Comments on: Recommended Reel Mowers to Buy

By: Meggie

Meggie — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:21:24 +0000

Thanks lars. I’m betting it’s the previous life it had before me. No idea what it may have gone through. Definitely not handy enough to tackle correcting it myself, but it’s nice to have confirmation of my suspicions before I spend $200 on a new one. (Provided my husband doesn’t flip his lid…)

By: lars

lars — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:18:49 +0000

@Meggie

The manufacturing tolerances of the Scotts Classic aren’t always as precise as some of the other brands of mowers. It’s either your reel or the cutter bar that isn’t perfectly straight, which is causing that issue you describe.

The Fiskars does not tend to have that issue, so I think it would probably solve that problem for you.

The other option might be to buy a sharpening kit and grind down the side that is too tight until you have it mowing straight again.

Just to be clear, this issue doesn’t affect all Scotts Classic reel mowers. But when I do see it, it’s usually either a manufacturing tolerance issue, or an issue where someone has sharpened it badly in the past and made it so uneven that you can’t get it lined up anymore.

By: Meggie

Meggie — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:26:47 +0000

I have had a Scotts 20″ Classic for the past couple of years. Love mowing with it even on my bumpy, weedy back lawn. Bought it used and had it sharpened and it’s been great except for one thing…

My issue has been that it cuts uneven. The left side of the mower cuts, but the right doesn’t seem to so I have a strip of long grass in between passes. I have to mow my lawn lengthwise and then widthwise to get all the grass cut. I know that I’ll never get power-mower grooming from it, but it should at least use the whole blade.

I’ve tried adjusting the blades, but then the left side is too tight and a bugger to push. Not sure what the previous owner may have done to it, but I’m at the point now that I’m considering splurging on a Fiskars to see if that solves the issue.

Any thoughts?

By: CJ

CJ — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:17:20 +0000

I live in South Florida and bought a Fiskars about 4 months ago. I was a bit apprehensive–I didn’t know if a manual reel mower would cut through thick St. Augustine grass (3 1/2″). I am extremely happy with this buy. It’s easier to push than a high-wheeled gas mower. Even my wife gave it a try and thought it was easy. It cuts great and doesn’t leave a pile of grass clippings on the lawn (throws everything forward). Even in tight places, a few back and forth pushes cuts everything (the blade spins fast). So, if you’re in Florida, tired of spending money on gas and having it sit in your garage, and tired of fixing a rusted-out gas mower, this is for you.

By: steve

steve — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 16:55:56 +0000

@Dave, A reel mower can be hard to push if you don’t mow regularly, but typically it’s not much harder than a standard push rotary mower with a motor. The Fiskars Momentum is another great mower you may want to consider. The Scotts classic is on the lower end and the Mascot and Fiskars are on the higher end.

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 22:40:06 +0000

I live in southern NM (Las Cruces) and am tired of my rotary mower causing the occasional “crop circle” scalping on my Santa Ana Bermuda grass lawn. I’m looking for a good reel mower which isn’t terribly hard to push and can handle the thick Santa Ana. Grassy yard in front and back isn’t too big, as it takes me no more than 30 minutes total to do both with an electric or gas rotary mower. I keep the grass length between 1.25 and 2 inches high…usually at the lower end if the heat doesn’t stress the grass too much. Any advice on the best choice for Santa Ana Bermuda? Based on what I’ve read here, the Scotts Classic and Mascot Silent Cut 18 may be best. Other thoughts? Thanks for the advice.

By: steve

steve — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:18:40 +0000

@Emily, Yes, you can push any reel mower over concrete and it will not harm the mower. Both the Mascot reel mower and the Fiskars reel mower would be a great choice.

By: Emily

Emily — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 03:29:04 +0000

Hello, I am curious about the mascot and fiskars models, as I have St. Augustine grass. I have two plots of grass and would have to move the mower over a long concrete path to get between plots. I am petite and wouldn’t be able to carry it easily. Is it possible to push it over the concrete or would it be damaged?

By: steve

steve — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:28:12 +0000

@Joyce, I would suggest the Fiskars Momentum reel or the Mascot 18 reel mower. I think this company typically ships the same day if ordered before mid afternoon – http://www.cleanairgardening.com/fiskars-momentum-reel-mower.html
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/mascot-reel-mower.html

By: Joyce

Joyce — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 03:43:04 +0000

We haven’t had a reel mower, but are interested for myself and my daughter, primarily, and are hoping to avoid the pulling to start a regular mower. We have probably 80% fescue, and a little bluegrass, maybe more in the shady areas, and live in No. Virginia? We have about a .21 acre lot, with a small area with a few pine needles, and have sweet gum balls, and a good number of leaves here and there, but could rake first. We have fairly flat land, with a few holes. Love the quiet and the environmentally friendliness of a reel mower, but want something my husband will agree gives a good cut, as well. What would you suggest? and how long would it take to arrive?