The Advantages of Reel Mowers: A Reel Mower’s Cuts and Costs
There are many hidden-gem advantages of reel mowers, offering precise cuts and low-maintenance benefits for a healthier lawn.
Did you know a push-reel mower can save up to 6 gallons of gas a year? This is just one of the many benefits of using a reel mower. As a professional copywriter, I’m excited to share how this eco-friendly option can save you money and help your lawn.
Reel mowers give your lawn a clean cut, making it healthier and lush. Unlike gas mowers, reel mowers cut grass cleanly. This means grass clippings can act as natural fertilizer, adding nitrogen to the soil. This is good for the environment and your lawn.
Keeping a reel mower in good shape is easy and cheap. The blades stay sharp for years without needing to be sharpened often. Plus, these mowers don’t use fossil fuels, so they don’t pollute the air or make noise. This makes for a quieter, greener way to mow your lawn.
Key Takeaways
- Reel mowers provide a precise, clean cut for a healthier lawn
- They are low-maintenance, with blades that stay sharp for years
- Reel mowers are eco-friendly, producing no emissions or noise pollution
- Grass clippings from a reel mower can act as natural fertilizer
- Reel mowers are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for small lawns
What is a Reel Mower?
A reel mower, also known as a push reel mower, is a manual lawn mower. It uses a cylindrical blade assembly to cut grass. The first reel mower was invented in 1830.
Unlike gas-powered rotary mowers, reel mowers cut grass with a scissor-like action. This provides a clean, precise cut.
A Brief History of the Reel Mower
The first reel mowers were patented in the 19th century, starting in 1830. These early mowers were manual, needing the user’s effort to power the blades. As time went on, reel mowers got better, with new blade technology and motorized models.
Today, reel mowers are still a favorite for those who want a green and precise lawn. They are seen as a more eco-friendly option.
Reel mowers cut grass by lifting and slicing individual blades. The blades spin as the mower moves forward. This action gives a clean, even cut that’s great for a healthy lawn.
Compared to rotary mowers, reel mowers offer a better cut. They help grass grow thicker and greener.
“Reel mowers are known for providing a sharper, cleaner cut on grass, reducing grass discoloration.” – Sam, author here
Reel mowers have a rich history but are still loved today. They are prized for their precise cutting and eco-friendly use.
Cutting Advantages of Reel Mowers
Reel mowers are great at giving your grass a clean cut. They don’t tear the grass like rotary mowers do. Instead, they cut it like scissors, leaving your lawn looking lush and green.
They prevent “white-tipping,” where grass tips turn brown. This keeps your lawn looking fresh and green. It’s a sign of healthy grass.
Studies show reel mowers can cut disease risk by up to 65%. This is because they cut the grass cleanly, without fraying. This helps the grass stay moist and healthy.
Precise and Clean Cutting for a Healthier Lawn
“Reel mowers offer a superior cut quality compared to rotary mowers, as they can cut the grass cleanly and precisely, reducing the risk of frayed edges that may lead to discoloration or disease.” – Fin, website follower
Reel mowers are better than traditional mowers for many reasons. They help your grass grow strong and your lawn look perfect. They make your lawn a clean cut lawn you’ll love.
Cost Advantages of Reel Mowers: Low Maintenance and Cost-Effective
Reel mowers are very low-maintenance for lawn care, compared to gas-powered mowers. They don’t need fuel or oil, saving money and the environment. Plus, their blades stay sharp for years, needing only occasional sharpening. This makes reel mowers a cost-effective choice for easy lawn care.
No Fuel or Oil Required
A new gas-powered mower costs between $250 to $1,000 and lasts about 5 years. In contrast, a good reel mower costs $159 to $209 and can last decades. Gas mowers also cost $25 extra each year for fuel and oil, adding up to $500 over 10 years. Reel mowers save you money in the long run.
Blades Stay Sharp Longer
Reel mowers’ blades stay sharp for years, unlike gas mowers which need sharpening or replacement every year. This costs around $5 annually. So, reel mowers are not only low maintenance but also save you money.
| Feature | Gas-Powered Mower | Reel Mower |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost (New) | $250 – $1,000 | $159 – $209 |
| Lifespan | 5 years | Decades |
| Annual Fuel/Oil Cost | $25 | $0 |
| Blade Sharpening Cost | $5 per year | Minimal, every 10 years |
Eco-Friendly and Quiet Operation
I’m always looking for ways to be kinder to the planet. That’s why I love eco-friendly mowers, like the simple reel mower. They’re quiet, don’t pollute, and are a nice change from the loud, gas-guzzling mowers we’re used to.
Reel mowers are great because they don’t pollute. They don’t make harmful emissions, unlike gas mowers. Plus, they’re so quiet, you can mow anytime without disturbing anyone.
Zero Emissions and Noise Pollution
I care about the environment and keeping the peace in my community. The quiet operation of a reel mower is a big plus. I can mow without waking up the neighbors or disturbing my family’s evening.
“Reel mowers are celebrated for their minimal environmental impact, emitting zero harmful pollutants or requiring fossil fuels, making them an eco-friendly choice.”
In today’s noisy world, a quiet lawn mower is a welcome relief. It shows us we can enjoy our outdoor spaces without harming the planet or our peace of mind.
Reel Mower Benefits
Using a reel mower does more than just cut your grass. It also helps your lawn grow strong and healthy. One big plus is that it turns grass clippings into natural fertilizer for your lawn.
Unlike regular mowers, reel mowers let the clippings fall back onto the lawn. As they break down, they add nutrients like nitrogen back into the soil. This helps your grass grow strong and green.
This way of fertilizing is better for the environment. It means you don’t need to use harmful chemicals. By mulching grass clippings, you save time, money, and help the planet. Plus, you get a lush, vibrant lawn.
Experts say reel mowers are becoming more popular. They’re good for the planet and your wallet. The key benefit is recycling grass clippings as natural lawn fertilizer.
“Reel mowers provide superior quality of cut and the ability to mow at very low heights, such as golf course putting greens,” says Bob Mann, Senior Director of Technical & Regulatory Affairs at the National Association of Landscape Professionals.
If you want a healthy lawn and care for the environment, think about using a reel mower. It’s a smart choice for a lush, vibrant lawn and for the planet.
Easy to Maneuver and Lightweight
Choosing the right lawn mower is key to a healthy lawn. Reel mowers are known for being easy to move and light. They weigh about 25-35 pounds, making them simple to push and steer, even in tight spots.
Unlike big, gas-powered mowers, reel mowers are easy to handle. Their design lets you control them well, making it easy to go around plants and trees. They’re also small, so they’re easy to put away when you’re done.
| Advantage | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Lightweight construction | Easy to push and guide around the lawn |
| Compact size | Simple to store when not in use |
| No heavy engine or fuel tank | Improved maneuverability and control |
Reel mowers are great for those who want to easily move their mower. Their easy to maneuver and lightweight design make mowing a breeze. This leads to a lawn that looks well cared for.
A Good Exercise Routine
Mowing the lawn with a reel mower is a great way to get some physical activity and exercise. It’s more work than using a gas mower because you have to push it. This can make you work your legs, arms, and core muscles.
For those wanting to add more physical activity to their daily routine, a reel mower is a good choice. It helps you stay active while keeping your lawn looking nice.
In a 30-minute high-intensity cardio workout on a Precor Elliptical set at a 12 incline and 12 resistance, an individual burned 427 calories, with an average heart rate of 155. During a 38-minute “quick mow,” the same individual burned 217 calories with an average heart rate of 116 and a max of 132. These numbers were obtained using a self-propelled mower. A “full-service mow” lasting 1 hour and 23 minutes represents a typical weekend mow for the individual.
For a longer day of spring cleanup chores, including mowing, edging, trimming, blowing, scalping a 2000 sq ft area of zoysia grass, spraying, spreading fertilizer, and light pruning, the individual burned around 700 calories. Mowing the lawn twice a week can count as two decent workouts per week, and an effective weight loss strategy involves creating a calorie deficit, burning more calories than consumed. In this context, a 2.5-hour yard work session that burns 700 calories can contribute significantly to achieving a calorie deficit.
The average weight of a lawn mower ranges between 90 and 100 pounds, but a manual lawn mower weighs about 20 to 30 pounds, providing more intensity for a workout compared to an automatic mower. Leaf blowers typically weigh around 50 pounds, offering an arm workout and engaging the core muscles. Gardening activities include squatting, bending, lifting, digging, and raking, contributing to functional strength and overall fitness.
Limitations and Drawbacks
Reel mowers have many benefits, but they also have some downsides. One big issue is dealing with very tall or thick grass. The vertical blades can get stuck, making it hard to cut the grass evenly. This problem is worse if you haven’t mowed your lawn regularly.
Another problem is that reel mowers work best on small lawns. They are usually good for lawns under 8,000 square feet. For bigger lawns, pushing the mower can be very tiring. In such cases, a gas-powered mower might be easier to use.
Even with these challenges, many people still choose reel mowers. They like the precise cuts, low upkeep, and eco-friendliness. Knowing the potential issues helps homeowners pick the right mower for their lawn and needs.
