Choosing the Right Reel Mower: Comprehensive Buying Guide
A reel lawn mower is a type of manual lawn mower that uses a rotating cylinder of blades to cut grass.
The user pushes it, and does not have an engine or motor. Reel lawn mowers are generally quieter and more environmentally friendly than gas-powered lawn mowers, as they do not emit emissions.
To buy a reel lawn mower, you can start by researching to determine the best type for your needs. Consider the size of your lawn, the type of grass you have, and any special features you may want (such as adjustable cutting heights or grass catchers).
You can also read online reviews and compare prices from different retailers to find the best option. Once you have identified a few potential options, consider visiting a store or dealership to see the lawnmowers in person and test them out.
This can help you better understand the mower and make a more informed decision. In this buying guide, we’ll look at the various aspects of reel lawnmowers, such as:
- Cut Quality
- Cutting Width
- Weight
- Rear Bag
- Warranty
A beautiful and sustainable lawn can be yours with the right reel mower once you consider these considerations.
Cut Quality of a Reel Lawn Mower:
The cut quality of a reel lawn mower depends on several factors, including the type of grass, the blades’ sharpness, and the mower’s condition. Reel lawnmowers are generally best suited for smaller lawns with well-manicured grass.
They may struggle to cut through thick or tall grass, as the blades may become clogged or damaged. Keeping the blades sharp and properly adjusted is important to ensure good cut quality. Blades that are dull or misaligned can cause a poor-quality cut and may damage the grass.
In addition to proper maintenance, the condition of the lawn mower itself can also affect cut quality. A lawn mower with worn or damaged wheels or other parts may not cut as evenly or smoothly as a well-maintained mower.
To achieve good cut quality with a reel lawn mower, it is important to keep the blades sharp, properly adjusted, and well-maintained and to use a light touch when mowing.
Cutting Width of a Reel Lawn Mower:
The cutting width of a reel lawn mower is typically measured in inches and defines the width of the grass that the mower can cut with each pass. A wider cutting width can allow you to cover more ground in less time, but pushing the mower may also require more effort.
The cutting width of a reel lawn mower can vary depending on the specific model and brand. Some common cutting widths for reel lawnmowers range from 14 to 20 inches.
When choosing a reel lawn mower, it’s important to consider the size of your lawn and the amount of time you want to spend mowing. A wider cutting width may be more efficient for larger lawns but may require more effort to push the mower.
On the other hand, a narrower cutting width may be more suitable for smaller lawns or for more precise cutting around obstacles.
Remember that cutting width is just one factor when choosing a lawn mower. Other important considerations include:
- The type of grass.
- The condition of the lawn.
- Any additional features or accessories you may want?
Weight of Reel Lawn Mower:
The weight of a reel lawn mower can vary depending on the specific model and brand and the materials used to build the mower. Reel lawnmowers tend to be lighter than gas-powered lawnmowers, as they do not have an engine or motor.
The weight of a reel lawn mower can range from around 20 pounds for a small, lightweight model to 40 pounds or more for a larger, more heavy-duty mower.
Some factors that can affect the weight of a reel lawn mower include the size of the mower, the materials used in the making, and any additional features or accessories.
When choosing a reel lawn mower, it’s important to consider the weight of the mower. As well as your own strength and physical ability. A lighter lawn mower may be easier to push. But may have fewer features or be as durable as a heavier model.
Rear Bag of Reel Lawn Mower:
The rear bag capacity of a reel lawn mower refers to the number of grass clippings that the mower can hold in its rear bag or grass catcher. This can be an important consideration.
If you prefer to collect the grass clippings rather than leave them on the lawn. The rear bag capacity of a reel lawn mower can vary depending on the specific model and brand. As well as the size of the bag.
Some common rear bag capacities for reel lawnmowers range from around 1.5 to 3 cubic feet. When choosing a reel lawn mower with a rear bag. It’s important to consider the size of your lawn and the amount of grass clippings you typically generate.
A larger rear bag capacity may suit larger lawns or people who mow more frequently, and a smaller capacity may be sufficient for smaller lawns or less frequent mowing.
Remember that the rear bag capacity is just one factor when choosing a lawn mower. Other important considerations include:
- The size and type of the lawn mower.
- The type of grass.
- Any additional features or accessories you may want?
Price Range of Reel Lawn Mower:
The price of a reel lawn mower can vary depending on various factors, including the size of the mower, the brand, and any additional features or accessories. Here are some general price ranges for reel lawnmowers:
- Entry Level Reel Lawnmowers: These can start at around $100 and go up to $300. These models may have smaller cutting widths and fewer features, but they can still be effective for smaller lawns.
- Mid Range Reel Lawn Mowers: These range from $300 to $700 and may have wider cutting widths, more advanced features, and better build quality.
- High End Reel Lawn Mowers: These can cost upwards of $700 and may have professional-grade materials, advanced features, and top-of-the-line build quality.
Keep in mind that these price ranges are just estimates. And the actual cost of a reel lawn mower will depend on the specific model and features you choose. It’s always good to shop around and compare prices from different retailers before purchasing.
Warranty of a Reel Lawn Mower:
Reel lawn mowers generally have a manufacturer’s warranty covering materials and artistry defects. The length of the warranty and the specific terms and conditions can vary depending on the brand and model of the lawn mower.
Most reel lawnmowers come with a limited warranty, which covers the cost of repairing or replacing defective parts for a certain period. Depending on the specific model and brand, this period can range from a few months to several years.
In addition to the limited warranty. Some manufacturers also offer extended warranties that can provide additional coverage for a longer period. These extended warranties may be available for an additional fee. And may have different terms and conditions than the standard limited warranty.
It’s important to carefully read the warranty terms and conditions before purchasing a reel lawn mower. So, you know what is covered and what is not.
Make sure also to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Further, use the lawn mower as intended to help ensure that it stays in good working order and to avoid voiding the warranty.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, maintaining your lawn with a reel lawn mower (manual) is an attractive and eco-friendly option. Reel mowers are more eco-friendly than gas or electric models, producing less noise while cutting grass.
They allow you to spend more time in your yard and appreciate the simple nature of the manual operation. Suppose you want a well-kept lawn to show you care about the environment. Then using a reel mower is the way to go. All the best with your mowing!