How to Use a Reel Mower to Mow Your Grass

You are the power behind the reel mower. As you walk, the reel mower wheels move, spinning the rotor that is comprised of the blades that cut the grass. With no motor to propel the blades of the reel mower, you get exercise while you cut the grass. It will take you extra time to mow your lawn with a reel mower versus a conventional power mower. For this reason, reel mowers are sufficient for lawns that are a half acre or less in size.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Reel mower
• Spray lubricant

1. Walk your lawn, and remove debris from your yard. Tree branches larger than 1/8 inch in diameter and small toys will cause the reel mower to bind.

2. Inspect the blades of the reel mower. Look for nicks in the blades, and ensure that the blades are sharp.

3. Walk with your arms out to keep the reel mower a short distance in front of you. If the reel mower binds, this will eliminate you walking into the reel mower and injuring yourself.

4. Walk in a straight line at a medium pace to cut the grass. Walking too slowly will cause the reel mower to bind on small tree limbs. The quicker your pace, the less likely the reel mower will bind.

5. Overlap the cut of the reel mower with the last pass you made through your lawn with the reel mower. This will make pushing the reel mower easier. Change directions if you have hills or divots in your yard. The reel mower will follow the contours of your lawn and cut into high spots, dulling the reel mower blades.

6. Clean your reel mower thoroughly after you have finished cutting the lawn. Inspect the blades on the reel mower's rotor for nicks. Spray a light coat of oil on the blades to inhibit rust from forming.

7. Re-mow your grass each week. If the grass gets too high, pushing the reel mower will be difficult and finding tree limbs and other obstacles also will be more difficult.

References

• Reel Mowers