Anybody here use a reel push mower?
 

I have a really small lawn. Last fall, after some renovation to the back yard, it is even smaller and I'll have to carry my gas mower (or put it on a ramp) to get it up a set of stairs.

I was thinking about getting a push mower.

Does anybody use them?

Thanks!

http://www.cleanairgardening.com/reelmowers.html

I do & so does my neighbor. Nice & quiet and really cuts down on the dust and pollution I used to breathe when mowing with the power mower.

Another benefit is you don't have to do any maintenance on the engine or go get gas for it...

Just don't let the grass get away from you -- happens to me once in while and I use a battery based string trimmer to whack it down.

How about an electric mower?

I have both and use the electric more. The push mower is nice and a good idea but I need to get it sharpened and finding people to do this is more and more difficult.

Sold the gas mower a couple of years ago and do not miss it one bit.

I think you can get a tool that is specifically designed to sharpen one of those manual/push mowers.

When I was a kid I mowed the lawn with a reel mower. When we finally got a motorized mower I was really excited to mow the lawn; pushing around a loud, gas filled machine that I controlled was cool.

Looking back, I think my Dad planned it that way. :)

Best,

I use a reel mower, my "yard" is only about 600 sq ft so it is perfectly fine, makes a nice whir-whir sound.

Don't let it sit out in the rain, wipe the blades dry and/or spray w/ some WD40, and shouldn't need sharpening for a long time. When it does, just use a flat file, lightly. Blades don't have to be "sharp", just not rounded.

How 'bout a goat?

I have a gas powered reel(Toro Sportslawn from the 70s) and a push reel. I like them both. But the push reel is more relaxing since it is quiet and makes that nice whir whir sound.

Both require a shorter lawn and you can't go more than 5 days (in the spring) without mowing. But they give the best and cleanest looking cut. The scissor action of a reel mower is far superior to the lopping off that the rotary mowers do.

if you've got a small lawn, just get a push. If you have a lot of area search craigslist for a Toro Sportslawn or go to a good mower shop.

My lawn mower is made in Korea, his name is Kim something?

I use a push mower and have the nicest looking grass on the street. Don't buy the basket catcher and just leave the clippings on the lawn. The clippings will decompose and help fertilize the yard, free mulch.
They are great for small yards.
A black and decker 18 volt weedwacker and blower will make for a nice set. Get 2 batteries.
I have this set up and it is perfect, quiet and odorless.

push mowers are fine as long as the grass isnt too long. if it is, you're in for a work out!

Yep, and a push edger (yknow, with a little cutting wheel) just like my granpa had. Its complete PITA but I swore id never own a lawn mower again. Like an aerobic class but without the good looking girls.

You're welcome to test it out on my lawn (1/3-1/2 acre) any time...:rolleyes:

They will not cut the dandelions

that works pretty good actually, you need to uproot the dandelions anyway

As mentioned above, a file to knock down the knicks helps to ensure a great cut, but if you really want that puppy sharp get some lapping compound. You will need some way to propel the blades, but you guys are smart and know that electric motors on a bench top with a pulley and a belt can solve that problem.

I used to use one, on St. Augustine grass nonetheless. No more, no way.

Thanks for all the comments. (Um, except that goat one, I think...)

I have an old gas mower that is a pain to start. It is also heavy, noisy, and smelly. If the reel does a decent job, that'd be great. I'm not a lawn nut. As long as it isn't too long, I don't care what it looks like.

How could it not cut dandelions!?!

Yup.

Get a Gardena. From Germany. They're the Porsches of push mowers. Home Depot carries them - or used to.

Shocking! The guy with the '88 and '08 911 recommends a German mower! :D