Manual push lawn mowers popularly called reel lawn mowers are one of the best mechanical mowers in the market today. If used rightly, they guarantee precise cutting experiences for small lawns. Reel mowers can come in handy when you own a lawn that doesn’t require the robust features of gas or electric propelled lawnmowers.
Manual Push lawn mowers are the best investment you can make if you own a small residential lawn. Unless you are determined to make mowing a permanent exercise routine never use them on large acres of land. Opt for more robust gasoline or electric propelled lawn mowers if you have a wide area to cover regularly.
American Lawn Mower Company 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Our Recommendation for Manual Push Mower!
The American push lawn mower is versatile, lightweight, and maneuverable. Its adjustable blades allow you to cut grass to your desired length. The powerful cutting action maintains an eco-friendly environment without emitting harmful fumes.
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This best 10 reel lawn mower review took a lot of time to compile, we highly recommend you read this post to the very end. From our experience interacting with buyers on a community-based level we came up with a detailed buyers guide (at the concluding section) that encompasses all you need to consider before buying a reel mower. Let’s dive right in!
Best Push Lawn Mowers
To keep your lawn in great shape you need the right tools that not only get the job done but also cut down mowing time. Hence we wrote this best manual push mower review to enlighten you.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch Deluxe Hand Reel Mower | • Compact 19 pounds reel lawn mower • 14-inch cutting width • High impact blades and reel | |
 | Great States 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower | • 18-inch cutting reel • Large 10-inch tires • Loop style handle construction | |
 | Scotts Outdoor 2000-2​0 Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower | • 20-inch cutting width • 2-blade ball bearing wheels • It’s extremely affordable | |
 | Greenworks 18-Inch Reel Lawn Mower | • Rear grass catcher included • 9 position height adjustment • Lightweight (37 pounds) | |
 | Fiskars 362050-1001 StaySharp Max Reel Mower | • Easy to use advanced features • Grass clipping chute • Inset wheels for more mowing space | |
 | Fiskars 18 Inch Staysharp Max Reel Mower | • Smart eco-friendly reel lawn mower • 18-Inch cutting reel • Inset front | |
 | Remington RM3100 18-Inch Reel Push Mower | • Has 5 adjustable reel blades • Ergonomic handlebars • Large front wheels | |
 | Fiskars 17 Inch Staysharp Push Reel Lawn Mower | • 17-inch cutting reel • 5 durable steel cutting blades • Easy to push around the lawn | |
 | Greenworks 13 Amp Corded Detacher/Scarifier | • 2-IN-1 DESIGN • QUICK RELEASE • 3-POSITION | |
 | Sun Joe MJ501M 18-Inch Manual Reel Mower | • Compact design for easy storage • Included grass catcher • Large rear and front-wheel tires |
#1. American Lawn Mower Company 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
If you want to make the switch back to the traditional manual reel lawn mowers then make our overall best choice your go-to brand. We picked the American Lawn mower as our best choice because it has the right features to get small to medium-sized mowing jobs done. They can do without the annoying emissions form electric or gas-powered lawn mowers and can be purchased with a little budget.
The American 1204-14 manual push lawn mower has a 14-inch cutting deck that is capable of handling even the toughest of grasses in a medium-sized lawn. It’s one of the most environmentally friendly reel lawn mowers in the market today, with zero emissions, no noise and easy to maintain. To ease mowing routines it comes equipped with a 3 spider reel assembly and strong impact wheels.
The compact nature of reel mowers makes them easy to operate and store in a small space within the yard or at a corner. The American 1204-14 is no exception to the tradition of compatibility. Other notable features include a small 14-inch blade and a moderately sized cutting reel. There aren’t many height adjustment settings, and it can get clogged out on wet grass.
The T-shaped handle designed with plastic grips is a beautiful innovation that helps improve comfortable handling and mowing. With a mower weight of just 19 pounds, this reel lawn mower is a better alternative for those without the right stamina to operate heavy-duty gasoline or electric walk-behind mowers.
Cutting Width
The cutting width is 14-inch long and only suitable for small or light mowing assignments. It can be adjusted in 3 incremental steps from 0.5-1.75-inch
Blade
This model features small cutting blades for light tasks. They are constructed from heat-treated alloy steel material.
Comfort
T-Shaped designed handle with rubber fittings to improve comfortable handling during mowing routines.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Impressive T-shaped handle with rubber fittings for comfort
- Sturdy heat-treated alloy steel reel
- Operates with no fumes or emissions
- Extremely compact for storage and easy transportation
- High impact wheels and cutting blades
Cons
- Small cutting width. Same can be side for most reel lawn mowers
- Might not perform well with tough grasses
- Limited height adjustment positions
#2. Great States 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Great stakes push reel mowers is a cheaper alternative than powerful lawn mowers for those who own small lawns. The Great stakes 815-18 manual push lawn mower have the ability to keep your lawn in very good shape. It comes equipped with an 18-inch cutting reel that is wider than the average reel found in most manual push lawn mowers. With a reel like this, more grounds can be covered quickly.
Great States uses a set of heat-treated alloy steel blades to provide efficient cutting. The blades are fitted on a 4-spider ball bearing reel that is constructed to be easy to push and operate. To improve the ease at which users handle the mower, this model has a loop style handle with adequate padding for comfort. While the pads help for ergonomic handling the 10-inch tires ensure that the reel mower’s maneuverability is optimized.
Although you have the option of purchasing a grass catcher separately, it weighs just 27 pounds and has a 2-year warranty covering on serviceable parts. Well worth every penny! Despite the positives, bear in mind that the large 10-inch wheels are a few inches wider than the cutting reel and are not suitable for mowing along with obstacles like fences.
It also features 4-spider ball bearings in which the heat-treated blades are mounted. The ball bearings serve to ensure that the reel system gets spinning as quickly as possible. With a wide 18-inch cutting reel we are of the opinion that this manual mower can be compared with the cutting deck of an average power mower.
Cutting Reel
It has a wide 18-inch cutting reel that is comparable to the cutting decks of power mowers.
Ball Bearings
Blades are mounted on reliable 4-spider ball bearings that help the reel starts spinning as quickly as possible.
Comfort
For comfort, the handle is constructed like a loop which is padded for easy handling. It also has large 10-inch tires for optimum maneuverability.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It has a very wide cutting reel
- Very compact and lightweight for easy maneuverability
- Requires low maintenance
- Extremely competitive price
- Large 10-inch tires
Cons
- It’s difficult to maintain grasses around walled obstacles
- Handle and frames are not securely fitted in place
- Frequent jamming
#3. Scotts Outdoor 2000-2​0 Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower
Scotts outdoor 2000-20 mower is a brilliant take on how efficient analog reel mowers can be. Although motorized lawn mowers come with robust features to get grass cut in a drifty, reel lawn mowers are equally as efficient howbeit on a much lower scale. If you don’t mind the structural defects of a manual lawn mower then you will be pleasantly surprised at how good this Scott model can be.
This model features a 20-inch cutting deck and a 5 inch-blade ball bearing reel to help muster any grass before it. As long as you can get enough physical power behind the handle, that energy will be channeled to an efficient and clear grass cut even on rough terrain. Besides, reel lawn mowers are a great way to keep you in optimal physical shape.
It also features a rigid steel handle that in all honestly looks flimsy and awkward. Although the added cushioning adds to a comfortable grip, there is a lack of heft or sturdiness to the frame of the lawnmower. This will be a little source of concern if you have to factor in durability. Like every other reel lawn mower out there, they lack the needed velocity or drive to tackle major lumps or twigs in the lawn.
Other special features include a 9 height adjustment setting that is surprisingly many considering that it’s a manual push lawn mower. Like most reel lawn mowers the position of the wheels and blades is a drawback to their proper function. The fixed direction design and the equally fixated blade designs mean you will have a tough time cutting grass that is close to walled obstacles.
Cutting width
It comes equipped with a wide 20-inch cutting deck which is above the industrial average.
Wheels
The Scotts 2000-20 model comes designed with dual wheels that enhance the maneuverability.
Blade
The 5 blades are made from high-quality heat-treated alloy steel that cut clean and stays sharp. Requires sharpening at least once a year.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It’s extremely affordable
- Wide 20-inch cutting deck
- Dual tires for easy maneuverability
- Sharp and clean 5 cutting blades
- Very easy to assemble without tools
Cons
- Will struggle to cut grass close to walled obstacles
- Don’t for larger lawns
- Bends tall grasses down instead of cutting it
#4. Greenworks 18-Inch Reel Lawn Mower
Greenworks 25062 offers all the advantages that are expected from a manual push lawn mower. It has a moderately wide 18-inch cutting reel equipped with 5 heat-treated alloy blades. One notable feature is the inclusion of a rear grass catcher that is conveniently included with the price. Although the catcher is a bit small, it still gets the job of grass collection done.
This model comes fitted with an 18-inch wide cutting deck that houses 5 durable steel blades. The wide size can be compared to the size of the cutting decks on power mowers. Considering that it weighs just 37 pounds, it can be pushed across any small lawn with ease.
For easy maneuverability the Greenworks 25062 model is not only lightweight but comes with large 10-inch rear wheels and smaller 4-inch front wheels. This wheel combo gives the reel mower traction that is rarely seen in others. Add that to the ease at which it can maneuver obstacles and you will see why it is one of the most sorts after models in the market.
Despite the positives of this model, you may have to make repeated passes at patches of tougher grass before you get a clean cut. However, it has one of the most competitive prices in the industry plus it includes a grass catcher unlike other models with an option to purchase a catcher separately.
Cutting Deck
The cutting deck is 18-inch in width and houses 5 heat-treated alloy blades
Maneuverability
The combo of a large 10-inch rear tire plus smaller 4-inch front tires gives this model unique navigating ability not seen in others
Adjustments
With 9 cutting reel height adjustments, users can customize their mowing experience to their needs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact and lightweight for easy storage
- Comes with a rear bag catcher
- It has a 2-in-1 feature for bagging and mulching
- Wide 18-inch cutting reel
- Dual combo wheels for traction and maneuverability
Cons
- Grass catcher is somewhat small
- Will require multiple passes to cut tougher grasses.
#5. Fiskars 362050-1001 StaySharp Max Reel Mower
The manufacturers of Fiskars 362050 reel lawn mower claim that the ergonomic design features make it 60% easier to push across small lawns than other reel mowers. The advanced blades have been engineered to deliver twice the cutting power to tackle stubborn grasses. It comes with a StaySharp feature that prevents unwarranted contacts in an effort to reduce wear and tear at the blades.
Unlike other reel mowers with no option of side discharging grass clippings, this model treats grass discharge in a variety of ways. With the help of a reliable grass chute, operators of this advanced reel mower can position the chute to direct grass clippings in three directions: Forward and away from your feet, backward, and downwards.
Reel lawnmowers have a unique problem of struggling to cut grasses close to walled obstacles like a fence because they have fixated wheels and blades. This advanced model eliminates that problem with the inclusion of inset wheels. The inset wheels provide the needed allowance that allows the blade to extend across the mower’s full length.
The innovative inclusion of inset wheels tips this model above a lot of its competitors. It’s no wonder it has managed to gather a lot of buzzes, reviews and above-average star ratings in major online stores. However, this innovation comes at a cost, the inset wheels are small and offer far less traction and maneuverability when inserted.
StaySharp
StaySharp feature prevents unwarranted contacts with the blades to keep them from easy wear and tear.
Chute
The chute system helps to direct grass clippings in three directions: Forward and away from the legs, backward and downwards
Inset Wheels
Small wheel system that can be inserted inwards to allow the blades to extend across the mower’s full length
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to use advanced features
- Ergonomically designed handlebars for a comfortable grip
- Inset wheels for more mowing space
- Can tackle close grasses near walled obstacles
- Grass chute feature in three directions
Cons
- Reduced traction and support
- Not for large lawns
#6. Fiskars 18 Inch Staysharp Max Reel Mower
Another Fiskars reel lawn mower makes it to our top ten best manual push lawn mower list. This time around the 18-inch variant with advanced features and settings not seen in other reel lawn mowers. Without the hassles of gasoline oils, battery charging and the cumbersome operation of power mowers, this Fiskars model offers an eco-friendly alternative to a clean grass cut.
It comes equipped with a StaySharp feature that helps prevent unwanted contacts with hard objects that could potentially damage the blades. With the improved technological design, the manufacturer claims this model is easier to operate and push across a medium-sized lawn.
Fiskars takes things to another level by offering a patent-pending Inertiadrive reel system to allow for improved cutting ability. Twigs, stubborn weeds, and tough grasses are all adequately trimmed with double cutting powers not found in other models. Enhanced cutting power is also supported by precision hardened steel blades.
It’s easy to maintain and wash with a connected hose unlike most mowers in the market. Finally, there is a limited three-year warranty which is almost twice the industrial average on this reel lawn mower.
StaySharp
This feature prevents the blade from unwanted contacts with objects, allowing them to stay much longer without wearing out.
InertiaDrive
It has a patent-pending feature that almost doubles the cutting power of the reel which helps to cut through twigs and stubborn weeds.
Cutting Reel
It has a wide 18-inch cutting reel which is perfect for small to medium-sized residential lawns.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Double cutting power feature
- Precision hardened cutting blades
- StaySharp feature prevents wear and tear
- Inset front wheel tires
- Easy to push across the lawn
Cons
- Reduce traction and maneuverability
#7. Remington RM3100 18-Inch Reel Push Mower
Rightly, not every yard can make do with an expensive lawn mower. For some residential lawn, buying powerful gasoline of electric lawn mower isn’t a smart investment strategy. To help maintain a small lawn reel lawn mowers like Remington RM3100 can prove to be more profitable in the long run. As long as you can physically exert the right energy, this lawn mower will conquer light to medium duty mowing jobs.
To help provide a clear grass cut, RM3100 comes equipped with very strong 5 blades adjustable reel to maximize comfort. The cutting reel height has adjustment settings from 0.75-2.5 inch to allow users to customize the way they cut their yard. For improved comfort, the handlebar is ergonomically designed to improve the friction between the hand and bar. Unlike other reel lawnmowers, the handle height can also be adjusted to match the height needs of the user.
RM3100 makes use of large front wheels as opposed to the traditional way of using large rear wheels. The design feature increases maneuverability and creates enough space for a bag catcher. Whether you collect grass clippings or mulch grass back into the soil, the 2-in-1 feature is a design that reduces the hassles of mowing jobs.
Overall, this model is a high impact low-cost alternative to power mowers. It’s compact, lightweight and the perfect choice for small gardening work on flat terrain. Be mindful of the fact that this reel lawn mower wasn’t designed to tackle twig obstacles and lumps along its path. You will be better off with stronger models if your lawn is littered with twigs.
Cutting Reel
The cutting reel has 5 adjustable blade reels which can be incrementally adjusted between 0.75-2.5 inches.
2-in-1
With the RM3100 you have the option to either mulch grass or collect the clippings in a grass catcher
Comfort
Cushioned handlebar for comfortable handling, adjustable handle height to suit the user and large front wheel tires for maneuverability.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It’s a budget-friendly reel lawn mower
- Grass catcher included
- Large front wheel tires for improved traction
- 2-in-1 mulching and bagging capabilities
Cons
- Handle design looks flimsy
#8. Fiskars 17 Inch Staysharp Push Reel Lawn Mower
The benefit of owing a residential apartment with a small lawn is that you won’t have to invest a lot on expensive grass maintenance equipment. Reel lawn mowers are the most ideal and eco-friendly manual machines for small lawns. Fiskars has a reliable 17-inch lawn mower with the right features to deliver an awesome cutting experience on a small scale.
Fiskars 6208 manual reel push lawn mower has some stunning design features that guarantee top-flight consistent performance. The handle design was constructed with the user in mind. It offers an improved grip and handling from cushioned bars and a unique cutting system from a 17-inch reel. The cutting reel makes use of 5 durable steel blades that are adjustable to the customized height of the operator.
We are of the opinion that the lifetime warranty on this reel lawn mower tips it above the competition. Not often do you find manufacturers place lifetime warranties on products unless they are absolutely sure of the durability. A StaySharp feature prolongs the shelve life of the blades by eliminating unwarranted contacts with obstacles and objects that can cause easy wear and tear.
Like most Fiskars lawn mowers, this model also features the company’s patent-pending InertiaDrive system that doubles the cutting power. This feature comes in handy when you have to face twigs and tough grass patches. However, the model is on the heavy side and will require a lot of physical exertion to get it across the lawn.
StaySharp
Prevents the blades from unwarranted contact with obstacles to prolong shelve life.
InertiaDrive
It has a patent-pending feature that doubles up on the cutting power to tackle twigs.
Cutting Reel
A rather small 17-inch cutting reel that is ideal for small residential lawns.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- StaySharp technology system
- Double power cutting system to tackle twigs
- Large front wheel tires for traction and maneuverability
- Ergonomic cushioned handle design
- Eco-friendly and easy to maintain
Cons
- Small cutting reel on suited for small residential lawns
#9. Greenworks 13 Amp Corded Detacher/Scarifier
This hand-push mower from Greenworks could be the ideal garden tool for you. With no oil, gas, or emissions to worry about, the mower serves as a more environmentally-friendly option.
It is equipped with a 14-inch cutting deck that accommodates sharp stainless steel blades. They rotate to trim the grass as you move. The handle is convenient to use, and the padding adds more comfort.
On top of that, it is lightweight and compact, making it easier to push and operate. There is an easy push-button – press, and your machine will start. Moreover, the large front and smaller rear wheels ensure easy maneuverability even across rugged terrain.
The five-position depth adjustment is impressive. As a result, you can have greater control over the machine when mowing. In addition, the mower also offers the advantage of a quick-release system that allows you to switch between the included scarifier and detacher. Finally, the 2-in-1 design allows bagging and mulching.
Maneuverability
The mower pairs four compact wheels to navigate on uneven terrain easily.
Cutting Width
The cutting width is 14-inch that accommodates sharp stainless-steel blades.
Depth Adjustments
The 5-position depth adjustment lends users greater control when mowing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dual function: Electric and manual push lawn type
- Infinite cutting deck height adjustments
- Ergonomically shaped handlebar
- Easy to reach switches and control systems
- Precise cutting power
- Grass catcher bagging feature
Cons
- No mulching option
- Long battery charging time
- Durability issues (Check warranty period)
#10. Sun Joe MJ501M Manual Reel Mower w/Grass Catcher | 18 inch
Make the Sun Joe MJ501M reel lawn mower the go-to machinery if you are short in on space. It’s one of the most compact reel lawn mowers I have seen in recent times. It cuts grass effectively, and is void of the regular maintenance required by gasoline or electric lawn mowers. The neat design includes a grass catcher to collect clippings.
Unless you are hell-bent on making mowing sections a workout routine only use this model on small residential lawns. Back to its compact feature, it can be folded for easy storage in tight corners and sheds. The compact design improves comfort by employing the use of cushioned foam handles for a nice grip.
The steel blades mounted on an 18-inch cutting reel are responsible for the precise grass cuts from this model. With a wide 18-inch cutting reel, fewer passes are needed to cover a wide area. Incremental deck heights to a maximum of 2.44-inch mean you can keep lawn grasses in the right height suited to your needs.
Finally, we recommend this lawn mower as a reliable alternative for soft grasses. It’s not a top performer but will at least get a good job done in record time
Cutting Reel
It has an 18-inch cutting reel system onto which 5 steel blades are mounted to offer precise grass cuts.
Comfort
Large front and rear wheel tires help provide a smooth and comfortable ride experience.
Cutting Power
Cutting power depends on the exerted physical energy and blades. The blades are made from steel and offer some power for precise cutting of soft grass.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Large rear and front-wheel tires
- 18-inch cutting deck
- Comfortable cushioned handle
- Included grass catcher
Cons
- Small grass catcher
- Handle design looks flimsy
- Best for soft grasses only
Buyer’s Guide to the Best Reel Lawn Mowers
Let’s face one fact, although reel lawn mowers are manually operated, they do a good job at keeping relatively small lawns well-manicured.
The problem now is how do you find the best push lawn mowers in the market? The experience of purchasing the wrong one can prove to be costly so it’s better if you yield to recommended advice from professionals in the business.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Reel Lawn Mower
This review took us roughly 30 hours in painstaking research to bring you information about the best of them all. Here is a detailed buyer’s guide on key factors to consider:
Blades
For reel lawn mowers, the number of blades it contains will determine how it effectively cuts grass. The more blades the least likely you are to take more passes to cut grass efficiently. However, with more blades comes more physical exertion. You need to put in more energy to operate a reel mower with numerous blades than one with few blades.
Manual push lawn mowers with many blades are ideal for lawns with thick long grasses. Ask yourself this question, do I have a lawn with thick long grasses and I’m iin good physical shape to exert the energy needed to get the job done?
The right answer to that question will reveal if a reel lawn mower with many blades is ideal for you.
If your lawn is on a plain surface with few grasses, you will be better off with a push lawn mower that has few blades.
Size and Width of the Lawn Mower
The cutting width is of reel lawn mowers are akin to the cutting deck of higher-end lawn mowers. A reel mower with a larger cutting deck will cut grass faster than one with a smaller cutting deck. The standard cutting width of reel lawn mowers is between 14-20 inches.
Although larger cutting width cuts grass faster, bear in mind that a wider cutting width will require more physical energy to operate. Whatever will reduce physical exertion is welcome.
If you have the physical energy to push a mower around then by all means go for the widest cutting width mower you can find. If you foresee stamina issues, opt for a mower with small cutting width (say 14-inch).
Convenience
If you are planning to buy a push lawn mower is ready to deal with the hassles of pushing it around. Having made this point clear any improvement or special features that will make your work less stressful is important.
Look for mowers that have advanced features that make mowing time less stressful. Features like ergonomically designed handles, folding deck and adjustable handle heights are worthy of note.
Cutting Width Adjustments
The ability to adjust the height of the cutting width is a feature that can customize your grass cutting experience to your needs. However, there is no need to go overboard with width adjustments because the recommended grass height is about 1/3 of an inch.
Any cutting below this threshold and you leave the grass susceptible to disease and parasitic invasion. Additionally, at a lower height the lawn grasses are vulnerable to the intense heat of the midday sun.
What does this mean for you? Pay attention to reel mowers with about 1 to 4 height adjustments from 1-4 inches and you should be good.
Lawn Size and Terrain
Push lawn mowers are only recommended for small-sized lawns. Imagine using a push lawn mower on a large acre of land. It doesn’t add up. If you have a large lawn to mow, look for gas-powered or electric-powered lawn mowers. They are best suited for medium to large acres of land.
Having said that, reel lawn mowers mostly come fitted with small rear tires that aren’t the best at providing traction. They weren’t designed for maximum support, so you will do well to take note of that if your lawn is on a sloppy area.
Reel Lawn Mower Type
Finally you are presented with two options or types to choose from: a silent cut reel mower or a contact reel mower. Let’s explain the difference:
Silent cut reel lawn mowers get their name from the silent operation of the blades while grass cutting/mowing takes place. This is achieved because the cutting blades do not come in contact with the bed knife. For this reason, they are:
- Super quiet
- Easy to push around
- Provides a high level of precise cutting
- Eliminates the frequent need for back lapping or cross-hatching
Contact reel lawn mowers on the other hand are almost the direct opposite of silent reel mowers. The blades are in contact with the bed knife and are noisier during operation. With contact reel lawn mowers you have:
- More noise from operation’
- Frequent need for back lapping or cross-hatching
I’m sure most people aren’t aware of the features of these two-reel mower types. If you pay good attention to the product description you will easily know what category each one falls under.