Maintaining a lush, healthy Bermuda grass lawn requires a mower that can deliver a clean, scissor-like cut. Unlike rotary mowers that tear grass blades, reel mowers provide a precise trim that promotes thicker growth and a greener appearance. For those seeking an eco-friendly, quiet, and effective mowing solution, a manual or electric reel mower is an excellent choice for Bermuda and other warm-season grasses.
This guide compiles the best reel mowers specifically suited for the fine blades and preferred cutting height of Bermuda grass. We have evaluated key features such as cutting width, adjustability, ease of use, and durability to help you find the perfect mower for your lawn care needs. Whether you have a small, level yard or need to navigate around garden beds, there is an option here to keep your turf looking its absolute best.
Our Top Reel Mower Picks for Bermuda Grass
- Fiskars Push Mower, 18″ Manual Reel Mower
- Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower
- LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch
- Walensee 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
- Great States 415-16 16-Inch Reel Mower
- American Lawn Mower Company GC91416 Grass Catcher
- Earthwise 16-Inch Corded Electric Walk-Behind Mower
- American Lawn Mower Company 1415-16 16-Inch Mower
- Greenworks 17-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Fiskars Push Mower, 18″ Manual Reel Mower
This Fiskars mower stands out for its innovative engineering that makes manual mowing significantly easier. Its InertiaDrive reel is designed to provide twice the cutting power of standard models, ensuring a clean cut through Bermuda grass with less effort from the user. The StaySharp Cutting System is a major benefit, as it eliminates the need for manual blade sharpening, saving you time and maintenance costs over the life of the mower.
Ergonomics are a key focus with this model. It is designed to be 60% easier to push than other reel mowers, reducing fatigue. The reversible grass chute helps keep clippings off your path and shoes, while the one-touch handle height adjustment allows for a custom fit. This combination of power, low maintenance, and user comfort makes it a top-tier choice for regular lawn care.
Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower
The Earthwise 1715-16EW is built with a focus on durability and a precise cut. Its seven-blade ball bearing reel is crafted from alloy steel, which is designed to stay sharp longer, providing a consistent and clean scissor-action cut ideal for Bermuda grass. The durable steel side plates and 10-inch composite wheels contribute to a sturdy build that can handle regular use.
This mower is explicitly noted for its versatility on various warm-season grasses, including Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede. The 16-inch cutting width is well-suited for smaller lawns, allowing for easy navigation around trees and garden beds. It’s a straightforward, reliable manual mower that gets the job done effectively without the need for fuel or electricity.
LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch
The LawnMaster LMRM1801 is designed for small lawns where maneuverability is key. It features an 18-inch cutting deck and 10-inch front wheels, making it easy to navigate around obstacles and tight corners. The scissor-like cutting action ensures grass blades are cleanly sliced rather than torn, which is crucial for the health and appearance of your Bermuda grass.
A significant advantage of this model is its wide range of cutting height options. With nine different positions ranging from 1.1 to 2.5 inches, you can easily customize the cut to the specific needs of your lawn throughout the growing season. This level of adjustability allows you to find the perfect height for promoting dense, healthy turf.
Walensee 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
The Walensee reel mower emphasizes efficiency and durability. Its five precision blades are made from high-hardness alloy steel and feature a curved design for added strength and resistance to deformation. This construction promises a sharp, long-lasting cutting edge that delivers a smooth and efficient mowing experience on Bermuda grass.
This model includes a convenient removable 7.9-gallon grass catcher, which helps keep your lawn tidy by collecting clippings. It also offers four cutting height adjustments from 0.5 to 1.5 inches, giving you the flexibility to mow at the lower heights often preferred for Bermuda grass. The sponge grip on the handle adds comfort during use.
Great States 415-16 16-Inch Reel Mower
As a classic and reliable option, the Great States 415-16 has been a trusted name in manual mowing for years. It features a 16-inch cutting width and 10-inch ball bearing wheels, making it easily maneuverable for small lawn owners. The heat-treated blades are built to withstand regular use and provide a clean cut.
The cutting height is adjustable from a very low 1/2-inch up to 2-1/2 inches, offering the range needed to maintain Bermuda grass at its ideal height. Its simple, straightforward design requires no gas, oil, or cords, providing an eco-friendly mowing solution. It’s a no-fuss mower that focuses on effective performance.
American Lawn Mower Company GC91416 Grass Catcher
This product is an essential accessory rather than a standalone mower. The American Lawn Mower Company GC91416 is a grass catcher specifically designed to fit their 14-inch and 16-inch reel mower models. It allows you to collect grass clippings and leaves, preventing them from being strewn across your freshly cut Bermuda grass lawn.
Constructed with a plastic bottom, rot-resistant polyester fabric, and a heavy-duty wire frame, this bag is built for durability. Adding this catcher to a compatible reel mower enhances its functionality, giving you a cleaner finish and reducing debris, which can be particularly useful during the fall or if you prefer a clippings-free lawn.
Earthwise 16-Inch Corded Electric Walk-Behind Mower
For those who want the clean cut of a reel mower without the physical effort of pushing a manual model, the Earthwise corded electric is a fantastic solution. It is powered by a robust 11-amp electric motor that provides gas-like power without the emissions, noise, or maintenance associated with gas mowers. This makes it both powerful and eco-friendly.
This mower features a 16-inch deck and includes a removable mulching plug. It also offers a five-position, single-point height adjustment ranging from 1.4 to 3.3 inches. The combination of electric power and reel mower cutting technology delivers a pristine cut for your Bermuda grass with minimal effort on your part.
American Lawn Mower Company 1415-16 16-Inch Mower
This American Lawn Mower Company model is a workhorse known for its simplicity and effectiveness. It features a five-blade reel with a 16-inch cutting width and durable 10-inch polymer wheels designed for maximum maneuverability. The scissor-action cut is perfect for achieving a healthy trim on Bermuda grass.
The blades are made from heat-treated alloy steel, which is engineered to stay sharp for years with proper use. The cutting height is adjustable from 0.5 inches to 2.5 inches, providing the flexibility needed for optimal Bermuda grass maintenance. It’s a time-tested, reliable manual mower from a brand with a long history in the industry.
Greenworks 17-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Greenworks is a respected name in outdoor power equipment, and their 17-inch push reel mower brings that reputation to the manual mowing space. With a five-blade reel, it is designed to provide a clean, scissor-like cut that benefits the health and look of Bermuda grass. The slightly wider 17-inch cutting path allows you to cover more ground with each pass compared to 16-inch models.
This mower offers the peace of mind that comes with a known brand, often associated with quality and customer support. As a manual mower, it requires no fuel, oil, or cords, making it an environmentally conscious choice. It is a solid option for homeowners looking for a dependable reel mower from a trusted manufacturer.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Reel Mower for Bermuda Grass
When I started looking for the best reel lawn mowers for my Bermuda grass, I quickly learned it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Bermuda is a tough, resilient grass that thrives with a low, clean cut, which is exactly what a reel mower provides. But to get that perfect putting green look, you need the right machine. Here’s what I consider before making a purchase.
First and foremost, think about cutting width. A wider cut means you finish the job faster, which is great if you have a larger lawn. However, wider mowers can be harder to maneuver around tight corners and garden beds. For a small to medium yard, a standard 16 to 18-inch width is usually perfect. For bigger spaces, you might want to look at models that are 20 inches or more.
Next, the number of blades on the reel is a big deal. More blades generally mean a finer, more scissor-like cut. For Bermuda grass, which can be cut very short, a mower with at least five blades is a good starting point. Higher-end models might have seven, eight, or even ten blades, which can create that incredibly smooth, carpet-like finish we all want. The bed knife, that stationary blade at the bottom, also needs to be durable and easy to adjust for a precise cut.
Adjustability is your best friend. You’ll want a mower that lets you easily change the cutting height. Bermuda grass does well when cut between 0.5 and 1.5 inches, so your mower needs to be able to hit that range. Look for a simple, single-point height adjustment system. This lets you change the height for all wheels at once instead of fiddling with each one individually, saving you a ton of time and frustration.
Finally, consider the build quality and materials. A mower with a steel reel and frame is going to be heavier and more durable than a composite model, but it might be harder to push. Composite frames are lighter and resist rust, which is a plus. Also, think about the wheels; larger wheels roll more easily over uneven ground. Don’t forget about maintenance either. Reel mowers need to be sharpened occasionally to keep that perfect cut, so check how easy that process is for the model you’re considering. Finding the right balance of these features will lead you to one of the best reel lawn mowers for Bermuda grass types for your specific yard.
FAQ
Why is a reel mower better for Bermuda grass than a rotary mower?
A reel mower works like a pair of scissors, cleanly shearing the grass blades. A rotary mower, on the other hand, uses a single, fast-spinning blade that tears and shreds the grass. For Bermuda grass, which is meant to be cut short and clean, the scissor-action of a reel mower is far superior. It gives a healthier cut that promotes thicker growth and reduces the chance of browning or disease at the tip of the blade. It’s the secret to getting that professional, golf-course-quality look.
How short should I actually cut my Bermuda grass?
This depends a bit on the specific variety of Bermuda you have, but a general rule is to keep it between 0.5 and 1.5 inches. Hybrid Bermuda grasses used on golf greens can be cut as low as 0.125 inches, but that requires very specialized equipment. For most home lawns, sticking around 1 inch is a safe and effective target. The key is to never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. If your grass is too long, gradually lower the cutting height over a few sessions.
How often do I need to sharpen the blades on a reel mower?
There’s no fixed schedule for this; it really depends on how often you mow and the size of your lawn. I usually check the cut quality every 15 to 20 hours of use. If you start to see a ragged or torn edge on the grass blades instead of a clean slice, it’s probably time to sharpen. Some people get a full season or more out of a sharpening, while others with very sandy soil might need it more frequently. Learning to backlap the blades yourself can save you money and time.
Are reel mowers difficult to push?
Modern reel mowers are much easier to push than the old, heavy models your grandfather might have used. Many now feature lightweight composite frames and better bearing systems that make them roll smoothly. That said, they do require more effort than a self-propelled gas or electric mower. If you have a very hilly yard, it can be a workout. For most flat to moderately sloped lawns, it’s a manageable and satisfying form of exercise.
Can I use a reel mower if my lawn is uneven?
This is the main challenge with reel mowers. They work best on flat, smooth surfaces. If your lawn has lots of bumps, dips, or exposed roots, the mower’s spinning reel can “scalp” the high spots, cutting the grass too short and damaging the turf. Before committing to a reel mower, it’s a good idea to level your lawn. For slightly uneven lawns, a mower with larger rear wheels can help it glide over minor imperfections more easily.
What is the most important maintenance task for a reel mower?
Besides occasional sharpening, the single most important thing you can do is keep the reel and bed knife clean. After every use, I always hose off any grass clippings and debris. Grass sap is acidic and can cause rust and gum up the precise cutting mechanism over time. A quick wipe-down with an oily rag after cleaning can also help prevent rust and keep everything moving smoothly, ensuring your mower lasts for years.