When it comes to purchasing the best manual lawn mower, there are a few things to consider. The most critical factor is the size of your lawn.
If you have a large lawn, you may want to consider a wider cutting deck to reduce the amount of time you spend mowing. Additionally, the weight of the mower is important, as a heavier mower can be more challenging to push.
Maintaining a lush green lawn is a source of pride for many homeowners. However, mowing the lawn can be a tedious and time-consuming task, especially if you have a large lawn.
While electric and gas-powered lawn mowers have made the job easier, they can be expensive to operate and maintain. That’s where manual lawn mowers come in.
Manual lawn mowers are an eco-friendly and budget-friendly alternative to their electric and gas-powered counterparts.
They are operated by pushing the mower across the lawn, using your own physical strength to power the blades. These mowers are also much quieter than gas-powered mowers, making them a great choice for early morning or late evening mowing.
At our editorial office, we spent several hours researching and testing various manual lawn mowers to identify the best ones on the market. In the next section, we will share our top picks and provide a detailed review of each one.
Best Manual Lawn Mowers
Looking for an eco-friendly and budget-friendly way to keep your lawn looking neat and tidy?
Look no further than a manual lawn mower. These old-school mowers require no gas or electricity, making them an environmentally friendly option for your lawn care needs. Plus, they’re often lightweight and easy to maneuver, making mowing a breeze.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the best manual lawn mowers on the market to help you find the perfect one for your lawn.
1. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red 14-Inch, 4-Blade Mower
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, lightweight, and easily maneuverable option for your small lawn, the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a great choice.
Pros
- The 4-blade reel mower with a cutting width of 14” and durable 8.5” polymer wheels make it easy to maneuver around tight spaces and obstacles.
- The adjustable blade height of 0.5”-1.75” allows for customization based on your lawn’s needs.
- The manual grass cutter is an environmentally friendly alternative to other lawn mowers, being pollution-free, noise-free, lightweight, and easy to use.
Cons
- It may not be as effective on taller grass and is best suited for small lawns.
- The reel mower requires more effort to push than other types of mowers, which may not be ideal for those with physical limitations.
- The blades may require frequent sharpening to maintain optimal performance.
This manual lawn mower is perfect for small lawns and is an eco-friendly alternative to gas or electric mowers. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for those with limited storage space or those who want to avoid the hassle of maintaining a gas-powered mower.
The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower uses a cutting action that does not bruise or damage the blades of grass, resulting in a healthier lawn.
However, it may not be the best option for those with taller grass or larger lawns, as it requires more effort to push and may need frequent blade sharpening.
Overall, if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly and efficient option for your small lawn, the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is definitely worth considering.
You might also be interested in checking out the article on the best reel mower.
2. Great States 18-Inch 5-Blade Reel Lawn Mower
If you’re looking for a simple and eco-friendly lawn mower, the Great States 18-inch 5-blade Reel Lawn Mower might be the one for you.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- Adjustable cutting height from 1/2 to 2-3/4 inches.
- No gas, no fumes, and almost maintenance-free.
Cons
- Not suitable for large lawns.
- Requires more physical effort than a gas-powered mower.
- Not ideal for cutting tall or thick grass.
We were impressed by how easy it was to use this manual lawn mower. The lightweight design and adjustable cutting height made it easy to maneuver around our yard (here is the best zero turn lawnmower).
We also appreciated that it didn’t require any gas or oil, which made it an eco-friendly option. The soft foam cushioned handle provided a comfortable grip during use.
One downside we noticed was that it might not be suitable for larger lawns, as it requires more physical effort than a gas-powered mower.
Additionally, it might not be the best option for cutting tall or thick grass, as it might not be able to handle it. However, for those with smaller yards and who want an eco-friendly option, this lawn mower is a great choice.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a simple and eco-friendly lawn mower that is easy to use and maintain, the Great States 18-inch 5-blade Reel Lawn Mower is worth considering.
3. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 304-14S 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Green
If you’re looking for a lightweight, eco-friendly push mower, the Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 304-14S 14-inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a great option. It’s easy to maneuver and maintain, and it doesn’t produce any fumes or emissions.
Pros
- The 5-blade reel mower features durable heat-treated alloy steel blades and has an adjustable cutting height of 1/2″-1.75″.
- The 8.5″ composite wheels help with transportation and maneuverability.
- A reel mower uses a cutting action that does not bruise or damage the blades of grass, resulting in a clean and precise cut.
Cons
- Tall grass means more work. It’s better to mow smaller amounts more frequently than it is to let the grass get long.
- Reel mowers work best on maintained lawns. If your lawn is overgrown with divots and tall weeds, it is recommended to have the lawn worked on before using a reel lawn mower or it will take multiple passes the first time using a reel mower.
- Try not to use the reel mower when the grass is wet. It usually produces a very uneven cut.
The Scotts push lawn mower is a healthy alternative to all other lawn mowers. It only requires your energy to function, making it a low-maintenance option.
The cutting width of 14″ and adjustable cutting height of 1/2″-1.75″ make it easy to customize your mowing experience. The cushioned grip on the T-style handle provides greater comfort and maneuverability.
Using a reel mower is a great way to encourage deeper roots and maintain a healthy lawn. For best results, mow no more than 1/3 of the grass blade and increase the amount of overlap while using your push mower if your lawn reaches a height of 4 inches or more.
Before using your reel lawn mower, make sure to collect and remove any lawn debris before mowing.
Overall, the Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 304-14S 14-inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a great choice for those looking for a lightweight and eco-friendly option.
4. Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, low-maintenance lawn mower that still gets the job done, the Great States 815-18 18-inch 5-blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a great option.
Pros
- The adjustable cutting height of 0.5″-2.75″ allows for a clean, even cut.
- The 18″ cutting width and 5-blade ball bearings make mowing quick and efficient.
- The motorless design is planet-friendly and quiet, making it perfect for early morning or late evening mowing.
Cons
- The manual push design may be tiring for larger lawns or uneven terrain.
- The 10″ composite wheels may not be as durable as traditional rubber tires.
- The steel side plate may add some weight to the mower.
We’ve used the Great States 815-18 18-inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower on our own lawn and found that it’s easy to assemble and use.
The cushioned loop-style handle is comfortable to grip and maneuver, and the easy grass-cutting height adjustment allows for precision cutting.
The blades are made of high-quality alloy steel that stays sharp longer, and the mower is almost maintenance-free with no spark plugs to foul or engines to clog up.
The Great States 815-18 18-inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is perfect for those who have a smaller lawn and want an eco-friendly, low-maintenance option. It’s also great for those who want a quiet mower that won’t disturb their neighbors.
However, if you have a larger lawn or uneven terrain, the manual push design may be tiring and the 10″ composite wheels may not be as durable as traditional rubber tires.
Overall, we highly recommend the Great States 815-18 18-inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower for those looking for an eco-friendly, low-maintenance lawn mower.
5. Amazon Basics 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly and easy-to-use push lawn mower, then the Amazon Basics 18-inch 5-blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher is a great option.
Pros
- The 5-blade reel provides a precise cut that’s perfect for small to medium-sized lawns.
- The 10-inch rubber wheels make maneuvering the mower a breeze.
- The blades are made of heat-treated alloy steel, ensuring they stay sharp for a long time.
Cons
- Not recommended for high-density grass, tall grass (over 4 inches), or withered grass.
- Grass catcher bags may not stay in place during use.
- Requires some strength to push, which may not be suitable for older individuals.
This push-reel lawn mower is a great alternative to gas-powered mowers. It’s low maintenance, lightweight, and easy to use, making it a great option for those who want to keep their lawn looking great without the hassle of a gas-powered mower.
The adjustable blade height of 0.98-1.97 inches provides a scissor-action cut that’s perfect for grass up to 4 inches tall. The collection bag is also a great feature, as it prevents grass from being strewn across the lawn during use.
Overall, we recommend the Amazon Basics 18-inch 5-blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher for those who want an environmentally friendly and easy-to-use push lawn mower.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best manual lawn mower, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for when making your decision:
Cutting Width
The cutting width of a lawn mower refers to the width of the blade. A wider cutting width means you can cover more ground in less time.
However, a wider blade may also be heavier and harder to maneuver. Consider the size of your lawn and your physical abilities when choosing a cutting width.
Cutting Height
The cutting height of a lawn mower refers to the height of the grass after it has been cut. Different mowers have different cutting height ranges, so make sure to choose one that can accommodate the height of your grass.
Additionally, consider whether you want to be able to adjust the cutting height easily or if a fixed height is sufficient for your needs.
Blade Material
The material of the blade can affect the durability and sharpness of the mower. Some common blade materials include steel, aluminum, and composite materials. Steel blades are durable and long-lasting, but may require more maintenance to keep them sharp.
Aluminum blades are lightweight and easy to maneuver, but may not be as durable as steel blades. Composite blades are a newer material that combines the durability of steel with the lightweight nature of aluminum.
Weight
The weight of the lawn mower can affect how easy it is to maneuver and push across your lawn. A lighter mower may be easier to handle, but may not be as durable as a heavier model.
Consider your physical abilities and the size of your lawn when choosing a weight that is comfortable for you.
Grass Catcher
A grass catcher is a bag or container that collects the grass clippings as you mow. Some manual lawnmowers come with a grass catcher, while others do not.
If you prefer to collect your grass clippings rather than leaving them on your lawn, consider a mower with a grass catcher.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best manual lawn mower for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of using a manual reel mower over an electric or gas-powered one?
Manual reel mowers are eco-friendly and produce zero emissions, making them an excellent choice for environmentally conscious individuals.
They are also much quieter than gas-powered mowers, which are great for early morning or late evening mowing sessions. Additionally, manual reel mowers are low maintenance and cost-effective in the long run.
How does a reel mower compare to a rotary mower in terms of lawn health?
Manual reel mowers are better for lawn health than rotary mowers. They cut the grass cleanly, leaving behind a smooth cut that promotes healthy growth.
Rotary mowers, on the other hand, can tear and damage the grass blades, leading to a brown, unhealthy lawn.
What features should I look for in a high-quality manual reel mower?
When shopping for a manual reel mower, look for features such as adjustable cutting height, a sturdy frame, and sharp blades. A comfortable handle grip and lightweight design can also make a big difference in ease of use.
Can a manual reel mower handle tall or thick grass effectively?
Manual reel mowers are best suited for shorter grass, but they can still handle tall or thick grass if you mow frequently and adjust the cutting height accordingly.
However, if your lawn is consistently overgrown, a manual reel mower may not be the best choice.
How do manual mowers with a bagging option perform in terms of cleanliness and convenience?
Manual reel mowers with a bagging option can be very convenient, as they allow you to collect grass clippings and dispose of them easily.
They also leave your lawn looking neat and tidy. However, the bagging option can add extra weight to the mower, making it slightly more difficult to push.
What maintenance is required to keep a manual reel mower in optimal condition?
To keep your manual reel mower in optimal condition, you should regularly sharpen the blades, oil the moving parts, and keep the mower clean and dry when not in use. It’s also important to store the mower in a dry place to prevent rust and other damage.
You might also be interested in checking out the guide on the best hover mowers.