Reel mowers are gaining in popularity, especially among lawn enthusiasts who are particular about the quality of their turf. With various brands and models available in the market, choosing the right reel mower can be a daunting task. This guide aims to provide you with insights into some of the top brands and what to consider when making your choice.
Best Commercial Reel Mowers
- Pros: These are higher-end commercial reel mowers that offer excellent cut quality. They are often recommended for those who are looking for great results from a tried and true brand. Toro > Jacobsen > JD.
- Cons: These mowers are generally over $10,000 new and generally only available used.
1. Toro
Toro is regarded by many as the best commercial reel mower brand. Unlike John Deere, Toro’s core business is lawn mowers. The bed knife on Toro greens mowers are the hardest.
2. Baroness
Although Baroness has limited support due to a small user base, and limited options for aftermarket parts, Baroness makes a high quality mower for those with a high budget.
3. Jacobsen
Although less popular than John Deere and Toro, Jacobsen is one of the top 3 commercial reel mower brands. You can find older models for a great discount.
4. John Deere
John Deere has the softest bed knife of the big 4 professional greens mower brands and so it is 4th place on our list. They make a great reel mower that will give a better cut than residential mowers but given the tough competition among commercial reel mower brands, it lands last place on our list.
Best Residential Reel Mowers
McLane
- Pros: A good starter reel mower, especially if you can find a used one. McLane mowers have been around since the 1940s and are one of the only brands on the list that can proudly say Made in America.
- Cons: No rear roller.
California Trimmer
- Pros: Great for beginners, easy to operate and maintain. Available in electric.
- Cons: Without replacing the wheel with a roller, may leave wheel marks, and the bagger may not be effective for low cutting. Some users have reported issues with build quality. Made outside of USA.
Rolux
- Pros: Newly launched in the U.S., Rolux mowers are gaining popularity for their greens-type approach and excellent reel to bed knife adjustment. Priced affordably.
- Cons: Support and availability can vary based on location and your local dealer.
Revolution
- Pros: The Revolution 26 offers powerful performance with its Honda GX160 5hp engine. The ergonomic handle grips and independent drive control make it user-friendly. It can cut as low as 0.25 inches, ideal for a perfectly manicured lawn.
- Cons: At $2,799.99, it’s pricey for residential users. The 195lb weight with the grass catcher can make it hard to maneuver for some.
Scotts Pro and Earthwise
- Pros: The only option under $500 to reel mow. They can also be converted to electric with a bit of DIY.
- Cons: Manual reel mowers involve more labor and the cut isn’t as good as the other options at higher price points. Scalping can be very difficult.
Factors to Consider
Engine Type
The type of engine can make a significant difference in your mowing experience. Honda engines are generally more reliable and efficient compared to Briggs and Stratton.
Blade Count
The number of blades can affect the quality of the cut. For lawns that you intend to keep under 1/4″, a 10-blade reel is recommended. For higher cuts, a 7-blade reel should suffice.
Front Roller
The type of front roller—smooth or grooved—can impact the mower’s performance, especially when making turns. A grooved roller is generally better for lawns with lots of turns.
Budget and Resale Value
If you’re new to reel mowing, you might not want to invest in a high-end model right away. Brands like California Trimmer offer good resale value, allowing you to upgrade later.
Lawn Size and Terrain
The size and condition of your lawn can also dictate the type of reel mower you should get. Higher-end models like Toro and John Deere are more suited for larger, well-maintained lawns.
Availability and Support
Check if there are authorized dealers in your area who can offer after-sales support, including free demos and machine setup.
We reached out to most major reel manufacturers (Allet, California Trimmer, Fiskars, McLane, Reel Rollers, Rolux, Swardman, Toro) to test their customer service responsiveness. 4 days later, only 3 brands replied to us. These brands were:
- California Trimmer
- Allet
- Rolux
McLane also replied later, but the others never did.
Conclusion
Choosing the right reel mower involves considering various factors, including your lawn’s size, your level of experience, and your budget. Whether you’re a beginner looking to dip your toes into the world of reel mowing or a seasoned pro wanting to upgrade, there’s a reel mower out there that’s perfect for you.
| Budget | Recommendation |
| <$250 | Scotts Pro or Earthwise |
| $250-600 | Used McLane |
| $600-1000 | Used California Trimmer |
| $1000-2000 | New Rolux, used John Deere or used Toro |
| $2000+ | New Rolux or Revolution |
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