There are several advantages to using a reel lawn mower instead of a typical gas powered model. We are talking here about the old-fashioned push-along human-powered lawn mower.
Advantages include the extra peace and quiet of a manual device, the lower environmental impact compared to fuel engines, ease of storage and lightweight.
Additionally, you will almost certainly enjoy the low maintenance and genuine safety that is offered by a manual mower. When you add in the ease of use and the exercise you will get, along with the money you will save, it is easy to see what draws people to the reel lawn mower. Let us look closer at each of these advantages.
Peace And Quiet
A reel lawn mower contains no engine, and as a result makes very little noise. There is a subtle whirring and shearing noise while it is in motion, but it is an entirely different thing to the unpleasant roar of a gas engine. This is especially relevant in a highly populated neighborhood; gas mowers running all day really cut into the peace and quiet. You may also be interested in the more environmentally friendly aspects of the manual mowers. You no longer need to fill the air with gas fumes just to perform a trivial task like mowing the lawn.
Storage and Convenience
Compared to a gas mower, which is usually large, heavy and cumbersome, a manual model is very small and lightweight. This makes storage very easy, which is a real benefit for those of us with small garages or even none at all. Space is often at a premium, and any opportunity to economize on it is welcome.
Due to the lightweight of these mowers, you can even hang them on the wall safely so you do not have to trip over them every time you visit the garage.
Safety and Maintenance
The mechanically spinning blades of a gas model are an accident waiting to happen. Every time you keep the mower running while you move around clumps of grass or you are opening up a chance for something to go wrong. With a reel lawn mower, you are much safer, as it stops whenever you do. The extra simplicity of the design also means far less maintenance. It is possible that you will need to sharpen the blades occasionally, but this is a quick and easy job that only needs to be done very rarely.
Ease of Use and Exercise
Gas mowers can work well when you have a large, flat lawn. However, some of us have situations that are more awkward to deal with; we have trees, rocks or other obstructions in the lawn as well as hills and bumps. Gas mowers do not take kindly to these things and can be frustrating to use around them. A push-along version allows you the freedom to move easily around any obstacle. It is also hard to overlook the exercise benefits. Running a manual mower around your lawn will burn some calories and is a nice alternative to the lazy gas-powered alternatives.
Cost and Value
Compared to a gas mower, a manual version is very inexpensive. You can find very high quality models for very good prices these days. The lower initial outlay extends even further than you might think, as these mowers can last a very long time and far outlive the typical gas mower. You will also not have to pay for routine maintenance such as fuel costs. When you add up the price of fuel and servicing over a long period of time you will realize just how much a gas mower costs you. A manual alternative is almost free long-term.
Conclusion
A reel lawn mower is for many people a vast improvement over a gas model. You no longer need to be ashamed of making a racket in the morning or evening or worry about adding yet more fumes to the air. You can clear up space in your garage. You can feel safe and stress-free due to fewer maintenance issues. On top of everything else, you might even drop a pound of two while getting some fresh air. It is well worth looking for a good reel lawn mower; it will last you a long time and benefit you greatly for years to come.