Bermuda grass thrives with a precise, clean cut. Reel mowers offer a scissor-like precision that promotes healthy growth and a uniform appearance. This guide reviews five top reel mowers suited for Bermuda and similar grasses, highlighting design, cutting width, and maneuverability to help you choose the best fit for your lawn size and maintenance routine.
| Product | Cut Width | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC | 16″ | 7-blade reel for tight Bermuda textures |
| Earthwise 1715-16EW | 16″ | Durable steel, 7-blade reel, versatile for Bermuda and Zoysia |
| Yard Force Reel Mower Cordless Hybrid | 15″ | Battery-assisted option for smoother cuts |
| LawnMaster LMRM1801 | 18″ | 5-blade, high maneuverability for small to medium lawns |
| Fiskars 18″ Push Mower | 18″ | InertiaDrive power and StaySharp system |
The following sections cover each mower’s strengths, helping you weigh portability, maintenance, and performance on Bermuda grass. Each profile references the mower’s listed features to provide an objective overview.
American Lawn Mower 1725-16GC: 16-Inch Reel Mower
The American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC uses a 7-blade reel designed for lawns with Bermuda-like grasses, including tiff and zoysia. A 16-inch cutting width supports efficient mowing on medium-sized lawns, while a newly designed 10-inch wheel enhances maneuverability around obstacles. This model targets active homeowners who maintain short, thick grasses.
Earthwise 1715-16EW: 16-Inch 7-Blade Reel Mower
The Earthwise 1715-16EW features a 16-inch cutting width with a 7-blade ball bearing reel and 10-inch composite wheels. Its durable steel side plate design adds rigidity, while the mower is positioned for cutting bent grass, Bermuda, and other common warm-season varieties. Alloy steel blades stay sharper longer, reducing maintenance over time.
Yard Force Reel Mower Cordless Hybrid: 15-Inch
The Yard Force 15-inch cordless reel mower blends manual cutting with a 20V lithium-ion option. It can operate as a traditional reel mower or be powered for smoother cuts, especially useful on Bermuda and Centipede grasses. It supports a clean, scissor-like cut that supports lawn health and faster recovery after mowing.
LawnMaster LMRM1801: 18-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower
The LawnMaster LMRM1801 offers an 18-inch deck with 5 blades for efficient passes across Bermuda lawns. It emphasizes a scissor-like cut to reduce blade damage and provide a healthier lawn. The mower also features 9 cutting positions from 1.1 to 2.5 inches for precise height control and easy maneuverability with larger front wheels.
Fiskars Push Mower 18″ Cut Width
The Fiskars 18-inch push mower combines an eco-friendly manual reel design with an InertiaDrive system for enhanced cutting power. The StaySharp Cutting System minimizes blade sharpening needs, delivering long-lasting performance. It features an easy-to-adjust handle and a reversible grass chute to direct clippings away from the user, which can help with Bermuda’s thick growth in certain areas.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When choosing a Bermuda grass reel mower, consider cutting width, blade design, and ease of use. A wider deck (around 16–18 inches) speeds up mowing on medium lawns, while a 7-blade or 5-blade reel can influence cutting quality on dense Bermuda. Look for mowers with durable reels and wheels that handle uneven terrain without excessive effort.
Maintenance matters: reel sharpness, blade alignment, and rust resistance affect performance over time. Some models offer StaySharp or low-maintenance blade systems that minimize sharpening. If you have a small lawn or dense patches, a lighter mower with good maneuverability reduces fatigue. For larger yards, consider models with wider cuts and easier adjustments to height settings.
Power options also differ. Traditional manual reels are reliable and quiet, while hybrid or cordless variants provide extra ease for taller or thicker patches. However, battery life, weight, and compatibility with your lawn size should be weighed. For Bermuda, staying within the recommended height range (often 1 to 2.5 inches) promotes dense recovery and healthy growth after mowing.
Durability and materials are worth comparing. Steel components tend to be sturdy, but composite wheels and plastic bottoms can reduce weight. If you have rocky or uneven ground, look for reinforced side plates and wheels that resist wobble. Finally, consider catcher attachments if you prefer a tidy lawn, though many Bermuda lawns benefit from no-catcher setups to avoid clippings buildup.
In summary, select a Bermuda-oriented reel mower based on the lawn’s size, terrain, and mowing frequency. The models reviewed here balance cutting quality with maneuverability, offering options from classic manual reels to powered hybrids. Choose a solution that reduces effort while delivering precise, healthy cuts for a vibrant Bermuda lawn.