How well do newer manual push mowers work?

Question

I am considering getting an old-fashioned manual reel mower to save on gas and money. I know that there are newer models out there and I want to know if they are easy to use and if they cut grass well.

Answer 1

I recently bought a reel mower from Lee Valley. It's been hard to push and the grass seems to get torn instead of cut. Now I have learned that a)they don't come sharpened - told to me yesterday at the Scarborough store and b)the two little screws at either side of the back bar can require adjustment. Having looked at it today, no wonder! the blade is almost right up against the back bar and you can't even get a fingernail through the "gap". So things are looking up!

Answer 2

i disagree with the above, if you have thick grass. I have an old push mower that I use for exercise. It usually takes 3 or 4 times to get it all done unless I mow every 3 days.

Answer 3

the newer models cut the grass just as well as a gas push mower if you don't let the grass get to tall before you cut it