Comments on: A complete guide to using a manual push reel mower

By: joe dunn

joe dunn — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:45:38 +0000

I bought a reel push mower and as advertised it is easy to push, quiet and makes mowing a pleasant experience. After back surgery, the doctor prescribed physical therapy. One of the exercises involved exercising in a waist deep pool. The exercise required me to push a foam board against a stream of water while walking forward. The foam board was held at waist level. Mowing with a reel mower provides almost the same exercise. I am excited to learn that push mowers sales are up. I love my environment and I think my mower is helping to preserve it.

By: pmuellerblue22

pmuellerblue22 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:54:06 +0000

I enjoyed reading your guide. I recently purchased a reel mower and absolutely love it. Mowing is now a much more pleasant experience. I wish I purchased one years ago. I have recommended a reel mower to several people and have converted one from the world of gas mowers.

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Thanks!

Glad to hear that the guide was useful, and also that a reel mower worked out for you. They aren’t for everyone, but I think they are a realistic option for a lot of people. I also like mine much more than using a power mower.

By: Dan Voels

Dan Voels — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:22:24 +0000

I’ve been using a reel mower for several months now and I love it. One recommendation: get a 16″ model with rollers, not the big 20″ Scott with wheels. MUCH sturdier construction on the small one, and it was $80 at Lowe’s.

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Thanks for your comment.

Which brand are you referring to? Last time I was at Lowes, they had this made in China brand called Task Force (or something like that). I wasn’t very impressed with that brand, personally.

Although I do see how some people might prefer rollers in back, like you describe.

The reason that the Scotts Classic has those wheels in back is because it can be set at a higher maximum cut of 3 inches. Some people prefer a higher cut, even if it means that they can’t have rollers.

By: Justin S.

Justin S. — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:03:31 +0000

Thank you for the information. I am going to try my first reel mower at 27 years of age. I have many reasons to not use a gas powered mower:
1. they are expensive
2. they require gas (expensive) and oil
3. the wheels LOVE to bend and fall off
4. I am not a fan of breaking my back trying to get them started (pulling the cord)
5. N O I S E !!!!!!
Maybe a reel mower will be light enough for my mom to be able to use safely as well.
Thank you!

By: Diann

Diann — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:40:24 +0000

Although right now I’m using a lawn service (it seems to rain every time I have time to mow), I loved using the manual reel mower. People asked me if it bothered my often-bad back; I said absolutely not, pushing on it actually helped my back. It provided restful excercise, and I could get up at seven am on a Saturday and just mow without annoying anyone, including myself.

I still have it; I came across your site in a search for a sharpening kit for it.

By: mark

mark — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:16:48 +0000

Legend..
Great info and well defined. Ups and Downs…. i like that ,not many people will dicuss the down points. But do you and if so how and how often do the blades need sharpening?? ” sharp sharp blade smooth cut”
thanks..

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How long before you sharpen depends on the mower itself, how big your lawn is, etc.

Some of the mower brands like Brill can go up to a decade before you need to sharpen. Others like the American Lawnmower / Scotts Classic / Great States mowers typically need sharpening every two or three years.

By: david

david — Mon, 18 May 2009 05:08:22 +0000

thanks for the info
i tried my neighbors reel mower and i decided im going to buy one tomorrow
they are soo easy to push!

By: Becky Davis

Becky Davis — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 23:03:59 +0000

Thank you so much for your insights and advice. I have a reel mower, but have a yard full of weeds. I’ll get those killed and then mowing will be much better.