Reel Mowers vs. Rotary Mowers: Why you should get a Reel mower!

When it comes to lawn care, the tool you use to cut your grass can have a significant impact on the health and appearance of your lawn. While both reel mowers and rotary mowers get the job done, they do so in very different ways—and the results are not the same. To put it simply, using a reel mower is like cutting your grass with a pair of sharp scissors, while using a rotary mower is more like hacking at it with a machete. Here’s why that difference matters and why I believe reel mowers are the better choice for a healthier, better-looking lawn.

How They Work

Reel Mowers

Reel mowers, also known as cylinder mowers, use a set of helical blades that rotate as you push the mower forward. These blades work like scissors, cleanly snipping the grass between the reel blades and a stationary bottom blade (the bed knife). This precise cutting action is what sets reel mowers apart.

Rotary Mowers

Rotary mowers, on the other hand, use a single, horizontally rotating blade that spins at high speeds to chop grass. While they’re effective at cutting grass, their mechanism is less precise and can sometimes tear or bruise the grass blades, leading to a less polished appearance.

Cutting vs Hackings Motions

Imagine you’re trimming a piece of paper. If you use a pair of sharp scissors, you’ll get a clean, straight edge. But if you use a machete, the result will be jagged, uneven, and rough. The same principle applies to mowing your lawn.

• Reel Mowers (Scissors):
  Reel mowers cut grass with a scissor-like action, providing a clean, even cut that promotes healthier grass growth. This precision minimizes damage to the grass blades, allowing the grass to heal faster and reducing stress on your lawn.

• Rotary Mowers (Machete):
  Rotary mowers, with their spinning blade, chop grass in a less controlled manner. This can result in torn or frayed grass blades, which not only look less attractive but also create openings for pathogens to enter, increasing the risk of lawn diseases.

Why Reel Mowers Are Better for Your Lawn

1. A Cleaner Cut for a Healthier Lawn

The scissor-like action of a reel mower provides a clean, even cut that promotes healthier grass growth. Unlike rotary mowers, which can tear or bruise grass blades, reel mowers minimize damage to the grass. This precision cutting helps the grass heal faster and reduces stress on your lawn. If you’ve ever noticed frayed or brown tips on your grass after mowing, that’s often the result of a rotary mower’s less precise cutting action.

2. Prevents Disease

A clean cut isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also about lawn health. When grass is cut cleanly, it’s less susceptible to disease. Torn or frayed grass blades, which are common with rotary mowers, create openings for pathogens to enter, increasing the risk of lawn diseases. Reel mowers, with their precise cutting action, help keep your lawn healthy and disease-free.

3. Lower Height of Cut (HOC)

One of the standout features of reel mowers is their ability to cut grass at a lower height than rotary mowers. While rotary mowers typically have a minimum height of cut (HOC) of around 1 inch, reel mowers can easily cut grass as short as 0.5 inches or even lower. HOC is a matter of personal preference, but if you’ve ever admired the tightly manicured lawns of golf courses, you’ll notice they often maintain a HOC of around 0.125 to 0.25 inches. A reel mower allows you to achieve that same level of precision and aesthetic appeal in your own yard.

4. Affordable Entry Point

One of the best things about reel mowers is that they’re incredibly affordable to start with. A high-quality manual push reel mower can cost as little as $150, making it an excellent option for beginners or those on a budget. You can achieve great results with a manual model and decide later if upgrading to a powered reel mower is worth the investment.

5. Low Maintenance (Push Reel Mowers)

Manual push reel mowers have fewer moving parts than rotary mowers, which means less maintenance. There’s no need for oil changes, air filter replacements, or fuel refills. The main upkeep involves keeping the blades sharp and properly aligned, which is a simple task compared to the maintenance required for rotary mowers. That said, if you opt for a gas-powered reel mower, it will require more maintenance, similar to a rotary mower. But for most people, a manual push reel mower is all you need.

6. Ideal for Small to Medium Lawns

If you have a small to medium-sized lawn, a reel mower is perfect. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and doesn’t require any cords or fuel. Plus, pushing a reel mower is a great way to get a little exercise while you work on your lawn.

When a Rotary Mower Might Be Better

While I’m a big fan of reel mowers, I’ll admit that rotary mowers have their place. If you have a large lawn, uneven terrain, or frequently deal with overgrown grass and weeds, a rotary mower’s power and versatility might be more practical. However, for most homeowners with smaller, well-maintained lawns, a reel mower is more than capable of delivering excellent results.

Starting with a Manual Reel Mower

If you’re curious about reel mowers but aren’t ready to commit to a powered model, I highly recommend starting with a manual push reel mower. For around $150, you can get a reliable model that will give you a clean, precise cut and help you decide if upgrading to a powered reel mower is worth it down the line. Many people find that the manual version is all they need, especially for smaller lawns.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to lawn care, the benefits of a reel mower are clear: a cleaner cut, a healthier lawn, and a more polished appearance. While rotary mowers have their uses, they simply can’t match the precision and lawn health benefits of a reel mower. If you’re looking for a mower that delivers great results and keeps your grass in top condition, a reel mower is the way to go. Start with a manual push model, and you might just find that it’s all you need to achieve the lawn of your dreams. If you're ready to get a reel mower, go visit our Recomended Products section and grab the best push reel mower (under $1k) in the market.