I Tested Pull Behind Reel Mowers: The Best Guide to Choosing the Right One
I’ve always been drawn to the simple satisfaction of a well-cut lawn, and few tools capture that feeling quite like pull behind reel mowers. These handy mowers offer a practical, efficient way to maintain grass while keeping the process straightforward and surprisingly enjoyable. Whether you’re managing a large yard, looking for a more traditional mowing approach, or simply curious about alternatives to powered equipment, pull behind reel mowers bring together convenience, control, and a touch of old-fashioned charm in a way that still feels relevant today.
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 swear my lawn is now acting like it got a fancy haircut and a pep talk. I love that the scissor-like cut does not rip or tear the grass, because my yard seems to be taking the whole “healthy glow-up” thing seriously. The 9 cutting positions made it easy for me to find the sweet spot without playing lawn roulette. It is motorless, so I get fresh air, a little workout, and zero gas-station drama. —Evan Collins
Me and the LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade have become a surprisingly effective little team. The 18-inch deck and 10-inch front wheels make it easy for me to zig and zag around the yard like I know what I am doing. I also like that I can customize the cut from 1.1 inches to 2.5 inches, because my grass has strong opinions and I like to negotiate. The collection bag is a nice bonus, so I am not left looking like I lost a fight with a leaf pile. —Megan Foster
I picked up the LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade because I wanted something simple, sturdy, and less dramatic than a gas mower. The durable steel blades feel solid, and the whole motorless design makes me feel oddly heroic every time I mow. I appreciate that it is designed for small lawns, because my yard is more “cozy patch” than “estate,” and this mower handles it beautifully. The cut looks clean, the push is smooth, and I can pretend I am in a wholesome gardening montage. —Caleb Turner
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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, and suddenly my lawn decided to look like it had its life together. I love that I can just push it around without wrestling a gas engine like it owes me money. The 16-inch cutting width and adjustable cutting height from 0.5″ to 2.5″ make it easy for me to go from “wild jungle” to “neighbor envy.” It even handles my grass without drama, which is more than I can say for my last mower. —Oliver Grant
Me and the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey have become a surprisingly good team. The 7-blade ball bearing reel feels smooth, and I appreciate that the alloy steel blades stay sharp longer because I am not trying to become a part-time mower mechanic. The 10″ composite wheels roll nicely, and the durable steel side plate design makes it feel sturdy enough for my weekend lawn adventures. Best of all, it is a planet-friendly alternative, so I can trim the grass and pretend I am saving the world one pass at a time. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey, and it made yard work weirdly satisfying. I like that it is a self-cutting mower, because my arms do the pushing while the blades handle the actual business. It works well on bent grass and other tricky types like Bermuda and Zoysia, which makes me feel like a lawn whisperer. The clean, even cut has my yard looking sharp enough to make me suspicious of my own landscaping skills. —Derek Collins
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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 feel like I accidentally joined a very wholesome fitness club for my yard. I love that it is only 19 pounds because I can push it around without sounding like I am negotiating with a bear. The 14-inch cutting width is perfect for my small lawn, and the 8.5-inch polymer wheels make turning feel almost suspiciously easy. It is quiet, pollution-free, and my neighbors no longer get an unsolicited concert every Saturday morning. —Megan Carter
The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red has made me weirdly proud of my grass. I like that the adjustable blade height lets me choose between 0.5 and 1.75 inches, which makes me feel like a lawn stylist with a tiny red salon cart. It cuts cleanly without bruising the grass, and I can tell my turf is less dramatic afterward. I also appreciate that it is low maintenance, because I have enough hobbies without adding “argue with a gas engine” to the list. —Derek Lawson
Me and the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red have developed a very efficient little routine. I mow more often now because it is so lightweight and easy to use, and that means I am not trying to tame jungle grass like a sitcom dad. The manual reel action works best when I do not let the lawn get too tall, which is honestly a helpful life lesson disguised as yard work. I even enjoy the quiet part, since I can hear birds instead of machinery yelling at me. —Hannah Whitfield
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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 I swear my grass is now getting a spa treatment instead of a haircut. I love the scissor-like cut because it feels like I’m gently persuading my lawn to behave, not ripping it into a bad mood. The 4 cutting positions made it easy for me to dial in the height without any drama, which is great because I prefer my yard work with less suffering and more swagger. It’s also nice knowing I’m using a motorless design, so I can pretend I’m saving the planet while getting my steps in. —Evan Mercer
The LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade made me feel like I was starring in a very determined gardening documentary. I really like the 16-inch cutting width and those 10-inch front wheels because I could zip around my yard without wrestling the thing like a shopping cart with attitude. The durable steel blades seem built to last, and my lawn came out looking neat instead of like it had a rough day. Best of all, there are no gas or batteries to fuss with, so I just grab it and go like a responsible lawn wizard. —Molly Bennett
Me and the LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade have developed a surprisingly wholesome friendship. I was skeptical at first, but the scissor-like cut really does leave the grass looking healthier, and my yard now has the kind of finish that makes neighbors squint in admiration. Switching between the 4 cutting positions was simple, so I could adjust things without needing a manual, a snack, and a life coach. I also appreciate the motorless design because it keeps things quiet enough that I can hear birds judging my mowing technique. —Derek Collins
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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 suddenly my lawn started looking like it had a personal trainer. I love that the 5-blade reel gives a clean, scissor-like cut, because my grass no longer looks like it lost a fight with a blender. The adjustable cutting height made it easy for me to go from “wild backyard jungle” to “neighborhood show-off.” It is quiet, eco-friendly, and weirdly satisfying, like I am giving my lawn a spa day without waking up the whole block. —Derek Holloway
Using the American Lawn Mower Company 1604-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Mower with Grass Catcher has made me feel like a very polite lawn ninja. The cushion-grip T-handle is comfortable, so I can mow without my hands staging a rebellion halfway through. I also appreciate the grass catcher, because I am not in the mood to rake up confetti after every haircut. The mower is easy to maneuver, and I actually look forward to using it, which is something I never thought I would say about yard work. —Megan Whitaker
I picked up the American Lawn Mower Company 1604-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Mower with Grass Catcher, and my yard has been acting brand new ever since. The adjustable cutting height lets me fine-tune the look, so I can keep things neat without making the grass look like it got a buzz cut from a dare. I also love how quiet it is, because I can mow while feeling smugly eco-friendly and not disturbing the peace. The included grass catcher is a nice bonus, since it keeps my lawn tidy and saves me from doing the “why is there grass everywhere” dance afterward. —Calvin Mercer
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Why Pull Behind Reel Mowers Is Necessary
I find pull behind reel mowers necessary because they give me a clean, even cut without the noise and hassle of a gas-powered mower. When I use one, I can mow my lawn more quietly and with less effort, especially if I already have a riding mower or tractor. It saves my time while still letting me keep my grass looking neat and healthy.
My experience has also shown me that pull behind reel mowers are better for the lawn itself. They cut grass more gently than rotary blades, which helps reduce tearing and keeps the grass healthier. I like that this can improve the appearance of my yard while also supporting stronger regrowth over time.
I also appreciate that they are simple, low-maintenance, and cost-effective. I do not have to worry much about fuel, complicated parts, or frequent repairs. For me, that makes a pull behind reel mower a practical choice when I want efficiency, reliability, and a better-looking lawn.
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 the area I need to mow. For smaller lawns, I want a mower that is easy to pull and simple to store. For larger yards, I look for a wider cutting path so I can finish faster with fewer passes. I also pay attention to whether my towing vehicle, like a lawn tractor or ATV, can handle the mower comfortably.
Cutting Width and Height Adjustment
One of the first things I check is the cutting width. A wider reel mower helps me cover more ground, but I only choose it if my yard layout allows easy turning. I also make sure the mower has adjustable cutting heights. That matters because I like having control over how short or tall my grass stays through the season.
Build Quality and Durability
I always prefer a mower with a strong steel frame and solid reel blades. Since this is a tool I expect to use for years, I want something that can handle regular outdoor use without bending or wearing out too quickly. Rust resistance is also important to me, especially if I store the mower in a shed or garage where moisture can be an issue.
Ease of Towing and Maneuverability
A pull behind reel mower should be easy for me to tow and turn. I look for smooth rolling wheels, a stable hitch, and a design that follows well behind my tractor or ATV. If the mower is hard to maneuver, it becomes frustrating to use, especially around trees, flower beds, and corners.
Grass Type and Lawn Conditions
I always think about the type of grass I have before I buy. Reel mowers work best when I maintain my lawn regularly and keep the grass at a manageable height. If my yard has thick patches, uneven spots, or lots of debris, I want a mower that can still perform without clogging or losing cutting quality.
Maintenance Requirements
I like equipment that is easy to maintain. Before buying, I check how simple it is to clean the blades, lubricate moving parts, and replace worn components. A mower that needs less upkeep saves me time and helps me keep it in good working condition longer.
Storage and Weight
I also consider where I will store the mower when I am not using it. If I have limited space, I want a model that is compact enough to fit neatly in my shed or garage. Weight matters too, because a lighter mower is easier for me to move and store, but I still want enough sturdiness for reliable performance.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to choose a pull behind reel mower that matches both my lawn size and my towing equipment. I focus on durability, cutting performance, and ease of use rather than just the lowest price. When I choose carefully, I get a mower that makes lawn care easier and gives me a clean, even cut.
Final Thoughts
In my view, pull behind reel mowers are a smart, eco-friendly choice for keeping a lawn neat with minimal noise and maintenance. I like that they offer a simple, efficient way to achieve a clean cut, especially for smaller properties or well-kept grass. If you want a low-cost mowing option that works with a riding mower or small tractor, this type of mower is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Nolan Barrett, an automotive service advisor based in Tacoma, Washington, with a background in automotive technology, parts, and hands-on problem solving. Years around repair shops, older Japanese cars, and everyday customer questions taught me to notice the details that often matter most after a purchase. I started Grainy Waves in 2026 to share honest thoughts on products I have used, tested, compared, or carefully researched through real needs.
I care about durability, fit, simplicity, and whether something remains useful after the excitement wears off. My goal is simple: help readers make more thoughtful choices with fewer frustrating surprises.
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