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Are Reel Mowers Hard to Push? A Simple Answer

Reel mowers aren’t nearly as popular as rotary mowers these days, but they’re still one of the best tools to achieve a perfectly cut lawn. With all of the added power features on modern rotary mowers, many people have moved away from reel mowers. However, they’re better for plenty of reasons.

Reel mowers aren’t hard to push because the axles push the blades and wheels, helping you mow the lawn with ease. All you have to do is apply light pressure while pushing the reel mower around your yard to cut the grass with its vertical blades. Gas-powered reel mowers require less force to mow.

In this post, we’ll show you whether or not it’s difficult to push a reel mower, what you need to know before using one, and how you push them for the best lawn cut. We’ll also talk about the easiest lawnmowers to push to determine if you should get a reel or rotary mower. Enjoy!

Is It Hard to Push a Reel Mower?

It’s not hard to push a reel mower because they only have a few parts. Set the desired grass height and push the reel mower around the yard to cut the grass evenly. You can use a reel mower with a bag attachment to gather the grass or scoop it into piles to use as mulch.

Reel mowers are incredible for scarifying a lawn because they don’t shred the grass apart. You should mow before scarifying, which is why the vertical cut of a reel mower is so efficient. It lifts the thatch layer rather than mixing it around and making it harder to remove.

Another thing that can make a reel mower hard to push is if there’s a lot of rust. Rust can corrode and slow the wheels, blades, and axles. If your reel mower is hard to push, check the nuts and bolts for rust, then use a rust inhibitor.

Are Reel Mowers Easy to Use?

Reel mowers are easy to use because they don’t require gas or electricity. Pushing the reel mower is enough to cut the grass, which is why it’s favored by golf courses, hotels, and many other businesses with large lawns. Reel mowers are also significantly better at cutting an appealing grass pattern.

• Manual reel mowers don’t require a fuel source. How Stuff Works explains non-powered push lawnmowers are much better for the environment and your wallet. You don’t have to worry about buying more gasoline and oil or plugging the mower into an electrical socket.
• You don’t need to use air filters, fuel filters, or oil filters with a manual reel mower. These filters are only necessary for powered mowers, so they won’t be a concern for you and your manual lawnmower. However, you will likely need some or all of them for a powered reel mower.
• Push reel lawnmowers offer better cutting for the grass. The grass is scooped, raised to be even, and cut on top. The process of using a reel mower’s vertical blades is much like a haircut. As the grass is lifted, the blades cut it for a natural, appealing mow.
• There’s much less noise when using a reel mower. Since you don’t have a motor, engine, and other loud parts, your manual mower won’t create a lot of sounds. In fact, all you’ll hear is the axles, blades, and wheels moving as you slowly push the reel lawnmower.

There’s not much to a reel mower. They’re about as easy and straightforward as it gets, so they’re ideal for those with little to no lawn care experience. While they might seem old-school or inconvenient, you can get a reel mower with a bag for all of the benefits and none of the drawbacks of a powered rotary mower.

Those looking for a simple process to use a new manual reel mower should check the steps below.

How Do You Push a Reel Mower?

Mowing a lawn with a reel mower is just as easy if not easier than using a rotary mower. You can use gas-powered, electric, or manual reel mowers to cut the grass. All three options provide a much cleaner, more precise cut than most rotary mowers since the blades move up and down, not side to side.

Reel mowers work better on low grass, but this video will show you how to use one on tall grass if needed:

What Is the Easiest Lawnmower to Push?

The easiest lawnmower to push is the American Lawnmower Company Push Reel Mower. It comes with a grass bag, adjustable height settings, and an ergonomic handle for easy control. The 14-inch mowing width helps you cut even lines throughout the yard, providing an appealing appearance without the hassle of a powered mower.

Reel mowers are almost always easier to push than rotary mowers. Most rotary mowers are powered by gas or electricity simply because the circular horizontal blade motion is too difficult to push manually. Don’t let the power fool you, reel mowers don’t need too much effort to cut the grass.

That being said, push reel and rotary mowers aren’t even close to as easy as ride-on lawnmowers. If you want to know if riding mowers are worth it, review my helpful tutorial. You’ll learn all about the pros and cons of riding mowers to know if you should get one instead of a reel or rotary mower.

Wrapping It Up

Are you still wondering if reel mowers are hard to push? Truthfully, they’re quite easy because they don’t have all of the mechanical components of a powered rotary mower. Once you start walking and pushing, the reel mower will glide through the grass and cut it to the desired length.

Helpful Info from Our Experts

Hudson Star Greensmowers have lower cutting heights than most reel mowers and will mow low enough for a putting green. 11 blade computer balanced reel cuts from 3/32. 3/4 heights. Excellent for those hard-to-reach areas, soft, sensitive, or nursery greens.

• Steep Hills, Tight Edges, Near Water
• Collars / Fringes / Tie Ins
• Newly Seeded Greens
• Stressed or Damaged turf
• Sound Sensitive Areas (Near Clubhouses, Neighborhoods, Resorts etc.)

Country Club grass in your own backyard

The perfect tool for the home greens enthusiasts. spend your time improving your game, not your turf. The Classic Cut mower is designed to allow home greens enthusiasts to experience the same professional golf course quality greens care enjoyed by professionals.

Built Rugged to Exacting Specifications

• Built with All Steel Frame with Collapsible Tubular Handle
• All Steel Drive Train Guarded Sealed
• Sealed Bearings. No Lubrication Required
• Professionally Coated Parts for Corrosion Resistance

The Hudson Star Classic Cut is ideal for home putting greens, croquet courts, lawn bowling, and tennis courts. It can also be found on many professional golf courses.

Technical Specs

• 82 lbs.
• Built with All Steel Frame
• Collapsible Tubular Handle
• All Steel Drive Train Guarded Sealed
• Assembled Utilizing Stainless Steel Fasteners
• Sealed Bearings. No Lubrication Required
• Professionally Coated Parts for Corrosion Resistance
• 4 cuts per inch
• 16 Cut Width
• All manual mower with direct drive to reel

FAQ’s

Q: How much does the unit weigh? A: The Classic Cut weighs 82 lbs.

Q: What is the cutting height range? A: The cutting range for both units is 3/32 to 3/4. This allows for not only close golf course quality cuts, but allows trimming of fringe areas and tees as well.

Q: How hard is it to change cutting heights? A: It is very easy. The full cutting height range is accessed by simply turning a single hand knob. There are no bolts or nuts to loosen or tighten. There is no adjustment from side to side.

Q: How many blades does the reel contain? A: Both units are manufactured with an 11 blade reel. The reel is balanced and backlapped at the factory and gives approximately 4 cuts per inch.

Q: How easy is the Classic Cut to push? A: Properly maintained, the Classic Cut is easy to push and can be used by women and even fairly young children. Conditions such as dull blades or excessively wet or tall grass will increase the force necessary and will effect the quality of cut.

Q: How often will sharpening be required? A: Normally very infrequent. Conditions such as frequency of mowing cycles, condition of top soil, and frequency of top dressing can affect the condition of the blade. Both units come with a backlapping kit allowing the user to sharpen the cutting blades easily.

Q: Will the mowers catch grass clippings? A: Yes! Clippings are collected in our unique molded catch can. The can clips on the front of the mower allowing quick and easy dumping and reattachment.

Q: How can I transport my mower from my garage to the green since I have to travel over concrete, asphalt, stones, rougher terrain, etc.? A: Both mowers are manufactured with a unique multi-position handle assembly which allows the unit to be transformed into a transportation mode. Not only does it protect the cutting area of the mower, but it allows the unit to be used as a smoothing roller for the green.

Q: What about maintenance? A: Under normal conditions little maintenance is required. All materials are powder-coated or manufactured from corrosion-resistant materials. All bearings are sealed and the drive-train is enclosed requiring no lubrication.

Q: Does the factory stock replacement parts? A: Yes.

Q: Do the mowers come with a complete and detailed owners manual including identification of all replacement parts? A: Yes!

Q: Should the mowers be cleaned after mowing? A: Normally light spraying with a water hose and lightly coating with something similar to WD-40 is sufficient.

Q: What assembly is required when I receive the unit? A: Simply bolt the handle in place. The mower is ready for the green.

Q: How long does it take to mow a green with these units? A: Depending on the size and condition of the green, normal mowing time for most home greens would be approximately 10-20 minutes.

Shipping

Our 14th year. Over 38,000 Reel Mowers Sold Now in our 14th year, we are proud to have sold and supported over 38,000 mowers. People Powered Machines is more than an eco e-tailer, we are a long standing company with real people that support our products. We are totally committed to reducing gas mowing, noise emmissions, and returning pleasure to backyards everywhere! Let us know if we can help you with your decision in any way.

Lawn Care Unplugged: How to Use a Reel Mower

When it’s time to mow your lawn this year, why not do it with less noise, no pollution, and some added health benefits? A reel mower is a superior alternative to a gas or electric rotary mower because it contributes less noise pollution and harmful emissions. Reel mowers don’t use up a bunch of electric energy or gas. Instead, they give you a great workout. Don’t be afraid, though, today’s reel mowers are designed so that they take very little effort to push, perhaps less so than a heavy gas or electric mover. If that wasn’t enough, a reel mower gives your lawn a better cut by cleanly slicing the tops of the blades as opposed to chopping and tearing them.

If you are ready to make the switch, then read on, because this article lists everything you need to know about mowing with a reel mower.

Disclosure: a special thank you goes out to Fiskars for sponsoring this post and providing me with a StaySharp™ Max Reel Mower, Reel Mower Blade Maintenance Kit, and Shear Ease® Grass Shears. All of the opinions that are shared in this post are my own. See the full disclosure policy here. Check out the contest at the end of this post and you could be the lucky winner of your very own Fiskars StaySharp™ Max Reel Mower!

How to Use a Reel Mower

Reel mowers cleanly snip grass like a barber snipping your hair, while rotary mowers cut grass by chopping and tearing, resulting in a lawn that is susceptible to disease and pests. There are a few things to know to get the best cut with your reel mower. These tips will help you go unplugged forever.

You’re Mowing Too Often!

You are probably mowing more than you should. At most, mow your lawn every 5-7 days during peak growing seasons. Cool season grasses such as bentgrass and ryegrass actively grow in the spring and fall. Warm season grasses such as zoysia and buffalograss actively grow when it is warmer. You don’t need to know your grass type to figure it out, though. Just watch it grow!

Mow less frequently, if at all, during off-peak growing seasons. Grass is better off to get a little longer, allowing the plants to mature and set strong roots. If you let it go to seed before mowing, you will save yourself bags of grass seed in the process.

Know Your Ideal Height

Keep your lawn at its ideal high to promote vigorous growth and prevent weeds and heat damage. The minimum height of your lawn depends on a number of factors such as grass type, season, and growing conditions. Bentgrass (used commonly for golf courses) like to be cut short from ¼” to ¾”, while grasses such as ryegrass (commonly used in lawns) like to be kept taller—between 1 ½” to 2 ½”.

Keep your lawn on the shorter side during the cool and/or wet spring months, but ensure your lawn is at its tallest recommended height during the hot and dry summer months. Taller grass has deeper roots, allowing it to dig deeper for moisture. The longer blades also shade the soil, reducing water loss and protecting the plants from sunburn.

Mowing Tall Grass

You should not cut more than one-third of total grass height in a single cutting. If the grass is very long it may take a few mows to cut it down to its ideal height. Give your lawn at least 2 days rest between mows. For example, if the ideal grass height is 2” and the current height is 4”, cut the lawn in two separate cuttings. The first cutting will reduce the lawn height by 1.3” maximum; the second cutting reduces it further by.6” to achieve 2” (for simplicity remove 1” on the first cut and another 1” on the next cut).

The Fiskars reel mower has one-touch height adjustment from 1” to 4”, which makes height adjusting much easier than our old reel mower.

Mowing Wet Grass

Ideally, it is best to hold off mowing your lawn when it is wet. Wet lawn is harder to mow because it lays flat and sticks together. Additionally, if your lawn is really saturated, you may actually cause soil compression from walking on it.

Leave Those Lawn Clippings Alone

Lawn clippings are a great nitrogen-rich fertilizer for your lawn. Don’t remove them unless they are diseased or are very long and won’t break down quickly. Mow your lawn and let the clippings fall where they may. Sweep up the sidewalks and pavers, but leave the cut grass to mulch the soil. After a day or so, the clippings will have worked their way into the spaces between the blades, creating a moisture-holding mulch that will break down and feed the plant roots.

Clean Up the Edges

Just like a reel mower, grass shears are a superior alternative to a gas or electric trimmer. They are healthier for your grass, quieter, pollution-free, and simple to use. The Fiskars Shear Ease® Grass Shears have blades that rotate from 45-360 degrees. This is really handy when trying to edge your lawn in awkward areas. I won’t lay out the instructions for using them because I’m sure that you can already use scissors.

Regular Care and Maintenance

Before the lawn care season begins, be sure to book an appointment with a lawn mower repair shop for annual maintenance. While you are there, book the fall appointment too, you need both a spring and fall service to be sure that your mower keeps working.

Kidding! That’s the service schedule for an electric or gas mower.

A reel mower needs almost no care. Get a blade sharpening kit and you can quickly and inexpensively sharpen the blades. You can clean it with a brush or the hose, and lubricate the joints with a silicone lubricant if it is getting stiff. The best part is that there is no motor to break so you can do it all yourself. A reel mower is an investment that lasts indefinitely!

Ready, Set, Mow!

Think that using a reel mower is hard? Think again! The Fiskars StaySharp™ Max Reel Mower is really easy to use right from the box.

• Set mower to the desired cut height
• Mow and mindfully listen to the snip-snip-snip of the blades;
• Brush off lawn clippings from mower
• Put mower away

Fiskars uses InertiaDrive™ technology to make their reel mowers easier to use than traditional ones. It combines a large diameter cutting reel and thick blades to store energy until a burst of extra cutting power is needed. The faster you mow, the more power is generated so you can rip through weeds, twigs, and tough spots. Neighbors were stopping on the street to check it out and give it a try because it’s quite a sight to see. The blade keeps going—like a windup toy—when you stop pushing.

This contest is now closed. The winner is Kathy Liddell. Congrats, Kathy!

Reel Mower vs Electric Mower: Features That You Must Know

Reel mower vs electric is a confusion of both mower models, and how they are both important pieces of equipment for our outdoor spaces, with their differences. Some homeowners often have a preference for one lawn mower over the other.

Let’s explore what features each model possesses, as well as the benefits and drawbacks.

Electric Mower

Manual operation and will require physical effort to push

Powered by an electric motor and will require less physical effort

Little maintenance is required

May require occasional blade, as well as battery replacement

Can be noisy, especially with corded models

environmentally friendly since it emits no pollutants

May contribute to pollution depending on the source of electricity

Generally less expensive in terms of the purchase price, as well as any ongoing maintenance costs

Generally more expensive in terms of the purchase price but may have lower ongoing maintenance costs

• Key Differences Between the Reel Mower and the Electric Mower
• What Are the Specifications of Reel Mowers?

• – Operation
• – Maintenance
• – Low In Noise
• – Environmental Impact
• – Cost

• – Operation
• – Maintenance
• – Excessive Noise
• – Environmental Impact
• – High in Cost
• – Used With Cautiousness

Key Differences Between the Reel Mower and the Electric Mower

The main difference between reel and electric mowers is that reel mowers, are lawn mowers that are operated manually, and less noisy. On the other hand, electric mowers use an electric motor to power their blades, and they make more noise.

A reel mower may be used to mow large lawns. However, it may consume more time and effort compared to an electric model. A small area is preferable for a reel mower unless you intentionally want to exert more physical effort and take more time to mow the lawn.

On the other hand, if you are motivated by environmental impact, then the reel mower may be a good choice. In the end, your lawn mower choice will depend mostly on the factors listed in the table above.

What Are the Specifications of Reel Mowers?

The specification of reel mowers is that they require more manual labor because they should be pushed, but little maintenance is required in the long run.

They also make less noise and are more environmentally friendly, and are less expensive than other mowers.

– Operation

Reel mowers are manual lawnmowers that require more physical effort to operate. As a result, homeowners find them to be less convenient. This mower type has a series of blades that rotate as the mower is pushed forward to cut the grass, and you would do this by pushing them, and it would work by manual labor.

These blades are attached to cylinders that spin as the wheels turn. At the same time, the cutting height can usually be adjusted by pressing a lever, which would be adjusted by the one doing the work. This type of rotary mower is better suited to flat lawns since they require more effort if the lawn is inclined or rough.

One advantage is that this type of lawn mower is quiet when in operation since it does not require electric engines to operate. At the same time, they do not emit pollutants into the air or contribute to pollution caused by electrical consumption.

– Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of using reel mowers is that they require very little maintenance. Since the blades of a reel mower sharpen by themselves, they require sharpening rarely, and if they get dull, you should replace them.

In the event that the blades of the push reel mower become dull, they can be taken to a professional to be sharpened. Homeowners who have sharpening kits can use these to keep the blades of the rotary motors sharp.

Additionally, a reel lawn mower does not have any battery or engine. This makes the push reel mower preferable for homeowners looking to have a low-maintenance machine.

– Low In Noise

Reel mowers produce very little noise and are considered to be very quiet when in operation. The absence of engines or motors ensures that these types of lawn mowers do not produce unwanted noise.

This makes them preferable to electric models. Consequently, this rotary mower model is often used in urban areas or by homeowners who prefer a quiet mowing experience.

– Environmental Impact

A reel lawn mower model is considered more environmentally friendly compared to electric models. This is because this type of lawn mower does not emit harmful pollutants in the air, because you are using your force to move it; it is manual not automatic.

Homeowners who are concerned about their carbon footprint tend to use this type of mower. Even ordinary homeowners will find that their electrical bills are not affected by this particular type of this mower.

– Cost

This is the type of machine that tends to cost less than other types of models. This means that homeowners get the same result at less expensive prices. Being manually operated, the reel type of mower does not require maintenance or operational costs.

This makes it a good option for homeowners looking for a budget-friendly mower for their particular lawn care.

What Are the Specifications of Electric Mowers?

The specifications of electric mowers are that they run on battery, and would require maintenance every once in a while with blades or battery.

Also, they are loud when operating, and could have a range of that are often more costly.

– Operation

Electric mowers are powered by electric motors, making them easier to operate compared to manual mowers. There are two basic categories: the corded electric mower and the cordless electric model, and they are both machines that run on source of electricity.

Cordless models are more convenient since they do not have any attached cords that can get in the way of mowing activities, and they would be running on battery. Corded electric models may restrict homeowners when the area to be mown is large. Generally, electric mowers work well on all types of lawns.

Most electric mowers come with a mulching feature. This allows homeowners to mulch grass clippings and use these as fertilizer. If your electric model has this feature, this allows you to be more environmentally friendly compared to bagging and disposing of grass clippings.

– Maintenance

Electric mowers require occasional maintenance and repairs. These include blade sharpening as the blades can become dull over time. To sharpen them, homeowners can use sharpening kits or have them taken to a professional for a better sharpening experience.

Also, battery replacement is another factor that needs to be considered by homeowners. Cordless models require regular battery charging. Additionally, cordless models may need to have their batteries replaced every few years.

– Excessive Noise

Electric lawn mowers are noisier compared to manual lawnmowers due to their motors. The corded models are especially noisier than the cordless ones. This may be unappealing for homeowners who prefer a quieter mowing experience, this is due to their strong source of power.

– Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of electric mowers depends mostly on the source of electricity that is used to power them. The electricity of this machine is from non-renewable sources, which is why the gas lawn mower is not eco-friendly.

However, if the source of electricity comes from non-renewable sources, such as natural gas or coal, then electric models may add to the pollution. If homeowners are concerned about their carbon footprint, then they should opt to charge their electric mowers using renewable sources.

over, it is environmentally friendly only if it runs on a battery, which is source without any carbon emissions. The battery life of electric mowers depends largely on the model, and on a single charge, most batteries tend to last for up to an hour.

Some electric mowers may have longer battery lives while other models have shorter battery lives. To determine yours, check your owner’s manual from the manufacturer, and doing so will give you an idea of the operating time, as well as its overall battery life.

– High in Cost

Generally, electric mowers are more expensive than manual ones. In terms of the initial purchase price, the cost is higher. In terms of maintenance costs, the cost is also higher for electric mowers.

On the other side, electric models tend to be more efficient at cutting grass. Since they can handle larger lawns than manual mowers, homeowners can save more effort and time in the long run.

– Used With Cautiousness

In general, electric mowers are considered safe to be around children and pets. However, electric mowers still have parts that may cause accidents around children and pets, so it is best to exercise caution when using them.

Safety precautions can be found in the owner’s manual. The manufacturer should include safety guidelines to help homeowners supervise children and pets during mowing activities.

To avoid accidents, electric mowers should not be operated on wet grass or in the rain. Doing this can damage the mower and lead to serious and dangerous situations. If you are going to use electric mowers, always wait for the wet grass to dry or for the rain to let up.

Conclusion

You now have a better idea of what kind of lawn mower is more suitable for your lifestyle. Let’s do a quick recap on what we’ve learned so far:

• A reel model mower costs less, makes less noise, and requires less maintenance but will demand more physical effort.
• Electric mowers cost more, are noisier, and require more maintenance but will make your mowing experience easier.
• The most prominent feature of a reel mower is that it is manually operated and will require more physical effort.
• If you prefer electric models but are conscious of environmental impact, consider using renewable sources of electricity to charge your selected lawn mower.

Based on what you’ve learned, which one seems better for you? By measuring the right requirements that you need, you will be able to find the right type for you!