Great States (16") 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Our gas mower broke 3 weeks ago & needs a part ordered, so we needed something in the meantime. I lean toward natural things anyway & thought a reel mower would be nice to try in the interim as they're definitely less expensive than power mowers, "green", would save hassle and/or money of borrowing/renting a mower or hiring a mowing service. Plus, it we would always have a backup mower on hand.

It was a cinch to put together & so easy to operate. Our lawn hadn't been cut in almost 1-1/2 weeks, but this mower got it back to looking normal despite the lawn's quick growth, weeds, & random sticks. It only got jammed a few times from twigs, but you just stop & slide the twigs or debris out. My husband was even able to power it through a patch of thick 12" tall grass!

If you understand how these mowers work, you won't be disappointed with this one. It's both light & sturdy. The grass actually looks healthier! This mower was easier for me to push than gas mowers & actually fun. I also like that I don't have to worry so much if our kids are out while I'm mowing & I can even feel safe wearing my baby while mowing now. (Not to mention I no longer have to wait for hubby to be home to start the mower for me.)

Our neighbor had to try it & was both surprised & impressed with how easy & well it pushes & cuts. This mower is a real deal for a reel mower. In this economy, I'm looking forward to the savings on gas, oil, & maintenance as well as not further polluting the Earth! I will be using this reel mower along with our gas mower if not primarily from now on. Our 1,260-sf home & 240-sf garage sit on .17-acres or 7,250-sf. to give an idea of the yard size.

Our gas mower broke 3 weeks ago & needs a part ordered, so we needed something in the meantime. I lean toward natural things anyway & thought a reel mower would be nice to try in the interim as they're definitely less expensive than power mowers, "green", would save hassle and/or money of borrowing/renting a mower or hiring a mowing service. Plus, it we would always have a backup mower on hand.

It was a cinch to put together & so easy to operate. Our lawn hadn't been cut in almost 1-1/2 weeks, but this mower got it back to looking normal despite the l... more

The biggest misconception about reel mowers is that the spinning reel cuts the grass.

In reality, reel mowers only have one long razor blade at the bottom of the mower.

The spinning blades basically grab the grass and force it against the razor blade like pencil sharper.

Over time, the blade wears down, making the grass cutting chore as difficult as cutting paper with dull scissors.

To sharpen it, you simply apply an abrasive on the reels with a brush then crank.

The abrasive fills the gap between the spinning reel and razor blade.

The grinding action wears down the blade until its razor sharp again.

The biggest misconception about reel mowers is that the spinning reel cuts the grass.

In reality, reel mowers only have one long razor blade at the bottom of the mower.

The spinning blades basically grab the grass and force it against the razor blade like pencil sharper.

Over time, the blade wears down, making the grass cutting chore as difficult as cutting paper with dull scissors.

To sharpen it, you simply apply an abrasive on the reels with a brush then crank.

The abrasive fills the gap between the spinning reel and ... more