10 Best Reel Lawn Mowers 2025 in the United States

The American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14GC is a 14-inch 5-blade push reel lawn mower that stands out for its environmentally friendly operation, as it is both pollution-free and noise-free. Its 14-inch cutting width is suitable for small to medium-sized lawns, while the 5-blade reel and 10-inch polymer wheels enhance maneuverability. The mower's blades are made from heat-treated alloy steel, which ensures long-term sharpness and durability.

Additionally, it features an adjustable cutting height between 1 and 2.25 inches for a customizable lawn cut. Weighing 18 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to handle, making it accessible for users of varying strength levels. The T-style handle with a cushioned grip further improves comfort during use. One notable inclusion is the grass catcher, which helps in collecting clippings and maintaining a clean lawn.

However, the 14-inch cutting width may require more passes on larger lawns, and manual operation can be more labor-intensive compared to powered mowers. Despite these minor drawbacks, this mower is an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance, eco-friendly lawn care solution.

The Great States 415-16 is a solid choice if you have a small to medium-sized lawn and want an eco-friendly, manual reel mower. It offers a 16-inch cutting width, which is a bit narrower than some larger mowers, so it’s best suited for smaller yards where maneuverability matters. The mower features heat-treated blades that stay sharp longer, providing a clean and quality cut without needing electricity or gas. You can adjust the cutting height from half an inch up to two and a half inches, allowing flexibility depending on your grass type or season, though you need to adjust both sides evenly, which might take a little patience.

Its 10-inch ball bearing wheels help it roll smoothly, and the T-style handle with a powder-coated finish is designed for durability and rust resistance. At just over 2 pounds, it’s quite lightweight, making it easy to push and store. However, the narrower cutting width might mean more passes on larger lawns, and adjusting the height on both sides can be a bit fiddly.

This mower serves as a reliable and straightforward tool for those who want a low-maintenance, environmentally friendly mower for smaller green spaces.

The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 is a lightweight manual reel mower designed primarily for small lawns and regular maintenance. Its 14-inch cutting width and 4-blade setup provide a clean, scissor-like cut that’s gentle on the grass, which helps keep lawns healthy. The adjustable cutting height ranges from 0.5 to 1.75 inches, allowing some customization depending on grass length, although it’s best suited for shorter grass and less effective on very tall or thick lawns.

Weighing only about 19 pounds, it’s easy to push and maneuver, aided by durable 8.5-inch polymer wheels that glide smoothly over most terrains. The handle is straightforward and designed for comfortable grip, supporting a neat cutting experience without strain. Since it’s manual, this mower produces no noise or pollution, making it an eco-friendly choice that requires minimal maintenance.

This mower is not ideal for large lawns or cutting tall, overgrown grass, and mowing is best done when the grass is dry to avoid clogging. Because it works best when trimming small amounts frequently, it might require more time and effort compared to powered mowers for bigger areas. This makes it a solid option for those with smaller lawns who want a simple, quiet, and environmentally friendly tool for regular grass trimming.