Want a good workout? Try a reel mower!

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I was very loathe to buy a power mower for my new house. They're bulky, a PITA to start, and I really dislike keeping gas in my garage. I was given a reel mower (old fashioned kind- no motor!) by a neighbor who didn't want his. Then, my parents gave me a self propelled as a gift. Up to this point I have used the other mower because I let my grass get too long, but tonight I decided to give the reel mower a try.

I love it! It is harder to push in the areas where the grass gets higher and thicker, and you can't edge well, but other than that it is a great mower. It's much easier to corner than my other mower and a lot quieter. I loved that I could have the dogs out in the yard with me since there is no chance of it getting away from me. I will say, if you want a productive workout- this is it! It can take a lot of oompf to get that thing going, and it had me sweating in no time, but it felt great. I can't wait to get home tomorrow to finish the job.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

Do your parents hate you? Those things are awful. Ten bucks say you go electric by the end of the year. ask me how I know...

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Nah- the got me a new self propelled as a house warming gift. I just thought I would try the reel mower since my grass wasn't too long and I actually like it more. I'll probably use the power mower when the grass gets too long or on the hill. (didn't do the hill today, so we'll see how much I love it after tomorrow)

 

[Rose&Mike]

We started using a reel mower last year, and haven't gotten our gas mower out at all this year. It is much more pleasant to cut the grass now. Unless we move to a house with a bigger yard, I can't see ever going back. The only big downside is we can't let the grass get too long or we have to double cut or rake.

 

[MdmMim]

I told DH I would mow the lawn if we got one with no motor/engine. ...And I've been mowing for 3 months!

It is a good workout, but I don't mind. There is some satisfaction in powering the thing with muscle and determination (up hills.)

 

[The Mystery Machine]

No thanks. I prefer the power mower.

 

[shortbun]

We've used a push reel for 21 years. Started out with an antique and about 10 years ago my husband bought a new one. Most of our neighbors use them too as they do not pollute with noise or fuel. Peace and quiet while mowing the lawns is wonderful!!!

 

[Hercules10]

Real work-out is when the self-propel goes out on a gas mower half-way through the lawn.

 

[SAHDad]

I have a gas (though not self-propelled), and have thought about getting a reel mower as well. I used one growing up, and it might be nice to have one around - I could mow the lawn while the kids are playing outside, and I'd trust my son with the reel mower in a few years, whereas he has to be significantly older before I'll trust him with the gas mower.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

My DH loves his!! He does mow about every three days.

 

[sbell111]

Every three days????

I think that I'll stick with our self-propelled/lawn tractor tag team. It works for us. (That being said, I truly preferred paying the lawn guy to do it, but times are tough all over.)

 

[K and K's Mommy]

Every three days????

I think that I'll stick with our self-propelled/lawn tractor tag team. It works for us. (That being said, I truly preferred paying the lawn guy to do it, but times are tough all over.)

Oh, I don't think it has to be that much. The lawn is just his thing! He'll go out after dinner while I do the dishes. The great thing is all three kids go out with him, and he can still hear them. Plus, in Indiana, it is light until well after 9:00 for part of the summer. (We're on the very edge of Eastern time.)

 

[suejai]

I can't even imagine how much effort it would take to use a reel mower. I've always like the idea of them for all of the reasons listed by pp's. But then, I haven't mowed a lawn for going on 30 years. Well I mowed the lawn today, front and back with a gas mower. We do not have a big yard but I was breathing hard, my chest hurt and I was sweatin' I didn't realize that I was so out of shape. I guess I should start using my Wii Fit again

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I was worried about my (small) hill, but it was fine, possibly easier than the self propelled because it wasn't so bulky. It did leave more blades uncut, but overall I really enjoyed it. I loved being able to have my dogs in the yard with me while I mowed, giving them a chance to really run around and stretch their legs.