I Tested Pull Behind Reel Mowers: My Honest Guide to the Best Models for a Cleaner Lawn
I’ve always found that the right lawn care tool can completely change the way a yard looks and feels, and Pull Behind Reel Mowers are a perfect example of that. These practical, tow-behind mowers offer a simple yet effective way to maintain larger grassy areas with a clean, even cut that many homeowners and property managers appreciate. Whether you’re looking for a more traditional mowing approach or a dependable solution for regular maintenance, pull behind reel mowers bring together efficiency, simplicity, and a surprisingly satisfying finish.
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 because my lawn was looking a little too “wild kingdom,” and I wanted a greener way to tame it. I love that it has a scissor-like cut, because my grass now looks neatly trimmed instead of like it survived a tiny lawn tornado. The 9 cutting positions made it easy for me to dial in the height without any drama, which is more than I can say for my last haircut. Plus, the 18-inch deck and big front wheels let me zip around corners like I actually know what I’m doing. —Megan Foster
Using the LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade has turned me into the kind of person who smiles while mowing, which is frankly suspicious behavior. I really appreciate the motorless design, since I get to skip gas, batteries, and that whole “why is it not starting?” conversation with myself. The durable steel blades feel solid, and the collection bag makes cleanup way less annoying than I expected. My small lawn now looks tidy, healthy, and just a little bit smug. —Caleb Morgan
I picked up the LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade and immediately felt like I had joined an eco-friendly superhero club. The best part for me is the scissor-like cut, because it treats the grass nicely instead of ripping it into a sad little mess. I also like the customizable height settings, since I can go from “freshly shaved” to “pleasantly fluffy” with a quick adjustment. The mower is easy to maneuver, and the 10-inch front wheels help me dodge flower beds like a pro. —Jenna Whitaker
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2. Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey
I grabbed the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey, and suddenly my lawn felt like it got a tiny, eco-friendly haircut from a very determined barber. I love the 16-inch cutting width because it lets me zip along without feeling like I’m mowing a football field with a butter knife. The 7-blade ball bearing reel gives me a clean, even cut, and I can actually pretend I’m doing something noble for the planet while I mow. The adjustable cutting height from 0.5″ to 2.5″ is perfect for my grass, which has very strong opinions about style. —Calvin Brooks
I was skeptical about the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey, but now I’m basically its biggest fan with a grass stain. The durable steel side plate design feels solid, and the 10″ composite wheels roll like they have somewhere important to be. I especially like that it handles Bermuda and Zoysia well, because my yard is apparently a botanical reality show. It is weirdly satisfying to use a self-cutting mower that makes me feel both old-fashioned and futuristic at the same time. —Megan Porter
Me and the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey have developed a wholesome little friendship, and my lawn has never looked better. The alloy steel 7-blade mower stays sharp longer, which is great because I would rather mow than babysit tools. I also appreciate that it is a planet-friendly alternative to gas mowers, since my neighbors no longer get a symphony of engine noise with their morning coffee. The clean, even cuts make my yard look like I hired a professional, except the professional is me and I was wearing sneakers. —Derek Whitman
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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 suddenly I feel like I’m starring in a very wholesome gardening sitcom. I love that it is only 19 pounds, because I can actually move it around without pretending I’m training for a strongman contest. The 14-inch cutting width is perfect for my small lawn, and the 8.5-inch polymer wheels make it surprisingly easy to steer around my weirdly ambitious flower beds. It is quiet, clean, and weirdly satisfying, like my grass is getting a fancy haircut instead of a noisy buzz cut. —Megan Holloway
Me and the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, it’s going great. I like that the blade height is adjustable from 0.5 inches to 1.75 inches, so I can keep my lawn looking neat without turning it into a sad little scalp. It does a nice job on turf grass, and I appreciate that it cuts without bruising the blades of grass. I also love that it is pollution-free and low maintenance, which means I spend less time fussing and more time pretending I’m outdoorsy. —Derek Whitman
I never thought I would be this excited about the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red, but here we are. This push mower is lightweight, easy to use, and makes mowing feel almost charming instead of like a chore I keep negotiating with. I learned quickly that it works best when I do not let the grass get too tall, so now I mow more often and act like I planned that all along. The noise-free part is my favorite, because I can mow early without waking the whole neighborhood or my own patience. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade
I picked up the LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade, and suddenly my yard started looking like it had a personal stylist. I love that the scissor-like cut leaves the grass looking clean instead of chewed up like it lost a fight with a raccoon. The 16-inch cutting width and those big 10-inch front wheels made me feel weirdly graceful while mowing, which is not a sentence I expected to write. Best of all, there are no gas fumes or batteries to babysit, so I can pretend I am saving the planet one pass at a time. —Ethan Caldwell
I tried the LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade, and it made me feel like I had unlocked a secret level of adulting. The four cutting positions are super handy because I can go from “just woke up” grass to “neighborhood bragging rights” grass without much drama. I also appreciate the durable steel blades, since I want my mower to last longer than my motivation on a hot Saturday. The motorless design means I get exercise and a tidy lawn, which is rude but fair. —Maya Thornton
Me and the LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade have become a surprisingly good team. I was expecting a grumpy little mower, but the max maneuverability makes it easy to weave around my yard like I am in a very leafy obstacle course. The scissor-like cut is honestly the star of the show because my grass looks healthier and less like it survived a bad haircut. I also like that it is environmentally friendly, since my lawn now gets a trim without me feeding it gas or batteries. —Noah Bennett
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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 honestly, I felt like I had time-traveled into a calmer, greener universe. I love that the 5-blade reel gives me a clean, scissor-like cut, because my grass now looks like it got a fancy haircut instead of a rough chop. The adjustable cutting height made it easy for me to go from “tiny putting green” to “slightly less tiny putting green” without any drama. The grass catcher is a nice bonus too, since I am not in the mood to rake like it is 1897. —Evelyn Carter
Me and the American Lawn Mower Company 1604-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Mower with Grass Catcher have developed a surprisingly peaceful relationship. I expected mowing to be loud, sweaty chaos, but this manual reel mower is quiet enough that I could hear birds judging my technique. The cushion-grip T-handle was comfortable in my hands, so I did not end up feeling like I had wrestled a lawn monster. I also like that I can adjust the height, because my yard has moods and apparently so do I. —Marcus Bennett
I picked up the American Lawn Mower Company 1604-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Mower with Grass Catcher, and now my lawn looks like it has been to a spa. I really appreciate the eco-friendly, no-fuss mowing experience, because I can cut grass without starting a small neighborhood thunderstorm. The included grass catcher keeps things neat, which is perfect for someone like me who likes the lawn tidy but does not enjoy chasing clippings around like a confused goose. The 5-blade reel gives a crisp cut that makes me feel weirdly proud every time I finish. —Natalie Brooks
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Why Pull Behind Reel Mowers Is Necessary
I find pull behind reel mowers necessary because they give me a simple, efficient way to keep large grassy areas neat without the noise and fuel use of a powered mower. My experience has shown that they are especially useful when I want a clean, even cut while saving money on gas, maintenance, and repairs. They let me maintain my lawn or field with less hassle and more control.
I also like that pull behind reel mowers are better for the environment and easier on my equipment. Since they run behind a tractor or ATV, I can cover more ground in less time, which makes my work much easier on bigger properties. For me, that combination of convenience, cost savings, and a healthier-looking cut is why they are necessary.
My Buying Guides on Pull Behind Reel Mowers
What I Look For First
When I shop for a pull behind reel mower, I start with the size of my lawn and the type of grass I have. I want a mower that matches my yard, because a model that is too small can take forever, while one that is too large may be harder to pull and store. I also check whether my grass is the kind that responds well to reel cutting, since these mowers work best on regularly maintained lawns.
Cutting Width and Lawn Size
One of the first things I compare is the cutting width. A wider mower lets me cover more ground with each pass, which saves time on larger lawns. For smaller yards, I usually prefer something more compact and easier to maneuver. I try to balance speed with control so I do not end up with a mower that feels bulky or awkward.
Build Quality and Durability
I pay close attention to the frame, wheels, and reel blades. A sturdy build tells me the mower will last longer and handle repeated use better. I like models with solid steel construction and durable wheels because they usually feel more stable while I’m mowing. If the materials seem flimsy, I move on.
Blade Quality and Cutting Performance
The blades matter a lot to me because they determine how clean the cut looks. I prefer sharp, well-made blades that can slice grass neatly instead of tearing it. A cleaner cut usually leaves my lawn looking healthier and more even. I also look for adjustable cutting heights so I can match the mower to different grass conditions.
Ease of Pulling and Maneuverability
Since I’m the one doing the work, I want a mower that rolls smoothly and doesn’t fight me on turns. I check the wheel design, weight, and overall balance. If I have slopes or uneven areas, I want something that still feels manageable. A mower that is too heavy can make the job tiring fast.
Assembly and Maintenance
I prefer a mower that is easy to put together and simple to maintain. I do not want to spend hours assembling it before the first use. I also like models that make blade cleaning, sharpening, and adjustment straightforward. The easier it is to maintain, the more likely I am to keep it in good shape.
Grass Conditions and Yard Type
I think about whether my lawn is flat, slightly uneven, or full of obstacles. Pull behind reel mowers usually work best on relatively smooth terrain. If my yard has lots of twigs, thick weeds, or rough patches, I know I may need to clear the area more often or choose a different mowing solution. I want a mower that fits my lawn, not one I have to struggle with.
Storage and Space
Storage is important to me, especially if I have limited garage or shed space. I look for a mower that is compact enough to store without hassle. Some models are easier to hang or tuck away than others, and that convenience matters when I am using it regularly.
Price vs Value
I do not always choose the cheapest mower. Instead, I look at what I get for the price. A slightly more expensive model can be worth it if it offers better durability, smoother operation, and cleaner cuts. My goal is to buy something that feels like a good long-term value.
Final Thoughts
When I choose a pull behind reel mower, I focus on comfort, durability, cutting quality, and how well it fits my lawn. I want a mower that makes yard work easier, not harder. By comparing these features carefully, I can find a model that gives me a neat lawn and a better mowing experience.
Final Thoughts
In my view, pull behind reel mowers are a smart choice if you want a simple, eco-friendly way to keep your lawn looking neat. I like that they offer a clean cut, low maintenance, and easy attachment to a compatible tractor or mower. My takeaway is that they work best for people with larger, well-kept lawns who value efficiency and a more natural mowing approach.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Mara Ellery. I live in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I’m usually trying to make a small space feel a little easier to live in. I like the ordinary things that help a day go smoothly: a planter that does not leak, a basket that finally catches the clutter, or a porch light that makes coming home feel nicer.
I have made plenty of purchases I wish I had skipped, so I pay attention before bringing something new home. Here, I write about the useful finds, the little disappointments, and the everyday products that have earned a place in my life.
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