How to Use a Reel Mower

Gas prices are out of control. Obesity is a serious problem in our society. Money is getting tighter and tighter in many households. Consider getting a reel mower. No, it won't solve all your problems, but if you want to reduce lawn maintenance costs, get rid of your lawn service or gas-powered mower, give "reel" lawn mowing a shot. Reel lawn mowers are manual mowers that were very popular until the 1970s, when gas-powered lawn mowers became more affordable. With multiple iron blades cutting across the lawn, a reel mower requires no gas, no oil, just a willing human to push it. Most reel mowers cost $100-$120 (You can get them cheaper on CraigsList or in the local newspaper if you want to buy a used one) and the only maintenance they require is an annual sharpening. Learn how to use a reel mower to save on gas costs and get some exercise while mowing the lawn.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Reel lawn mower

How to Use a Reel Mower

1. 
   Now that's a "reel" lawn mower!

   Make sure the reel mower's blades are properly sharpened before starting your lawn mowing.

2. Grasp the mower's handle and, making sure the mower is facing forward, push the mower over the grass. The reel mower should push the grass over, trap it between a series of blades and a horizontal iron bar, and cut the grass, leaving the cuttings on the lawn.

3. Place the mower flush against your fence, mulch bed, or whatever line represents the edge of your lawn. Just as with a gas-powered mower, mow in a straight line, going forward.

4. Turn the reel mower around when you reach the end, and place the mower about 1/4th over the already-cut lawn strip, and 3/4th over the longer grass. Push the mower forward and cut the new strip.

5. Repeat this action until the entire area is cut.

6. Cross-cut the grass if desired. Place the mower at a diagonal and cut the grass once more.

7. Oil the reel mower's blade with WD 40 after you finish cutting the grass. Oil the major nuts and bolts as well to smooth the gear and wheels' flow.

8. Rake the clippings if you like, or attach a clipping catcher to the reel mower to collect clippings to be emptied into a compost pile.

Tips & Warnings

• Reel lawn mowers are relatively safe for kids. Kids as young as five or six can mow the lawn, if supervised. The primary concern is with the child falling forward onto the blades.
• Do not allow children to mow the lawn unsupervised.
• Do not stick your hands into the lawn mower. Wear thick gloves if you must reach in to repair the mower.