Great States Push Reel Lawn Mower

Reel mowers like this one work best on regularly maintained lawns. If your grass has grown quite tall, you may need to make multiple passes or use a string trimmer first, as the reel mechanism is designed for precise, frequent trimming rather than heavy-duty clearing.

Because it is lightweight and lacks an engine, it is generally easier to push on flat, even terrain. However, because it relies entirely on your physical effort, it will require more exertion on steep inclines or very thick, dense grass patches.

Like any cutting tool, the blades will eventually dull with use. You will need to sharpen them periodically to ensure a clean cut rather than tearing the grass, and it is good practice to keep the reel clean of debris and lightly oiled to prevent rust.

The 18-inch cutting width is stable, but reel mowers can struggle with very bumpy or uneven ground. If your lawn has significant ruts or dips, the mower may scalp the high spots or miss the low spots entirely.

Yes, the 5-blade design acts as a natural mulcher. It cuts the grass into fine clippings that fall back onto the lawn, which helps return nutrients to the soil as they decompose.