Best Motorized Reel Mowers for Easy Lawn Cutting
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Best Manual Reel Mowers for Easy Lawn Cutting
Readers searching for a motorized reel mower are usually looking for a reel-style cutter that is easy to push and needs no gas or electricity. Every product in this roundup is a manual push reel mower. None of the listings describes a motor or a battery, so this guide compares the eight manual options the listings describe, with the cutting width, height range, blade count and weight each one states.
Quick answer
- All eight products are manual push reel mowers. The listings state no motor, no gas and no battery.
- Cutting widths in this group run from 14 inches to 18 inches, with one 16-inch model that includes a sharpener.
- Listed weights range from about 9.3 pounds to 27 pounds, so the lightest option is the easiest to carry.
- Most listings describe the height range as suited to lawns that are kept short. Check the height range against how long your grass usually grows.
What a reel mower does and does not do
A reel mower cuts with a set of spiral blades that spin past a fixed bar. The listings describe this as a scissor-like action. The American Lawn Mower Company listing for its 14-inch model says a reel mower “uses a cutting action that does not bruise or damage the blades of grass.” That is a claim from the listing, and it is the main reason many owners prefer reel designs for fine turf.
A reel mower does not cut tall or wet grass well. The 14-inch American Lawn Mower listing says it is “less effective on taller grass” and advises against using it when the grass is wet. The Great States 204-14 listing says tall grass “means more work” and recommends mowing smaller amounts more often instead of letting the lawn grow long. These are the limits to plan around before you buy.
How to choose a reel mower
Start with the lawn you actually have. The listings suggest different sizes for different yards, so match the cutting width to the area you mow:
- Small lawns and tight spaces: The 14-inch models are the narrowest in this group. The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 listing gives its product dimensions as 24 inches deep, 20 inches wide and 42.5 inches high.
- Medium lawns: The 16-inch models cover more ground per pass. The Walensee listing gives its product dimensions as 22 inches deep, 21 inches wide and 46 inches high.
- Larger open lawns: The 18-inch models offer the widest path in this roundup. The Great States 815-18 and the LawnMaster 18-inch listing both state an 18-inch cutting width.
Next, check the height range. The listings do not all use the same numbers, so read each one carefully. Compare the height settings in the sections below rather than assuming they match.
Blade count and what it means
The listings describe three blade counts: 4, 5 and 7. The 4-blade American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is the smallest reel in this group. The Earthwise 1715-16EW and the American Lawn Mower 2607-16 use 7 blades. The listings for the 7-blade models describe them as suited to fine-textured grasses. The Earthwise listing names Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine and Seashore Paspalum. The American Lawn Mower 2607-16 listing names Bentgrass, Bermuda and Zoysia. Most of the other models in this group use 5 blades, and the listings describe the blades as alloy steel that stays sharp longer.
The eight reel mowers compared
The table below uses only values the listings state. Where a listing gives no value, the cell says “not stated.”
| Model | Cutting width | Blades | Listed weight | Height range (listing) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Lawn Mower 1204-14 | 14 in | 4 | 19 lb (bullet); 1 kg (spec) | 0.5 to 1.75 in (bullet); 1.3 to 4.45 in (spec) |
| American Lawn Mower 1815-18 | 18 in | 5 | 27 lb | 0.5 to 2.75 in (bullet); 1.27 to 6.4 in (spec) |
| Great States 304-14 | 14 in | 5 | 9.3 lb | 0.5 to 1.75 in |
| Great States 815-18 | 18 in | 5 | 27 lb | 0.5 to 2.75 in |
| Great States 415-16 | 16 in | 5 | 20.9 lb | 0.5 to 2.5 in (spec); 1 to 2.5 in (bullet) |
| GARDENA Classic 16 in | 15.75 in (spec) | 5 | 19.6 lb (bullet); 20 lb (spec) | 0.47 to 1.65 in |
| Walensee 16 in | 16 in | 5 | 15.4 lb | 0.5 to 1.5 in |
| American Lawn Mower 2607-16 | 16 in | 7 | 21.8 lb | 0.5 to 2.5 in |
Two rows show conflicting figures inside the same listing. The 1204-14 bullet says the height range is 0.5 to 1.75 inches, but its specification section says 1.3 to 4.45 inches. The 1204-14 bullet also gives a weight of 19 pounds, while its specification says 1 kg. Confirm both numbers on the product page before you buy.
American Lawn Mower 1204-14: 14-inch, 4-blade
This is the narrowest and lightest model in the American Lawn Mower line that this roundup covers. The listing describes a 14-inch cutting width, 4 blades and 8.5-inch polymer wheels for maneuverability. It describes the mower as deluxe and ideal for most turf grasses. The listing says the mower is “pollution-free, noise-free, low maintenance,” which are the listing’s words. The listing advises mowing no more than one third of the blade height at a time and mowing more often when the grass gets longer than about 4 inches. It is a good fit for a small front lawn with fine grass that is cut often. It is a poor fit for long or wet grass.
American Lawn Mower 1815-18: 18-inch, 5-blade
The 1815-18 has the widest cutting path in this group. Its listing describes “Durable 18-Inch Cutting Width” and says it is intended for small to medium-sized yards. The listing recommends it for dry grass under 4 inches, with a single pass for well-kept lawns and more passes for taller grass. The listing includes a 5-year manufacturer protection plan called the Reel-Deal. Its specification section lists a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty, so read the warranty terms on the product page before relying on either number. At 27 pounds it is heavier than the 14-inch models.
Great States 304-14: 14-inch, 5-blade
The 304-14 is the lightest 5-blade model in this list at 9.3 pounds according to its listing. The listing describes a height range from 0.5 to 1.75 inches, an alloy steel blade reel with a ball bearing, and 8.5-inch composite wheels. It also describes a T-style handle with a cushioned grip and says it has easy tool-less assembly. The listing states a 90-day limited manufacturer warranty. It is a practical choice for a small, low-cut lawn where weight matters most.
Great States 815-18: 18-inch, 5-blade
The 815-18 pairs the widest cut in this group with a higher height range. Its listing gives a height range from 0.5 to 2.75 inches, which is more room to set a longer cut than most other models here. The listing describes a loop-style handle with cushioned grips and says the mower is “motor-less” and low maintenance. The listing states a 2-year limited manufacturer warranty. At 27 pounds it is the heaviest of the 18-inch options on this page, so consider how far you will push it before buying.
Great States 415-16: 16-inch, 5-blade
The 415-16 sits between the 14-inch and 18-inch models. Its listing gives a 16-inch cutting width and a 5-blade ball bearing reel with 10-inch composite wheels. The specification section lists a height range from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, while the bullet lists 1 to 2.5 inches. The listing describes a T-style handle and tool-less assembly, and it lists a 1-year limited warranty. It weighs 20.9 pounds according to its listing. This is a balanced option for a medium lawn if you want the extra width without the 27-pound weight of the 18-inch models.
GARDENA Classic 16 in: 5-blade, folding handle
The GARDENA Classic is the only model in this list with a folding handle, which the listing says allows compact storage in small spaces. The listing describes a hardened, non-stick coated cutting cylinder that rotates past a fixed counter-blade. It gives four height settings between 0.47 and 1.65 inches and a weight of 19.6 pounds in its bullet points. Its specification section lists a 15.75-inch cutting width even though the product title says 16 inches. The listing says a GARDENA grass catcher is sold separately under a different article number. It also states a ten-year manufacturer warranty and says the product is made in Europe. Its listing describes it as quiet and suited to noise-sensitive areas and early morning use.
Walensee 16 in: 5-blade, grass catcher included
The Walensee model is the lightest 16-inch option in this roundup at 15.4 pounds according to its listing. The listing describes 5 precision blades, 8.5-inch drive wheels and a 4-position height adjustment that its bullets give as 0.6 to 1.5 inches, while its specification section gives 0.5 to 1.5 inches. The title says it comes with a removable 7.9-gallon grass catcher. The listing says it requires no gas, electricity or batteries. Check whether the catcher is included in your order before you count on it.
American Lawn Mower 2607-16: 16-inch, 7-blade, sharpener included
The 2607-16 is the only model here that includes a sharpener. The listing describes it as an SK-2 hand sharpener, which it says allows at-home sharpening without professional service. The mower has 7 blades and a 16-inch cutting width. Its listing says the blades are suited to fine-textured grasses such as Bentgrass, Bermuda and Zoysia. The height range runs from 0.5 to 2.5 inches. The listing describes a manual push design that needs no gas, oil or electricity, and it weighs 21.8 pounds. If you plan to keep blades sharp yourself, this model’s included sharpener is a direct advantage.
Who each model suits
- Smallest yard, lightest weight: the Great States 304-14 at 9.3 pounds.
- Small yard with fine turf: the American Lawn Mower 1204-14, or the 7-blade 2607-16 if you want a 16-inch width.
- Medium yard and a grass catcher: the Walensee 16-inch, if the catcher is included in your order.
- Largest path with a high height range: the Great States 815-18 or the American Lawn Mower 1815-18.
- Folding storage in a small space: the GARDENA Classic.
Mistakes to avoid with a reel mower
The listings point to a few common problems. Do not let the grass grow much past 4 inches before a cut, because the listings say reel mowers are less effective on taller grass. Do not mow wet grass, because the 1204-14 listing advises against it. Do not expect a reel mower to match a motorized mower on a rough or uneven lawn. The Great States 204-14 listing says an overgrown lawn with divots and tall weeds needs work before a reel mower will cut well. Clear large twigs, stones and debris first. The Walensee listing gives the same advice.
Blade care
Every model in this roundup uses steel blades that the listings describe as heat-treated or hardened. Blades still dull over time. The University of California Integrated Pest Management guide says reel mower blades need sharpening about every couple of years and recommends a professional shop, though do-it-yourself sharpening kits are sold at lawn and garden centers. For a sharpening method, see our guide on sharpening a reel mower at home. The American Lawn Mower 2607-16 includes a sharpener, and the listing describes it as a way to keep blades sharp without professional servicing.
FAQ
Does a motorized reel mower exist?
The products in this roundup are all manual. Their listings state no motor, gas engine or battery. A reel mower is powered by the person pushing it, so a motorized version would be a different type of machine. If you want a motor, look at a powered rotary or cordless mower instead.
Which reel mower cuts the widest path?
The American Lawn Mower 1815-18 and the Great States 815-18 both list an 18-inch cutting width. The 1815-18 is the lighter of the two at 27 pounds, although both listings give the same weight.
Which model is the lightest?
The Great States 304-14 is listed at 9.3 pounds, the lightest model in this group. The Walensee at 15.4 pounds is the lightest 16-inch option.
Can I use a reel mower on tall grass?
The listings say no. The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 listing says a reel mower is less effective on grass taller than 4 inches. Mow smaller amounts more often instead of waiting until the lawn is long.
Does the listing say whether these mowers need oil?
Yes. Several listings say the mower needs no gas or oil. The Walensee listing says it requires no gas, electricity or batteries.
Is a grass catcher included?
It depends on the model. The Walensee title says it comes with a removable 7.9-gallon grass catcher. The LawnMaster 18-inch listing says it includes a collection bag. The GARDENA listing says its grass catcher is sold separately. Check each product page for the current contents.
Bottom line
If you want a reel mower with no motor, choose by lawn size first. Use a 14-inch model for a small, fine-grass lawn, a 16-inch model for a medium yard, and an 18-inch model for a larger open lawn. Pick the lightest model if you carry or store it often, and choose the 2607-16 if an included sharpener matters to you. Keep the lawn short, and check the height range against your grass before you buy.
Related reading: Best Blade Style for Lawn Mowers: Rotary, Mulching, Reel or Flail and Best Replacement Mower Blades, and the Reel and Robot Mowers Listed Beside Them.
Products in this roundup
1. American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
A 14-inch, 4-blade manual reel mower with 8.5-inch polymer wheels. The listing gives a weight of 19 pounds in its bullets and a height range of 0.5 to 1.75 inches, with conflicting figures in the specifications.
2. American Lawn Mower 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
An 18-inch, 5-blade reel mower with a listed weight of 27 pounds. Its listing describes adjustable blade heights from 0.5 to 2.75 inches and suits dry grass under 4 inches.
3. Great States 304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
A 14-inch, 5-blade reel mower listed at 9.3 pounds with a height range of 0.5 to 1.75 inches and a 90-day limited manufacturer warranty.
4. Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
An 18-inch, 5-blade reel mower with a height range of 0.5 to 2.75 inches, a loop-style handle and a 2-year limited manufacturer warranty.
5. Great States 415-16 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower with T-Style Handle
A 16-inch, 5-blade reel mower listed at 20.9 pounds with a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty and a T-style cushioned handle.
6. GARDENA Classic 16 in Reel Lawn Mower, 5 Blades
A 5-blade manual reel mower with a folding handle, four height settings from 0.47 to 1.65 inches and a listed ten-year manufacturer warranty. The grass catcher is sold separately.
7. Walensee 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
A 16-inch, 5-blade reel mower listed at 15.4 pounds with four height positions and a removable 7.9-gallon grass catcher named in the title.
8. American Lawn Mower 2607-16 16-Inch 7-Blade Reel Mower with Sharpener
A 16-inch, 7-blade reel mower listed at 21.8 pounds. It includes an SK-2 hand sharpener and has a height range of 0.5 to 2.5 inches.
