Electric reel mowers provide a good option for homeowners looking for an environmentally friendly way to mow their lawn. Reel mowers operate by spinning a blade cylinder against a stationary blade to cut the grass. This allows them to operate quietly and without producing any emissions. While they may not be as powerful or fast as gas mowers, electric reel mowers offer some key benefits that make them a viable alternative for many lawns.
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Benefits of Electric Reel Mowers
Here are some of the main advantages of choosing an electric reel mower:
- Environmentally friendly – No gas or oil is required so there are no emissions or potential for fuel spills.
- Quiet operation – The lack of a gas engine allows reel mowers to run very quietly, usually around 60-70 decibels.
- Lower maintenance – With no engine, there is less maintenance required. No oil changes or air filters to replace.
- Lightweight – Electric reel mowers typically weigh between 25 to 35 pounds, making them easy to maneuver and store.
- Safety features – Many models have no exposed blades and come equipped with safety features like cut-off bars.
- Cost savings – Not having to purchase gas can save money over time. Electricity use is minimal.
For homeowners with relatively flat, smooth lawns under a 1/4 acre, a corded electric reel mower can provide an easy, eco-friendly way to keep grass trimmed. Cordless electric models offer added convenience for larger lawns or yards with hills.
Cut Quality of Electric Reel Mowers
One of the key considerations with a reel mower is the cutting quality it can provide. Reel mowers cut grass with a scissor-like slicing action that can produce an exceptionally neat and even cut when used properly. Most electric reel mowers are designed to cut lawns at a height of 1/2 inch to 1 3/4 inches. Models with higher blade speeds and more cutting blades (4-7) tend to deliver the best cut quality. Grooved front rollers that help stand grass blades up right before cutting also contribute to a clean cut.
While gas-powered rotary mowers can sometimes tear or fray grass tips, the shearing effect of a reel mower results in healthier grass and a lush, manicured appearance. Proper adjustment and maintenance of the reel blade against the bedknife is needed to maintain cutting performance. Dull blades may cause some tearing of the grass rather than shearing it.
Power and Performance
Electric reel mowers are best suited for smaller, relatively flat lawns up to about 1/4 acre in size. Most corded models can handle thicker grass up to 4-6 inches tall, while cordless models may top out at 4 inches. Cutting speeds for electric reel mowers typically range from 0.5 to 1.5 feet per second. This makes them substantially slower than gas mowers but fast enough for small urban or suburban lawns. Some cordless models approach gas mower speeds at 1.7-2 fps.
Lawn terrain is another key factor as electric reel mowers lack the torque and power of gas mowers. Most will handle gentle slopes and slight hills but struggle on steep grades over 10-15 degrees. The limited cutting height also makes them less ideal for bumpy or uneven lawns prone to scalping.
Ease of Use
One advantage of electric reel mowers is their simple operation and maneuverability. Cordless models start with the push of a button, while corded versions just need to be plugged into an outdoor outlet. No priming, choking or pull cords are required. The lightweight design and rear wheels make it easy pivot and turn the mower. However, the forward-only cutting motion means more overlap and passes may be needed compared to gas mowers with spinning blades.
Cordless electric reel mowers offer maximum convenience and maneuverability. Corded models provide unlimited runtime but require keeping an extension cord clear of the cutting path. Cord length and outlet location often limit corded mowers to back and front yards.
Ongoing Maintenance
A major benefit of electric reel mowers is the minimal maintenance required, especially compared to gas mowers. With no engine, oil changes, air filters and spark plugs to replace, upkeep is limited. The main tasks are periodically sharpening the blades, lubricating the chain/gears, and ensuring proper blade-to-bedknife adjustment for a clean cut. This makes reel mowers very low maintenance for the average homeowner.
Cost Considerations
Electric reel mowers are typically priced from $100 to $300 depending on features. Cordless models that provide more power and convenience will fall at the higher end. This compares favorably to the average cost of a gas-powered walk behind mower. Fuel and maintenance savings can offset most or all of the purchase price over time. However, electric reel mowers lack the power and cutting width to efficiently handle large yards, meaning gas mowers will remain the better value for bigger lawns.
Key Disadvantages
While electric reel mowers shine for small urban lawns, there are some downsides to consider:
- Limited power and slow cutting speed – Not ideal for large yards
- Corded models restrict range and maneuverability
- Not suitable for long or thick grass and weeds
- Hilly terrain can pose challenges
- Wet grass clumping can clog the blades
- Less convenient for edging and trimming compared to string trimmers
Best Uses for Electric Reel Mowers
When used within their capabilities, electric reel mowers can be a very effective alternative to gas mowers. Here are the ideal lawn conditions and uses for electric reel mowers:
- Small urban or suburban lawns under 1/4 acre
- Mostly flat terrain with minimal slopes
- Smooth, level lawns with few bumps or ruts
- Grass kept shorter than 4-6 inches tall
- Low-growing grass types like fescue
- Weekly or biweekly mowing in dry conditions
- Eco-friendly mowing with no emissions
- Quiet mowing if noise is a concern
For these situations, an electric reel mower can provide a lightweight, easy-to-use green alternative to gas mowers with minimal upkeep.
Top Electric Reel Mower Picks
Here is a comparison of some well-rated electric reel mower options:
| Mower | Type | Cutting Width | Cutting Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Lawn Mower 1204-14 | Cordless | 14-Inch | 1-3 inches | 24 lbs |
| Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S | Corded | 20-Inch | 1-3 inches | 35 lbs |
| Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO | Cordless | 14-Inch | 1-2.4 inches | 28 lbs |
| Greenworks 20-Inch 25052 | Corded | 20-Inch | 1-2.75 inches | 51 lbs |
Conclusion
For environmentally conscious homeowners with small, flat lawns, electric reel mowers present a quiet, fume-free way to keep grass neatly trimmed. Advances in cordless battery technology are expanding their range and power. While still limited compared to gas mowers, electric reel mowers require little maintenance and offer the right blend of simplicity, eco-friendliness and performance for urban and suburban settings. With a few key tips, they can deliver beautiful lawn results with zero emissions.