Best Manual Push Mowers

Are you tired of the noise and pollution caused by rotary lawn mowers? Check out this list of the best manual push mowers. From Scotts to Friskars, these manual push mowers will keep your lawn looking tidy in no time. But how to choose? Let't find out!

Every homeowner wants an attractive and healthy lawn. A well-maintained lawn not only enhances the curb appeal of your home but also creates a relaxing and inviting outdoor space for your friends and family to enjoy. However, maintaining a beautiful lawn may come at a high cost, especially if you rely on expensive rotary lawn mowers. That's where manual push mowers come in.

These mowers are cost-effective, eco friendly, and they also provide a quiet and peaceful mowing experience, allowing you to enjoy the sound of nature while getting some exercise. And if you are wondering which manual push mowers to invest in, you've come to the right place. In this article, we will give you the most comprehensive guide.

Table Of Contents

Why Should You Use Manual Push Mower?

Choosing a manual lawn mower, also known as a push reel mower, brings several benefits, making it a fantastic option for homeowners. Here's why you should consider choosing a manual lawn mower:

Promotes a Healthier Lawn: Manual lawn mowers provide a cleaner, more precise cut compared to their gas or electric counterparts. They act like a pair of scissors, cutting grass blades neatly and cleanly, which helps the grass recover faster and reduces the risk of disease and pest infestations.
Enhances Lawn Aesthetics: The scissor-like cutting motion of manual lawn mowers results in an even and tidy lawn, enhancing its overall appearance. This is why many professional lawn care services prefer reel mowers for high-end properties.
Reduces Noise Pollution: Manual lawn mowers are significantly quieter than gas-powered mowers. This means you can mow your lawn at any time without disturbing your neighbors or violating noise regulations.
Environmentally Friendly: Unlike gas-powered mowers, manual lawn mowers don't emit any harmful greenhouse gases. They're a green option that can help reduce your carbon footprint.
Simple and User-Friendly: Operating a manual lawn mower is straightforward: just push it, and the blades spin to cut the grass. This simplicity is appealing for those who prefer hassle-free lawn maintenance tools.
Cost-Effective: Generally, manual lawn mowers are less expensive to purchase than power mowers. Furthermore, they have minimal running and maintenance costs, since they don't require fuel or electricity. This makes them a cost-effective choice for lawn care.
Provides Exercise: As manual lawn mowers are powered by your own physical effort, they provide a great way to incorporate some exercise into your routine. Depending on the mower's weight and your lawn's size, you can enjoy a good workout while tending to your lawn.

How to Choose the Best Manual Push Mowers?

Selecting the best manual push mower requires careful consideration of several key factors, ensuring you get a machine that is easy to use, efficient, and suitable for your specific lawn. Here's how to choose the best manual push mower:

Consider Your Yard and Grass Type: The layout of your yard and the type of grass you have are crucial factors in picking a mower. Thick, lush grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine are best handled by heavier manual mowers, while thinner grass types can be managed by lighter models.
Mower Weight and Width: These two factors directly affect your mowing experience. While a wider and heavier mower can cut more grass in less time, it may be harder to push, especially if you have a large lawn. On the other hand, a thinner and lighter model may be easier to handle but may take longer to complete the task. Balance these aspects according to your strength and the size of your yard.
Blade Type: Manual mowers come with different blade types. Some have tempered alloy blades that cut with a contact or friction method, requiring annual sharpening. Others have hardened steel blades, which can last for up to a decade without sharpening. The right choice will depend on your willingness to maintain the blades and the type of cut you want for your grass.
Additional Features: Some features can greatly enhance the performance and ease of use of your manual mower.
Quality Wheels: Look for strong wheels with good tires for better traction. This is especially important as the wheels make the reel spin.
Adjustable Cutting Height: This allows for different grass lengths at various times of the year. More settings offer better customization, and toolless adjustment is a plus.
Soft Hand Grip: A comfortable handgrip is crucial as mowing can be very physical. An uncomfortable handle may lead to blisters and fatigue.
Blade Count: Typically, four blades are standard, but five-blade reels can provide a better cut.
Adjustable Handle: If you're particularly tall, consider a mower with an adjustable length handlebar for better comfort.
Grass Collector: Some mowers have an optional collector, but traditional users usually let the clippings mulch back into the lawn.
Eco-friendly and Exercise: Manual mowers are an environmentally friendly choice as they don't use fuel or electricity. Plus, using a manual mower provides a great way to get some exercise while tending to your lawn.

Remember, the best manual push mower for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider these factors, compare different models, and choose a brand that suits you best.

Top 5 Manual Push Mowers

1. Scotts

Scotts is a popular brand in the lawn care industry. The brand was founded by Orlando M. Scotts in 1868. Scotts started as a seed company for the United States agricultural industry. However, in the early 1900s, the company shifted its focus to the lawn care business. Today, Scotts has produced a ton of lawn mowers for customers worldwide. And our personal favorite is the Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower.

The mower features a 20-inch cutting swath, allowing you to cover more ground when mowing. The mower also comes with a 5-blade reel which is made of high-quality heat-treated steel. The 5-blade reel cuts grass more evenly and precisely, resulting in a healthier and good-looking lawn.

We found Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower easy to maneuver and handle during mowing. After all, this awesome push mower weighs only 34 pounds. The handle is made with a cushioned grip, making it comfortable to use and reducing hand fatigue.

Key Features

20-inch cutting swath
Five steel blades
Weighs 34 pounds

2. Fiskars

Fiskars is the next brand we trust. Established in 1649 in Finland, Fiskars has been manufacturing cutting-edge tools for homeowners everywhere. The company focuses on creating only the best gardening tools that are not only unique but will last for years to come. Fiskars StayShap 18-Inch Max Reel Push Lawn Mower is the one mower you should definitely add to your collection.

This top-quality push mower is designed to provide supper cutting power and precision while being easy and comfortable to use. It features premium quality StaySharp blades that are designed to stay sharp longer, thus reducing the need for frequent sharpening. If you are constantly complaining about tough grass and weeds on your lawn, Fiskars StayShap 18-Inch Max Reed Push Lawn Mower is perfect for you.

The mower features an InertiaDrive Reel, which is designed to provide 50% more cutting power. So if those stubborn twigs or the tough grass varieties like Bahia and Bermuda are giving you sleepless nights, get yourself a Fiskars StayShap ASAP.

Key Features

Eco-friendly
Weighs 51.7 pounds
18-inch cutting swath

3. Great States

Great States has been around for close to a century. The company was founded in 1925, and in 1936 it was acquired by another company called American Lawn Mower Company. Even after the collabo, Great States continued making reel lawn mowers. The collaboration actually allowed them to improve the quality of their products, and their Great States 415-16 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a great example.

The Great States 415-16 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower features an 18-inch cutting width and five alloy steel blades that are designed to give a precise and even cut every time. This mower also comes with an adjustable cutting height of 0.5 to 2.75, allowing you to choose the perfect length for your lawn. The mower is easy to maintain and does not require oil or gas to operate. It is made with 10-inch composite wheels and a loop-style handle that can easily be folded when not in use. The Great States mower weighs 27 pounds.

Key Features

Adjustable mowing height of 0.5-2.75
Loop handle
10-inch composite wheel
Five alloy steel blades

4. Greenworks

Greenworks has been serving its customers for over two decades now. And in those 20 years, the brand has built a reputation for producing top-quality, reliable and innovative outdoor equipments. We decided to try the Greenworks 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower, and this push mower did not disappoint. The Greenworks 16-Inch Lawn Mower, which weighs just 26 pounds, is lightweight and easy to push.

It comes with 10-inch front wheels, making it easy to maneuver over uneven lawns. Did you know that this push mower also features an adjustable cutting height? That's right. The Greenworks 16-Inch Lawn Mower offers four different height positions, ranging from 1.125 to 2.25 inches. The Greenworks mower comes with a detachable grass catcher, which allows you to collect clippings without leaving any mess behind. The Greenworks mower's grass catcher is easy to attach and detach. The mower comes with a 4-year warranty.

Key Features

Weighs 26 pounds
10-inch front wheel
2-inch real roller
Adjustable cutting height of 1.125 to 2.25

5. Earthwise

Earthwise is another brand we can't forget to mention. The brand is widely known, and they are often praised for their good quality and eco-friendly lawn care products. Since its inception, the company has produced a wide variety of manual push mowers, but their Earthwise 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is the real deal. The Earthwise Push Mower comes with a 16-inch cutting width, and it features seven blades.

The blades are made of durable alloy steel, so there is no worrying about frequent sharpening or replacement. The Earthwise Push Mower is designed to handle tough grass from Bermuda and Zoysia to St. Augustine and Centipede. The mower also offers an adjustable mow height of 0.5 to 2.5 inches. If you are wondering whether the mower is heavy, we have some good news for you. The Earthwise Push Mower weighs only 21.8 pounds.

Key Features

Seven alloy steel blades
Require no gas or oil
16-inch cutting width

For an expanded range of options, please visit our meticulously compiled list of the best manual push mowers available.

Summing Up

If you are looking for a cost-effective, planet-friendly, and quiet way to maintain your lawn, then a manual push mower is the way to go. How about starting with the above five best manual push mowers on our list? These push mowers are easy to use, lightweight, affordable, and easy to store. Plus, it can be a great way to get some exercise.