4 Best Reel Mowers Reviewed
1. American Lawn Mower 1204-14
American Lawn Mower’s 1204-14 reel mower is a great choice if you are looking for a simple, no-frills model. This mower is well-built and will last a lifetime. It’s ideal for small lawns, or anyone looking to reduce carbon emissions.
The 36cm cutting path is complemented by four tempered-alloy cutting blades. American Lawn Mower makes larger mowers with wider cutting paths and more blades if the 36 cm model seems too narrow.
The 8 high-impact polymer wheels will roll on any terrain and are made to withstand the elements. This mower weighs only 9kg and is easy to use. You can adjust the height of the mower blades to fit your lawn’s needs.
Although the assembly can take a while, once everything is in place, you will enjoy a pleasant mowing experience with your new mower.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Easy to move and light weight
- Quality, sharp cutting blades
2. Fiskars StaySharp Plus 43 Cm Reel Mower
Reel mowers are similar to scissors in that they have a cutting action that is very similar to that of a pair of scissors. It’s no surprise that Fiskars, one of the most respected manufacturers of scissors makes one of our best reel mower options. StaySharp Plus by Fiskars uses a variety of innovative technologies to avoid common pitfalls with other reel mowers.
The mower’s StaySharp blades are a major advantage. The blades are made of hardened steel and have a reduced friction rate, which reduces the likelihood of the blade breaking down during cutting. This helps to prolong blade life and eliminate the need for biannual or annual sharpening. The mower’s patent-pending inertia drive reel makes it up to 75% stronger than its competition while making it up to 40% more easy to push than the rest.
The mower’s large front wheels and smaller rear wheels allow it to traverse uneven terrain. This is an advantage for areas with rocks or debris, as well as lawns that are not flat. You can adjust the length of your mower from 1-10cm, which is more than other mowers.
Fiskars’ reel mowers throw the grass backwards so it ends up all over you feet. This model sends the grass forward and to one side. It keeps it away from your feet and makes less mess.
What We Like
- It’s easier to push and stronger than your competitors
- A 3-year industry-leading warranty
- Blades should be sharpened less frequently
- It is easy to assemble
What could be better?
- Expensive
3. Craftsman Model 37664 46 Cm Reel Mower
Craftsman continues to make high quality equipment and tools that homeowners can rely on, even as their parent company is undergoing significant restructuring.
Craftsman’s model 37664 reel mower is reliable and provides a common-sense solution to the main problem with all reel mowers: grass collecting
This mower features a grass collection bag, just like an electric or gas mower. The 9-gallon bag holds all your cut grass and can be easily disposed of later.
The mower is made of all-steel and has five helical, steel cutting blades. The mower’s 46 cm cutting width is perfect for medium-sized yards. There are nine depth settings available, starting at 2 and ending at 2, which should be enough for most lawns.
Like the Fiskars model, the Craftsman has 15 cm of trailing wheels and 25 cm main wheels. This makes it easier to push across any terrain. It also helps reduce fatigue when you mow.
The warranty on this model is also three years, making it one of the most competitive in the market. It is simple and easy to assemble. The only problem with this model is the fact that the handle can’t be adjusted. This means you will have to use one handle height, regardless of whether it’s comfortable.
4. Great States 815-18 5-Blade Reel Mower
Great States is part the same parent company as Scotts reel mowers and American Lawn Mowers. If it seems familiar, it’s because it is.
The 46cm cutting path features a five-blade, four-spider ball bearing five blade cutting system. Great States states that the four-spider ball bearing system makes it easier to push and reduces fatigue.
This mower is also one the lightest 46 cm mowers on the market. It weighs only 12 kg which helps reduce fatigue.
The 815-18 is made from high-strength, alloy steel. It also has an unbreakable side plate of steel for extra durability. To reduce rust and premature wear, the mower is powder coated.
This mower is almost identical to the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 model. It also suffers from some of the same problems as the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 model. It is difficult to assemble and has difficulty with tall and thick grass.
What We Like
- Easy to move and light weight
- Affordable
- Sharpening cutting blades is less frequent
How To Choose The Best Reel Mower
It doesn’t matter if you go for one of our mowers or a different model, it can be difficult to make sure that you get the right mower for you. Before you make a purchase, there are key points you need to know. These features will help you make the right choice for your needs.
Why A Reel Mower?
A reel mower is a great choice for many reasons. They are better for the environment. A reel mower is much more efficient than gas-powered motors that can emit harmful fumes, especially if they are 2-stroke engines.
Your lawn is also less affected by reel mowers. The blades of an electric or gas mower are parallel to the ground and can damage your lawn. Although the final product looks great, a gas or electric mower leaves grass less healthy and is more susceptible to disease.
They are also quieter and more simple to maintain than a gasoline mower. A reel mower may not be the best choice for everyone. A reel mower may not be the best choice if you have a large lawn or difficult terrain to maintain.
The Key Features
Although most reel mowers work on the same principles, there are important things you should look for when choosing a reel mower for your garden.
Adjustable Blades
The ability to adjust the height is one of the most important features. All mowers have some degree of height adjustment. However, some mowers are more adjustable than others.
A mower should adjust from -2 to -3 at the minimum. It may be worth looking for a mower with more adjustment options depending on how low or high you want your lawn to grow.
Blades made of hardened steel
Even the most skilled blades will need to be sharpened occasionally. A hardened steel blade will allow you to get more from your blades’ life before you have to sharpen them.
Sharpening blades can be a time-consuming and dangerous task. The less you do, the better you’ll be.
Warranty length
A reel mower may have fewer moving parts that a gas or electric mower but they can still fail. An extended warranty gives you peace of mind and is worth the extra money.
Every mower comes with some type of warranty. However, the best mowers have two- or three-year warranties.
It is easy to assemble
Some mowers can be difficult to assemble. Some mowers can be assembled in just a few minutes. It may be worth looking for a mower that only requires minimal assembly, depending on your level of mechanical ability.
Modern reel mowers are easy to assemble and adjust without any tools. This can save you time and frustration.
Grass Catcher
Reel mowers have one major drawback: they often just spread the cut grass over your newly cut lawn. This results in a less neat and polished look. After a few days, the cut grass can turn brown, compromising the clean appearance of your newly cut lawn.
A grass catcher makes it easy to collect and dispose the grass. It also helps you get the results that you want when you are cutting your lawn.
Although most models don’t include a grasscatcher, almost all manufacturers make one compatible with their reel mowers. Look for a mower with a grasscatcher. It is a great accessory to have.
Reel Mower Maintenance
A few minutes of basic maintenance can help extend the life of your mower. Each of these steps should be done at least once per month to maintain your mower.
- To remove dirt, dust, and clogged grass, wipe the mower clean.
- Make sure that the cutting bar has been properly adjusted on both sides and properly tightened.
- Spray the moving parts with a lubricant like WD-40. Regularly lubricate the blades and the bearings on the cutting bar’s wheels.
- To restore your cutting edges, you can use a sharpening tool for reel mowers.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are reel mowers difficult to use?
It is definitely more efficient than a self-driving gasoline mower. A reel mower is easier to use than an electric or gas mower. However, they require more effort to operate. A reel mower may be easier than an electric or gas mower depending on what type of grass you have.
Q. How do I set the cutting blades?
It is up to you what length your lawn should be. To maximize their time between mows, some people like to keep their lawn short. Others prefer long grass. You should keep your grass between 3 and 8 cm in length.
Q. How Often Do You Need to Sharpen the Blades?
It will depend on which type of mower you choose. Hardened steel mowers and those with ball bearing cutting systems, which reduce friction, require less frequent sharpening. In contrast, cheaper models require more frequent sharpening.
Most people sharpen their mower blades once per year. You should sharpen your mower blades if the mower becomes difficult to use or does not do as well when cutting.
Q. Why should I choose a reel mower over a powered mower?
There are many benefits to using a reel mower over a powered one. They are quiet and don’t contribute to carbon emissions. They are not suitable for large lawns, or lawns with uneven or weedy terrain.
A reel mower is a good choice if you have a small, manageable lawn.
Final Verdict
Each of the models that we have covered would be a great choice for a reel mower option, but there is only one winner.
The Fiskars StaySharp Plus is our favorite reel mower due to its ease-of-use, fast assembly, industry-leading warranty and low-maintenance design. This model offers a wide range of features. This model will give your lawn a manicured and polished look.
This model is also the most expensive, so it might not be within your budget. The Scotts 415-16S model is a good choice if you want to save money on your mower.
Are you ready to support the reel mower’s return? You can go to your local retailer to pick up your reel mower today. What do you think is the best reel mower?
