If you’re looking for a clean, precise cut for your lawn, you might be asking what is a reel lawn mower. A reel lawn mower uses a set of spinning blades against a fixed bar to cleanly shear grass. This classic design offers a unique set of benefits and considerations compared to modern rotary mowers.
This guide will explain exactly how they work, their advantages, and help you decide if one is right for your yard. We’ll cover everything from setup to maintenance in simple terms.
What Is A Reel Lawn Mower
At its core, a reel mower is a simple machine. It consists of a cylindrical reel with multiple helical blades that spin as you push the mower forward. These rotating blades pass against a single, stationary cutting bar called the bedknife. The action is like a pair of scissors, cleanly snipping each grass blade.
This scissor-cut action is fundamentally different from the single, high-speed spinning blade of a rotary mower, which tears and bruises the grass. The result from a reel mower is a healthier, cleaner-looking lawn.
Key Components Of A Reel Mower
Understanding the main parts helps you see how it operates and what needs maintenance.
- The Reel: This is the cylinder with the spiral blades. It’s the heart of the cutting action.
- The Bedknife: This is the fixed blade at the bottom of the mower. The reel spins against it to create the cutting shear.
- The Wheels: Most reel mowers are push-powered. The gears connected to the wheels turn the reel as you walk.
- Height Adjustment Lever: This allows you to raise or lower the cutting height, typically by adjusting the wheel axles.
- The Frame: Holds everything together and includes the handle you push.
How A Reel Mower Cuts Grass
The process is mechanical and direct. As you push the mower, the wheels turn. This rotation is transfered through gears to spin the reel. The spinning reel blades then meet the stationary bedknife.
Each grass blade is lifted by a reel blade and held against the bedknife, where it is cleanly sliced. This shearing action is why reel mowers are often preferred for fine turf, like on golf course greens.
Benefits Of Using A Reel Lawn Mower
Choosing a reel mower comes with several distinct advantages, especially for certain lawns and homeowners.
Superior Cut Quality And Lawn Health
The scissor-action provides an unbeatable clean cut. This minimizes damage to the grass blade tips, reducing browning and stress. Healthier grass is better at resisting disease and drought.
A clean cut also promotes thicker growth, as the grass isn’t expending energy healing torn leaves. Your lawn will look more like a carpet and less ragged.
Environmentally Friendly Operation
Most standard reel mowers are 100% human-powered. This means zero emissions, no fuel costs, and complete silence except for the gentle whirring of the blades. It’s a truly green option.
You also eliminate the need to store gasoline or deal with engine oil, making it a simpler, cleaner choice for the environment.
Low Maintenance And Cost-Effective
With no engine, carburetor, or spark plug, there’s far less to go wrong. Maintenance primarily involves keeping the blades clean and occasionally sharpening the reel and bedknife.
The initial cost is often lower than a gas mower, and the long-term operating cost is virtually zero. You save money on fuel, oil, and expensive engine repairs.
Lightweight And Easy To Store
Reel mowers are typically much lighter than their powered counterparts. This makes them easy to maneuver around tight corners and flower beds. Their slim profile also allows for simple storage in a shed or garage.
Limitations And Considerations
While excellent for many, reel mowers are not the perfect solution for every lawn. It’s important to understand there limitations before you buy one.
Not Ideal For Tall Or Tough Grass
Reel mowers struggle with grass that is too tall or overly thick. They are designed for frequent mowing. If you let your lawn grow too high, the mower may push the grass over instead of cutting it.
They also perform poorly on very uneven ground or in lawns with lots of sticks and debris, which can jam the reel.
Requires More Frequent Mowing
To keep your lawn looking its best with a reel mower, you’ll need to mow more often. A good rule is to never remove more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mowing. This often means mowing twice a week during peak growing seasons.
Physical Effort Required
You provide the power. While modern models are easier to push than old ones, mowing a large lawn with a reel mower is a form of exercise. It may not be suitable for very large properties or for those who prefer a less physical chore.
Some models now offer battery-powered assists, which help with pushing but still use the reel cutting mechanism.
Choosing The Right Reel Mower For Your Lawn
If the benefits align with your needs, here’s how to select the best model.
Assess Your Lawn Conditions
First, look at your yard. Reel mowers work best on flat or gently sloping lawns with fine to medium grass types like Bermuda, Zoysia, or Kentucky Bluegrass. They are less effective on coarse grasses like St. Augustine.
Measure your lawn size. A push reel mower is manageable for yards up to about 1/4 acre for most people. Any larger, and you might consider a powered reel mower or a model with a push-assist motor.
Key Features To Compare
- Cutting Width: A wider cut means fewer passes. Common widths range from 14 to 20 inches.
- Adjustable Cutting Height: Ensure it can adjust to your preferred grass height, usually between 0.5 to 3 inches.
- Reel Material: Steel reels are common, but some have composite reels that resist rust.
- Wheel Size: Larger wheels roll more easily over small imperfections in the ground.
- Weight: Lighter is easier to push and lift, but a heavier mower can sometimes provide a smoother cut.
How To Use And Maintain A Reel Mower
Proper use and care will ensure your mower lasts for years and always performs well.
Preparing Your Lawn For The First Cut
If your grass is too long, use a string trimmer or a rotary mower on a high setting to bring it down first. You should never try to cut more than an inch off with a reel mower in one go. Clear the lawn of sticks, stones, and toys to prevent damage.
Step-By-Step Mowing Technique
- Set the cutting height to the highest setting for your first mow, then gradually lower it over subsequent mows.
- Mow in straight, overlapping lines, just like you would with any mower. Keep a steady, comfortable pace.
- For the healthiest cut, try to alternate your mowing direction each time you mow. This prevents grass from leaning in one direction.
Essential Maintenance Steps
Regular maintenance is simple but crucial.
- After Each Use: Brush or hose off any grass clippings from the reel and undercarriage. This prevents corrosion and keeps the mechanism moving freely.
- Monthly Check: Lightly oil the wheel axles and any gears according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wipe down the handle and frame.
- Annual Sharpening: The most important task is keeping the blades sharp. You can learn to lap the blades yourself with a special grinding compound, or take it to a professional service. A dull reel mower will tear grass instead of cutting it.
If you notice the mower is leaving uncut strips or requires excessive force to push, it’s likely time for a sharpening or an adjustment of the bedknife.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between A Reel Mower And A Rotary Mower?
A reel mower uses a scissor-like shearing action between a spinning reel and a fixed bar. A rotary mower uses a single high-speed horizontal blade that chops the grass. Reel mowers give a cleaner cut but require more frequent mowing and a well-kept lawn.
Can A Reel Mower Cut Dandelions And Weeds?
It can cut the tops off, but it will not remove weeds by the roots like a dedicated weeder. For broadleaf weeds like dandelions, a reel mower is not an effective control method on it’s own. It simply trims them level with the grass.
Are Reel Lawn Mowers Hard To Push?
Modern models with better bearings and gear ratios are much easier to push than older ones. On a flat, regularly cut lawn, they require minimal effort. The challenge increases with taller grass, slopes, or very thick turf. Your physical fitness is a factor here to.
How Often Do You Need To Sharpen A Reel Mower?
With typical residential use, you should plan to sharpen the blades once per mowing season. If you have a large lawn or hit a lot of debris, you may need to do it more often. The tell-tale sign is a ragged cut instead of a clean one.
Is A Reel Mower Good For A Small Lawn?
Yes, they are an excellent choice for a small, flat lawn. Their quiet operation, lack of cords or fuel, and easy storage make them particularly convenient for small urban or suburban yards where noise and space are concerns.