Is An Old Fashioned Lawn Mower Right For Your Lawn?

The old fashioned lawn mower, also known as a reel mower, offers a quiet, eco-friendly way to maintain your lawn. If you’re considering a return to classic lawn care, mens-fashion.net provides insights into whether this type of mower suits your lifestyle and lawn needs. We can help you decide if a manual lawn mower is right for you!

1. What is an Old Fashioned Lawn Mower (Reel Mower)?

An old fashioned lawn mower, often referred to as a reel mower, uses a rotating cylinder of blades to cut grass, offering a manual, eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered mowers. Reel mowers provide a clean, precise cut, promoting healthier lawn growth.

How Does a Reel Mower Work?

Reel mowers operate through a mechanical process where curved blades attached to a rotating cylinder trap and cut the grass against a stationary bedknife. This scissor-like cutting action ensures a clean and even trim. Unlike rotary mowers that use a single spinning blade to hack at the grass, reel mowers slice each blade of grass neatly.

Key Components of a Reel Mower:

Reel: A cylindrical part with blades arranged spirally around it.
Bedknife: A stationary blade against which the reel blades cut the grass.
Wheels: Provide mobility and determine the cutting height.
Handle: Used to push and maneuver the mower.

Types of Reel Mowers:

Push Reel Mowers: Manually powered, requiring the user to push the mower to operate the blades.
Gas-Powered Reel Mowers: Use a gasoline engine to power the reel, suitable for larger lawns.
Electric Reel Mowers: Utilize an electric motor for power, offering a balance between manual and gas-powered options.

2. What Are The Benefits of Using An Old Fashioned Lawn Mower?

Using an old fashioned lawn mower offers numerous benefits, including environmental friendliness, quiet operation, and physical exercise, making it a great option for those prioritizing sustainability and a well-maintained lawn. They are very lightweight as well.

Environmental Advantages:

Zero Emissions: Reel mowers produce no exhaust fumes, reducing your carbon footprint.
Reduced Noise Pollution: Their quiet operation helps maintain a peaceful environment.

Health and Physical Benefits:

Physical Exercise: Pushing a reel mower provides a good workout, promoting physical activity.
Healthier Lawn: The precise cutting action of reel mowers results in healthier grass, reducing the risk of disease. According to a study by the Lawn Institute, reel mowers promote denser and more uniform grass growth due to their clean cutting action.

Cost Savings:

No Fuel Costs: Since they are manually powered, reel mowers eliminate the need for gasoline.
Low Maintenance: With fewer moving parts, maintenance costs are minimal.

Quiet Operation:

Noise Reduction: Reel mowers operate quietly, making them ideal for noise-sensitive environments.

Improved Lawn Health:

Clean Cut: The scissor-like action of reel mowers provides a clean cut, preventing tearing and browning of grass blades.
Reduced Thatch Buildup: Reel mowers promote healthier grass growth, reducing thatch accumulation.

3. What Are The Drawbacks of Using An Old Fashioned Lawn Mower?

While old fashioned lawn mowers offer numerous benefits, they also have drawbacks, including limitations on cutting height and effectiveness on uneven terrain, requiring more frequent mowing for optimal results.

Cutting Limitations:

Grass Height: Reel mowers struggle with tall grass, requiring more frequent mowing.
Uneven Terrain: They are less effective on bumpy or uneven lawns.

Physical Effort:

Manual Power: Requires significant physical exertion, especially on larger lawns.

Maintenance Challenges:

Blade Sharpening: Sharpening reel mower blades can be challenging and may require professional service.

Time and Efficiency:

Slower Mowing: Reel mowers generally take longer to mow a lawn compared to gas-powered mowers.

Specific Lawn Types:

Not Ideal for All Grasses: They may not perform well on thick or coarse grass types.

4. What Types of Lawns Are Best Suited for Old Fashioned Lawn Mowers?

Old fashioned lawn mowers are best suited for small to medium-sized lawns with relatively even terrain and grass types that are easy to cut, ensuring a clean and healthy trim.

Ideal Lawn Size:

Small to Medium Lawns: Best for lawns up to 2,000 square feet.

Terrain Suitability:

Even Surfaces: Works best on flat, even lawns without significant bumps or slopes.

Grass Types:

Fine Grasses: Suitable for grass types like fescue, ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass. According to lawn care experts at Scotts, these grass types are easier to cut with a reel mower due to their finer texture.

Maintenance Frequency:

Regular Mowing: Requires frequent mowing to prevent the grass from becoming too long.

Homeowner Preferences:

Eco-Conscious Individuals: Ideal for those who prioritize environmental sustainability and physical exercise.

5. How Do You Choose The Right Old Fashioned Lawn Mower?

Choosing the right old fashioned lawn mower involves considering factors like lawn size, grass type, cutting width, and adjustable height, ensuring you select a model that meets your specific lawn care needs.

Assess Your Lawn:

Size: Determine the size of your lawn to choose an appropriately sized mower.
Terrain: Evaluate the flatness of your lawn, as reel mowers work best on even surfaces.
Grass Type: Identify your grass type to ensure the mower can handle it effectively.

Consider Key Features:

Cutting Width: Choose a wider cutting width for larger lawns to reduce mowing time.
Adjustable Height: Opt for a mower with adjustable cutting heights to suit different grass lengths.
Blade Material: Look for high-quality steel blades that stay sharp longer.
Wheel Design: Consider wheel size and material for better maneuverability.

Evaluate Build Quality:

Durability: Choose a mower made from sturdy materials to ensure longevity.
Weight: Consider the weight of the mower for ease of use and maneuverability.

Read Reviews and Recommendations:

Customer Feedback: Check online reviews to get insights from other users.
Expert Opinions: Consult lawn care experts for recommendations.

Set a Budget:

Price Range: Determine how much you are willing to spend on a reel mower.

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Alt text: Person using a reel mower in a lush, green lawn, highlighting the manual operation and eco-friendly lawn care.

6. How Do You Maintain An Old Fashioned Lawn Mower?

Maintaining an old fashioned lawn mower involves regular cleaning, blade sharpening, and lubrication to ensure optimal performance and longevity, keeping your mower in top condition for years.

Regular Cleaning:

Remove Grass Clippings: After each use, clean grass clippings and debris from the blades and mower body.
Use a Brush: A stiff brush can help remove stubborn debris.

Blade Sharpening:

Frequency: Sharpen blades at least once a year, or more often if you notice decreased cutting performance.
Professional Service: Consider professional sharpening services for best results.

Lubrication:

Moving Parts: Lubricate moving parts such as the reel, wheels, and height adjusters with light machine oil.
Frequency: Lubricate every few months or as needed.

Inspection:

Regular Checks: Regularly inspect the mower for loose bolts, worn parts, and damage.
Tighten Bolts: Tighten any loose bolts to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Storage:

Clean and Dry: Store the mower in a clean, dry place to prevent rust and corrosion.
Cover: Use a cover to protect the mower from the elements.

7. Can You Use An Old Fashioned Lawn Mower On All Types of Grass?

You can use an old fashioned lawn mower on various grass types, but it performs best on fine-bladed grasses like fescue and ryegrass, struggling with thicker, coarser grasses unless they are cut frequently.

Best Grass Types for Reel Mowers:

Fescue: Fine-bladed and easy to cut, making it ideal for reel mowers.
Ryegrass: Known for its fine texture, providing a clean cut with reel mowers.
Kentucky Bluegrass: Works well if maintained regularly and not allowed to grow too tall.

Grass Types to Avoid:

St. Augustine: Coarse and thick, making it difficult for reel mowers to cut effectively.
Zoysia: Dense and slow-growing, which can challenge reel mowers.
Bermuda: While manageable, requires frequent mowing to prevent it from becoming too thick.

Tips for Using Reel Mowers on Different Grass Types:

Frequent Mowing: Mow more frequently to prevent the grass from becoming too long.
Sharp Blades: Ensure the blades are sharp for a clean cut, regardless of grass type.
Overlap Passes: Overlap mowing passes to ensure all grass is cut evenly.

8. Where Can You Buy An Old Fashioned Lawn Mower?

You can buy an old fashioned lawn mower at various retailers, including major home improvement stores, specialty lawn and garden shops, and online marketplaces, offering a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Online Retailers:

Amazon: Offers a wide selection of reel mowers from various brands.
Walmart: Provides competitive prices and convenient online shopping.
Specialty Websites: Sites like MowReel.com specialize in reel mowers and related accessories.

Major Home Improvement Stores:

Home Depot: Carries a range of reel mowers, both in-store and online.
Lowe’s: Offers various models with different features and price points.

Local Lawn and Garden Shops:

Specialty Stores: Local shops often provide expert advice and a curated selection of reel mowers.
Hardware Stores: Some hardware stores carry reel mowers, particularly during the mowing season.

Tips for Buying a Reel Mower:

Read Reviews: Check online reviews to get insights from other users.
Compare Prices: Shop around to find the best deal.
Consider Features: Look for features that meet your specific needs, such as adjustable height and blade material.

9. How Do You Sharpen An Old Fashioned Lawn Mower Blade?

Sharpening an old fashioned lawn mower blade involves using a backlapping kit or professional sharpening services to maintain a clean, precise cut, ensuring your mower operates efficiently.

Backlapping Method:

What is Backlapping? Backlapping involves using a special compound to rotate the blades backward, sharpening them against the bedknife.
Materials Needed: Backlapping kit (includes compound and applicator), gloves, and safety glasses.
Steps:
1. Apply backlapping compound to the blades.
2. Rotate the blades backward using the mower’s mechanism or a drill attachment.
3. Adjust the bedknife to increase friction and enhance sharpening.
4. Clean the blades and bedknife thoroughly after backlapping.

Professional Sharpening Services:

Benefits: Ensures precise sharpening and proper alignment of blades.
Finding a Service: Check with local lawn mower repair shops or hardware stores.

DIY Sharpening (Advanced):

Materials Needed: Angle grinder, safety glasses, gloves, and a metal file.
Steps:
1. Secure the reel in a vise.
2. Carefully grind the edges of the blades at the correct angle.
3. Use a metal file to refine the edges.
4. Balance the reel to ensure even cutting.

Safety Precautions:

Always wear safety glasses and gloves.
Disconnect the spark plug (if applicable).
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for sharpening.

10. What Are Some Safety Tips For Using An Old Fashioned Lawn Mower?

When using an old fashioned lawn mower, it’s essential to follow safety tips such as inspecting the lawn, wearing appropriate footwear, and maintaining a safe distance to prevent injuries and ensure a smooth mowing experience.

Pre-Mowing Inspection:

Clear the Lawn: Remove stones, branches, and other debris to prevent jams and hazards.
Check the Mower: Ensure all parts are secure and the blades are sharp.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Wear Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris.
Use Gloves: Protect your hands from cuts and scrapes.
Wear Sturdy Shoes: Avoid sandals or bare feet to prevent foot injuries.

Safe Operation Practices:

Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep children and pets away from the mowing area.
Mow in Daylight: Ensure good visibility to avoid accidents.
Use Caution on Slopes: Mow across slopes rather than up and down to prevent loss of control.

Proper Handling and Storage:

Lift Properly: Use proper lifting techniques to avoid back strain.
Store Safely: Store the mower in a dry place, away from children and pets.

Maintenance Safety:

Disconnect Power: Before performing maintenance, disconnect the power source (spark plug for gas mowers).
Use Proper Tools: Use the correct tools for sharpening, lubricating, and repairing the mower.

Choosing the right lawn mower for your needs depends on a variety of factors, but mens-fashion.net is here to help. Whether it’s understanding lawn care, finding the right fit and fashion, contact us at Address: 227 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001, United States, Phone: +1 (212) 217-5800, or visit our website at mens-fashion.net.

FAQ: Old Fashioned Lawn Mower

1. What is the main difference between an old fashioned lawn mower and a modern one?

An old fashioned lawn mower, or reel mower, uses a manual, scissor-like cutting action, while modern mowers typically use rotary blades powered by gas or electricity.

2. Are old fashioned lawn mowers better for the environment?

Yes, old fashioned lawn mowers are better for the environment as they produce zero emissions and require no fuel, reducing your carbon footprint.

3. Can an old fashioned lawn mower handle tall grass?

Old fashioned lawn mowers struggle with tall grass and are best used on lawns that are mowed frequently to maintain a shorter grass height.

4. How often should I sharpen the blades of my old fashioned lawn mower?

Sharpen the blades of your old fashioned lawn mower at least once a year, or more often if you notice a decrease in cutting performance.

5. Are old fashioned lawn mowers suitable for all types of lawns?

Old fashioned lawn mowers are best suited for small to medium-sized lawns with even terrain and fine-bladed grass types like fescue and ryegrass.

6. What are the benefits of using an old fashioned lawn mower?

Benefits include environmental friendliness, quiet operation, physical exercise, cost savings, and a healthier lawn due to the clean cutting action.

7. Where can I purchase an old fashioned lawn mower?

You can purchase an old fashioned lawn mower at major home improvement stores, specialty lawn and garden shops, and online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

8. How do I maintain an old fashioned lawn mower?

Maintain your old fashioned lawn mower by regularly cleaning it, sharpening the blades, lubricating moving parts, and storing it in a dry place.

9. What safety precautions should I take when using an old fashioned lawn mower?

Wear safety glasses and sturdy shoes, clear the lawn of debris, maintain a safe distance from others, and use caution on slopes.

10. Can I adjust the cutting height on an old fashioned lawn mower?

Yes, many old fashioned lawn mowers come with adjustable cutting heights to suit different grass lengths and personal preferences.