What Is a Reel Mower and How to Choose the Right One

A reel mower is a type of lawn mower that uses a rotating blade to cut grass, unlike rotary mowers which use a spinning blade.

It's a great option for those who want a more environmentally friendly and quiet mowing experience.

Reel mowers are typically manual, meaning you have to push them to cut the grass.

They're perfect for small to medium-sized lawns and can be a cost-effective alternative to gas-powered mowers.

The key to choosing the right reel mower is to consider the size of your lawn and your personal preferences.

For your interest: Dual Blade Push Mower

A Reel Mower is a type of lawn mower that uses a rotating blade to cut the grass, unlike rotary mowers which use a spinning blade to chop the grass.

It's designed to cut the grass cleanly and evenly, with the rotating blade slicing through the blades of grass at a precise angle. This results in a smooth, even finish.

The rotating blade is typically made of a durable metal, such as steel or aluminum, and is designed to withstand the rigors of regular use.

Explore further: How to Use a Reel Mower

A reel lawn mower is essentially a manual mower that snips your grass like a pair of scissors would, using a scissoring action to cleanly slice the grass.

Most reel mowers are manual, but you can also find gas- or battery-powered ones, which are a great option for those with larger lawns.

They're compact, quiet, and easy to maneuver, making them perfect for small lawns and tight spaces.

These mowers usually have a long handle and two wheels on a single axle, with either four, five, or seven blades, which determine the level of cut quality.

More blades lead to a cleaner cut, but you'll need to consider the weight and maneuverability of the mower when choosing the right one for your lawn.

The blades spin vertically, not horizontally, which is what makes the scissoring action so effective at cutting the grass cleanly.

Intriguing read: Mulching Blades for Push Mower

Rotary mowers are a type of lawn mower that can be a good choice for some users. They have a few key characteristics that set them apart from reel mowers.

Their blades spin on a plane parallel to the ground, which can make them more efficient at mowing grass in some situations. This design also allows them to handle cutting grass better on uneven ground.

One drawback of rotary mowers is that their blades spin at a slower pace than those of reel mowers, which can make them less effective at mowing tall grass or grass with twigs and leaves.

Rotary mowers don't require the same level of blade maintenance as reel mowers, but they can still be noisy and produce unpleasant smells.

Here are some key differences between reel and rotary mowers:

Reel mowers provide a clean, scissor-like cut that helps your grass heal faster.

They are also quiet in operation, resulting in a more peaceful user experience.

Zero emissions make them a great choice for those concerned about air quality.

Reel mowers are easy to operate and maintain, and their affordability is hard to beat.

They're a great alternative to power rotary mowers, which can leave your lawn vulnerable to insect attacks and disease.

Reel mowers are better for your lawn's health because they provide a clean, scissor-like cut that helps your grass heal faster.

They're also quiet in operation, making for a more peaceful user experience.

Reel mowers produce zero emissions, which means they don't degrade air quality like gas-powered mowers do.

They're easy to operate, requiring minimal effort and expertise.

Reel mowers are affordable, making them a cost-effective option for lawn care.

Their low maintenance requirements mean you'll spend less time and money on upkeep.

A push mower, also known as a manual reel mower, is a great option for small lawns and those who want a more environmentally friendly way to mow their grass.

Reel mowers are better for your lawn's health, providing a clean, scissor-like cut that helps your grass heal faster and makes for a tidier look.

They're also quiet in operation, resulting in a more peaceful user experience, and produce zero emissions, so they don't degrade air quality like gas-powered mowers do.

You'll need to clean up any debris from your yard before mowing since reel mowers can't go over anything that's not grass, and be prepared to put in some physical effort to operate them.

Reel mowers can last for about 10-20 years if you keep them clean and sharp, which is longer than most self-propelled lawn mowers.

However, they may not be worth the price if you have a super-spacious lawn or don't have extra time to devote to your lawn maintenance.

Consider reading: How to Clean a Push Mower

Reel mowers come in different types, each suited for specific needs.

A 5-blade reel is the most common type, often found in hand-led reel mowers with manual drive.

They're preferred due to the lower weight of the mower and their practical usability.

A 10-blade reel, on the other hand, is commonly used on golf courses that require frequent, low-height mowing.

These courses need the extra blades to keep their grass trimmed and looking neat.

See what others are reading: How to Change a Push Mower Blade

Manual reel mowers are a great option for small lawns with no trees, but they can still be a strenuous chore to push.

Reel mowers have blades that turn as you push the mower, which is a key difference from other types of mowers.

A protective guard is a feature found in many modern reel mower models, preventing grass from being blown back onto the person pushing the mower.

Some reel mowers come with a grass-collecting bag, which can be a convenient feature for those who want to keep their lawn tidy.

Most reel mowers allow you to adjust the blades to cut the grass at a certain height, giving you control over the look of your lawn.

The lack of an engine in reel mowers means they don't use gas and emit no pollutants, making them a more environmentally friendly option.

Reel mowers are also virtually noiseless, which can be a welcome relief for those who live in noise-restricted areas.

A fresh viewpoint: Adjust Reel Mower Blades

A 5-blade reel is the most common type you'll come across, often used in hand-led reel mowers with manual drive due to their lower weight and practical usability.

These mowers are perfect for smaller areas and can be easily maneuvered around gardens and lawns.

A 5-blade reel is ideal for mowing shorter grass, but if you have longer grass, you might want to consider a reel with fewer blades.

You can also find 10-blade reels on golf courses, which require more frequent mowing to a lower height.

Here's an interesting read: How to Use Push Lawn Mower

The Swardman 6-blade reel is a popular choice among those who are used to mowing twice a week. It's ideal for cutting the lawn under 25 mm.

This type of reel is suitable for those who have already had a reel mower. It's a good option for regular mowers who know their way around a lawn.

The Swardman 6-blade reel has a recommended mowing height of 20 - 40 millimetres. This allows for a good cut and ideal results in gardens.

If you notice a ridged effect or a "corduroy" effect after mowing, it might be due to the 6-blade reel's middle to lower cutting frequency. This can happen on low and dense lawns.

To avoid this, you might want to consider a reel with a higher number of blades.

For another approach, see: Lawn Mower Cutting Grass

The Swardman 10-blade reel is a popular choice for those who want to achieve a dense and high-quality lawn. It's suitable for golf greens, driving ranges, and extra short lawns.

This type of reel mower excels at cutting dense grass, and can handle low cutting heights of just a few millimeters. It's perfect for those who want to keep their lawn looking its best.

The Swardman 10-blade reel is designed to be used regularly, with a recommended mowing frequency of 2-4 times per week. This ensures that your lawn stays healthy and looking its best.

Here are some key features of the Swardman 10-blade reel:

Reel mowers come with different blade options, which can affect how well they cut your lawn. The most common options are 5-blade, 6-blade, and 10-blade reels.

A 5-blade reel is suitable for most manual and electric reel mowers, but it can sometimes cause a "corduroy" or ridged effect on low and dense lawns.

The recommended mowing height for a 5-blade reel is 25-45 millimeters, and it's best to mow at least once a week. If you have a low and dense lawn, you might need to switch to a reel with more blades.

A 6-blade reel is a good choice for gardens, with a recommended mowing height of 20-40 millimeters. It's ideal for lawns that need to be mowed 1-2 times a week.

Here's a quick comparison of the blade options:

A 10-blade reel is best for dense cuts and low mowing heights, but it can't handle taller grass. It's often used in reel mowers for golf greens.

A reel mower with a higher blade count, such as 10 blades, is not always the best choice for every lawn.

It's clear that the 5-blade and 6-blade reel have more practical use than the 10-blade reel.

If you want a lawn that resembles a true English-style lawn or a lush green, you'll need to maintain it regularly and mow it more frequently.

A 5-blade or 6-blade reel is sufficient for most lawns, but a 10-blade reel may be necessary for those who want a more precise cut.

The choice of reel mower ultimately depends on your lawn's specific needs and your personal preferences.

A reel mower with fewer blades, like 5 or 6, is generally easier to maintain and requires less frequent mowing.