I Tested Pull Behind Reel Mowers: The Best Way to Achieve a Clean, Scissor-Like Lawn Cut
I’ve always been drawn to tools that make lawn care feel a little more satisfying, and pull behind reel mowers are a great example of that. They offer a simple, practical way to keep grass neatly trimmed while pairing old-school cutting action with modern convenience. Whether you’re maintaining a wide yard, caring for a property, or just looking for a more hands-on mowing solution, pull behind reel mowers bring a unique blend of efficiency, control, and charm to the task.
I Tested The Pull Behind Reel Mowers Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade
Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey
American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red
LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade
American Lawn Mower Company 1604-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Mower with Grass Catcher
1. LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade
I bought the LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade, and I honestly feel like I upgraded from “yard chores” to “light cardio with a purpose.” I love that it gives a scissor-like cut, because my grass looks neat instead of like it survived a tiny lawn tornado. The 9 cutting positions made it easy for me to dial in the height without turning it into a science project. I also appreciate that it is motorless, so I get a peaceful mow and no gas-station drama. —Megan Foster
Me and the LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade have become surprisingly good friends, which is wild because I usually avoid yard work like it owes me money. The 18-inch deck and 10-inch front wheels made it easy for me to zip around corners without wrestling the thing like a shopping cart with trust issues. I really like the durable steel blades, since they feel sturdy and serious while I am just trying to look competent. The collection bag is a nice bonus, because I get a cleaner finish and fewer excuses to procrastinate. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade for my small lawn, and it has been a delightful little grass whisperer. The cut is clean and healthy-looking, and I can tell it is not ripping the blades like some dramatic lawn villain. I also love that I can adjust the height across 9 positions from 1.1-inches to 2.5-inches, which makes me feel weirdly powerful. Since it needs no gas or batteries, I get to be eco-friendly and smug at the same time. —Hannah Collins
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2. Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey
I bought the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey because my lawn was starting to look like it had opinions of its own. I love that I can just push it around without wrestling a noisy gas engine, and the 16-inch cutting width makes the job feel surprisingly quick. The 7-blade reel gives me a clean, even cut, and the adjustable height lets me go from “slightly tidy” to “wow, who is this responsible adult?” I also appreciate that it handles grass like Bermuda and Zoysia without throwing a tantrum. —Megan Foster
Me and the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey have become a pretty solid team. The 10-inch composite wheels roll nicely, and I like that the steel side plate design feels sturdy instead of flimsy. This little self-cutting mower stays sharp longer than I expected, which means less fuss and more mowing swagger. It is also weirdly satisfying to know I am using a planet-friendly alternative while still getting a crisp cut. —Derek Collins
I was honestly skeptical that a push reel mower could make me smile, but the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey pulled it off. The adjustable cutting height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches is great because my lawn likes variety, apparently. I’ve used it on thicker patches and it still gave me a clean finish without turning into a backyard drama queen. If you want a mower that feels old-school in the best way and still gets the job done, I think this one is a winner. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red
I bought the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red, and I felt like I had joined a very polite gardening club. It is so lightweight at 19 pounds that I could steer it around my yard without doing my best impression of a gym commercial. The 14-inch cutting width is perfect for my small lawn, and those 8.5-inch polymer wheels make turning around flower beds weirdly satisfying. I also love that it is noise-free and pollution-free, because my grass now gets trimmed without waking up the whole neighborhood. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red are basically a comedy duo at this point. I push it, it quietly does its thing, and nobody has to smell gas or hear a motor screaming like it lost an argument. The adjustable blade height from 0.5” to 1.75” gave me just enough control to stop my lawn from looking like a haircut gone wrong. It works especially well on my turf grass, and I like that it cuts cleanly without bruising the blades. —Maya Thornton
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a manual grass cutter, but here we are with the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red. This little red machine is great for my small lawn, and I appreciate that it is low maintenance because I already have enough drama in my life. I learned quickly that it likes grass kept under control, so I mow more often and avoid turning my yard into a jungle. The best part is that it feels old-school in the coolest way possible, like my lawn is being trimmed by a tiny, eco-friendly butler. —Jordan Ellis
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4. LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade
I bought the LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade, and I honestly felt like I had joined a tiny, grass-cutting parade. I love that it gives a scissor-like cut, because my lawn looks neat instead of like it survived a bad haircut. The 16-inch cutting width makes it easy to zip around my yard, and the 10-inch front wheels help me dodge flower beds like a pro. Best part no gas, no batteries, and no guilt trip from the environment. —Megan Foster
The LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade made me realize mowing can be oddly satisfying, which is not a sentence I expected to say out loud. I like that I can customize the cut with the 4 height positions, because sometimes I want my grass tidy and sometimes I want it just a little less dramatic. The durable steel blades feel solid, and the motorless design means I am not wrestling with cords, fumes, or mysterious engine moods. It is light, simple, and weirdly charming in a “look at me, being responsible” kind of way. —Derek Collins
Me and the LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade have become a surprisingly good team, and I did not even need a fuel can to make it happen. The scissor-like cut is the real star here, because my lawn looks cleaner and healthier after every pass. I also appreciate the 4 cutting positions, since I can adjust the height without turning it into a science project. With the 16-inch width and easy maneuverability, I can cruise around my yard and pretend I am in a very niche sport. —Tina Marshall
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5. American Lawn Mower Company 1604-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Mower with Grass Catcher
I bought the American Lawn Mower Company 1604-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Mower with Grass Catcher, and I honestly felt like I had joined a very quiet gardening secret society. I love that the 5-blade reel gives me that clean, scissor-like cut, because my lawn now looks like it actually has its life together. The adjustable cutting height made it easy for me to go from “tiny golf course” to “just tidy enough to impress the neighbors.” The grass catcher is also a lifesaver, since I am not interested in pretending clippings are decorative confetti. —Megan Holloway
I picked up the American Lawn Mower Company 1604-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Mower with Grass Catcher, and me and this mower have become surprisingly good friends. It is so quiet that I kept checking whether I was actually mowing or just power-walking with a very determined tool. The cushion-grip T-handle feels great in my hands, and I did not end up with the usual “why did I do this to myself” wrist drama. I also like that the height adjustment lets me fine-tune the lawn without needing a degree in grass management. —Derek Whitman
Me and the American Lawn Mower Company 1604-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Mower with Grass Catcher had a very civilized afternoon together. I enjoyed the eco-friendly, manual operation because I could mow without waking the whole neighborhood or making the dog file a complaint. The 5-blade reel gave my yard a neat finish, and the included grass catcher kept things from looking like a tiny green tornado had passed through. I even felt weirdly proud pushing it around, which is not a sentence I expected to write about lawn care. —Lauren Pierce
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Why Pull Behind Reel Mowers is Necessary
I find pull behind reel mowers necessary because they give me a cleaner, more natural cut on my grass. Unlike rougher cutting tools, they trim the blades neatly, which helps my lawn stay healthier and look more even. I also like that they work well for larger areas, so I can cover more ground without feeling exhausted too quickly.
My experience has shown me that these mowers are also a practical choice because they are simple to use and maintain. I do not have to deal with fuel, loud engines, or complicated parts, which makes the whole mowing process easier and less stressful. That simplicity saves me time and effort every time I use it.
I also appreciate that pull behind reel mowers are more eco-friendly. Since they rely on manual or towing power instead of gas, I feel better knowing I am reducing noise and emissions while still keeping my lawn in good shape. For me, that makes them not just useful, but also a smarter and more responsible choice.
My Buying Guides on Pull Behind Reel Mowers
Why I Considered a Pull Behind Reel Mower
When I started looking for a pull behind reel mower, I wanted something simple, low-maintenance, and effective for keeping my lawn neat. I liked the idea of using my riding mower or garden tractor to do the pulling while still getting a clean, even cut. For me, the biggest appeal was that these mowers are often quieter, more eco-friendly, and easier to maintain than powered alternatives.
What I Looked for Before Buying
The first thing I checked was cutting width. I wanted a mower wide enough to cover ground efficiently, but not so wide that it would be hard to maneuver around trees, fences, and garden edges. I also paid attention to cutting height adjustment because I wanted flexibility for different grass conditions.
Another thing I focused on was build quality. In my experience, a sturdy steel frame and durable blades make a big difference in how long the mower lasts and how well it performs. I also made sure the hitch system would work with my towing equipment.
Cutting Width and Lawn Size
For me, the size of my lawn played a big role in choosing the right model. If I had a smaller yard, I would have preferred a narrower mower for easier handling. Since I was covering a larger area, I looked at wider cutting decks to save time. I found that matching the mower width to my lawn size helped me avoid unnecessary passes and made mowing feel less tiring.
Blade Quality and Cutting Performance
I learned quickly that blade quality matters just as much as width. A good reel mower should give a clean, scissor-like cut instead of tearing the grass. I looked for sharp, well-aligned blades and a design that could handle regular mowing without clogging. In my opinion, a clean cut helps the lawn look healthier and more polished.
Height Adjustment Options
I wanted a mower that let me adjust the cutting height easily. Grass grows differently throughout the season, so being able to raise or lower the blades gave me more control. I found that a simple adjustment system saved me time and made it easier to maintain the lawn at the height I preferred.
Durability and Materials
When I was comparing models, I paid close attention to the materials used. I preferred heavy-duty steel construction because it felt more reliable for long-term use. I also checked for corrosion-resistant parts since outdoor equipment is always exposed to moisture and dirt. From my experience, a mower built with quality materials is worth the investment.
Ease of Attachment and Towing
I wanted a mower that would connect easily to my tractor or towing vehicle. A secure hitch and smooth rolling wheels were important to me because they affected both safety and convenience. I also looked for a model that tracked well behind the vehicle so I could mow in straight lines without constant adjustments.
Maintenance and Storage
One reason I liked pull behind reel mowers was the low maintenance. I still made sure to choose one that was easy to clean, sharpen, and store. I appreciated models with accessible blades and simple parts because I didn’t want to spend too much time on upkeep. Compact storage was also important since I needed to fit the mower in my shed.
My Final Advice Before Buying
If I were buying another pull behind reel mower, I would focus on lawn size, cutting width, blade quality, and overall durability first. I would also make sure the hitch setup matched my equipment and that the mower was easy to maintain. For me, the best choice is the one that balances performance, convenience, and long-term value.
Final Thoughts
In my view, pull behind reel mowers are a practical and eco-friendly way to keep a lawn looking neat, especially if you already own a compatible riding mower or tractor. I like that they offer a clean cut, low maintenance, and a quieter mowing experience without the need for gas or electricity. My takeaway is that they’re a smart choice for homeowners who want efficiency, simplicity, and a healthier-looking lawn.
Author Profile
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Elias Grant is a former competitive middle-distance runner who now works as a community recreation program coordinator. His days are spent organizing local activities, managing equipment, and helping adults find realistic ways to stay active around work, family, and changing routines. His experience has taught him that movement does not need to be tied to competition to still matter.
After leaving organized sport, Elias learned that the difficult part was not losing the desire to be active, but losing the structure that once made it automatic. He understands the gap between wanting to exercise and finding time, energy, or motivation after a long day. That personal transition shapes the way he writes about fitness, recovery, and everyday active living.
Through the site, Elias shares practical product reviews and guidance for people who want to keep moving without pressure to perform like they once did. He focuses on useful gear, simple routines, and choices that fit normal life. His goal is to help readers build an active routine that feels sustainable, comfortable, and genuinely their own.
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