American Lawn Mower 1815-18 Reel Lawn Mower, Black, 18-Inch, 5-Blade

I've been using a traditional gas rotary mower for years and had heard good things about reel mowers. There's a lot of options, and I tried out a Scotts 16" Elite Reel Mower first from a local store before upgrading to this 18-Inch 5-Blade Reel American Lawn Mower, and overall, I am pleased with it so far. Assembling the mower fairly easy using the provided instructions and it didn't take long before I was ready to start cutting.One of the standout features of this (and any reel mower) is its clean cutting ability, sort of like a pair of scissors. The five-blade reel spin as you walk and push the grass up against the cutting bed to give a consistent cut, every time. The speed of the reel is dependent on how fast you are walking, so a good moderate pace is required. I tend to do some perimeter cuts first, then go back and forth (switching from 'horizontal' to 'vertical' or 'diagonal' every few times to switch up the pattern. The cut quality is truly superior to that of traditional rotary mowers.However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The mower may struggle to catch all the grass if some blades are bent down or if the grass is too long. With this, its recommended cutting the grass more frequently, going in opposite directions, and overlapping each pass. While this may reduce the effective cutting width from 18 inches to around 12-14 inches, it ensures a thorough and even cut. It actually takes around the same amount of time to cut the ~4000 sq foot I cut with this than with the rotary gas mower and that is comparing a 21" cut to this. Perhaps its because its lighter, I can walk faster, and turning is easier too?For maintenance and accessories - Maintaining the sharpness of the blades is important for optimal performance, and although I haven't had the need to sharpen them yet, there are sharpening kits available. Additionally, the option to purchase a bagger is available, but personally, I prefer leaving the clippings on the lawn as natural fertilizer. Just be sure to pick up any twigs or anything else the blades may catch on during use, as you'll come to a complete stop as it jams into the cutting bed. At least with a reel mower you don't have to keep your hand on the push-bar, so you can easily stop to pick something up. I even look around to 'de-weed' the lawn in that area as I come across things. Sometimes I'll carry or attach a small bag to the unit to store the twigs or anything else I pickup so I can throw it out when done.Also, it's worth noting that the mower throws the clippings backward, so wearing long pants and shoes is key to avoid getting them on your legs. Though I'm sure it would work with some additional leg-power, this mower works best on flat lawns without too many weeds, as it may struggle with uneven terrain as it's self-powered and the weed stems can also stop the blade reel in its tracks if they are too thick.One other thing, is that you won't really get the traditional 'stripes' of a rotatry mower. I've seen others modify the reel mower to drag a lead / pvc pipe with sand in it, but personally I don't bother. As long as the grass looks trimmed and neat, I'm happy.You also can't beat the workout it provides - I get a solid ~30 minutes of mowing every few days and you work up quite a sweat.Overall, I wanted to try reel mowing for the season and the 18-Inch 5-Blade Reel American Lawn Mower is a solid choice that fit my needs. While it may require some additional effort one of the standout things is since its nearly quiet, you can mow at any time, and even when its wet - two things a gas powered mower just can't (or shouldn't) do. Really - you can't bet the cut quality and that's why I'm doing this, for a healthier lawn.

Corta mucho más suave de lo que esperaba, definitivamente fue una muy buena compra. Si la encuentran en descuento la recomiendo muchísimo, así como también comprar algún aceite mineral para que al terminar de usarla le den una limpieza y protección para cuidar que las cuchillas no se oxiden tan pronto.

So I'll start by saying that I've used push mowers for over 20 years and over 3 different house lawns. Further I've used powered reel mowers including a Toro. So in short I've got experience here.As a kid I mowed my dad's lawn with a Toro powered reel mower and that is the Cadillac of residential mowers. Later when I moved out I bought an old used no name push mower, fixed it up and used it. It did the job. Next was a Gardina C360 (16.5 inch cut) at a price of $139 back in 2002. It was nice and lasted me 18 years and lots of lawn millage. The gears on the wheels wore out and replacement parts don't seem to be handy.So now I bought this American 18 inch cut. Wow so nice. Quiet. Smooth. Cuts with ease and does as good a job as any 5 blade reel mower would. Feels solid. Had no issue putting it together as it's as simple as 8 bolts. Deliver was quick as well including 3 days from the States.Previous comments make me laugh. Yes push reel mowers don't work well if you haven't mowed the lawn in 6 months. I recommend cutting once a week at a minimum.Yes they don't cut 100% of the grass blades so I recommend double cutting (one way then across it) to get a real fine golf course look.I would also recommend top dressing your lawn if it's bumpy or as drop offs etc. The smoother the lawn the better.All in all if you want something environmentally friendly, quiet, gets you some exercise, cuts almost as good as a professional power reel mower, and I suspect will last me 20 years than this is the mower for you.

Shipping time was good. Product looks well built and works well. No complaints. Very happy

I've been using this for a couple months now and only wish I'd given a reel mower a try sooner. This mower cuts my lawn beautifully. Replaced my craftsman gas mower that was on its way out. No gas. No oil. Lighter than my previous mower. Easier to push too. I am a 52 year old man and don't find it difficult at all. I cut my lawn a little more often but it's enjoyable and peaceful. I can hear the birds singing while I'm mowing. My lawn is healthier than it's ever been. If you aren't afraid of a little exercise it's great. It isn't strenuous. After each mow I spray the blades with WD-40 to prevent rust and keep it ready for the next use according to the instruction manual recommendations. My lawn is around 9000 square foot and takes me 45 to 60 minutes to mow. Small sticks and twigs will bring it to a halt but i just keep them picked up as best I can and if I hit one I just give a quick spin of the blade backward with my foot and am usually able to move forward again. I love this little mower and highly recommend it.