Choosing a hand lawn mower can reduce noise, emissions, and maintenance while keeping your lawn neatly trimmed. This guide highlights five highly suitable reel mowers and a cordless option from trusted brands. Each selection emphasizes cutoff quality, maneuverability, and user-friendly features to help you find the right fit for small to mid-size lawns.
| Product | Brand | Cut Width | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 | American Lawn Mower Company | 14 inches | Lightweight, adjustable blade height for versatile mowing |
| Great States 204-14 | Great States | 14 inches | Solid steel blades with easy height adjustment |
| Great States 815-18 | Great States | 18 inches | Wider cut, five blades for efficient mowing |
| Earthwise 1715-16EW | Earthwise | 16 inches | 7-blade reel for smooth cuts on diverse grasses |
| Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S | Scotts | 20 inches | Classic push reel with durable heat-treated blades |
American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14
The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 is a compact manual reel mower with a 14-inch cutting width and 8.5-inch polymer wheels for improved maneuverability. Weighing about 19 pounds, it is designed for small to mid-size lawns and features an adjustable blade height from 0.5 to 1.75 inches. This model excels in quiet operation, no fuel or emissions, and low maintenance. While it handles grass up to roughly 4 inches tall, taller growth may require multiple passes or a higher cut setting. It’s ideal for people seeking an eco-friendly, simple mowing experience with reliable performance on standard turf grasses.
Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch
The Great States 204-14 offers a 14-inch cutting width with an 8.5-inch polymer wheel system for nimble handling. It features a 0.5 to 1.75-inch blade height adjustment and a scissor-action cut with heat-treated alloy steel blades designed to stay sharp for years. This mower is well-suited for small to average lawns where quiet operation and minimal maintenance are priorities. Its manual design means users control mowing pace and noise, while still achieving a clean, precise cut on common turf varieties.
Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade
The Great States 815-18 is a larger, motorless push mower with an 18-inch cutting width and five blades mounted on a ball-bearing reel. It provides an adjustable cutting height from 0.5 to 2.75 inches, enabling consistent results across various grass types. The 10-inch composite wheels improve tracking, while the high-quality alloy steel blades stay sharp longer with periodic sharpening. This model is a strong option for homeowners seeking efficient coverage of mid-sized lawns with a traditional reel mower design.
Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade
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 supports robust use across common lawn grasses including Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine, and Seashore Paspalum. The alloy steel blades stay sharp longer and can be serviced as needed. This mower blends traditional hand-push operation with modern durability for versatile yard maintenance, especially on medium-sized lawns that require a consistent, eco-friendly cut.
Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S 20-Inch
The Scotts 2000-20S Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower features a 20-inch cutting width and a five-blade ball-bearing reel with 10-inch dual tracking wheels. It provides quick height adjustments from 1 inch to 3 inches for a clean, even cut. The heat-treated alloy steel blades stay sharp longer and can be sharpened as needed. This model delivers efficient coverage for larger small lawns while remaining quiet and emission-free. It is well-suited for users who want a traditional mowing experience with enhanced cutting capacity.
Buying Guide
- Cut width and lawn size: Choose a mower with a width that matches your lawn’s dimensions. Wider mowers cover more area per pass but require more space to maneuver in tight corners.
- Blade design and maintenance: Look for heat-treated alloy blades for longevity. Stone or dirt can dull blades, so consider models that are easy to sharpen or service.
- Adjustable cutting height: Select a mower with a range that accommodates your preferred grass height and seasonal growth, typically 0.5 to 3 inches.
- Wheels and maneuverability: Polymer wheels are lightweight and durable; larger wheels help roll over uneven patches. Consider wheellayout that promotes stable tracking.
- Grasses and conditions: Reel mowers excel on short, healthy turf with even moisture. They perform best on well-maintained lawns and can struggle on tall, dense growth without multiple passes.
- Noise and emissions: Reel mowers are inherently quiet and pollutant-free, making them ideal for neighborhood settings and eco-conscious maintenance.
- Maintenance and storage: Manual mowers require minimal maintenance but need occasional blade sharpening and proper storage to prevent rust.
- Ergonomics and user comfort: Look for adjustable handles and balanced weight to reduce fatigue during longer mowing sessions.
- Compatibility with lawn types: Some models are better suited for Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine, or other grasses; verify blade geometry suitability for your grass.
- Cost of ownership: While initial investment varies, reel mowers generally have lower long-term costs due to zero fuel and minimal maintenance.