Best Vintage Reel Mowers for Small Lawns Today
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A vintage reel mower is a manual push mower with a cylinder of blades that spins as the wheels turn, cutting grass with a scissor action instead of a spinning blade. This guide compares seven push reel mowers from the product data we hold. Only one listing uses the word “vintage” in its title, so this guide treats all seven as reel mowers and does not describe the others as vintage. Each entry uses the cutting width, height range, weight and warranty stated in its listing. Where a listing does not state a value, the guide says so.
Quick answer
- The listings describe these reel mowers as needing no gas or oil. Every product in this guide is a manual push model.
- Cutting width in this group runs from 14 inches to 18 inches. A 14-inch model is the lightest choice, and the 18-inch model is the widest.
- Most listings give an adjustable cutting height of about 0.5 to 1.75 inches. The 16-inch and 18-inch models list higher upper limits.
- Reel mowers work best on a maintained lawn. The listings say to keep grass below about 4 inches and to mow when the grass is dry.
How to choose a reel mower
Start with the size of the lawn and the path you push across it. A wider cutting path covers more ground on each pass, but it also makes the mower heavier and harder to turn in tight spaces. Among these seven listings, the 14-inch models list weights of about 1 kilogram, 9.3 pounds and 18.1 pounds, while the 18-inch model lists 27 pounds. The weight figures in the listings vary by unit type, and two 14-inch listings describe the mower as reel only, so check the included components before buying.
Next, look at the cutting height. A reel mower cuts best when it removes a small part of the blade at each pass. The listings describe reel mowers as best for grass under about 4 inches, and they advise removing no more than one third of the blade in a single pass. If your lawn is taller or thick with weeds, the listings say to expect extra passes and to clear debris first. A model with a higher upper height setting gives you more room to cut taller grass in one pass.
Then check the blade count and blade material. The listings describe 4-blade and 5-blade reels. A 5-blade reel is listed on several models in this group. All listings that state a material list alloy steel blades, and two listings say the blades are heat-treated for staying sharp longer.
Finally, check the warranty. The American Lawn Mower 18-inch model lists a 5-year manufacturer protection plan in its bullets and a 1-year limited warranty in its specs. The Great States models list a 90-day limited warranty or a 1-year limited warranty, depending on the listing.
Sizing and fit
The table below uses only values stated in each product’s data. A cell that reads “not stated” means the listing did not give that value in the data we hold. Where a listing gives two different values for the same field, the table shows the bullet text and notes the conflict in the product entry.
| Model | Cutting width | Stated cutting height | Stated weight | Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Lawn Mower Company 16-Inch 5-Blade (1895ALM) | 16 in | 0.5 to 2.5 in | Not stated | 10 in polymer |
| American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade | 14 in | 0.5 to 1.75 in (bullet); specs list a different range | 1 kg (listed) | 8.5 in polymer |
| American Lawn Mower 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade | 18 in | 1/2 to 2-3/4 in | 27 lb | Not stated |
| Great States 304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade | 14 in | 0.5 to 1.75 in | 9.3 lb | 10 in composite |
| Scotts 304-14S 14-Inch 5-Blade | 14 in | 0.5 to 1.75 in | 18.1 lb | Not stated |
| Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch | 14 in | 0.5 to 1.75 in | 1 kg (listed) | 8.5 in polymer |
| Great States 415-16 16-Inch T-Style | 16 in | 1 to 2.5 in (bullet); specs list 0.5 to 2.5 in | 20.9 lb | 10 in composite |
Several products in the table have specs that disagree with their bullets on height, weight or wheel size. The guide reports both values and does not choose one. Check the listing page for the final figure before you order.
Materials and build
The listings describe blades made from heat-treated alloy steel. The American Lawn Mower 16-inch model describes a wooden upper handle and a roller, which gives it the classic look that many buyers associate with older reel mowers. The 18-inch American Lawn Mower model is listed as metal construction with black finish. The Great States models describe T-style handles with cushioned grips and tool-less assembly. The Scotts 14-inch listing says the model requires no gas or oil and uses a T-style handle with a cushioned grip.
Wheels matter on uneven ground. The listings give polymer or composite wheels in several sizes, from 8.5 inches on the smaller 14-inch models to 10 inches on the 16-inch models. Larger wheels roll more easily over small bumps, while smaller wheels make the mower lighter and easier to turn.
Seven models from the listings
American Lawn Mower Company 16-Inch 5-Blade Vintage Reel Lawn Mower (1895ALM)
This is the only model in the group whose title uses the word vintage. The listing describes a 16-inch cutting width, a 5-blade reel and 10-inch polymer wheels with a metal hub cap. It lists an adjustable cutting height of 0.5 to 2.5 inches. The listing mentions a wooden upper handle and roller, and it says the mower is lightweight and low maintenance. The listing does not state an item weight or a warranty term in the data we hold.
American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red
This 14-inch model has four blades and 8.5-inch polymer wheels. The listing gives a weight of 19 pounds in its bullet text and 1 kilogram in its specs, so the figure is not consistent across the listing. The listing says it is designed for small lawns and most turf grasses, and that it cuts grass up to about 4 inches tall, though it is less effective on taller grass. Its bullets recommend mowing no more than one third of the grass blade in a pass and avoiding wet grass. It is a good match for a small, well-kept lawn where a four-blade reel is enough.
American Lawn Mower 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Black
The 18-inch model is the widest reel in this group. The listing gives a cutting width of 18 inches, a 5-blade reel, and an adjustable height from 1/2 inch to 2-3/4 inches in its bullets. It lists an item weight of 27 pounds, which is the heaviest figure in the group. The listing describes it as suited to dry grass under 4 inches and says taller grass may need more than one pass. It also mentions a 5-year manufacturer protection plan in its bullets, and its specs list a 1-year limited warranty. Check the warranty wording on the listing page, since the two statements differ.
Great States 304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red
This Great States model is a 14-inch, 5-blade reel with a ball-bearing reel and 8.5-inch composite wheels in its bullets, though its specs list 10-inch wheels. The listing gives an adjustable height of 0.5 to 1.75 inches, an item weight of 9.3 pounds, and a T-style handle with a cushioned grip. It says the assembly is tool-less. The listing describes the mower as clean and quiet, and it states a 90-day limited warranty. It is one of the lighter 5-blade options in this group.
Scotts 304-14S 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Green
The Scotts 304-14S is the same 14-inch, 5-blade layout as the Great States 304-14 with a green finish. Its bullets state a cutting width of 14 inches, a 5-blade ball-bearing reel and an adjustable height of 0.5 to 1.75 inches. The listing gives an item weight of 18.1 pounds, which is about nine pounds more than the Great States 304-14 in the same width. Its specs give a 90-day limited warranty and a Great States manufacturer name, so check the seller and warranty line on the listing before you buy.
Great States 204-14 Hand Reel 14 Inch Push Lawn Mower
This Great States model is a 4-blade, 14-inch reel with 8.5-inch polymer wheels. Its bullets list an adjustable height from 0.5 to 1.75 inches and a scissor-action cut. The listing describes it as a small push mower, and it says the reel works best on maintained lawns. It recommends clearing debris before mowing and advises that a lawn with divots or tall weeds may need work before a reel mower can cut it well in one pass. The listing states a 1-year warranty and a weight of 1 kilogram in its specs.
Great States 415-16 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower with T-Style Handle
The 415-16 is the Great States model in this guide with a 16-inch cutting width. It has a 16-inch cutting width, a 5-blade ball-bearing reel and 10-inch composite wheels. Its bullets give an adjustable height of 1 to 2.5 inches, and its specs list a range that starts at 0.5 inch. The listing gives an item weight of 20.9 pounds, a T-style cushioned handle and tool-less assembly. It states a 1-year limited warranty and notes that the reel needs no gas or oil.
Who each reel mower suits
- Small, flat lawns: the 14-inch Great States 204-14 or the 14-inch American Lawn Mower 1204-14, because both are compact and the listings describe them for small lawns.
- Light weight: the Great States 304-14, at 9.3 pounds, is the lightest model with a stated weight in pounds in this group.
- Wider passes: the 16-inch American Lawn Mower 16-inch 5-blade and Great States 415-16, or the 18-inch American Lawn Mower 1815-18 for larger flat areas.
- Owners who want the vintage look: the American Lawn Mower 16-inch model, the only listing in this group that mentions a wooden upper handle.
Mistakes to avoid
- Mowing grass taller than the listing recommends. The listings advise keeping grass under about 4 inches, and a taller lawn often needs several passes.
- Cutting wet grass. Several listings advise against using a reel mower on wet grass.
- Removing too much blade at once. The listings say to cut no more than one third of the blade.
- Trusting one weight figure. Some listings give different weights in the bullets and specs, so check the item page before you plan the lift or the storage space.
- Skipping debris cleanup. The Great States 204-14 listing advises clearing lawn debris before mowing.
FAQ
What is a reel mower best for?
The listings describe reel mowers as suited to small, maintained lawns with grass under about 4 inches. They need no gas or oil, and the listings describe them as quiet and low maintenance.
How high can a reel mower cut?
The stated ranges in this group run from about 0.5 inch to 2.75 inches, depending on the model. The American Lawn Mower 18-inch model lists the top setting at 2-3/4 inches, and the Great States 415-16 lists 2.5 inches in its specs.
Which model is the lightest?
The Great States 304-14 lists 9.3 pounds, which is the lowest stated weight in pounds among these seven listings. The 14-inch Great States 204-14 and American Lawn Mower 1204-14 list 1 kilogram in their specs, which is about 2.2 pounds, but the listings describe those figures inconsistently, so check the weight on the product page.
Does a reel mower need a warranty?
Several listings in this group state a warranty. The stated terms are a 90-day limited warranty, a 1-year limited warranty, and a 5-year protection plan in the bullets of the 18-inch American Lawn Mower model, whose specs list a 1-year limited warranty. The 16-inch vintage-titled listing does not state a warranty term in the data we hold. Read the warranty line on the product page before you buy.
Can I use a reel mower on taller grass?
The listings say no for grass well above about 4 inches. For taller grass, they advise mowing in shorter passes, expecting extra passes, and clearing the lawn of debris first. A lawn with tall weeds or divots may need preparation before a reel mower can cut it well.
Do reel mowers need sharpening?
The listings describe heat-treated alloy steel blades that stay sharp longer, but none of the seven listings gives a sharpening interval. Plan for periodic blade care, and follow the maintenance instructions in the manual that comes with your model.
Bottom line
Choose the cutting width by the size of your flat lawn, and choose the height range by the grass you cut most often. If you want the lightest model, the Great States 304-14 has the lowest stated weight in pounds in this group. If you want the widest pass, the American Lawn Mower 18-inch model is the widest. Keep the grass under about 4 inches, mow when it is dry, and check each listing’s weight and warranty before buying.
Related reading
- Best Replacement Mower Blades, and the Reel and Robot Mowers Listed Beside Them explains blade replacement for reel mowers.
- Best Blade Style for Lawn Mowers: Rotary, Mulching, Reel or Flail compares blade styles, including reel.
