Are you caught up in competing with your neighbors for the best looking lawn on your block? Look at how your neighbors choose to mow their lawn. Some might use electric mowers to match their eco-conscious yard duties, while others prefer seated gas mowers for the convenience. There are plenty of lawnmower models to choose from
If you want to have the best lawn on your block, that’s the envy of all your neighbors; you need a reel mower. Reel mowers might seem like they require more effort over traditional gas-powered or electric models. You might think it’s senseless to move back in time – advances in technology invented the modern lawnmower for a reason, right?
Sure, while modern mowers reduce the effort involved with mowing your lawn, they reduce the quality. Electric or gas-powered motors won’t leave your yard looking as good as when you cut it with a reel mower. Reel mowers give the best finish after your mow, but they require manual operation, and that’s not for everyone.
However, if you want to trim your lawn to perfection, you need to give a reel mower a try. This article looks at the best reel mower models available. We’ll give you our top choices for reel mowers and information in your buyer’s guide to help you decide on the right model for your lawn.
Our Top Picks
If you can’t wait to give a reel mower a try, and you don’t have time to read through the entire review, here are our top picks. We looked through dozens of models to find the best reel mower. We settled on these three models for our top choices.
We break down our top picks into three categories. You get the best overall, premium and budget model to suit any garden or budget. Choose the model that’s right for you, and you could be cutting your grass with your new mower by the weekend.
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- The Best Pick: American Lawn Mower Company
This traditional American Lawnmower comes with an 18-inch cutting deck. You get cushioned handles to reduce operator fatigue, and the lightweight design makes it easy to push around the yard. The collapsible handle makes for compact storage, and you get razor-sharp coated carbon steel blades. - The Premium Pick: Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower
This model wins our choice for the best premium model in this review. You get a model edge on a traditional design, with an advanced reel mower that’s twice as easy to push as other models. This mower uses its patented “InertiaDrive” system to help you move the mower, reducing effort and operator fatigue. You get a reversible grass chute, the “StaySharp” cutting system with five blades, and four plastic wheels. - The Budget Pick: American Lawn Mower Company 101-08
If you have a small lawn, you’ll like this American Lawn Mower model. You get an 8-inch cutting deck with five coated carbon steel blades for a razor-sharp cut. The 7″ plastic wheels make it easy to push the machine, and you get an adjustable cutting height between 1.35″ to 1.75″ for optimal results.
Reel Mower Reviews
Now that you have an idea of our top mowers in this review let’s unpack them in detail. We’ll also look at a few other models that qualify for the best reel mower. After you finish the reviews, check out our buyer’s guide for more information on selecting the right model for your yard.
American Lawn Mower Company
This model from the American Lawn Mower Company wins our top honors for the best overall reel mower in this review. This model is suitable for use on mid-sized to larger lawns.
- 5-blade reel with a cutting width of 14” and durable 10” polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability
- Mechanical lawn mower with an adjustable blade height of 1”-2.25” with scissor action cut
- Manual grass cutter blades made of heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp for years
- Planet-friendly alternative to gas-powered lawn mowers which is pollution-free and noise-free; Low maintenance, lightweight and easy to use
- Capable of cutting grass up to 4 inches tall
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
With this tool, you get an 18-inch cutting deck, with an adjustable height between 1″ to 1.5″. The oversized front wheels make it easy to push the machine and the rear roller power the five blades on the cutting deck.
You get a rubberized handle for comfortable operation and easy assembly of the machine. This model comes with a collapsible handle for compact storage.
- Tough, coated blades
- 5-cutting blades
- 18-inch cutting deck
- Self-propelled action
- Adjustable cutting height
- Large front wheels
- Ergonomic padded handle
- Collapsible design for easy storage
Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower
Homeowners with large lawns will love this Fiksar model. You get a self-propelled machine, with an advanced “InertiaDrive” system powering the wheels. The “StaySharp” cutting system provides accurate and efficient trimming of your grass, with an 18-inch cutting deck for larger lawns.
- ECO-FRIENDLY PUSH LAWNMOWER: Manual reel lawn mower with 18" cut width; No gas, oil, charging, or cords required; 60% easier to push than other reel mowers and ideal for regular lawn maintenance
- BEST-IN-CLASS CUTTING PERFORMANCE: InertiaDrive Reel boasts twice the cutting power of standard reel mowers, while the StaySharp Cutting System eliminates the cost and inconvenience of manual blade sharpening
- SUPERIOR ERGONOMICS: Reversible grass chute can direct clippings away from your feet, making it easier to mow tough patches while limiting messiness; One-touch handle height adjustment enhances your comfort and control
- IDEAL FOR ALL TYPES OF GRASS: Cuts through tough southern varieties like St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bahia, and Bermuda; VersaCut technology offers cut height settings from 1"-4" to mow all types of grass cleanly
- INCLUDES: 1 Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower cordless grass trimmer; Limited 3-year warranty
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This model comes with a reversible grass chute and inset wheels for better control of the mower. You get an ergonomic, padded handle, and a limited 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Advanced InertiaDrive propulsion system
- StaySharp cutting system
- 18-inch cutting deck
- Coated blades for long service life between sharpening
- Reversible grass chute
- Ergonomic padded handle
- Inset wheels for better control
- Limited 3-year warranty
American Lawn Mower Company 101-08
The American Lawn Mower Company receives a second mention in our top three picks. This model is the smaller version of our best overall choice.
Homeowners who have smaller yards in complexes and townhouse developments will love this compact-size reel mower.
- Little brother of the 1204-14 reel mower; 8" Cutting width with a 5-blade ball-bearing reel and 7" composite wheels; Cover over blades for safety during use of this mini rotary push reel lawn mower
- Adjustable cutting height of 1.35"-1.75"; Mini hand push reel lawn mower is perfect for very small cutting areas
- Great for youth over the age of 13 and small adults- not a toy, adult supervision required; Mini reel lawn mower is made of tempered alloy steel for staying sharp and long-lasting use
- Loop handle with adjustable height for use of mini manual push reel lawn mower by kids and adults
- Easy, tool-less assembly; Mini manual hand push reel lawn mower requires no oil or gas for a clean job every time
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This model is easy to push and cuts efficiently. You get an 8-inch cutting deck suitable for smaller lawns, and a loop handle with adjustable height and compact storage.
The 7-inch composite wheels make it easy to move the machine while you mow. This model is a great budget buy and an affordable way to maintain a small-size lawn.
- Suitable for smaller yards
- 5-blade cutting system
- 8-inch cutting deck width
- Ball-bearing mounted blades for smooth movement
- Loop handle with adjustable height
- Adjustable cutting height
- 7-inch composite wheels
- Affordable
Great States 415-16
This Great States reel lawn mower has a traditional handle design with a T-bar effect. It’s easy to push, and the padded handlebars reduce operator fatigue when mowing.
You get a 16-inch cutting deck for mid-sized lawns and a 5-blade cutting reel. The front of the machine features two large 10″ composite wheels for easy movement around your yard.
- Manual mechanical mower with a quick, adjustable cutting height of 1"-2.5" for a clean and even
- Lightweight lawn mower has 16" cutting width, 5-blade ball bearing reel, and 10" composite wheels for optimal maneuverability
- Push blade mower with high-quality heat-treated alloy steel blades that stay sharp longer
- Comfortable push mower handle parts with a T-style cushioned grip; Easy, tool-less assembly
- Clean and quiet reel mower to maintain your lawn without the need for gas or oil
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
With this Great States model, you get an adjustable cutting height and rear rollers to drive the cutting deck and stabilize the machine while in use.
- Ergonomic handlebar design for user comfort
- 16-inch cutting deck
- 5-blade cutting reel
- 10-inch composite wheels
- Adjustable cutting height
- Rear roller for stability
Earthwise 1816-18EW
Earthwise, make some of the best electric mowers available. Therefore, it makes sense that they add this model to their eco-friendly range of gardening tools and machines. This model features an ergonomic, V-shaped handle for easy mowing. You get a padded grip and a 5-blade cutting reel.
- 18-inch push mower cutting width, 5-blade ball bearing reel, and 10" composite wheels with 6" rear-trailing wheels for optimal stability and maneuverability
- Manual lawn mower with an adjustable cutting height of 1"-3" for precise and even cuts
- High-quality 18" reel mower blades made of heat-treated alloy steel that stay sharp for years
- Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 18" mower with comfortable loop-style handle and cushioned grip; Easy to assemble without the need for special tools
- Planet-friendly 18-inch push mower that is a great alternative to cheap riding mowers
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Earthwise reel mower features an 18-inch cutting deck with tempered alloy steel blades for a razor-sharp cut. You get a collapsible handle design for compact storage and large, over-sized front wheels for easy movement.
- Ergonomic V-shaped handle design
- Padded grip
- Adjustable handle
- 5-blade cutting reel with coated blades
- Adjustable cutting height
Greenworks 25052
Green works is another leading electric mower brand branching out into reel mowers. This model is a close call to the best premium reel mower in this review. With this model, you get a 9-height adjustable cutting deck, with a 20-inch width for the largest lawns.
- 16" cutting path gets the job done quicker and more efficiently
- 2-in-1 feature provides mulching and rear bag capabilities
- 4 position height adjustment offers a range of cutting height from 1 1/8" to 2 1/4" for the perfect cut on all grass types
- 10" front wheels and 2" rear rollers makes it easy to maneuver across your lawn
- Zero fumes, No Gas, Quiet and Easy to Use for a Green healthy lawn
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This model features a grass catcher and a 2-in-1 function for mulching. You get an ergonomic handle design and 10-inch front wheels. This model features a five-blade cutting reel and a self-propelled movement for easy work mowing your lawn.
- Self-propelled mower action
- Nine adjustable cutting heights
- 10-inch front wheels
- 6-inch rear wheels
- 2-in-1 feature for mulching
- 20-inch cutting deck
- Grass collection bag included
- Ergonomic handle design
Fiskars Push Reel Lawn Mower
This Fiskars model comes with InertiaDrive cutting reels and large front wheels for easy movement. You get a 17-inch cutting deck width and adjustable cutting heights.
The ergonomic handlebar design with padded grips make it easy to control the mower, and the rear wheels make pushing it a breeze.
- GARDENING ESSENTIAL: Eco-friendly, hassle-free reel mower with StaySharp Cutting System that delivers 50% more cutting power with InertiaDrive Reel and is 30% easier to push than other reel mowers; Ideal for making quiet cuts on your lawn
- MAXIMUM POWER AND PRECISION: InertiaDrive technology enables 50% more cutting power than other reel mowers; StaySharp Cutting System employs precision-ground, hardened steel blades to cut through twigs, weeds, and tough areas on your lawn
- CONVENIENT AND RELIABLE: Accomplish a cleaner cut without the hassles of gasoline, oil, battery charging, cords, or a loud engine; Steel blades stay sharp through heavy use and provide excellent durability for lasting value
- QUALITY GARDEN TOOLS: Designed to help you cultivate a better garden, Fiskars garden and yard tools are equipped with smart technologies and award-winning, ergonomic features that make it easier and more enjoyable to transform your outdoor space
- INCLUDES: 1 Fiskars StaySharp Push Mower; Limited two-year warranty
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You get StaySharp blade technology for a razor-sharp cutting reel providing a long service life for the machine.
- Ergonomic handle with V-shaped design
- Rubber padding on the handle for operator comfort
- Adjustable cutting height
- StaySharp 5-blade cutting reel
- InertiaDrive for propulsion assistance
Sun Joe MJ500M
This reel mower features an 18-inch cutting deck with adjustable cutting height. Sun Joe makes some quality lawnmowers and snowblowers, making them a reliable brand with spares readily available.
- Easy to push and maneuver on small lawns
- 4 position manual height adjustment
- Maintenance free.Maximum Cutting Height: 1.81 inches. Minimum Cutting Height: 0.88 inches. Tailor cutting heights up to 1.81 inches deep
- Grass catcher holds up to 6.6-gallon and detaches easily
- Two large 8.8-inch wheels. Rust resistant deck
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
With this model, you get a 5-blade cutting reel and a dual-wheel design for easy pushing. This model comes with an adjustable and collapsible handle for compact storage.
The Sun Joe comes with a grass bin and nine different height adjustments for the cutting deck.
- 5-blade cutting reel with coated blades
- 18-inch cutting deck
- Adjustable cutting height with 9-positions
- Dual-wheel design for stable mowing
- Adjustable, collapsible handle for compact storage
- Grass bin included
Earthwise 1715-16EW
This Earthwise reel mower features a 16-inch cutting deck, with an adjustable cutting height between 0.5″ to 2.5″. You get a seven-blade cutting reel, featuring allow steel design for a razor-sharp cut.
- Hand-push reel mower with 16" cutting width, 7-blade ball bearing reel, and 10" composite wheels; Durable steel side plate design
- Versatile Earthwise Power Tools by ALM push lawn mower for cutting bent grass- Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine, and Seashore Paspalum
- Alloy steel 7-blade mower stays sharp longer
- A self-cutting mower with an adjustable cutting height of 0.5"-2.5" for clean and even cuts
- An planet-friendly alternative that matches the best gasoline push lawn mowers
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Earthwise comes with a classic T-handle design and padded grips for easy pushing. You get large front wheels for easy movement and unbreakable steel side plates.
- Ergonomic, comfortable handle design
- Large front wheels
- Adjustable cutting heights
- 16-inch cutting deck
- 7-blade cutting reel
Reel Mower Buyer’s Guide
After reading through our reviews of the best reel mowers, you’re probably wondering which model is the right choice for your lawn.
If you’re having issues settling on a reel mower, this section is for you. Let’s unpack the differences between traditional and reel lawnmowers, giving you everything you need to look for in a prospective model.
What Is a Reel Mower?
A reel mower is a traditional mower design used in the very first models. These mowers don’t have a motor, and they rely on manual pushing power to move them around the lawn.
The mower comes with a reel attached to driveshafts on the wheels. As you push the mower, the driveshafts turn the cutting reel, spinning the blades. As a result, it’s more effort to push a reel mower than an engine or battery model. However, you get a better cut for your lawn.
Most gardeners agree that reel mower provides a superior visual effect for your freshly cut lawn. When you’re using your reel mower, you’re cutting the grass cleanly. With a motor-type lawnmower, the cutting blades create a vacuum pulling the blades or gars towards the mower. When the blades cut the grass, it results in a torn look, thanks to the blades’ flat rotary spinning motion and the cutting deck’s suction.
With a reel mower, the blades spin from an overhead rotary position, and there’s no suction effect. Therefore, the cutting reel trims the grass at its natural standing height. The result of this mowing method means you get an even cut across the grass canopy, providing a cleaner look for your lawn.
Reel mowers come with five to seven blades on the reel. The increase in blades over a motor-powered model means you get a finer cut on your grass, giving your lawn a relaxed look after you finish mowing.
However, there’s an issue with reel mowers – The pushing. Pushing your lawnmower around isn’t a lot of fun. Sure, you’re keeping fit, but no-one wants to start sweating in the hot sun. If you’re using a reel mower, make sure you cut your lawn in the morning before the sun gets too hot.
Another drawback of using a reel mower is the cutting height of the deck. If you go away on vacation for a few weeks and leave your lawn unattended, it will be a bit wild when you return home. However, you might find it challenging to cut grass over 4-inches in length using a reel mower.
The longer the grass, the more friction it causes in the cutting reel. As a result, it makes it harder to push the mower.
How Do Reel Mowers Work?
Reel mowers work by using a ball-bearing system attached to a spinning cutting deck featuring multiple cutting blades. The blades have a tapered and swirled design, allowing for the easy removal of grass towards the machine’s rear.
What makes a reel mower different to your standard electric or gas-powered mower is its cutting action. The traditional engine-style mower creates a vortex under the cutting deck as it spins. As the suction lifts the grass, the blades cut it in a circular motion from the side. This cutting angle tears the blades of grass, rather than severing them.
As a result, if you look at the two cuts from the machines under a microscope, the reel mower produces a clean cut that you would expect- like a knife cutting through butter. However, the engine lawnmower produces a ragged cut on the grass.
This difference might seem insignificant. However, it plays a role when you look at your lawn. A reel mower produces that clean-cut look like you see on soccer fields. However, the engine mower gives the grass a rougher look. Reel mowers are ideal for cutting manicured and presentation lawns at hotels or other estates.
You’ll have to push your mower to create the energy needed to drive the cutting deck. However, most modern models have gear-assisted pushing, making them much more efficient than the first reel- mower models.
Asa trade-off for the work of pushing the mower, you get an eco-friendly operation. The mower makes next to no noise, and you don’t need fuel or electricity to operate it. With a reel mower, you save money on your garden maintenance while reducing your home’s carbon footprint.
What are the Design Features of Reel Mowers?
Reel mowers are a throwback to the first lawnmower designs. Edwin Beard Budding, from Gloucestershire, England, received the first reel mower patent in 1830, and the overall look and design of the mower haven’t changed much in 200-years.
However, thanks to innovations in material technology and engineering, today’s reel mowers are lighter, more effective, and more energy-efficient. They don’t require half the effort to push as the original reel mowers, and most of them are as easy to push as a traditional engine-powered mower.
When selecting your ideal reel mower, look for the following features.
Blade Cutting Deck and Height
When checking out a prospective model, we recommend starting your assessment with the cutting deck width and height. The cutting deck refers to the setup containing the blade reel. The length of the blades from one side of the mower to the other represents the cutting deck width.
Reel mowers come in a range of cutting deck widths. The smallest models have decks at 8″ widths, while the largest models can have decks up to 24″. The wider the deck, the more challenging it’s going to be to create the inertia and energy required to move the mower forward.
If you’re mowing longer grass or wet grass, the additional friction created might make it two or three times more challenging to push your reel mower. For smaller lawns in complexes and townhouses, we recommend cutting decks under 10″. Homeowners with mid-sized to larger gardens will do better with models featuring cutting deck between 16″ to 22″ in width.
The cutting deck height is also important. Most models feature an adjustable cutting height. You have the option of selecting three to nine cutting heights, depending on the model.
There should be two rollers on the rear of the machine that keep the cutting deck level during use. These rollers also create the drive for the cutting deck. The rollers should offer consistent operation, regardless of the cutting height selected on the machine.
Number of Cutting Blades
Manufacturers produce reel mowers in a variety of designs. The cutting deck of the machine features the blade reel. Most manufacturers design and construct the blades using coated carbon steel for strength, and the coating prevents rust and reduces friction when mowing the lawn.
It’s common for reel mowers to come with cutting reels featuring five or seven blades. The more blades the mower has, the finer the mowing action. Therefore, mowers featuring seven blades typically offer a finer cut and better aesthetic for your lawn.
The revolutions of the cutting deck also play a roll in the clean-cut of your lawn. You could have a seven-blade reel mower, but if the blades spin slowly, it’s going to influence the look of your lawn. Choose a model with as many blades as possible and a high revolution count for the cutting reel.
The Durability of the Blades
The durability of your cutting reel is important. If the blades on the reel get dull or start to rust, it’s going to affect the look of your finished lawn. Make sure you’re buying a mower with a coated carbon steel cutting reel or a stainless steel model.
Large Wheels and handles
The wheels on the machine determine its capability in handling rough terrain. However, with a reel mower, large wheels make it easier to push the machine, reducing friction.
Some models feature ergonomic handles with rubber grips for total control over the machine. Padded grips are great for reducing operator fatigue in your arms when using the mower. Look for adjustable and collapsible handles. Collapsible models make it easy to store the machine away in the shed or garage.
Grass Collection
Some models come with grass collection bins attached to the rear of the mower. This accessory is a great feature if you don’t want to spend time raking up the grass. However, a grass collector is not always necessary for reel mowers.
With reel mowers, you need to mow your lawn frequently. If you let the grass get long, you’re going to have a hard time mowing it. The extra length in the grass adds more friction and more energy required to move the mower.
Therefore, you never want your grass getting over 4-inches. Longer than 4″ results in a difficult mowing session. If you always keep your grass short, you’re not going to have much trimmings after you finish mowing., Leaving the trimmings on the lawn is fine. They dry out in a few days and blow away with the wind.
Weight and Size
The weight and size of your reel mower also make a difference in its performance. As mentioned, most models are manual machines. Therefore, you need to do the work of pushing them around your lawn. Choose models featuring design and construction with strong, lightweight materials.
The lighter the mower, the easier it is to push. The smaller the mower, the lighter the design – you get the idea.
Price Tag
When purchasing your ideal reel mower, you need to create a budget and stick to it. There are models in this review ranging from as little as $60 to $200. Setting a budget and sticking to it ensures you don’t overspend on a model you don’t need.
However, after purchasing your mower, you’ll never have to worry about buying fuel or spending money on maintaining a motor. These savings offset the cost of your mower, and the thing practically pays for itself after a few years.
How Do I Maintain My Reel Mower?
There’s next to no maintenance on a reel mower. You need to ensure that the blades dry out after mowing your lawn if it’s wet out. However, every other month, a spray of some multi-purpose lubricant is all you need to keep your reel mower in working order.
There are no oil changes, no need for new spark plugs, or clearing carburetor jets. The only maintenance required on your reel mower is to sharpen the blades every other year or so.
How Do I Sharpen Reel Mower Blades?
Maintain a sharp cutting reel is the only work involved with keeping your mower in working order. Even soft grass dulls blades after enough use, and you’ll need to keep them sharp for the best cutting action. We don’t recommend sharpening the blades yourself unless you have previous handy skills working with these tools.
Take your mower to a service agent dealing in lawnmowers. They’ll put a new edge on the cutting blades, making them as good as new. Trying to sharpen the blades yourself could end up damaging the machine – get a professional to help.
Reel Mower FAQs
Are reel mowers better than traditional mowers?
Most gardeners agree that reel mowers provide a cleaner cut and better finish for your lawn. The visual aesthetic is appealing, and it’s a must-have tool for any manicured lawn. Traditional gas-powered or electric mowers create a vacuum under the blades, pulling up the grass towards the cutting deck. This action, along with the rotating cutting deck, leaves a “torn” effect on your lawn.
How often do I need to mow my lawn with a reel mower?
We recommend using your reel mower to cut your lawn to a finished length of 1.5-inches. Depending on the weather conditions and the rain, you might have to mow your lawn at least once a week. As a rule of thumb, make sure you’re not cutting off more than a third of the grass blade length, or you risk damaging your lawn.
Can I mow wet grass with a reel mower?
Yes, you can mow wet grass with a reel mower. However, the moisture creates more friction on the cutting blade reel. Therefore, you might find it harder to push the mower around the yard. Wet grass also clogs in the cutting blades, and you’ll find yourself stopping to clear out the reel more often. We recommend waiting until your lawn dries before mowing.
Where is the best place to buy a reel mower?
We recommend purchasing your reel mower from the world’s largest retailer, Amazon. Amazon offers the best selection on reel mowers, at the best prices. If you’re a Prime member, you get fast shipping to your doorstep, with buyer protection on your order. Amazon has the best customer service and a hassle-free returns policy.
Reel Mowers – The Verdict
By now, you should have a good idea of the best reel lawn mower to suit your needs. However, after reading through our reviews and buyer’s guide, we realize some people might be sitting on the fence with their purchase decision.
If you’re struggling to choose between the models in this review, why not rely on our top picks? We have a model to suit any budget and any yard.
- The American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 is our top pick for the best overall reel mower. This model comes with a 5-blade adjustable cutting deck and razor-sharp coated blades. The ergonomic handle makes it easy to push around the hard, and it collapses for compact storage. This model is the ideal choice for mid-sized to larger lawns.
- The Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower is the ideal choice for homeowners with larger lawns./ this self-propelled model features the patented “InertiaDrive” system for easy movement around the yard. You get an adjustable cutting height, ergonomic handle, and a 5-blade cutting reel with “StaySharp” technology.
- The American Lawn Mower Company 101-08 gets another nod in this review for this reel mower. This model comes with an affordable price tag, and it’s a great choice for homeowners with smaller lawns. You get an 8-inch cutting deck with a 5-blade cutting reel and adjustable cutting height. This model is lightweight and easy to manage.