A Reel Mower by any Other Name, Sometimes Isn't the Same

Reel lawn mowers have a cylinder shaped blade assembly mounted horizontally between two wheels and are propelled by a biped engine that predates the industrial revolution: the human. Lightweight and mechanically simple, the reel mower requires almost no maintenance. You push it, it mows your lawn. They cost less, work better, and are easier to use than rotary lawn mowers. An Industrious Invention When the lawn mower came along, in 1827, it replaced the scythe (think grim reaper) and grazing animals. It took a century before the rotary motor was invented and, because push mowers were typically made from cast iron back then, the gasoline-powered rotary mower weighed less. Reel mowers have gotten lighter and more sophisticated despite few design changes since the 1930's.

Grass Prefers Reel Mowers

A major difference between the reel and the rotary mowers is the way the grass is cut. Rotary blades tear and rip the grass whereas reel blades trim the grass like scissors which leaves the grass healthier and reduces moisture loss. Manual mowers are also more polite and do not throw rocks at you.

A Mower for Any Lawn

It's a good idea to find out what kind of grass you have before selecting your mower. In northern and coastal regions a lighter model will usually suffice but in southern, hot regions with thicker varieties such as Bermuda and Zoysia, a heavier mower is going to work better. Reel mowers are designed to mow lawns and do not work well on tall, weedy grasses.

Cleaner, Safer, Cheaper, Better

Reel mowers aren't for everyone, but if you mow frequently and have a manageable lawn, you may be ready to give up the fumes and frustration of your small engine mower. Mowing with a push mower is cleaner, safer, cheaper and much better for the environment.