will confront you. We will also have a quick rundown on some of the features that should be taken into consideration.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Picks for the Best Reel Mower
1. Scotts 2000-20 20-inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower Review
Looking at the opinions of its users, one thing that is frequently highlighted is its ease of assembly. When it is taken out of the box, you do not have to exert a lot of effort in putting all the pieces together. There are no complications and the manufacturer also provides a comprehensive instruction manual.
More so, it should also be pointed out that it has Precision Blade Technology, which is perhaps one of the reasons for its dependability. It is equipped with five steel blades that have been heat treated for precision and durability. Nonetheless, there are some users who noted that in spite of this technology, it can still exhibit difficulty when cutting thick and large grass.
It also comes with Dual Wheel Tracking, which is one of the features making it user-friendly. It is designed with 10-inch composite wheels and 6-inch tracking wheels. However, since it is a push lawn mower, it is meant specifically for flat surfaces. When it is used in hilly areas, more effort will be require on your end.
Pros
- Operates quietly
- Lightweight construction
Cons
- Won’t cut tall grass
- Requires more effort in cutting thick grass
2. Fiskars 18-Inch Staysharp Max Reel Mower Review
Among other things, the StaySharp Cutting System is one of the best features of this reel mower. The blades are able to cut grass without touching each other. This is going to prolong its functional life and will also make sure that they are going to be sharp for an extended period.
This is a reel mower that is made for all grass types. It does not matter what kind of grass is in your lawn, it will be cut precisely by the lawn mower. It can work well in Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine, among others. It is a different story, however, once the grass grows too thick and long. Therefore, make sure to have it trimmed even before it grows.
It comes with an inset wheel design. The latter is beneficial in terms of side cutting and also when it comes to being easy to maneuver.
This reel mower has a cutting width of 18 inches. It will be able to easily trim your lawn even if it is a large one as it can cut width generous width in a single pass.
Pros
- Adjustable handle
- Environmentally-friendly
Cons
- Not best for overgrown grass
- No option for bagging
3. Fiskars 17-inch Staysharp Push Reel Lawn Mower Review
This is basically the same with the push lawn mower that has been discussed above. The main difference is that it is smaller. It has a cutting deck with a width of only 17 inches. If you have a smaller lawn, this can prove to be an excellent alternative. Also, because of its size, it can be easy to maneuver. You do not need to exert a lot of effort in its use.
The blade is one of the most important parts of the reel mower and the manufacturer makes sure that it will be dependable. In this model, the blades are made from premium materials that will stay sharp for an extended period. Even through the years, you can be confident that its blades will demonstrate reliable cutting capability.
More so, compared to the traditional options for reel mowers that you can find in the market, the manufacturer claims that this is better because it is easier to push by as much as 30%. One of the reasons for this is its compact body, especially because the cutting deck has minimal width.
Pros
- Compact body
- Easy to swivel
Cons
- Limited cutting width
- Not good for large yards
4. Great States 415-16 16-inch Push Reel Lawn Mower Review
For those who are on the lookout for an affordable option, this should be on the top of the list. In spite of its practical price, however, quality and functionality will never be compromised.
This model comes with a 16-inch cutting width. It is not as generous as the ones from the higher end of the market, but if you only have a small lawn, this will be more than enough. Because the cutting width is minimal, you can also be sure that it is going to be compact and lightweight, making it user-friendly.
It is powered by five blades that are made from heat-treated steel. Without a doubt, the blades are durable. Even through the years, they will remain functional. Nonetheless, to be able to retain its best functionality, make sure to have it sharpened as instructed by the manufacturer.
When it comes to the comfort of the user, this is also going to be an impressive choice. The T-designed body, for instance, makes it easy to move around. It also comes with a cushioned grip which will promote comfortable handling. The wheels are also excellent as they are designed to move easily in different surfaces.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Adjustable height
Cons
- Blades should be sharpened
- No collection bag
5. American Lawn Mower 1204-14 Hand Reel 14-inh Push Reel Mower Review
For those who are looking for a reel mower that is economical, yet one that does not fall short in terms of quality, this will make an excellent pick. It has been a preferred choice by many because of its dependability and ease of use.
From its long list of innovative features, one that should be definitely highlighted is the high-impact wheel, which is directly proportional to its performance. It is designed with 8.5-inch diameter wheels, which are constructed from polymer. They also have an exceptional construction, making it easy to tread well in a variety of surfaces. Its traction provides it with a strong grip on the surface.
For the people who have already used this reel mower, one of the things they loved is how comfortable it is to use. One of the reasons for this is the fact that it weighs only 19 pounds. With this, moving the mower around will surely be almost effortless on your end. It also comes with plastic grips on its handle preventing slipping.
This model comes with an alloy steel reel. The latter is known for being long-lasting while being able to maintain minimal weight.
Pros
- Competitive price
- Lightweight and compact body
Cons
- Minimal cutting width
- Limited height options
Factors to Consider when Buying
Not all reel mowers are created the same. You need to differentiate one from the other. In this case, make sure to consider the factors that will be mentioned below, making it easier for you to arrive at a well-informed choice.
Cost-Effectiveness
When it comes to reel mowers, it is tempting to choose a product that comes with the cheapest price tag. However, while this can be good as you won’t have to spend a lot, it could lead into compromising quality. Many of the cheap reel mowers are made with the use of inferior materials. Their cut quality and durability can also be dismal. With this, it would be better to invest in a more expensive product if it is going to provide you with an assurance of having quality and functionality that will be hard to rival.
There are many factors that will affect the price of the reel mower. Its size, design, and overall construction, including the materials used, will all influence its price. Cost will also be dependent on the way the wheels and blades are made, among other essential components. If it is made by a trusted and established brand, there are also chances that it is going to be more expensive compared to those that are made by lesser known companies.
Reviews From Other People
If you are clueless about which option can prove to be the best, you can resort into reading online reviews or asking around from people you personally know who have used reel mowers in the past. Ask them about their experiences. Ask them about customer service from the manufacturer, ease of use, comfort, cut quality, and other factors. By asking the right questions, you will be able to easily weigh the pros and cons from the possibilities that will confront you. Never make any final decision without consulting the feedbacks of its past users. If you have a friend or a neighbor who owns a reel mower, you can even see it personally. This is an opportunity for you to try the mower and see if it is a good fit for your needs.
Warranty Coverage
It is also important to consider the warranty that will be offered by the manufacturer. The standard warranty is one year, which is also the minimum. If you want the best value for money and the guarantee that your reel mower will be functional for a long time, look for products with at least three or five-year warranty. Meaning, within such period, you can return the reel mower to the manufacturer and they can have it repaired for free if in case there are any defects. It is important, however, to keep in mind that there are certain conditions that will be necessary for the mower to eligible for the warranty. For instance, if the problems are because of your negligence, it will most probably not be covered by the warranty.
Ease of Use
For many people, they do not find mowing an appealing task. The reason is simple – it is tiring. This is especially true if you have a large yard and if you have to do it under the scorching heat of the sun. The good news is that mowing can be an easier activity. How is this possible? Through making sure that you have the right reel mower. It should be built with features that will make it user-friendly.
One of the most important would be the size and the weight of the reel mower. Remember, you need to push the mower for such to be able to do the job. Therefore, it is critical to choose one that has a compact and lightweight body, which means that you will not have to push it with much effort. However, smaller and lighter models can also have limited cutting path, which is why they would work best only in small yards.
You should also take a look at the way the wheels are designed. They should be made in such a way that they can offer excellent traction and they must be easy to swivel. Regardless of the type of grass and surface, the wheel must be able to demonstrate an impressive performance. Otherwise, more effort will be required on your end in having the reel mower pushed.
Comfort
Discomfort is one of the most common complaints among people who are using reel mowers. Yes, they can indeed be uncomfortable, but this will depend on the specific brand and model that you will be choosing. To be assured of your comfort, one of the considerations would be the way the handle is designed. It should provide a contoured grip and should also be padded or well-cushioned. More so, a lightweight and compact reel mower will also be more comfortable to use that one that is heavy and large. Look at the design of the wheels as well. It should be constructed in such a way that it will be able to promote ease of maneuverability.
Cut Quality
This is another important consideration when trying to differentiate the options that you will have. To be assured of the best cut quality, you should look at the design of the blades. They should be made from excellent materials such as stainless steel. It should be durable to withstand many years. In addition, it should also be made to be flexible, which will provide it with the capability to work on any type of grass, even if they are long and thick. It will also be good if the blades have self-sharpening technology, which will minimize the effort that you have to spare when it comes to maintenance. A good cut quality means that it can trim grass at a consistent height.
Versatility
When it comes to reel mowers, when you talk about versatility, more often than not, this would be in reference to its cutting height. There are various cutting heights in different models. Make sure to choose one that is adjustable, providing you with flexibility. More than just having options for cutting height, the adjustments must also be a snap to make. In addition, a versatile model must also come with an adjustable handle, making it possible to have it positioned in such a way that it will be most comfortable for the user.
Maintenance
Generally speaking, reel mowers will require minimal maintenance. Nonetheless, to be sure of its long-term functionality, it is highly recommended that you should be knowledgeable enough to know how well it can be maintained. After every use, before keeping it in the storage room, make sure that it is cleaned properly. No grass clippings should be remained stuck on the wheels or blades. It will also be good to keep the blades well-lubricated. This is vital in terms of being able to maintain its sharpness. At all times, refer to the instructions from the manufacturer, including directions for care and maintenance.
Conclusion
While a reel mower can be beneficial in more ways than one, especially in terms of being able to make it easy to maintain your lawn, it is important to keep in mind that not all of them are created in the same way. As shown from the reviews above, each has its respective pros and cons. To be sure that you will make a decision that you won’t regret, keep an eye on the models that we have recommended earlier for the best reel mower. We looked at their features and considered what other people have to say. With confidence, we can say that they are amongst the best within the product category.
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