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I don't understand why more people don't use push reel lawnmowers. I've used one ever since I stopped living in apartments, and they are not that difficult to u

by tcfunk 9y ago

I don't understand why more people don't use push reel lawnmowers. I've used one ever since I stopped living in apartments, and they are not that difficult to use. They are lighter-weight than their gas-powered cousins, and you don't have to fill it up with gas every damn time you mow. Also it doesn't make 9000dB of noise.

fivestar 9y ago
Because my entire summer of mowing can be done for 5 gallons of gasoline.
- jessaustin 9y ago
  This doesn't really contradict the idea that for you to own and maintain a gasoline mower is a tremendous waste...
- mvindahl 9y ago
  Agreed. Also, apart from mowing, a lawn can really be as easy or hard to maintain as you choose. Mine it kinda bumpy, has several patches of moss and has plenty of dandelions; I don't think "fixing" these problems will ever become enough of a priority to get it done. And of course, I'd never use chemicals of any kind for the lawn.
AlexandrB 9y ago
I use electric. Has most of the advantages of a push mower with the added benefit of easier cutting. Just have to watch for the cord.
- TimJYoung 9y ago
  Same here. It's great - I never go to get the mower out, only to find that it's out of gas. Plus, it's a bit quieter.
- hasbot 9y ago
  The cordless mowers appear to be getting better and better. With my new yard full of beds, trees, and other obstacles, half the mowing time is time managing the cord. So, I'm buying a Ryobi battery operated 21" lawnmower.
jackhack 9y ago
same here. Switched to a modern reel mower* and my poor thin lawn has benefited. it cuts like scissors, not like an axe, and it's both small and nearly silent so mowing the lawn isn't as stressful as before, what with fumes and noise. Not saying I love mowing the lawn (it's still work, after all), but it's a very different more pleasant experience compared to a gas mower, and just as quick. *http://www2.fiskars.com/Products/Gardening-and-Yard-Care/Reel-Mowers/StaySharp-Max-Reel-Mower-6205 http://www2.fiskars.com/Products/Gardening-and-Yard-Care/Ree...
hasbot 9y ago
Push reel lawnmowers perform poorly unless the grass is completely dry. If the grass is damp, the mower doesn't get enough traction and slides. So, here in the PNW, I switched to a corded electric mower and now I'm not so restricted on when I can mow.
Arizhel 9y ago
Depends on the size of your lawn. If you have a little postage-stamp lawn, reel mowers are great. If you have a sizeable lawn (the kind you really need a riding mower for), then you're looking at hours and hours of backbreaking work every week. The big problem with reel mowers is that they only work well when the grass is already short. If the grass grows too tall (which isn't that much), the mower just pushes the grass over, or gets bogged down in it. So you have to be absolutely religious in cutting the grass on time. I've used reel mowers at a couple of houses I've lived in; they were great when the grass area of the yard was tiny and the grass didn't grow too quickly. But where I am now, there's just no way.

by tcfunk 9y ago

fivestar 9y ago

Because my entire summer of mowing can be done for 5 gallons of gasoline.

jessaustin 9y ago
This doesn't really contradict the idea that for you to own and maintain a gasoline mower is a tremendous waste...
mvindahl 9y ago
Agreed. Also, apart from mowing, a lawn can really be as easy or hard to maintain as you choose. Mine it kinda bumpy, has several patches of moss and has plenty of dandelions; I don't think "fixing" these problems will ever become enough of a priority to get it done. And of course, I'd never use chemicals of any kind for the lawn.

AlexandrB 9y ago

I use electric. Has most of the advantages of a push mower with the added benefit of easier cutting. Just have to watch for the cord.

TimJYoung 9y ago
Same here. It's great - I never go to get the mower out, only to find that it's out of gas. Plus, it's a bit quieter.
hasbot 9y ago
The cordless mowers appear to be getting better and better. With my new yard full of beds, trees, and other obstacles, half the mowing time is time managing the cord. So, I'm buying a Ryobi battery operated 21" lawnmower.

jackhack 9y ago

same here. Switched to a modern reel mower* and my poor thin lawn has benefited. it cuts like scissors, not like an axe, and it's both small and nearly silent so mowing the lawn isn't as stressful as before, what with fumes and noise. Not saying I love mowing the lawn (it's still work, after all), but it's a very different more pleasant experience compared to a gas mower, and just as quick. *http://www2.fiskars.com/Products/Gardening-and-Yard-Care/Reel-Mowers/StaySharp-Max-Reel-Mower-6205 http://www2.fiskars.com/Products/Gardening-and-Yard-Care/Ree...

hasbot 9y ago

Push reel lawnmowers perform poorly unless the grass is completely dry. If the grass is damp, the mower doesn't get enough traction and slides. So, here in the PNW, I switched to a corded electric mower and now I'm not so restricted on when I can mow.

Arizhel 9y ago

Depends on the size of your lawn. If you have a little postage-stamp lawn, reel mowers are great. If you have a sizeable lawn (the kind you really need a riding mower for), then you're looking at hours and hours of backbreaking work every week. The big problem with reel mowers is that they only work well when the grass is already short. If the grass grows too tall (which isn't that much), the mower just pushes the grass over, or gets bogged down in it. So you have to be absolutely religious in cutting the grass on time. I've used reel mowers at a couple of houses I've lived in; they were great when the grass area of the yard was tiny and the grass didn't grow too quickly. But where I am now, there's just no way.