In the quest for a lawn that's the envy of the neighborhood, the humble manual lawn mower often gets overlooked in favor of its more modern, motorized counterparts. However, for those seeking an eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and surprisingly robust lawn care solution, manual mowers are making a comeback. Here's a comprehensive review of the best manual lawn mowers on the market today.
The benefits of using a manual lawn mower are numerous—they're quiet, cheap to run, require little maintenance, and provide a low-impact workout. Moreover, they're ideal for small to medium-sized lawns and excel in areas where noise is a concern, such as early morning or late evening mowing.
The Best Manual Lawn Mowers of 2022
After extensive research and testing, we've rounded up the top manual mowers that offer a perfect balance of quality, efficiency, and value. From reel mowers to push mowers, these lawn mowers are cut above the rest.
Before we delve into the details, let's briefly discuss the two main types of manual mowers and their pros and cons.
Manual Reel Mowers
Offering a precision cut, manual reel mowers operate by walking them —much like a push lawn mower—while the cutting system spins, severing the grass blades. They're quieter, lighter, and provide a cleaner cut than their push mower counterparts. However, they require more skill to maneuver effectively and are best suited for small, well-maintained lawns.
Key features to consider in manual reel mowers include the blade number, wheel size, and handle height. More blades result in a better cut, larger wheels provide easier maneuverability, and an adjustable handle height caters to a wider range of users.
Manual Push Mowers
Manual push mowers, or gravity mowers, use a single large blade to cut grass by simply pushing them across the lawn. They're durable, easy to use, and excel on uneven terrains. Despite their simplicity, they may struggle with tall or dense grass, and the cut quality may not be as sharp as reel mowers.
Important features to consider when shopping for manual push mowers include the blade size, cutting height, and handle design. A larger blade size means more grass can be cut at once, while an adjustable cutting height caters to various lawn conditions. Finally, a sturdy, ergonomic handle ensures comfortable and safe usage.
Now, let's dive into our top picks for each category, starting with the best manual reel mowers.
Best Manual Reel Mowers
The GreenWorks 13" 4-in-1 Switch All Terrain Push Lawn Mower takes the crown as the best manual reel mower. With five blades, a 13-inch cutting width, and 9-inch wheels, it manages varied terrains with ease. The two-year warranty provides peace of mind, and the foldable handle ensures convenient storage.
The Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Mower is another excellent choice, featuring a 14-inch cutting path and precision-ground blades. Its enhanced cutting system ensures longevity, and the lightweight design (just 43 lbs) makes it an ideal choice for those with smaller lawns or mobility concerns.
Best Manual Push Mowers
The Scotts 2000-20 Classic Push Mower is our top pick for manual push mowers, thanks to its durable construction, 20-inch cutting width, and seven cutting height settings. It Also comes with a large, 36-inch trapezoidal tine blade that handles dense grass with ease. At just 30 lbs, it's surprisingly light for a push mower.
For those seeking a more robust, heavy-duty option, the Earthwise Highlander 730-16-Inch Push Reel Mower stakes its claim. With an 18-inch cutting width, 16-inch wheels, and an adjustable cutting height, it's perfect for larger lawns and uneven terrains. Weighing in at 52 lbs, it's a sturdy choice that'll last for years.
To keep your manual mower in top shape, always store it properly, keep the blades clean and sharp, and regularly inspect the wheels and handles for signs of wear. Remember, a well-maintained mower is a happy mower!
So, embrace the quiet, eco-friendly world of manual lawn mowing. Your neighbors (and your ears) will thank you. Happy mowing!