An Oldie but a Goodie: Advantages of Reel Mowers

What is the main advantage of using a reel mower? A reel mower provides the finest cut for your lawn because it uses a scissor-like action to slice individual grass blades cleanly, preventing the tearing and shredding associated with traditional rotary mowers. This clean cut minimizes stress on the grass, reducing “white-tip” and resulting in a much healthier, greener, and overall superior-looking turf. Furthermore, they are environmentally friendly and require less maintenance than gas-powered models.

The progression of technology has provided us many wonderful things in life, from automobiles with heated seats to computers that allow us to instantly share information worldwide and organize our lives. I for one am very grateful for the technology that I use every day to make my life more comfortable, such as the microwave. I don’t think I would’ve survived bachelorhood without one. Many of these technologies claim to make our lives more efficient and, granted, most do. Along with the steady progress of technology it’s only natural that some of our useless technologies fall along the wayside. When was the last time you used an 8-track player or a floppy disk? Except for my visit to an Amish village or my run in with a gypsy caravan in the English countryside, horse drawn carriages have been largely demoted to hauling folks around on sightseeing outings. And who still uses VCRs?

Old Technology, Timeless Quality

A Classic Lawn Tool That Still Reigns Supreme

Most of the time these forgotten technologies are better off left to collect dust or to occupy museum displays. But occasionally there comes along a technology that no matter how much it progresses, the original still provides the best quality. One such technology that has stood the test of time is the humble reel mower. Since its invention in 1830, the reel mower has continually proven that even though a technology improves and becomes faster, easier, and more efficient, sometimes less is more.

Reel Mowers Deliver the Finest Cut

Superior Scissor-Like Cutting Action

There are several reasons why using a reel mower over a traditional gas-powered mower has its advantages. The biggest advantage is the way reel mowers cut the grass blades. Traditional gas powered mowers use rotary blades that spin like the blades of a helicopter, resulting in grass blades that are chopped, shredded, or torn. This can lead to a condition in grass known as “white-tip” where the tip of the grass blade turns white or brown as a result of this shredding action. This is especially obvious when rotary blades began to dull. On the other hand, reel mowers have blades that lift and cut individual blades just like a pair of scissors. This results in a clean, crisp cut and an overall healthier looking lawn. For a quality cut, there is no beating a reel mower. This clean cut is particularly beneficial for high-end turf varieties like Turf Type Tall Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass, where aesthetics are paramount.

Environmental and Maintenance Advantages

Go Green with Low Impact Mowing

Another major advantage of reel mowers is their impact, or I should say their lack of impact, on the environment. First, reel mowers allow grass clippings to fall back into the soil. This grass mulch acts as a natural fertilizer, returning nitrogen back into the soil. See the blog, The Benefits of Mulching, for additional information on this subject. Since reel mowers are human powered they obviously aren’t dependent on fossil fuels. This not only eliminates air pollution, but can save hundreds of dollars over the years in fuel and maintenance costs. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), gas-powered lawn and garden equipment contributes significantly to air pollution, making a reel mower a sustainable choice. This focus on sustainability aligns with practices for maintaining a healthy Lawn Care regimen overall.

Here are the key benefits:

• Natural Fertilization: Clippings drop back into the turf, enriching the soil.
• Zero Emissions: No reliance on gasoline or electricity, making them truly green.
• Reduced Noise Pollution: Mowing can be done at any time without disturbing neighbors.

Low Maintenance and Quiet Operation

Unlike rotary blades that need to be sharpened on a regular basis, reel mower blades can go years without needing to be sharpened. This dramatically reduces maintenance effort and expense. Another benefit of reel mowers is the lack of noise caused by engines. This allows for mowing at any time of the day without fear of upsetting the neighborhood. Believe me, there is nothing more annoying than a neighbor firing up his lawnmower at 6:30 on a Saturday morning.

The Drawbacks of Reel Mowers

Understanding the Limitations

Of course there are some disadvantages of using reel mowers. Although modern reel mowers are fairly easy to push, they need to be kept at a constant, brisk pace in order to achieve an even cut. This could be seen as a benefit for some people as it provides a healthy exercise. Also, reel mowers are generally not recommended for lawns over 8,000 square feet since you could be out pushing for a long, long time.

When using a reel mower, maintaining your lawn soil health is key, as is frequent mowing. For lawns requiring specialized attention, such as those with difficult terrain or persistent weeds, a rotary option might be necessary, though it sacrifices the clean cut. When choosing the right grass, consider the required height—reel mowers excel at lower cuts, often preferred for golf course turf.

While technology continues its never ending march towards efficiency and convenience, it’s important that we don’t overlook the qualities of past achievements. Reel mowers, while not always practical for every situation, allow us to reconnect to our landscapes on a more intimate level. By removing the roaring engines, exhaust fumes, and complex mechanization every now and then, it’s possible to transform the otherwise mundane task of lawn mowing into a healthy, even therapeutic, landscaping experience.

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