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10 Best Manual Reel Mower 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC 16-inch 7-Blade Reel Mower with Grass Catcher, Specialty Grass Mower, Green

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,219
Weight
Maintenance Requirements

Most important from
19102 reviews

Weight
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, making lawn care feel less like work.
Maintenance Requirements
Assembled in about 10 minutes and came very sharp right out of the box.

The American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC is a 7-blade reel mower designed for those who enjoy maintaining specific short and thick grass types like Bermuda, bent grass, and zoysia. Its 16-inch cutting width is suitable for medium-sized lawns, and the 10-inch durable wheels make it quite maneuverable.

The cutting height can be adjusted between 0.5 to 2.5 inches, providing flexibility based on your grass's needs. The blades are made from heat-treated alloy steel, ensuring they remain sharp for years and reducing the need for frequent maintenance. Weighing around 21 pounds, it is relatively lightweight and easy to handle, with a T-style handle and cushioned grip adding to user comfort. Additionally, it includes a grass catcher, which can help keep your lawn tidy.

As a manual mower, it requires physical effort to operate, which might be challenging for those with larger lawns or limited physical strength. It's best suited for users who are enthusiastic about hands-on lawn care and those with smaller to medium-sized lawns. The mower is made in China and is a practical choice for eco-conscious users looking to avoid gas or electric-powered alternatives. Its low maintenance and sturdy build can make it a reliable long-term investment for the right user.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,219
Weight
Maintenance Requirements

Most important from
19102 reviews

Weight
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, making lawn care feel less like work.
Maintenance Requirements
Assembled in about 10 minutes and came very sharp right out of the box.
#2

American Lawn Mower Company 1415-16SK2 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Sharpener

Rating
10.0
Cutting Width
Blade Count
Cutting Height Adjustment

Most important from
19102 reviews

Cutting Width
Great for small to medium-sized lawns, but may not be efficient for larger yards due to narrow cutting width.
Blade Count
Blades are pre-sharpened, and the reel turns smoothly, cutting cleanly through heavy grass with little effort.
Cutting Height Adjustment
Height adjustment involves removing bolts, but is manageable with a wrench.
Weight
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, making lawn care feel like minimal effort.
Maintenance Requirements
Recommended to use WD-40 on blades and reel before and after each use to prevent rust and grass sticking.

The American Lawn Mower Company 1415-16SK2 Push Reel Lawn Mower features a 16-inch cutting width and a 5-blade reel design, making it suitable for small to medium-sized lawns. The 10-inch polymer wheels enhance maneuverability, allowing for easy navigation around your yard. Weighing just 20.9 pounds, it is lightweight, which contributes to its ease of use, especially for those who may struggle with heavier, motorized mowers.

Additionally, the included hand sharpener helps maintain the blades, reducing long-term maintenance costs and effort. This mower is an eco-friendly option, as it is both noise-free and pollution-free, making it ideal for environmentally conscious users. However, it requires a bit of physical effort due to its manual operation. The mower operates best when the grass is dry and not overly long, so it may require more frequent mowing to maintain optimal results.

The handle design is basic but functional, providing a comfortable grip during use. While it lacks multiple cutting height adjustments, it is well-suited for users looking for a straightforward, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly lawn care solution. Keep in mind that it performs best on smaller lawns and may not be efficient for larger, more overgrown areas.

Rating
10.0
Cutting Width
Blade Count
Cutting Height Adjustment

Most important from
19102 reviews

Cutting Width
Great for small to medium-sized lawns, but may not be efficient for larger yards due to narrow cutting width.
Blade Count
Blades are pre-sharpened, and the reel turns smoothly, cutting cleanly through heavy grass with little effort.
Cutting Height Adjustment
Height adjustment involves removing bolts, but is manageable with a wrench.
Weight
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, making lawn care feel like minimal effort.
Maintenance Requirements
Recommended to use WD-40 on blades and reel before and after each use to prevent rust and grass sticking.
#3

American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Rating
9.8
Weight
Maintenance Requirements

Most important from
19102 reviews

Weight
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for small lawns.
Maintenance Requirements
Eco-friendly and low-maintenance, saving on gas and maintenance costs.

The American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 Push Reel Lawn Mower is a manual reel mower with a 14-inch cutting width, making it suitable for small to medium-sized lawns. It features five blades made from heat-treated alloy steel, which stay sharp for years, providing a clean scissor action cut. The adjustable blade height ranges from 1 to 2.25 inches, allowing flexibility for different grass lengths.

The mower is lightweight at 21 pounds, making it easy to maneuver and handle, and the 10-inch wheels enhance its maneuverability further. Additionally, it is a planet-friendly option as it is pollution-free and noise-free, ideal for eco-conscious users. This mower requires minimal maintenance compared to gas-powered ones, adding convenience for the user.

However, it may not perform well on very tall or thick grass, as its maximum cutting height is 2.25 inches and it can handle grass up to 4 inches tall. The manual operation means it requires physical effort, which might be challenging for some users, especially on larger lawns. The handle design is straightforward but might not offer the ergonomic comfort found in some other models. This reel mower is best suited for users looking for an eco-friendly, low-maintenance option for maintaining smaller lawns.

Rating
9.8
Weight
Maintenance Requirements

Most important from
19102 reviews

Weight
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for small lawns.
Maintenance Requirements
Eco-friendly and low-maintenance, saving on gas and maintenance costs.

Buying Guide for the Best Manual Reel Mower

Choosing the right manual reel mower can make lawn care a more enjoyable and efficient task. Manual reel mowers are eco-friendly, quiet, and require less maintenance compared to their gas or electric counterparts. When selecting a manual reel mower, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your lawn and personal preferences.
Cutting WidthThe cutting width of a manual reel mower refers to the width of the swath of grass it can cut in a single pass. This spec is important because it affects how many passes you'll need to make to mow your entire lawn. Cutting widths typically range from 14 to 20 inches. A wider cutting width (18-20 inches) is ideal for larger lawns as it reduces the number of passes needed, saving you time. For smaller lawns or areas with tight spaces, a narrower cutting width (14-16 inches) offers better maneuverability.
Blade CountThe blade count indicates the number of blades on the reel. This is important because more blades generally mean a finer and cleaner cut. Manual reel mowers usually have between 4 to 7 blades. Mowers with fewer blades (4-5) are suitable for less dense grass and can be easier to push. Mowers with more blades (6-7) are better for thicker, denser grass and provide a more precise cut, but they may require more effort to push.
Cutting Height AdjustmentCutting height adjustment allows you to change the height at which the mower cuts the grass. This is important for maintaining the health of your lawn, as different grass types and seasons may require different cutting heights. Most manual reel mowers offer a range of cutting heights, typically from 0.5 to 3 inches. If you have a variety of grass types or want to adjust the height throughout the growing season, look for a mower with a wide range of easy-to-adjust height settings.
WeightThe weight of the manual reel mower affects how easy it is to push and maneuver. This is important for user comfort, especially if you have a larger lawn or uneven terrain. Manual reel mowers can weigh anywhere from 20 to 50 pounds. Lighter mowers (20-30 pounds) are easier to push and ideal for smaller, flat lawns. Heavier mowers (40-50 pounds) may offer more stability and durability, making them suitable for larger or bumpier lawns, but they can be more challenging to maneuver.
Handle DesignThe handle design of a manual reel mower impacts comfort and ease of use. This is important because a comfortable handle can reduce strain and make mowing more enjoyable. Look for ergonomic handles with cushioned grips to reduce hand fatigue. Adjustable handles can also be beneficial, allowing you to set the height to match your comfort level. If you have a larger lawn or plan to mow for extended periods, prioritize a mower with a well-designed, comfortable handle.
Maintenance RequirementsMaintenance requirements refer to the upkeep needed to keep the mower in good working condition. This is important for ensuring the longevity and performance of the mower. Manual reel mowers generally require less maintenance than gas or electric mowers, but they still need regular blade sharpening and occasional lubrication. Consider how much time and effort you're willing to invest in maintenance. Some models offer self-sharpening blades or easy-to-access parts, which can simplify the maintenance process.

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