Reasons to Switch to a Reel Mower Vs. a Gas Mower (or Electric)
Whether moving into your first house or replacing an older lawn mower, you’ve probably been debating how you’re going to cut your lawn this year. Having used both push reel mowers and gasoline powered mowers, the two offer completely different experiences. In fact, I just switched to a Fiskars push reel mower.
I can tell you, without hesitation, I prefer the push reel mower vs. other alternatives. Here are 5 great benefits that push reel mowers have over gas powered mowers (as well as some caveats to be aware of if you make the switch).
Push Reel Mowers are Cheaper than Gas Powered or Electric
Push reel mowers range in price from 80 to 200. Most are below 125. Gas powered mowers are generally 200 and some of the more advanced push models can be as pricey as 500. Electric range from 300 to 700 for self-propelled versions.
But initial price is not where the costs end. With gasoline, over 4 a gallon, you can expect to pay a significant amount every year for fuel. You will also have to pay for oil to change the oil (and learn how to do that). With electric, you obviously have to pay for electricity and for replacement batteries at some point.
Not only that, but neither gas-powered or electric mowers will last as long as reel mowers. Push reel are cheap due to their simplicity. A lot can go wrong with a gas-powered mower or electric mower – and the motors will eventually die (you will too, but then you won’t need a mower, will you?). The only maintenance cost with a push reel is sharpening it every few years, which you can often times do at home very easily with a 25 kit. There is not much that can go wrong with a reel mower.
Push Reel Mowers are MUCH Environmentally Friendly
Think of the positive environmental impact that would result in everyone driving a bike to and from work vs. driving a Hummer. Everyone switching from a gas-powered mower to a push reel would have no less of an impact.
According to one study, one hour of gas-powered lawn mower use can produce as much pollution as a 300 mile car trip. Have you ever smelled your clothes after a lawn-mowing session? Lawn mowers don’t have the same strict pollution controls in place as automobiles.
On top of that, the EPA has estimated that 17 million gallons of fuel are spilled each year while refueling lawn equipment. That’s more than all the oil spilled by the Exxon Valdez. Not only does this result in groundwater contamination, but spilled fuel evaporates into the air and volatile organic compounds produce smog-forming ozone when combined with heat and sunlight.
Anyone who has ever used a gas mower knows that you come away from using it smelling like gas fumes for the rest of the day. Those fumes are going right in your lungs.
Reel Mowers Require Less Maintenance than a Gas Mower
I alluded to maintenance with price, but there’s also a time saving component that goes into it. No driving to the gas station and back when you run out of gas. No oil changes, and no spark plug changing. You may have to sharpen the blades every few years with a push reel, but you have to sharpen or change blades on gas mowers as well.
Push reel mowers are simpler and easier to maintain.
They also fit in a garage or shed much more easily than a gas or electric powered mower.
Reel Mowers Offer Peace and Quiet
With a push reel mower you can mow whenever you want without disturbing the neighbors. That includes morning or night when it’s typically cooler and healthier for you and the grass.
You can hear birds singing and neighbors when they walk by to say hi. And you don’t feel like that tingling in your arms like they have just been working a jackhammer.
Using a push reel mower is a pleasant and calming experience. Just what outdoor gardening should be.
Quick Look: Best Gas Lawn Mowers
Honda HRN216-VKA
Jump To Full Reviews:
Who Is A Gas Lawn Mower Best For?
Do you have a small tennis court sized lawn in a crowded suburb?
You probably don’t need the best lawn mower we recommend below. You can get an EGO or Makita electric – which are also good – just not as rugged.
But if you have a bigger lawn (0.25 – 1.5 acres), with tough grass, tough terrain and you prefer the smell of regular gasoline in the morning…
…Then you’ll love the Honda’s and Toro’s we recommend below.
What Does “The Best” vs. Popular vs. Value Mean When It Come To Lawn Mowers?
Here’s the thing: Nearly all the bestselling lawn mowers are battery powered or corded electric.
As the price of fuel increases. And as we move into suburban sprawls with smaller lawns… Electric mowers are sometimes better suited for the job.
The Best
Cutting Width
The lawn mower’s deck is one of the most important features of this power tool. The deck not only protects the user from the cutting blade and debris flicking up but decks are often available in smaller dimensions to best navigate around a small yard. This part is usually height adjustable to tackle various grass heights and is typically made of corrosion and rust-resistant metal.
Before cutting the grass, it’s wise to think about what cutting width is required. A lawn mower with a large cutting width will be more difficult to maneuver around small yards. On the other hand, if a lawn mower with a cutting width too small is used then the task could take longer than needed. The upcoming selection features cutting ranges between 12 to 21 inches to offer a variety of options for small yards. A 16-inch cutting width is good for boxy or rectangular yards, while a yard with more obstacles is more suited to a 14-inch mower.
Other Considerations
Once the decision has been made on which lawn mower easily cuts the grass of the small yard in question, there are a few other features to consider.
- Grass catcher capacity: Check the size of the bag which is collecting the grass clippings. A larger bag means less trips to the compost heap, although it may make the mower heavier.
- Self-propelled mowers: From the list of the best lawn mowers for small yards below there are a few electric models which are self-propelled. This is a great feature to have in a mower as it means the mower doesn’t need to be pushed. Guide the mower through and it does the job automatically. This makes mowing easier and some mowers have adjustable speeds to assist as required.
- Mulch mowers: A mulching mower is where the blade and mowing deck chop the grass multiple times before spitting out the grass clippings back onto the lawn. Side discharge mowers can direct this cut grass out to the side, and usually, a bag can be installed to directly catch the clippings as they fall out.
- Assembly: Some mowers require assembling. Most will just need the handle slotted into place, and some will come pre-assembled. Check before you buy how intricate or fiddly a model is to put together.
- Handle: Depending on how tall or short the user is, it’s worth checking whether the mower has an adjustable height handle. Also, some handles can be folded down to easily be tucked away for storage which is particularly handy if you mow frequently.
- Cutting heights: Depending on the grass length, the cutting height of a mower may be a significant detail to buyers purchasing a new mower. Most manufacturers will state how tall of grass the mower will cut.
- Start: Though many mowers, typically gas mowers, have a pull cord to start, many newer mowers have a push button start which many customers find easier and preferable.
We hope our review of the top lawn mowers for small yards has been helpful. For more suppliers of related products, including lawn mowers, lawn mower tractors, lawn mower bags, lawn mower blades, and lawn mower handles, consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.