12 Push Reel Lawn Mowers Reviews and Buying Guide
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Push Reel Lawn Mower?
Among a lot of lawnmowers, there are several models like the push reel lawnmowers, that stand out for the positives they possess. A push reel lawnmower is still considered one of the best options when it comes to a clean, neat, and precise cut, even after the advent of high-tech robot mowers. This ever-increasing popularity caused the manufacturers to come up with more and more sophisticated versions of push reel lawnmowers and now, there is a flood of competent options available in the market with best-in-class performance and features.
A Brief Summary
Push reel lawn mowers come in numerous sizes, shapes, and colors. For a normal buyer, it might be a daunting task to go through every single detail of every product in the market to finally find out the most suitable one. The following list will make this daunting task much simpler for you. It features the best push reel lawnmowers presently available in the market and elaborates on their features with all the pros and cons. The buyer can simply refer to the list and pick the ideal one for your needs and budget.
- Best self-propelled push reel lawnmower: American Lawn Mower Push Reel Lawn Mower 14-Inch 4-Blade
- Eco-friendly push reel lawnmower: Greenworks 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower
- Best lightweight push reel lawnmower: Earthwise 1715-16EW Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 7-Blader
- Best gas-powered push reel lawnmower: Duro Star DS1200LD Push Reel Lawn Mower 5-Blade Height Adjusting
- Highly maneuverable push reel mower: American Lawn Mower Push Reel Lawn Mower 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade
- Best push reel lawn mower with adjustable cutting deck: Scotts 615-16S Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blader
- Best alloy steel push reel lawn mower: Great States Push Reel Lawn Mower 5-Blade 18-Inch
- Ergonomically designed push reel mower: Great States Push Reel Lawn Mower 5-Blade 16-Inch
- Best push reel mower with smart design: Fiskars Push Reel Lawn Mower 17 Inch Stay sharp
- High-quality push reel lawn mower: Scotts Outdoor 2000-20S Push Reel 5-Blade Lawn Mower 20-Inch
- Best mechanical lawn mower: American Lawn Mower Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade
- Most comfortable push reel lawn mower: Great States Push Reel Lawn Mower 5-Blade 14-Inch
Push Reel Lawn Mowers – Detailed Reviews with Pros and Cons
1. American Lawn Mower Push Reel Lawn Mower 14 14-Inch 4-Blade
The push reel lawn mower made by the reputed brand American Lawn Mower is undoubtedly one of the top sellers in the respective section. It comes in a self-propelled version for better convenience for the buyer. This mower is made up of alloy steel material and weighs around 20 pounds. This lightweight feature itself makes it an ideal option to be transported to anywhere required and use comfortably. The cutting chamber of this mower is equipped with a reel of 4 blades, which can be adjusted up to 1.75 inches in height according to the height of the lawn to be mowed. The cutting chamber also has a width of 14 inches that supports the mowing of a reasonable area of lawn in a single session. The blades used are also made of alloy steel which comes with a protective coat to resist rust and retain the sharpness of the blades for a significant time. The wheels of the mower that is made of polymer and comes with a dimension of 8.5 inches making sure that the mower is having the best maneuverability. This mower does not depend on any fossil fuels for power and is thus, ideal for being used in environmentally sensitive areas and public spaces. With nearly 10,000 reviews, it has earned a 4.3-star rating out of 5 on Amazon.
Pros
- Self-propelled
- High maneuverability
- Cutting deck can be adjusted
- Environment-friendly product
- Lightweight
Cons
- Mowing taller grass is a bit difficult
2. Greenworks 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower
The push reel lawn mower from Greenworks brand is hands down one of the most popular lawnmowers presently available. Weighing just more than 23.9 pounds, this model is made of strong alloy steel that offers high durability to the mower than most of its counterparts. This machine supports self-propulsion and makes the mowing process much easier for the user. the cutting deck of this mower is highly advanced, which can be adjusted and positioned at around 9 heights according to the discretion of the user. The cutting deck is width, this bigger width of the cutting deck saves much time for the user. It also supports the mulching process and comes with a collection bag that can catch grass particles immediately after they are cut off. As it does not use any kind of fuels, it does not cause the ejection of any kind of fumes or toxic chemicals that can harm the environment and thus, can be considered a green alternative for fuel-powered lawnmowers.
Pros
- Self-propelled
- Supports mulching
- Easy to assemble
- Silent mowing
Cons
- Low rating on Amazon
3. Earthwise 1715-16EW Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 7-Blader
Earthwise is made of steel material and weighs around 21.83 pounds. This easy-to-assemble product comes with a cutting deck of the width of 16 inches. The ergonomically designed body and the padded handle of the mower make mowing a comfortable and convenient experience for the user. Despite producing better performance, this mower does not emit any harmful materials or fumes into the environment and also makes it a habit to operate in silence. Another advantage presented by this mower is that it does not require constant servicing or maintenance. The blades of this mower can retain their sharpness for 2-3 years, which is a reasonable duration when compared to other similar products on the market. The 10-inch wheels of this mower are highly durable and made of composite material.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Self-propelled
- Quiet operation
- Durable design
- Pollution-free product
Cons
- Needs multiple sessions for perfect mowing
4. Duro Star DS1200LD Push Reel Lawn Mower 5-Blade Height Adjusting
The push reel lawnmower from the Duro Star brand is listed under the top seller section of many e-commerce platforms. Priced in a very affordable range, this product runs on gasoline. The high-power-producing gas engine enables the mower to cut through any type of grass despite its thickness and texture. The body of the mower is made of alloy steel for high durability. The 12-inch wide cutting deck of this mower may generate an impression that small patches of the area can only be covered in a single mowing. But in reality, the powerful 5-blade reel of the cutting chamber is highly advanced and precise and can be adjusted to five heights for convenient mowing. The height of the mower can be adjusted easily by the simple flip of a knob. The high-quality wheels of this mower enable it to mow on any surface whether it is even or uneven. This mower has earned a 3.6-star rating out of 5 on Amazon and more than half of the recorded reviews are of happy and satisfied customers. Although it does not come with a grass catcher bag, a catcher bag is available from the same manufacturer that is compatible with this particular device.
Pros
- Cutting height can be adjusted
- Ideal for all terrains
- High durability steel blades
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not ideal for the environment
5. American Lawn Mower Push Reel Lawn Mower 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade
The self-propelled push reel lawnmower from American lawn Mower is a popular option for most customers. Even though it is made of strong alloy steel material, it still weighs just around 21 pounds and is in the lightweight section. This lightweight feature enables the user to move the mower to whichever location is needed. The 10-inch polymer wheels of this mower also contribute to its portability and maneuverability.The cutting deck of it comes with a 14 inches width and the capability to cut grass of a maximum of 4 inches in height. The treated steel material with which the cutting blades are created offers to retain the sharpness of the blades for quite a long time. It does not use any fossil fuels and functions completely on manpower. This makes it a planet-friendly product as it does not cause any unwanted noise or air pollution. With a 4.4-star rating out of 5, which is one of the top ratings among the lot, it is listed under ‘Amazon’s Choice’ on the Amazon platform.
Pros
- Self-propelled
- Eco-friendly
- Adjustable cutting height
- Smart scissor-action cut
- Causes zero pollution
Cons
- Thick grass cannot be easily mowed
6. Scotts 615-16S Push Manual Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blader
The push reel lawnmower from the brand Scotts Outdoor Power Tools is mostly noted for its lightweight feature. Weighs around 25 pounds, and it is one of the lightweight products in the section. Despite the low weight, it is made of alloy steel material and supports self-propulsion function. The cutting deck of this mower comes in a width of 16 inches. To compensate for the low width of the cutting deck, the cutting chamber is equipped with a reel of five powerful blades that can be adjusted into multiple positions between 1 inch to 1.75 inches according to the height of the grass and the convenience of the user. the lightweight feature acts as a blessing when it is required to transport to other places and while maneuvering through slopes and other uneven places. The manufacturers have kept in mind the comfort of the user and thus designed the product ergonomically with T-handle and foam padded handlebar. This easy-to-assemble and easy-to-use product has earned much appreciation in both online and offline markets.
Pros
- High durability
- Self-propelled
- Easy to operate
- Low maintenance required
- Provides even cut for grass
Cons
- Not so easy to push
7. Great States Push Reel Lawn Mower 5-Blade 18-Inch
With more than 1000 reviews and feedback, the push reel lawnmower from the brand Great States managed to earn a good 4.4-star rating out of 5 on Amazon. The high rating points to the fact that it offers many more features and high quality to its customers than most of its counterparts. This mower is made up of alloy steel material and comes as a self-propelled model. It weighs around 27 pounds despite its steel body. The handlebar is designed in a loop style and the handle is almost completely padded with a foam cushion for better grip and comfort. This ergonomic design, along with the powerful cutting deck makes this mower one of the most user-friendly products in this section. The mower enables the user to have a clean and precise cut of the lawn and even the height of the cutting deck can be adjusted into multiple positions for better mowing and comfort. The cutting deck can be lifted to 2.75 inches to facilitate mowing. This lawnmower does not contain a motor and it functions completely on manual effort. As it does not have a motor or a fuel engine, it does not cause any pollution and can be considered an environmentally responsible product. It also comes nearly fully assembled and does not require any expert assembling.
Pros
- Adjustable cutting height
- Self-propelled
- Blades retain sharpness for a long time
- Quiet operation
- Environment-friendly
Cons
- Not so ideal for uneven terrains
8. Great States Push Reel Lawn Mower 5-Blade 16-Inch
The Great States push reel lawn mower weighs just a kilogram and thus, offers extreme portability to the user. Both the body and the blade chamber of this mower are made of treated high-quality alloy steel material. The alloy steel material resists rust for a very long time and lets the blades retain their sharpness for a significant amount of time. Although it is a manual mower, the highly equipped cutting chamber makes sure that the grass is removed in the desired quantity without being subjected to heavy pressure. The cutting deck comes with a 16-inch width and a reel of five blades. The cutting deck can be adjusted up to 2.5 inches for a better and even cut for the lawn. The scissor-like action maintained by this mower during its operation makes sure that no grass is being pulled or torn harshly for the sake of mowing. This mower features a T-style handlebar. This handlebar is also equipped with foam padding throughout it for better grip for the user. it is a classic manual lawnmower and thus requires no gas or oil for mowing. Being devoid of gas and oil enable it to function without any noise or fumes. Along with the environmental significance that this product has, no maintenance cost is required for it too. It has earned a 4.4-star rating out of 5 on Amazon.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Cutting height can be adjusted
- Precise cutting
- Quiet operation
- Built with highly durable alloy steel material
Cons
- Not powerful enough to cut through weeds
9. Fiskars Push Reel Lawn Mower 17 Inch Stay Sharp
The manual push reel lawn mower with self-propulsion feature from the Fiskars brand is a highly sophisticated product when compared to many of its counterparts. It employs several smart features to the mower which makes it go ahead in terms of advanced technology. It is available in several bright colors and is more compact than most of the other similarly-priced products. The manufacturers claim that the smart design and construction of this mower make it 30% easier to push and handle than a regular lawnmower. This feature helps the user to save much time and effort. Another chief smart technology used in this mower is the inertia drive technology, which provides double the power to the cutting blades, increased the diameter of the cutting blades, and a thicker set of blades, all of which add to the elevated performance of the mower. The cutting height of this mower can be adjusted in multiple positions from 1.5 inches to 3.5 inches. This product can be considered a green alternative for fuel-powered lawnmowers. It has received rave reviews on the Amazon platform and has earned a 4.3-star rating out of 5 on the same platform.
Pros
- Self-propelled
- Environment-friendly
- Cleaner cut
- Easier to push
- 50% more cutting power than its counterparts
Cons
- Customer service is subpar according to many customers
10. Scotts 2000-20S Push Reel 5-Blade Lawn Mower 20-Inch
The Great States brand’s push reel lawnmower comesin multiple colors and weighs just around one kilogram. Even though it is lightweight, it is proven to be durable and strong as it is made of the treated alloy steel material. It offers one of the largest cutting widths of the mowers section with 20 inches. This larger cutting width provides convenience to the user as less effort and time are required for the mower to complete its function. This mower is completely operated on manual power, but the 10-inch dual wheels, five-blade cutting reel, etc. make sure that the mower is functioning just the best. The cutting height of the mower can be adjusted to multiple heights according to the convenience of the user and the height of the grass to be mowed. The loop-style handlebar and the foam-padded grip of the handlebar further contribute to the user-friendly nature of the mower.It comes almost completely assembled and thus leaves the buyer with no hustle after the purchase. It has earned a 4.2-star rating out of 5 on Amazon.
Pros
- Dual wheels
- Height adjustable cutting deck
- Heat-treated alloy steel body and blade chamber
- Ergonomic design
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Hard to push
11. American Lawn Mower 1415-16 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade
The 5-blade self-propelled push reel lawnmower from American Lawn Mower is made of alloy steel material and weighs around 25 pounds. It comes with a 16-inch wide cutting deck that can be adjusted to multiple heights between 1-inch and 2.5-inches. The heat-treated steel body and cutting blades stay intact for quite a long time and resist rust too. It is also an environment-friendly product that does not cause any harm to the environment. It has earned a 4.4-star rating out of 5 on Amazon.
Pros
- Self-propelled
- Reasonably wide cutting deck
- Blades retain sharpness for years
- Tempered steel blade reel
- Pollution free
Cons
- Does not come with a grass catcher
12. Great States Push Reel Lawn Mower 5-Blade 14-Inch
The self-propelled push reel lawnmower from the Great States brand weighs around 18 pounds and is made of alloy steel material which offers high durability and long-lasting quality to the mower. The best features of this mower are a 14-inch wide cutting deck for reasonable coverage, quiet operation, adjustable cutting height, etc. It has earned a 4.3-star rating out of 5 on Amazon.
Pros
- Clean cut
- High-quality blade reel
- Strong solid rubber wheels
- Low noise level
- Precise mowing
Cons
- Blades tend to lose sharpness in a short time
What is a push reel lawnmower?
It was in 1830, that the first lawnmower was made. But the curious minds of humankind didn’t let the invention be stagnant and stop there. The basic lawnmower was worked on for further developments and gradually, numerous versions and models of lawnmowers were introduced into the market. There are gas-powered lawnmowers, cordless battery-powered lawnmowers, electric corded lawnmowers, robot lawnmowers, etc. Among this vast array of mower models, one of the humblest models is the push reel lawnmower.
A push reel lawnmower, which is also known as a cylinder lawnmower, is considered to be producing the nicest and cleanest cuts of grass. They make use of a horizontally placed blade through which, the grass to be cut is passed by pushing the mower over it. The grass that goes into the blade deck gets force applied to it and undergoes cutting as if done with a scissor. If the blade is arranged by the height of the grass properly, the grooming happens in the most perfect way possible.
Push reel mowers do not use any engines and the operation is completely manual. The user has to push the mower to the front over the concerned parts of the lawn for a desirable cut. As they have to be operated manually with a fair amount of effort and force, they are mostly used to groom small lawns or yards. Public lawns, hospitals, hotels, etc. also still depend on push reel lawnmowers as the mowers do not produce any kind of hindrance in terms of noise or fumes. It is also observed that the health of a lawn can be retained well by using a push reel lawn mower for mowing. The scissor-like cut made by the reel mowers ensures that no damage is done to the actual lawn in the process of mowing.
How does a push reel lawnmower work?
Unlike a gas-powered lawnmower or an electric lawnmower, a push reel lawnmower does not contain much of components. As it works on the simple principle of rotation and as it is mostly functioning manually, there aren’t many components with which the mowing process is supported. The major parts of a push reel lawnmower are the blade cylinder, stationary blade, frame of the mower, handle lever, wheels, etc. Although the parts are less in number, they are all extremely important to the effective functioning of the mower. So, it is important to have a deep look into the functioning of each of the parts to know more about the mower.
Blade Cylinder
The blade cylinder or the blade reel is the cylinder-like part onto which several blades are attached. The blades are attached in such a way as to rotate along with the rotation of the cylinder. It is the movement of this blade cylinder against the stationary blade that facilitates the cutting process. The movement and cutting of this blade cylinder are often referred to as scissor-like motion.
Stationary Blade
The stationary blade is one of the most important parts of a push reel lawnmower. it is a horizontally placed blade beneath the mower. It does not move in any way and it is the strength of the blade and its ability to hold on to its stationary position that supports the effective mowing by the push reel mower. the cylinder with numerous blades rotates around this stationary blade and when the mower is moved forward, grass will be trapped in the middle of this rotation and the mowing will be happening. It can be considered the most crucial element of the cutting chamber of a push reel lawnmower.
Handle
As a push reel lawn mower is a manually operated machine, the handle is one of the important components of it. It is what guides the mower further. Although it is usually T-shaped, several other designs come in rectangular and even trapezoidal shapes.
Wheels
Every push reel mower is equipped with a set of two wheels that has to be pushed or pulled to be moved from its stationary position.
What are the benefits of a push reel lawnmower?
Despite the incoming of a multitude of new and advanced models, the relevance of push reel lawnmowers has not yet faded. They have always got the market stably and consistently. The reason for this consistent market value is the immense number of positive qualities associated with them. Even though there are a handful of advantages that need to be talked about in a push reel lawn mower, the major ones are listed below.
Clean Cut
The biggest and most popular advantage of a push reel lawn mower is the quality and neatness that it maintains in its grooming and mowing sessions. They facilitate a scissor-like cut on the lawns and this is by far the most efficient, neat, and less damaging cut for a lawn. A gas-powered lawnmower and other powerful lawnmowers tend to leave a damaging effect on the lawn due to their harsh pulling, pushing, and cutting of the grass, whereas a push reel lawnmower leaves hardly any trace of being mowed behind. They always keep a neat and clean-cut on the lawns.
No noise pollution
Most of the lawnmowers available in the market do not offer any guarantee on the noise produced by them. Many of them cause loud noise when started and continue making noise throughout their operation. Bit push reel lawnmower is extremely different from that. They do not cause any noise pollution in any way They don’t produce any sound on starting or even on functioning. This makes them appropriate for public spaces and residential areas to be worked with. Also, this quality let the users use a push reel lawnmower even in early mornings and late nights without causing any disturbance to the people around. Especially during summers, when the temperature is on a high note, having a push reel lawnmower would be a blessing as they can be peacefully used in early mornings and late evenings without being exposed to the harsh sunlight.
Easy to Use
A push reel lawnmower does not involve any complicated mechanical processes. The users need not even start the machine. They can simply push it around whenever required to mow the lawn. It can even be used by young people also as it cannot cause any serious accidents.
Low maintenance
One of the biggest advantages that a push reel lawnmower can offer is the low maintenance that it requires. They need not be provided servicing or care occasionally. After use, they can be cleaned and stored for later usage without having to worry about changing the oil or taking care of any of its engine parts, or even worry about the wear and tear that may be caused over time. The user can be at peace with a push reel lawnmower when it comes to its maintenance or maintenance cost.
Easy to store
A push reel lawnmower is extremely easy to use. As they do not involve any complicated parts, they need not be given utmost care before storing. The mower is lightweight and occupies a very small space making it ideal to be stored in compact spaces. They are designed in such a way also to not occupy much space.
How to choose a push reel lawnmower?
It might occur to most people that choosing a mower should only involve considering their budget of them. But the reality is that there are a handful of other elements that have to be considered and given a thought before pursuing buying a lawnmower. Otherwise, a situation may occur as to the chosen mower being not enough to meet the mowing needs of the customer. So, always make sure to go through the basic features that a mower should have before going on to buy one for your lawn. The following list contains the basic ideas and features that have to be considered before buying a push reel lawnmower in particular. It would be better if the customers consult it and give it a go before settling on any specific model of push reel lawnmower.
Area of the lawn
The very basic thing that a potential buyer needs to consider before buying a reel mower is the area of the lawn that you are intending to mow with the reel mower. It is important because a reel mower has several limitations regarding the area that it can mow. If your lawn is quite bigger in area, it might be a good idea not to choose a basic push reel lawnmower. So, estimate the total area of your lawn and consult with an expert to know whether a push reel lawn mower is ideal for your lawn and choose accordingly.
Weight of the mower
Not every push reel lawnmower comes in the same size and weight. some very basic models weigh just a few pounds and many others are much heavier than a basic model. It is always ideal to not buy a machine that is too heavy. After all, a push reel mower has to be pushed around by the user for mowing, and if the mower is on the heavy side, it could cause practical difficulties for the user. It would take more time and effort to push around and mow using a heavy lawnmower. But at the same time, an extremely lightweight mower may not be powerful enough to give you the required performance and thus, it is always advisable to pick a moderately or reasonably weighing push reel lawnmower.
Number of blades
One of the crucial features that have to be paid enough attention to by a buyer before purchasing a push reel lawn mower is the number of blades attached to the cylinder that rotates. It is important because the more the number of blades, the better the mowing would be. So, if you come across two mowers with a different set or number of blades, it is always advisable to get the mower with the greater number of blades.
Width of the cutting deck
It may confuse many when it is being said that the width of the cutting deck of a push reel mower is important to assess the quality of the mower and its performance. Because the width of the cutting deck has a great role in covering the maximum area of the lawn. A cutting deck with smaller width would cause the user to take more time and sessions to finish mowing the lawn. Thus, to save time and effort, it is always ideal to pick a push reel lawnmower with a reasonably sized cutting deck.
Adjustable heights
The height of a lawnmower is extremely important, especially when it is a manually operated mower. so, make sure the push reel lawn mower that you are intending to buy has adjustable handles that can let you choose an ideal height to work on. An ideally positioned handle can make the mowing much more comfortable and convenient for the user.
Sharpening accessories
The push reel lawnmower uses a set of blades and a knife-like stationary blade for the mowing process. It is important to keep the blades sharpened all the time for a better and more effective cut. Unlike the other mowers, the blades of a push reel lawnmower can rarely be replaced. So, it is inevitable to keep the blades of the push mower polished and sharpened all the time and it would be ideal to have a sharpening tool or tools along with the mower.
Compatibility with motor
It is possible to connect a small fuel engine or motor to the push reel lawnmower for better performance. But it has to be compatible enough for such a transition and thus, always check whether it supports future transitions.
Ease of cleaning
Most lawnmowers have their blades safe inside the blade chamber and sometimes it might get difficult to clean up a clogged blade disc due to the difficulty to get access inside the chamber. So, check whether your favorite push reel lawnmower gives easy access to the wheel chamber so that it can be cleaned properly.
Conclusion
Push reel lawn mowers are one of the most popular models of lawnmowers available in the market in the present day. The sheer convenience and reliability that they offer are unmatchable by most of the other products. Due to the popularity enjoyed by this model, many unreputed manufacturers have made subpar products and are selling them in the market today. As a responsible buyer, everyone should be aware of such subpar products and should look for the best available option to purchase. It is to help out the buyer in this task of finding the best push reel lawnmower, a list of the best products was given above. And as that list contains a lot many names, given below is a shorter list of the best of the best products that every buyer should at least check out before fixing any option.
- Best gas-powered push reel lawnmower: Duro Star DS1200LD Push Reel Lawn Mower 5-Blade Height Adjusting
- Bets environment-friendly push reel lawnmower: Greenworks 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower
- Best user-friendly push reel lawnmower: Great States Push Reel Lawn Mower 5-Blade 16-Inch
- Best push reel lawnmower with smart features: Fiskars Push Reel Lawn Mower 17 Inch Stay sharp
It is important to make an educated choice when it comes to buying a push reel lawn mower as the wrong mower could harshly treat the lawn, affecting the health of the lawn. So, make sure that you do your research well before proceeding to buy a push reel lawnmower.
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