Reel Mowers

A Reel Mower is a grass cutting or lawn maintenance implement. These are simple devices with few moving parts and with the simple application of force. The mower is a small cart with a long handle. There is a pair of primary wheels set on a single axle. There may be a bar of rollers or a set of secondary wheels in the rear of the implement.

These smaller rear wheels are meant for balance while the larger primary wheels impart motion. This motion is used to turn the mowers cylinder of helical blades. These blades pass very close to a bed-knife. The blades of grass press between these two edges to deliver a scissor-like cut.

These mowers are preferred by most lawn owners as they bring the lawn under control quickly. They are also healthier as they produce a clean precise cut. They are best for low height vegetation, undulating tracts and turfs used for competitive and professional sports like football, cricket, lawn tennis, etc.

Reel mowers require more maintenance and know-how than other mowers. As these mowers require precise bed-knife to helical reel settings and sharpness. These setting give the desired effect after mowing the grass. They are best for warm season grasses that tend to be coarser and cut easily using this type of mower without scalping.

Read our complete guide about the best robotic lawn movers.

How does the reel mower work?

A person pushes on the handles at the top of the long handle. This force applied to the handle pushes the mower forward on the larger wheels. The turning of the axle spins the gears. The gear of the larger diameter turns followed by the smaller pinion gear. The rotational force or the torque is passed from the larger gear to the smaller one. Here the rotational force increases.

It is due to this arrangement of gear ratios the blades of the mower turn faster than the wheels. The brush bar in the front of the mower bends the tall grass, folding it over the helical blades. When these helical blades meet the cutter bar or the bed-knife in the rear of the mower the grass is cut. The point of contact is like a pair of scissors. The helical cylinder scoops the grass and moves it to the bed-knife the way a barber moves a comb to position the hair to snip it.

The momentum of the cut is such that the clippings are thrown behind the mower. But there may be attachable trays or sacks that may reduce your work by collecting them as you mow. Reel mowers are more popular and recommended grass cutting implement as they clip the grass neatly instead of tearing them. These tears may expose the grass to diseases and browning.

Usually, reel mowers are used on warm season grass to achieve a low cut. The lawn should be mown at the right frequency to get superlative results. The trains the runners and crowns to live at low heights. Nowadays the mowers come with height adjusters that allow you to raise or lower the mower’s blades between 25 – 40 mm. The height can be adjusted easily in two seconds by turning the knob on the mower.

Some mowers have flat wide rollers at the back of the mower that flattens the soil beneath the growth of grass. When this is combined with a wide, flat bottom blade the mower produces a flat finish. This is known as the bowling green effect. It takes time to achieve this finish, especially on newly laid lawns.

Types of Reel Mowers

While selecting an ideal cylindrical mower consider the size of your lawn and the power options you have at hand.

Manual Reel Mowers have two wheels and require to be pushed or pulled manually. The basic design of these mowers has remained the same since the last 180 years. The advantages are that they have a good shelf life, they are easy on the pocket, they are noiseless. The disadvantages are that it’s a manual drive and their working range is 50 square meters. Their side wheels make a line on the lawn and these mowers lack technical support.

Electric Reel Mowers have an accumulator or electric engine onboard that helps rotate the reel. But the drive is manpower dependant. These mowers have a range of 100 square meters and tests the user’s physical fitness. They are costlier than the mechanical lawnmowers. They are easy to maintain and make less noise. The downside is that they have low power and work range thus you will spend more time on the lawn. The side wheels mark the lawns. Besides, you may have to drag the cables along as they have lower battery life.

The Gasoline Reel Mowers are meant for golf greens. They deliver a precise cut and are broader with a robust frame. They can be used daily on a lawn more than 2000 square meter in area. The hydrostatic engine is driven on petrol besides you can ride them. They run on reels that leave a stripe effect on the lawn. They are impractical for homes as they are very large. They also cannot mow the edges of paths and along the fences. They are usually over 100 kg and costly but deliver the best possible cut quality.

Reel Mower for Home Use is meant for areas between 100 – 2000 square meters. Their working range is between 35 to 55 cm. They have a basket to collect the clippings, drive reels and a petrol engine. Some models have a cartridge system that changes the model into a verticutter, brush for sanding or scarifier. These cartridges can be removed.  These mowers are easy to operate and cut precisely but are not suitable for sloping gardens.

Read our latest guide about the best cordless lawn movers.

Features and Specifications on a Reel Mower

Reel mowers have come a long way since their invention in the 1800s. Today they are equipped with;

Ergonomic Handles that reduce the stress on the arms, hands, legs and back of the user. These handles work in tandem with the mower to reduce effort and force applied to do the chore.

Sealed Bearings require less cleaning and maintenance.

Advanced Wheel Assemblies have never-flat tires and do not get tangled in the grass. There may be more features according to the model.

Steel Blades remain sharp longer, do not rust and require lesser maintenance.

Non-stick Coating does not allow the cut grass to cling and get trapped in gears and nooks and crannies on the machine.

Blade Cutting Height may be pre-set on less costly models between 1.5 to 2 inches but others models may allow adjustment between 1.5 – 4 inches. These are the optimal heights for the healthy growth of grass.

Swath Width is usually between 15 – 20 inches. Wider the swath size the lesser the number of passes you will have to make. Nevertheless, you will face more resistance due to more grass making it difficult to mow.

Number of Blades can be between 4 – 7 on the reel. For a cleaner cut, more blades are required but this will also require more push power. For optimum results a mower with 4 – 5 blades are sufficient.

TOP 15 BEST REEL MOWERS IN 2020

Picture	Name	Features	Price	Rating
Picture	Name	Feature	Price	Rating
	1. Fiskars Staysharp Max Reel Mower	easily adjusted height from 1-4 inch	$$$	4.8
	2. Gardena 4026-U	Folding handle with quick lock feature	$$$	4.8
	3. Gardena 4025-U	LED display indicates battery charge level	$$$	4.7
	4. Fiskars StaySharp Reel Mower	easier to push	$$$	4.6
	5. Great States 415-16	16″ cutting width, 5-blade ball bearing reel	$$$	4.6
	6. DuroStar DS2000LD	20-inch cutting path	$$	4.5
	7. American Lawn Mower 1204-14	Adjustable cutting height of 0.5″-1.75″	$$	4.5
	8. Earthwise 1715-16EW	7 blades to cut bentgrass	$$$	4.5
	9. Scotts 2000-20	Two 6-inch tracking wheels	$$$	4.4
	10. Scotts 415-16S	Eco-friendly	$$	4.3
	11. Sun Joe MJ501M	6-gallon grass catcher capacity	$	4.2
	12. Hyper Tough 1816-18HT	18-inch width	$$$	4.1
	13. Scotts 304-14S	20 in. cutting deck	$$$	4.0
	14. Husqvarna 64	steel alloy blades	$$$	4.0
	15. Snow Joe MJ501M-RM	9 position manual height adjustment	$$	3.9

1. Fiskars Staysharp Max Reel Mower

Fiskars is a global brand of tools that facilitate people at home, in the garden, offices and classrooms. Their tools are well-made, smarter and easy to use. The mower comes from Fiskars Oyj Abp a Finnish company founded in 1649 in a village by this name.

Design and Build

Fiskars Staysharp Max Reel Mower is an ideal tool to cut all types of grass. It delivers eco-friendly cutting even on southern varieties of grass such as Bermuda, Bahia, Zoysia and St Augustine. The advanced design is 60 per cent easier to push than the regular mower. The InertiaDrive reel comes with double the cutting power that helps you glide through the rough patches that would jam other mowers. The StaySharp cutting system reduces unnecessary contact between the grass and the blade. This not only reduces wear but delivers long-lasting performance. This cuts out the annual cost of sharpening the blades. The inset wheel design lets the blades extend over the mower’s full width. This eliminates the uncut edges and stripes near fences and foundations. The VersaCut technology lets you adjust the height between 1 – 4 inches. The reversible cutting chute directs the cuttings away from your feet, forward, downward or backward. This makes it easy to mow touch patches minus the messiness.

Functionality

Fiskars Staysharp Max Reel Mower has 18-inch cutting with and the unique discharge chute can be directed as per your convenience. The VersaCut technology offers height settings between 1 – 4 inches. The setting of the wheels is such that it allows the full length of the blades to reach the edges close to the fences, borders, etc.

Capacity

Fiskars Staysharp Max Reel Mower requires 60% less pushing effort. It has a cutting width of 18 inches and height setting is between 1-4 inches.

Additional Features

Fiskars Staysharp Max Reel Mower comes with a 3-year warranty.

Why Is It the Best of The Lot?

Fiskars Staysharp Max Reel Mower has a smart eco-friendly design the wheel setting allows the blades to cut till the edge of the mower. This way you do not miss the borders, fences and foundations. This mower is a combination of advanced technologies such as the StaySharp that keeps the blade sharper longer.  This feature combined with the Inertia Drive reduces the cutting effort by 60%. The hardened steel blades cut precisely and touch only where the clip has to be made reducing friction. This reduces wear, keeps your blade sharper longer and cuts out the annual sharpening cost.

2. Gardena 4026-U

Gardena is a German company based in Ulm. This is a preferred brand for garden care in millions of households worldwide. They make pumps, watering systems, robotics, lawn care, tools for shrub and tree care, etc. They make garden tools for city gardening or soil cultivation.

Design and Build

Gardena 4026-U is a rechargeable mower with a 380 AC motor that is precise, quiet and smooth in mowing the lawn. The mower comes with a 12 volts rechargeable battery that is sufficient to cut 3000 sq. ft area. There is an LED display tells you the charge status. There is a cutting height scale on both the sides of the mower that lets you adjust the cutting height. The reel blade at the bottom does not touch each other thus called the contact-free cutting technique. This ensures that the mower runs silently and is easy to push. The wheels come with a tread and soft plastic elements that guide the mower while offering traction. The foldable design comes with a quick lock feature for easy storage and transportation. The ergonomic design facilitates a comfortable working posture and easy storage. The unit comes with a charger with 24 hours of charging time.

Functionality

Gardena 4026-U have cutting blades and crossbar to cut the grass precisely. The grass is cut short in a gentle manner giving a greener result. The contact-free cutting principle does not allow the rotating reel and the fixed blade to touch. This means the cutting is easy, smooth and noiseless. These mowers are also eco-friendly and emission-free. Besides they help maintain your lawn all-round the year. These mowers are easy to assemble without tools.

Capacity

Gardena 4026-U is a 12-volt mower with a 380 AC motor. The cutting width is 15 inches and the cutting height is adjustable between 1.5 to 4 inches. The unit comes with a rechargeable battery that takes 24 hours to power up.

Additional Features

Gardena 4026-U comes with a one-year warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Battery-powered
• Clean & eco-friendly

Cons

• Battery lasts 30 minutes

3. Gardena 4025-U

Gardena is a globally, well-known brand for gardening implements. It was established in 1973 by the parent company Husqvarna. This German company has introduced cordless tools that allow the user to do away with cords that tangle and get in the way.

Design and Build

Gardena 4025-U have a compact design suitable for a narrow yard. It can us used in manual mode and battery mode. The battery can be removed and put to charge while you continue your chore. The unit is covered with a non-stick cover on the reel that does not allow the build-up of the wet grass on the mower. As there is no contact between the rotating reel and the cutting bar there is no or low noise while cutting the grass. The cutting action is more like in a pair of scissors that deliver a neat finish. The reel is made of steel that reduced wear and the mower lasts a long time. This battery powered mower works on 25 volts, 3.2 Ah Li-ion battery without a memory effect. This battery can be charged any number of times and lasts for 60 minutes in normal conditions. It has an LED indicator that shows the level of charge. It comes with overload and thermal protection. If you have two batteries the unit allows you to replace the flat battery with a fully-charged one. The unit comes with a detachable collection bag attached to the back of the mower.

Functionality

Gardena 4025-U is a quiet reel lawn mower that lasts up to one hour on a battery. It clips the lawn neatly due to the no contact cutting action which is similar to using a pair of scissors. It can be used on flat and undulating lawns up to 400 square meters in area.

Capacity

Gardena 4025-U can mow up to 400 sq. meter or 0.1 acres of lawn. The cutting height can be adjusted between 12 – 42 mm. The swath width is 15 inches.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Eco-friendly
• Battery driven

Cons

• Batteries are expensive
• They last only 30 minutes

4. Fiskars StaySharp Reel Mower

Fiskars 362080-1001 is another performer from this world-renowned brand of cutting tools. The other well-known brands by the Fiskars Group are the Iittala, Fiskars, Wedgewood, Gerber and Waterford.

Design and Build

The Fiskars 362080-1001 has an advanced design makes mowing 30% easier and eco-friendly. The StaySharp Reel Mower combines superior ergonomics with advanced technology to deliver the best in class mowing performance. It does all this without oil, gasoline, and the hassle of noise and cords. The InertiaDrive Reel offers 50% more cutting power. It reduces the pushing and cutting effort, besides the annual blade-sharpening costs. The cutting reel is mounted on two sets of wheels – a set of large ones in the front and small ones behind. These not only help maintain the balance but also the inertia of movement once the mower is set into motion.

Functionality

The Fiskars StaySharp Reel Mower is eco-friendly and clean. The mower requires 30% less force compared to other mowers due to the InertiaDrive reel and the StaySharp Cutting System. The larger diameter of the InertiaDrive reel and thicker blades bring you 50% more mowing energy. You apply less force and snip through dense grass, weeds and small twigs. The blades and the bar do not touch due to the precise StaySharp Cutting System. This reduces friction, noise and wear of the blades. The unit works on all types of grasses such as the tough Sothern variety and the ones planted in residential lawns.

Capacity

The Fiskars 362080-1001 makes mowing 30% easier due to the advanced ergonomics which requires 50% less effort due to the InertiaDrive. The cutting width is 17 inches and cutting height is 1.5 to 3.5 inches. The model is 23.5 inches by 18 inches by 13.8 inches in length, breadth and height.

Additional Features

The Fiskars 362080-1001 comes with a two-year warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• 30 per cent easier to push
• 50 per cent more cutting power
• Stays sharp longer
• Cuts all kinds of grass

Cons

• Needed 2 passes to cut the grass

5. Great States 415-16

The American lawn mower company sells these mowers under various brand names American Lawn Mower, Earthwise brands and the Great States. The working principle hasn’t changed over the last 120 years. Make products that perform when you need them. And they do not leave any residue thereby reducing your environmental impact and carbon footprint.

Design and Build

The Great States 415-16 has a 16-inch cutting width the never flat tires are supported by smaller pinion wheels that help keep the unit from toppling over. The cutting height can be adjusted using the lever on the side between 0.5 inches to 2.5 inches. You can adjust the height on both the sides. The 10-inch ball bearing wheels are made of tempered steel alloy and a matching bed – knife blade. The unit is easy to manoeuvre and perfect for environmentally conscious users. There are no emissions and no noise except for the satisfying snipe of the blade. The handles have a powder coated to prevent rusting. The heat-treated blades remain sharp and deliver quality cuts.

Functionality

The Great States 415-16 The Great States 415-16 is snipping the tops of your grass neatly. There is no hacking at the grass nor no bleeding fluids. The neat cut does not leave them open to insect attacks or diseases. There are no rips or tears leaving your grass healthier, greener and attractive. This model is a no hassles and low maintenance model that starts with a push.  There are no engine or cords to restrict it. The blades and bar are made of high-quality steel.

Capacity

The Great States 415-16 has a cutting width of 16 inches and the cutting height of 0.5 – 2.5 inches. There are five blades and the composite wheels are 10 inches in diameter. There are a tool-free assembly and steel side plate that is unbreakable.

Additional Features

The Great States 415-16 comes with a 1-year warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• No emissions
• No cords
• Neat mowing

Cons

• Difficult to push
• Requires 2 – 3 passes to get the cut

6. DuroStar DS2000LD

This mower comes from DuroStar, a brand by DuroMax Power Systems. They design and manufacture equipment that can withstand the harshest conditions. They have cemented their reputation by delivering each time on durability and performance. Their products pass countless tests to ensure they meet all prescribed guidelines.

Design and Build

DuroStar DS2000LD has a 20-inch cutting path that reduces the number of passes to make the cuts. The 10-inch wheels are heavy-duty that help press the mower into the ground and make the mowing effortless. There are eight level adjustments using the tab on the side. The cutting adjustments are between 1.5 to 3 inches. The mower lets you cut the grass minus the emissions and other emissions. You don’t leave any carbon footprint each time you use the mower. As it is whisper-quiet you do not disturb the neighbours. There are 4 wheels for balance and inertia – two large ones in the front and two small ones at the back.

Functionality

The DuroStar DS2000LD also known as the Demon Push Reel mower is designed for superior mowing without the harmful emissions of fumes, carbon dioxide, etc. This reduces your carbon footprint. The model eliminates noise and the requirement to store gasoline. The Lawn Demon has nine height adjustments that are easily selected using a handle on the side. The five pre-sharpened blades have you ready to mow your lawn out of the box. The grass catcher is easy to attach so that the clippings are collected for disposal.

Capacity

DuroStar DS2000LD is perfect for small and medium-sized yards. The cutting width is 20 inches the cutting height can be adjusted between 1.5 – 3 inches at 9 levels. There is a 20-inch catcher bag. The model is 26.5 inches by 17 inches by 48 inches in length, width and height.

Additional Features

DuroStar DS2000LD comes with a one-year warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• 20-inch cutting path
• 10-inch heavy duty wheels
• 9 height adjustments
• Height range between 1.5 to 3 inches
• 5 steel cutting blades
• Grass catcher included

Cons

• The adjustment lever bent out of shape

7. American Lawn Mower 1204-14

American Lawn Mower Co owns these brands – Earthwise, Zombi, American Lawnmower, Great States and Scotts. They have been making gardening equipment for the last 120 years. Their constants that helped achieve these successes have been the reliability of the equipment without residue. Today they make mowers that are light and easy to manoeuvre.

Design and Build

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 comes with the patented scissor action that delivers a precise cut. There is a 14-inch-wide cutting path due to a steel reel with 4 blades. The blades rotate on ball-bearings and have tough and broad wheels. As there is no oil or gasoline there are no fumes or no emissions. The cutting height can be adjusted using a lever. This mower also cares for your lawn’s health. The cut is made in such a manner that only the tops are snipped. There are no tears or slashes where the grass can scar and brown after leaking the cell sap. Thus, you get an even cut and evergreen grass.

Functionality

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 does not have engines thus does not produce any emissions. There is just clean and quiet cutting. The only sound you will hear is a neat snip of the blades of grass being cut. The model is lightweight, easy to manoeuvre and store. The model has 8.5-inch polymer wheels with 4 steel blades. The 14-inch width can be adjusted through 0.5 to 1.75 inches of cutting height. This deluxe reel mower can snip through most turf grasses with ease.

Capacity

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 has a 14-inch cutting width. The 4 blades can be raised or lowered through 0.5 – 1.75 inches and the chassis rolls on 8.5-inch wheels.

Additional Features

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 has a tool-free assembly and 1-year warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• No pollution no carbon footprint
• Roller to flatten the grass to cut
• Tempered alloy reel & bed knife
• Smooth spinning blades
• Adjustable height

Cons

• Difficult to get the foundation

8. Earthwise 1715-16EW

Earthwise is one of the brands owned by the American Lawn Mower Company. They have seen the Victorian Era and the World Wars and the 2nd suburban boom in the 1970s. In other words, they have been a part of the industrial revolution from day one.

Design and Build

The Earthwise 1715-16EW has a 16-inch-wide cutting width and has 7 blades on the ball-bearing reel. The cutting height adjustment is between 0.5 to 2.5 inches. The reel and the bed knife are made of tempered alloy. The reel cylinder is protected on the two sides by unbreakable steel plates. The 7 blades cut all kinds of grasses in an efficient manner. This mower is meant to cut bentgrass like Zoysia, Bermuda, Centipede, St. Augustine and Seashore Paspalum.

Functionality

The Earthwise 1715-16EW is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. It delivers a precise cut due to the steel blades and bar knife made of alloy steel. As there is no engine there is no need to store gasoline. Besides the environmental impact is only at the time you buy this machine in the form of the energy and material taken from the environment. Otherwise every day you use it the mower does its work quietly and effectively. Reel mowers are better as they do not tear the grass. Thus, they do not spill their sap and exposing the grass to diseases and insect attacks. The grass is cut with a scissor-like precision and grows cleaner and healthier. The mower is hassle free and low maintenance as there are no spark plugs, gasoline or cords that restrict you. The model is lightweight, easy to push, pull and manoeuvre. As the model is simple and slim it is easy to store too.

Capacity

The Earthwise 1715-16EW has a cutting width of 16 inches, the cutting height adjustments are between 0.5 to 2.5 inches. The unit has 7 blades and 10-inch composite wheels.

Additional Features

The Earthwise 1715-16EW has a tool-free assembly and comes with a 2-year warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Smooth ball-bearing reel
• Tempered alloy steel reel
• Steel bed knife
• 7 blades to cut bentgrass

Cons

• The plastic part broke at first use

9. Scotts 2000-20

Scotts is a brand by American Lawn Mower Company. It is a simple way to reduce your carbon footprint. It does not have an engine thus easy to maintain. The 20-inch-wide cutting deck comes with a 5 tempered steel blades. There are quick snap adjusters on the two sides that allow you to control the blade height.

Design and Build

The Scotts 2000-20 is economical, light and manoeuvrable. The classic push mower design cuts thick swaths of grass with ease. It is a clean, quiet and pollution-free way to maintain your lawn. The dual tracking wheels and sharp steel blades deliver an easy and accurate cut. The mower is efficient and powered only by you, i.e., your push or mechanical energy. It cuts a wide path of 20 inches thus you finish your chore quickly. The height adjusters come with a quick-snap that lets you adjust the height of the cut. The hood protects the overhanging plants from being pulled in and cut.

Functionality

The Scotts 2000-20 is easy to assemble and you do not have to spend on gasoline. It decreases your carbon footprint and eliminates pollution. The wide cutting width reduces the mowing time and effort. This means you finish the chore in lesser number of passes. The Quick-Snap height adjusters allow you easy height control and precise cuts. The height can be adjusted between 1 – 3 inches at 9 levels. The precise blades are mounted on ball bearing reels. This is a 5-spider and 5-blade reel made of heat- treated steel. The hardened steel withstands wear and cut through the glass with a scissor-like precision. It leaves only fine mulch behind that helps grow a healthy lawn. The heavy-duty mower is the right weigh to press down on the grass and offer a moment of inertia.

Capacity

The Scotts 2000-20 has 20-inch cutting width, 9 height adjustment levels between 1 – 3 inches.

Additional Features

The Scotts 2000-20 comes two-year warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Two 10-inch composite wheels
• Two 6-inch tracking wheels
• Smooth ball bearing reel
• Wide cutting width

Cons

• Parts began to fall off in 2 months

10. Scotts 415-16S

Scotts is a brand by the American Lawn Mower Company. They have been in the business since the last 120 years. Their mowers deliver a flexible performance to meet your lawns needs.

Design and Build

Scotts 415-16S is an environmentally friendly alternative to gas-powered mowers. You can adjust the cutting height over 5 positions between 0.5 – 2.5 inches. The heat-treated alloy steel blades and cutter bar ensure a well-manicured look. The durable components mow the lawn year after year. The 10-inch wheels have a radial tread on the tires. The mower is easy to manoeuvre around the yard. The T-style handle offers a comfortable grip to reduce fatigue. The lightweight design is easy to store and push around. The 16-inch cutting width is ideal for small yards up to 1/4 yard.

Functionality

Scotts 415-16S has a push drive with a front tire at 10 inches. This manual mower does not pollute or make noise to disturb your neighbours. There are no gas fumes or emissions. The deck can be lowered and raised through five positions between 0.5 – 2.5 inches. You will have a well-manicured lawn year after year due to the durable components and heat-treated ally blades and cutter bar. As they are heat-treated, they are wear-resistant. The T-style handles are flared for a comfortable grip that lets you without fatigue for a longer duration. To get the right results set your mower high. Mow on a dry lawn and vary the schedule and mowing pattern. Leave the clippings on the lawn and keep the blades sharp. And if the mower company sends you reminders on lawn care than heed them.

Capacity

Scotts 415-16S has 5-blades and can be adjusted at 5 deck positions. The cutting width is 16 inches and the cutting height ranges between 0.5 – 2.5 inches.

Additional Features

Scotts 415-16S comes with a two-year warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Eco-friendly
• 10-inch Radial tread tires
• 1-inch welded torsion tube frame
• T-handle with cushioned grips
• Heat-tempered alloy blades
• 5 cutting heights

Cons

• Rear rollers to regulate height broke

11. Sun Joe MJ501M

Sun Joe and Snow Joe specialize in designing high quality innovative outdoor tools. Their products serve you through winter and summer to keep your home looking neat and well-maintained. They produce a line of electric, cordless and manual tools such as trimmers, mowers, snow blowers, etc.

Design and Build

Sun Joe MJ501M is best for medium sized lawns. It comes with s push drive with a cutting width of 18 inches. You can tailor cuts up to 2.44 inches through 9 levels of adjustment. There are 5 blades on this manual mower. There is a grass catcher behind of capacity 6.6 gallons. The unit has a compact design and is easy to assemble and maneuverer. The handle has a comfortable grip to do the chore with ease. The unit has rugged all-terrain wheels in the front and the back.

Functionality

Sun Joe MJ501M is a lightweight, mess-free, manoeuvrable and economic reel mower. The mower can handle all kinds of turfs and provide an eco-friendly and quiet solution for mowing. This mower comes with a rear collection bag that collects the clippings eliminating the step of sweeping the lawn after mowing. This ensures easy and neat disposal. The walk-behind mower has an 18-inch wide cutting path and adjustment lever.  You can adjust the height through 9 heights between 1.63 to 2.63 inches. This maintenance free mower is 30 pounds and fitted with all-terrain wheels. Once the tension and height are adjusted the mower is set for the chore.

Capacity

The deck size of the Sun Joe MJ501M is 18 inches and blade width is 16 inches. The cutting height is 1.63 – 2.63 inches with nine cutting positions. The unit is perfect for 0.25 – 0.5 acres and the bagger capacity is 6.6 gallons.

Additional Features

The Sun Joe MJ501M comes with a 2-year warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Right for medium sized lawns
• Push drive
• Four all-terrain wheels
• Comfortable foam grip
• 6-gallon grass catcher capacity
• 5 hardened steel blades

Cons

• Rear wheel fell off
• No repair assistance
• The handle snapped

12. Hyper Tough 1816-18HT

Hyper Tough brings you tools you can trust and depend upon. They make sanders, drills, hand tool sets, power saws, garage, shelves, etc.

Design and Build

The Hyper Tough 1816-18HT is a push reel mower with an 18-inch cutting width. The cutting height can be adjusted through 1 – 3 inches. The bed knife and the reel blades are made of tempered steel alloy. There are four spiders and five ball bearing blades on the reel. The unit comes with a tool-less assembly and a rear grass deflection. There are 10-inch front wheels and 6-inch rear wheels. The unit has comfortable cushioned handles with loop-style handles.

Functionality

The Hyper Tough 1816-18HT delivers a perfectly manicured lawn with its 18-inch reel mower. This heavy, robust mower delivers a heavy-duty service with its 18-inch cutting edge and 1 – 3-inch cutting height. There are no tools required to assemble the mower and you will be set to work out of the box. The blades are made of steel alloy that toughens the blades reducing the frequency of sharping them. This increased the longevity of the reel. The four spiders and 5 blade ball-bearing reels are easy to roll. The 10 and 6 inch all terrain wheels allow easy traction on the grass while you push at the lop style handles. The unit is effective on all types of grass even the Bahia, Bermuda, Bluegrass, Fescue, Centipede, Zoysia, etc.

Capacity

Hyper Tough 1816-18HT comes with an 18-inch cutting width and cutting height adjustments through 1 – 3 inches. There are four spiders and five blades on the ball-bearing reel. There are 10-inch front wheels and 6-inch rear wheels. The unit is 24 inches long, 24 inches wide and 47 inches high when assembled.

Additional Features

Hyper Tough 1816-18HT is easy to assemble and comes with a two-year warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Push reel mower
• 18-inch width
• Height adjustment between 1 – 3 inches
• Four spiders and 5 blades
• Rear deflection of the grass
• Works out of the box

Cons

• There were delivery issues

13. Scotts 304-14S

Scotts brings you this manual mower that is fuelled by a banana and a glass of milk. Besides giving you good exercise, it also cuts out your carbon footprint. These mowers have been serving you since 1895 and advanced in the material while the design has been basically the same.

Design and Build

The Scotts 304-14S is a 14-inch mower that is clean, green minus gas fumes or noise. It is perfect for 0.25-acre lawns or less. At 19 pounds it is lightweight and easy to push. The unit has four tempered steel alloy blades and a cutter bar. The height adjustment is between 1 to 1.75 inches and the wheel diameter is 8.25 inches. The T-style handle has cushioned grips for easy mowing. This entry level wheel mower is perfect for small lawns and undulating landscape.

Functionality

Scotts 304-14S is a 14-inch reel mower that i.e. eco-friendly and meant for a quarter of an acre. The unit weighs 19 pounds and has 4 steel alloy blades and cutting bar. The heat-tempered blades do not wear easily delivering great cutting performance. The ball bearing assembly spins evenly and smoothly. You get well-manicured lawns at the height you please. The height adjustment is between 1 – 1.75 inches and wheel diameter between 8.5 inches. The high-impact polymer wheels have integrated moulded treads on the 8.5-inch wheels. This makes the mower easier to manoeuvre. This push drive mower has cushioned handles that offer a comfortable ergonomic grip while mowing.

Capacity

Scotts 304-14S has 4 blades with a cutting width of 14 inches. The cutting height is between 1-1.75 inches. The push drive has 8.5 inches wheels with never flat tires. The product weighs 19 pounds and the length are 14 inches, width is 16 inches and height are 47 inches. The wheel diameter is 8.5 inches while the product weighs 19 pounds.

Additional Features

Scotts 304-14S comes with a one-year warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Never flat tires
• Easy to assemble
• Durable steel alloy blades
• Modest eco-friendly lawn mower
• Zinc-plated handle with plastic grip

Cons

• Difficult to push

14. Husqvarna 64

Husqvarna is a well-known name in the field of outdoor power equipment. They offer innovative solutions for garden, park and forest care. This Swedish company makes trimmers, chainsaws, mowers, cultivators, brush cutters, etc.

Design and Build

Husqvarna 64 is an efficient reel mower with an excellent finish for the lawn. It has the Novocut system that allows you to adjust the height of the mower up to 55 mm. It can also be used on tall grass. The unit comes with a grass collector if you wish to collect the clippings. There are an extra-hard reel blade and bed knife for a perfect cut. The Infinite cutting system lets you adjust the cutting height between 0.5 to 2.25 inches. The unit is easy to use and durable while the ball bearings in the reel reduce friction.

Functionality

Husqvarna 64 is a great piece of yard equipment which delivers neat cuts. This manual mower is environmentally friendly and healthy for your lawn. The concerted movement of the reel blades, the bed knife in the Novocut arrangement make this chore enjoyable and efficient. The ball bearings in the reel assembly and the sturdy durable rolled wheels make it easier to move the mower forward. The steel reel blades are hardened and function in tandem with the bed knife. The infinite cutting height adjustment lets you manicure your lawn between 0.5 – 2.25 inches. The unit has sturdy durable wheels. The collector is available as an accessory if you want to collect the clippings. If your lawn is newly laid wait for the roots to take hold of the soil.

Capacity

The Husqvarna 64 is 23.6 inches by 13.9 inches by 9.4 inches in length, breadth and height. The unit weighs 20.9 pounds. It has a cutting width of 16 inches and cutting height range between 0.5 inches and 2.25 inches.

Additional Features

The Husqvarna 64 comes with a 5 years domestic warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extra hard steel on reels
• Infinite cutting height
• Ball bearings to reduce friction in wheels
• Blades made of steel alloy
• Infinite cutting system
• Novocut arrangement

Cons

• Blades and cutting bar out of alignment

15. Snow Joe MJ501M-RM

Sun Joe and Snow Joe maintain your yard to the optimal neatness throughout the year. These mowers are eco-friendly mowers as they do not have a motor that requires fuels like batteries or gasoline. They are powered by your muscle power thus are quiet.

Design and build

Snow Joe MJ501M-RM is an economical reel mower. The mower comes with a grass catcher and handles tough grass as well as soft turf. This mower brings you years of clean, eco-friendly and quiet lawn maintenance. This unit has an 18-inch-wide cutting path and nine positions of the adjustment lever that cuts up to the height of 2.44 inches. The dual wheel design comes with hardened sharp steel blades that cut with efficiency and accuracy. The 4 wheels – 10-inch ones in the front and 6-inch wheels in the back-offer stability and traction on the lawn.

Functionality

The Snow Joe MJ501M-RM is the best mower for medium lawns. It has an 18-inch cutting width and cutting height ranging from 1 – 2.44 inches with 9 height adjustments. There are five steel alloy blades that are durable and will serve you for a long time. The unit can be bought with a 6.6-gallon grass catcher to be attached at the back of the mower. The unit is easy to assemble and has a compact design. The MJ501M-RM is maintenance free and weighs only 28 pounds.

Capacity

The Snow Joe MJ501M-RM has a cutting width of 18 inches the cutting height ranges from 1 – 2.44 inches. The mower can be adjusted through 9 levels using a lever. There are 4 wheels – two 10-inch ones in the front and two 6-inch ones behind. You can attach a 6.6-gallon grass catcher to collect the clipped grass and dump it neatly into the trash bags.

Additional Features

The Snow Joe MJ501M-RM comes with a 90-day warranty.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Eco-friendly
• Nine height adjustments
• Tough, durable construction
• Ideal for medium lawns
• Wide wheels for traction
• Maintenance-free with long service

Cons

• There was damage during delivery