The Reel Mower
“This is the way to mow the lawn, mow the lawn, mow the lawn. This is the reel way to mow the lawn, so early in the morning!” Every homeowner is faced with the chore of keeping the lawn neat. You don’t want to let it get too high, but alternatively, you don’t want to cut it too short. The lawn care specialist say not to cut the grass more than 1/3 its height, but what is the best way to accomplish this? There are 4 basic types of mowers: the walk behind, the riding mowers, the rotary mower, and the reel mower. While each of these have their pro’s and con’s the mower most environmentally friendly is the reel lawn mower.
A push reel mower is hand pushed and does not require electricity or gasoline; it is so simple to use that anyone old enough to follow basic safety precautions and can walk behind the reel push mower is capable of operating it. One reason a reel lawn mower is better for the environment than a power mower is that it doesn’t require gasoline. Consequently, there are no hydro-carbon emissions (the average gas mower emits 10-12 times more hydro-carbon than an automobile). Additional advantages in swapping to a reel mower are:
- They are light, weighing in at 16-32 pounds, come in widths ranging from 14-20 inches has 4,5, or 7 inch blades, and either 8 or 10 inch wheels.
- A push reel mower is better for your grass (rotary mowers tear grass, a push reel mower cuts the grass into small pieces).
- Due to their lightness, a reel mower is easy to push.
- A reel mower is relatively maintenance free.
Now that you have decided to switch to a reel mower, you may be wondering how to choose the one perfect for you. To help out with your reel push mower selection, consider the following:
- Do you want a battery powered, electric or manual reel mower?
- How big is your yard? If your lawn is more than 8,000 square feet, you may want to consider an electric or battery powered rotary mower.
- What type of grass do you have? Most reel mowers cut grass to a height of 3 inches. However, a heavier mower is best suited for Zoysia, St. Augustine, or Bermuda and for people who live along the east or west coast and the northern half of the US; a lighter reel mower is recommended.
- How much the reel mower weighs vs. how much you can push-An electric reel lawn mower weighs more than a battery mower which will be heavier than a manual push reel mower.
It is important to understand that changing to a reel lawn mower does not mean that grass cutting will be problem-free. There are a few minor disadvantages.
- A reel mower does not work well on tall willowy weeds like dandelions or buckhorn.
- If your grass is too tall (6 inches or more) the mower is more difficult to push and not as effective.
- A reel lawn mower takes longer—you will add an extra 10-15 minutes to your cutting time.
- The blades on a reel mower are difficult to sharpen and should be taken to a professional.
Cutting grass is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to involve breathing in harmful fumes and wearing earphones to protect your ears. A reel lawn mower offers the best way to have a well cut lawn and keep the air safer for everyone.
