I have a very small front yard, flat, no obstacles. It grows about 3 times as fast as our larger back yard, which we have someone else take care of as we have large, active dogs that destroy it, it is very uneven, & has lots of tree roots & rocks in it.

I just want something simple to use & low maintenance for the front yard for those in between times. I have done all of it with our weed eater but it's a bit much. How easy are the newer push reel mowers to push & maintain?

I don't have any experience with push reel mowers since mowing my grandpa's yard with one back in the early 90s one time, but for a lightweight and low maintenance mower for a very small flat yard, it sounds like you're an ideal candidate for a battery-powered or corded electric mower.

We have been looking at those, but the price point for the push reel is much better, esp. for good condition, used ones. I've been watching the thread here about them. I appreciate the recommendation though.

quote:

Originally posted by MagicHorse:
I have a very small front yard, flat, no obstacles. It grows about 3 times as fast as our larger back yard,..... How easy are the newer push reel mowers to push & maintain?

My limited experience is they work "ok" as long as you only have to cut just a little of the length, like maybe 1" or so. Trying to cut longer grass is almost an exercise in futility and the area you want to use it is fast growing. But it would be nice not having to deal with a gasoline motor for such a small area. Rechargeable battery mowers have come a long way in the cast couple years, personally that's what I'd consider.

For a tiny yard, a push reel mower is actually sort of fun to use. But like was said, you have to stay on top of keeping it mowed. If the grass gets too tall it’s a chore to mow with one.

I think you will be very surprised at the quality of the cut. A rotary blade when sharp does a great job.

I had a Scott's branded one from Home Depot for a very small yard years ago. As long as you don't let it get too tall between mowings it works great.

quote:

Originally posted by sig229-SAS:
I think you will be very surprised at the quality of the cut. A rotary blade when sharp does a great job.

Beautiful cut but keeping them sharp is more than a chore, an art.

I also once owned the Scotts reel mower and found it to be very flimsy. It cut okay but the handle assembly is junk-too much flex.

A reel mower will give you the best cut of any mower provided it is kept sharp and you mow the grass frequently as was said above. Don’t expect to cut 1 1/2” at a time.
Just an FYI rotary mowers are what golf courses use (or did when I was into that sort of thing) on their greens but it is a specialized mower but the concept is the same.

I'd get a corded electric mower for the same price as the push reel mower.

Based on personal experience, I might consider a push-type human-powered mower if I had a steady supply particularly compliant 15 year olds to use it. I mowed my yard using one of those up ‘til I turned 25 or so, then realized how much of an unnecessary PITA I was putting myself through. I still have the damn thing out in my shed.

Very few people around to sharpen them nowadays, too. For good reason.

My sister and brother in law went this route years ago when they bought their house. The front yard is probably 10 foot by 20 foot (if that). They bought and used the reel push mower for about a year and said "Oh this is bullshit!" and bought a gas powered one.

[quote]For a tiny yard, a push reel mower is actually sort of fun to use. But like was said, you have to stay on top of keeping it mowed. If the grass gets too tall it’s a chore to mow with one.

I MIGHT ADD THAT THE LAWN NEEDS TO VERY LEVEL OR IT SCAPS THE GRASS. CUT MY GRANDFATHER'S LAWN WITH ONE. IT WAS WELL MADE AND KEPT SHARP. IT CUTS THE GRASS INSTEAD OF TEARING IT LIKE THE ROTARY MOWERS WOOD.

I had a reel mower with a gasoline engine powering it. Walk behind, with friction drive to the wheels also. Sorry, you can't try it. I took it apart and used it to create a zoomy fast ride-on skateboard go cart. I was about 11.

I somehow ended up with two old Craftsman reel mowers and one newer aluminum reel mower.
Regardless of which you use, the grass needs to be fairly dry and if you let it get too tall it takes many passes to mow. Not having to worry about fuel and is nice. They're quiet as well.

The Craftsman mowers need to be kept adjusted every six mows or so, but when adjusted their weight and design makes them cut very well. The newer mower only needs to be adjusted a couple times a season and is easier to push, but doesn't cut quite as well.

Menards has one in today's sale ad.

https://www.menards.com/main/o...31579557-c-10112.htm

The problem with reels is you need to be able to connect an electric motor to back lap them sharp again using compound.

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:
Based on personal experience, I might consider a push-type human-powered mower if I had a steady supply particularly compliant 15 year olds to use it. I mowed my yard using one of those up ‘til I turned 25 or so, then realized how much of an unnecessary PITA I was putting myself through. I still have the damn thing out in my shed.

Very few people around to sharpen them nowadays, too. For good reason.

Growing up I used a push mower on the front and back yards. Probably a 1/4 acre. The weekend I went off to college Dad bought a Toro gas mower with power drive.