Best Gang Reel Mowers for Striping Lawns Today
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A gang reel mower is a set of reel cutters that mounts on a tow unit or a frame and cuts a wide strip in one pass. This roundup covers push reel mowers, the closest match to a gang reel mower in our product data, because none of the listings is a multi-reel gang unit. Each mower below is a single manual reel with the cutting width, blade count and height range that its listing states.
Quick answer
- None of the eight listings is a multi-reel gang unit. They are single push reel mowers with no motor.
- The widest cut in this group is 20 inches, on the Scotts 2000-20S. The narrowest is 14 inches, on the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 and the Great States 304-14.
- Blade count varies from 4 to 7. The listings do not compare blade counts directly, so choose by width, height range and weight.
- Hitch assemblies that mount reel mowers on a tractor are accessories, so they are not listed here.
What the product data covers
The product data for this page held 15 items. Ten were manual push reel mowers listed as complete units. Two were hitch assemblies for gang reel cutters, and three were covers sized for a 21-inch Cub Cadet gang reel. The hitch assemblies and covers are accessories, not mowers, so they are left out. To keep the table to eight, the Scotts 304-14S and the Great States 204-14 were also left out.
Every item in this group is listed as manual or reel-only, with no motor. The listings use the word “gang” in their keyword fields, but none of the mowers in the group is a multi-reel unit. A reader who needs a gang setup for a tow unit should check the frame and hitch system before buying a single reel.
How to choose a reel mower
Start with the cutting width. A 14-inch reel fits a narrow strip, while an 18-inch or 20-inch reel covers more lawn in one pass. Next, look at blade count. The listings here give 4, 5 and 7 blades. More blades mean more cutting edges per turn of the reel. The listings do not compare blade counts directly. Then check the height range. A reel mower works best on a lawn that is kept short, and the listings give cutting heights that run from about 0.5 inch to 3 inches. Tall grass needs multiple passes.
Consider weight and wheel size. The weights in the listings range from about 9 pounds to 27 pounds, and the wheel sizes on most listings run from 8.5 to 10 inches. Larger wheels roll more easily over uneven ground, and heavier mowers are steadier on thick grass but harder to lift. Finally, check the warranty line. The listings give warranties of 90 days, 1 year, 2 years and 5 years, with a few listing none.
Comparison at a glance
The table uses the values each listing gives. Where the spec field and the bullets disagree, the table uses the spec field and the difference is noted in the product sections.
| Model (listing) | Cutting width | Blades | Height as stated | Weight as stated | Warranty as stated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Lawn Mower 1204-14 | 14 in | 4 | 0.5 to 1.75 in (bullet) | 19 lb (bullet); 1 kg (spec field) | Not stated |
| American Lawn Mower 1815-18 | 18 in | 5 | 1/2 in to 2-3/4 in (bullet) | 27 lb | 1 year limited |
| Great States 304-14 | 14 in | 5 | 0.5 to 1.75 in | 9.3 lb | 90 day limited |
| Great States 415-16 | 16 in | 5 | 1 to 2.5 in (bullet); 0.5 to 2.5 in (spec) | 20.9 lb | 1 year limited |
| Scotts 2000-20S | 20 in | 5 | 1 to 3 in | 26.9 lb | Listed as “Warranty” only |
| Great States 815-18 | 18 in | 5 | 0.5 to 2.75 in | 27 lb | 2 year limited |
| Earthwise 1715-16EW | 16 in | 7 | 0.5 to 2.5 in | 21.8 lb | Not stated |
| Gardena Classic 16 | 15.75 in | 5 (per title) | 0.47 to 1.65 in | 20 lb (spec); 19.6 lb (bullet) | Ten-year manufacturer warranty (bullet) |
American Lawn Mower 1204-14: the light 14-inch
The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is a 14-inch, 4-blade push reel mower. The listing describes its 8.5-inch polymer wheels as giving good maneuverability, and it gives a weight of 19 pounds in the bullets. The spec field lists the item weight as 1 kilogram, which does not match the bullet, so check the figure against the product page before you buy. The bullets describe an adjustable blade height of 0.5 to 1.75 inches and say the mower can cut grass up to 4 inches tall, though it is less effective on taller grass. The listing describes the cutting action as one that does not bruise the blades of grass, and it recommends mowing no more than one-third of the blade length at a time.
This mower suits a small lawn or a narrow strip beside a path. The 4-blade reel is the simplest build in the group, and the listing describes the mower as manual, pollution-free and quiet.
American Lawn Mower 1815-18: the 18-inch with a protection plan
The American Lawn Mower 1815-18 is an 18-inch, 5-blade reel. Its spec field gives a weight of 27 pounds, and the bullets describe a 5-year manufacturer protection plan. The spec field lists a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty, so read the warranty statement in the listing before you rely on either figure. The bullets describe adjustable heights from 1/2 inch to 2-3/4 inches, and the spec field lists 7 cutting positions. The listing says the mower suits dry grass under 4 inches tall and that taller grass may need more than one pass.
The 18-inch width is a good match for a medium lawn. The weight is high enough that it helps to push on flat ground, and the listing describes the design as best on flat lawns.
Great States 304-14: the 14-inch 5-blade
The Great States 304-14 is a 14-inch, 5-blade reel with a 9.3-pound weight in its spec field. The bullets describe 8.5-inch composite wheels, a ball bearing reel and a height range of 0.5 to 1.75 inches. The blades are described as heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp longer, and the T-style handle has a cushioned grip. The listing says the assembly is tool-less. Its spec field gives a 90-day limited warranty, which is a shorter period than most of the group.
This model is the lightest 5-blade reel in the group. It suits a buyer who wants a 14-inch cut with a finer finish and does not want to lift a heavier frame.
Great States 415-16: the 16-inch with a wide height range
The Great States 415-16 is a 16-inch, 5-blade reel with 10-inch composite wheels. The bullets describe a height range of 1 to 2.5 inches, while the spec field gives 0.5 to 2.5 inches. The spec field lists 19 height positions, which is the most of any mower in the group. The listing says the mower has a T-style cushioned handle and a tool-less assembly, and that it needs no gas or oil. Its spec field lists a 1-year limited warranty.
The 19 positions help if you want to set a precise height for different parts of a lawn. The listing does not describe a grass catcher.
Scotts 2000-20S: the widest cut
The Scotts 2000-20S is a 20-inch, 5-blade classic push reel mower and the widest cut in this group. The listing describes 10-inch dual tracking wheels, a quick-snap height adjustment from 1 to 3 inches and nine height positions. The spec field gives a weight of 26.9 pounds. The listing describes an ergonomic handle with a cushioned grip and says the mower is engine-free and needs no gas or oil.
A 20-inch reel covers more ground per pass, but it is heavier to turn at the ends of a row. The listing gives the product dimensions as 28 by 18 by 10 inches. The warranty field says only “Warranty” with no term, so ask the seller or read the packaging for the term.
Great States 815-18: the 18-inch with a 2-year warranty
The Great States 815-18 is an 18-inch, 5-blade grey reel. The spec field gives a weight of 27 pounds and a height range of 0.5 to 2.75 inches, with six positions. The bullets describe 10-inch composite wheels, a loop-style handle with cushioned grips and a motorless design that the listing calls low maintenance. The spec field gives a 2-year limited warranty, the longest in this group for a Great States mower.
This model is the same width as the American 1815-18 and differs mainly in its warranty term and its height range. Compare the two on the warranty line and the handle style.
Earthwise 1715-16EW: the 7-blade reel
The Earthwise 1715-16EW is a 16-inch reel with seven blades, the highest blade count in the group. The bullets describe an alloy steel blade set that stays sharp longer and a steel side plate. The listing says the mower suits bent grasses such as Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine and Seashore Paspalum. The spec field gives a weight of 21.8 pounds, a cutting width of 16 inches, and a height range of 0.5 to 2.5 inches with seven positions. The spec field lists a 10-inch wheel.
The bullet gives a 0.5 to 2.5 inch setting. The spec field gives the maximum height as 2.5 centimeters, which does not match the bullet, so check the product page. The listing does not compare the seven blades with the five-blade models.
Gardena Classic 16: the European reel
The Gardena Classic 16 is a 15.75-inch reel with five blades according to its title. The bullets describe a hardened, non-stick coated cutting cylinder that rotates past a fixed counter-blade without touching it. The spec field gives four height positions from 0.47 to 1.65 inches and a weight of 20 pounds. The bullet gives 19.6 pounds, so the two figures differ slightly. The listing describes a folding handle for storage and an optional grass catcher sold separately. It also describes a ten-year manufacturer warranty made in Europe.
This mower suits a buyer who wants a quiet reel with a folding handle and a long stated warranty. The four-stage height setting is narrower than the 5-blade models, so check that it matches the height you need.
Which reel mower to choose
For a narrow strip or a small lawn, the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 and the Great States 304-14 are the lightest 14-inch choices. For a medium lawn with a clean finish, the Great States 815-18 and the American Lawn Mower 1815-18 give 18 inches of cut. For the widest pass, the Scotts 2000-20S is the only 20-inch unit here. For a finer finish with more blades, the Earthwise 1715-16EW has seven blades. Match the choice to your lawn size, your height range and the lift you can manage.
Mistakes to avoid
- Expecting a gang setup from a single reel. None of these listings is a multi-reel gang unit.
- Mowing grass that is too tall. The listings say reel mowers work best when grass is kept short, and taller grass needs several passes.
- Mowing wet grass. The listings advise against reel mowing when grass is wet, because it usually gives an uneven cut.
- Trusting one weight figure. Several listings give two weights, so check the product page before you rely on either.
FAQ
Is any of these a gang reel mower?
No. Each listing is a single push reel mower. Gang reel units are multi-reel frames that mount on a tow unit, and none of the eight listings is one.
Which reel mower is the widest?
The Scotts 2000-20S is the widest at 20 inches. The American Lawn Mower 1815-18, the Great States 815-18 and the Great States 415-16 are the next widest, at 16 to 18 inches.
Which has the most blades?
The Earthwise 1715-16EW has seven blades. The Gardena Classic 16 is listed with five blades in its title, and the Great States 415-16 has five.
Do these mowers need gas or oil?
No. Every listing describes a manual reel with no engine, so none needs gas or oil. Maintenance is limited to keeping the blades clean and the reel adjusted.
Can a reel mower cut tall grass?
The listings describe a reel mower as best on short, maintained lawns. The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 says it cuts grass up to 4 inches tall but is less effective on taller grass.
Why do some listings give two weights?
The spec field and the bullets sometimes describe the same mower with different figures, or describe a different packaging. Check the product page for the exact figure before you buy.
Bottom line
A reel mower is the right choice when you want a quiet, motorless cut on a lawn kept short. Pick the width first, then the blade count and height range. If you need a true gang reel unit, look for a multi-reel frame listing, because none of the eight mowers here is one.
For more on reel and blade styles, see Best Blade Style for Lawn Mowers: Rotary, Mulching, Reel or Flail.
