Reel Mower Buying Guide

When you're walking behind the right model, giving the lawn a haircut can be one of life's little pleasures. Here’s what you need to know before you buy a reel mower.

You can thank engineering upgrades for giving the old-fashioned manual mower added traction. Along with fume- and fuel-free exercise, the latest models offer owners of small, tidy lawns sharper cuts and more cutting-height choices.

New features also allow mowers to roll more smoothly and handle more nimbly than the clunkers of yesteryear. All this adds up to a healthier lawn and less work. Read on for four ways to compare models before deciding which fancy clipper to let loose in your yard.

Before You Buy a Reel Mower: What to Know

Check out the blades and reel

Thicker, heavier steel blades add power and can slice through dense grass, weeds, and small twigs that can jam other mowers. The blades can go six-plus years between sharpenings because a minuscule gap prevents them from directly striking the cutting bar, so they experience less wear and tear.

Kick the tires

Small front wheels make for easier maneuvering and, in this case, help ease height adjustment by the lever in front. Inset wheels allow the blades to extend across the mower, so you can make a close cut along walls and edges.

Measure the shave

Some types of turfgrass are healthier when kept up to about 4 inches tall. We like the StaySharp Max Reel Mower by Fiskar because, unlike some reel mowers, it adjusts to cut grass to that height. The reel raises easily by adjusting the lever to one of nine positions, starting at 1 inch, while keeping the blades in the optimal position for cutting.

Test the handle

It should be comfortable and adjustable and allow for a smooth tip up in front when turning a corner. Popping a wheelie won't make mowing pure fun, but when it comes to lawn chores, every little bit helps.