Is a reel mower safe for a new lawn?

Question

Some say it will destroy the lawn, some say it wont. What do you think?

The builders used a mixed seed, but not much, the lawn came in yellow and patchy. I added kentucky bluegrass and it took forever, but it's finally coming in. Some spots are very short and some are long. The lawn has never been mowed.

Answer 1

About the only criteria for deciding on a reel type mower is:- Do you have a basically level even block ?

If so then is the lawn even you know not too many humps and hollows, is the grass that is growing best suited for the use of a reel mower.

Now don't plan on creating a bowling green lawn or a lawn tennis lawn, as the grasses that are used in those circumstances are special breeds, and take a lot of care and attention hence the need for a green keeper. the mowers that are used on these lawns have more cutting blades on the reel blades than does a conventional reel mower, a conventional mower generally has around 7 or 9 blades, greenkeeping mowers have between 12 and 24.

Having decided to convert to reel mowing, you will now need to make yourself aware of how to look after the cutting blades, as they can be damaged through careless use and will need more frequent sharpening and replacement of bottom the blade if the cutters aren't adjusted frequently, at least checked if not altered before use at each mow.

Blade servicing is most likely the single most expensive item in owning a reel mower, as the reel cutters can be bent as can the bottom blade, and once damaged need either replacing as in the case of the bottom blade or lathe sharpened for the reel blades.

www.mygarden.net.au is another website with helpful info

Answer 2

Anne, It depends on the type of turfgrass that you have and the height at which the mower is set to mow. If you can provide some more details, I'm more than happy to help. Since you mentioned Kentucky bluegrass, I assume that you are in a cooler climate. Ryegrass, fescuegrass, bentgrass and other cool season grasses should be mowed with a reel mower. Set the height of cut so that you are only mowing the taller portions of turf which will allow for the other areas to fill in. As the other areas fill in, lower your mower height gradually to achieve a uniform cut. Be careful not to go too low or you will scalp the turf which can make it susceptible to disease. The key is that you only want to remove 1/3 of the leaf blade. Once your turf is established, you can continue to lower the height.

Answer 3

A push reel mower is probably the best mower for the health of your grass. Power mowers have basically a fan underneath that whacks off the grass. Reel mowers cut more like scissors. Imagine cutting your hair with a butcher knife - that's kind of how a power mower works. On a new lawn, however, be sure to read the seed manufacturer's recommendation. Grass should be a certain height before cutting for the first time.

Answer 4

Some old timers say a reel mower is the best ever made, a good sharp one that is. Cuts real even. But you have to push it. Motorized ones never took off, but it won't hurt your grass.