Best Manual Lawn Mowers
Table of Contents
Perhaps you care about a noise-free mowing experience or dislike the environmental impact of gas mowers. Maybe you just prefer the affordability and simplicity of manual lawn mowers, and like how easy they are to maintain. No matter the specifics, there are plenty of reasons to choose manual lawn movers over gas and electric ones. That being said, it is important to buy the right manual lawn mower for the best possible results.
In a Hurry? Here are the Best Manual Lawn Mowers
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
Top | Fiskars Stay Sharp Max Reel Mower, 18 Inch (362050-1001), Black | Check Today's Price |
 | Sun Joe MJ501M 18-Inch Manual Reel Mower w/Grass Catcher, Green/Black | Check Today's Price |
 | Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey | Check Today's Price |
 | American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red | Check Today's Price |
The 5 Best Manual Lawn Mowers
Check out our top picks for the best manual lawn mowers and comprehensive buyer’s guide so that you end up making the right decision.
1. Fiskars StaySharp Reel Mower Max
- Make lawn mowing enjoyable with an advanced reel mower that’s 60% easier to push than other reel mowers
- InertiaDrive reel is designed for all grass types, delivering twice the cutting power to glide through tough spots and StaySharp cutting system cuts without unwanted contact, greatly reducing wear for long-lasting performance
- New reversible grass chute can be positioned to direct clippings forward, away from your feet, or backward and downward
- StaySharp cutting system cuts without unwanted contact, greatly reducing wear for long-lasting performance without costly annual blade sharpening
- Inset wheels allow the blades to extend across the mower’s full width, eliminating uncut strips and edges near foundations and fences
- Limited 3-year
Fiskars’ easy-to-push mower is an excellent choice because of its StaySharp cutting system and ergonomic features. Its trademarked StaySharp system minimizes contact for reduced wear and tear, and therefore, doesn’t require annual blade sharpening.
The 18” cut width makes the mowing process go by much faster, and the mower allows users to adjust cut height from 1” – 4”. This is made especially easy through the one-touch height adjustment system and makes the process almost effortless.
The StaySharp Reel Mower Max also utilizes InertiaDrive Reel technology to enhance cutting power which makes cutting through rough areas, leaves, and twigs a piece of cake. Additionally, the mower is suitable for various types of grass, including Zoysia, Bermuda, St. Augusine, and Bahia so users do not have to worry about tough varieties.
Cleanup is also made easier since you can use the reversible grass chute to catch clippings. The mower’s inset wheels are especially useful since they not only make maneuvering easier, but also allow ultra-close edging. Handle height adjustment also makes it comfortable to use.
Pros:
- Easy to push
- Ergonomic
- Durable, can withstand wear and tear
- One-touch height adjustment
- Adjustable cut height
- Strong cutting power
- Suitable for different types of grass
- Grass chute for easy cleanup
- Inset wheels
- Limited 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
2. Sun Joe MJ501M Reel Mower with Grass Catcher
- REEL MOWER: Powered with a push, this manual mower’s 5 sharpened steel blades cut a crisp 18-inch path in a single pass — no gas, oil or electricity required
- ADJUSTABLE: 9 position manual height adjustment for cutting heights up to 2. 44 in. deep
- RAZOREEL: 5 durable steel blades swiftly slice through grass for precise cutting
- MANEUVERABILITY: Dual wheel design and sharp harden steel blades ensures accuracy and cutting efficie
Bragging 5 sharpened steel blades, this manual lawn mower cuts an 18-inch path with no effort at all. The durable blades allow for precise and efficient cutting. The Sun Joe Mow Joe also allows you to have complete control over your grass because users can adjust cutting heights up to 2.44”.
Its lightweight nature, in combination with its dual-wheel design, makes the mower extremely easy to maneuver, even if multiple turns are required. The well thought out design also includes a foam grip so that users can comfortably use the mower and find it easy to push. This, in combination with the 9-position height adjustments, makes this one of the best manual lawn mowers on the market.
Despite being so affordable, the Sun Joe mower doesn’t lack cleanup options – it comes with a 6.6-gallon grass catcher to collect all clippings and keep your yard tidy.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- 5 sharpened steel blades
- 18-inch cutting deck
- Adjustable cutting height
- Dual-wheel design for easy maneuvering
- Comfortable foam grip
- 9 position height adjustments
- Lightweight (28 lbs.)
- Easy to use
- Large grass catcher
- 2-year full warranty
Cons:
None.
3. Earthwise 7-Blade Reel Mower
- Hand-push reel mower with 16 cutting width, 7-blade ball bearing reel, and 10 composite wheels; Durable steel side plate design
- Versatile Earthwise Power Tools by ALM push lawn mower for cutting bent grass- Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine, and Seashore Paspalum
- Alloy steel 7-blade mower stays sharp longer
- A self-cutting mower with an adjustable cutting height of 0.5-2.5 for clean and even cuts
- An planet-friendly alternative that matches the best gasoline push lawn mow
Earthwise’s 7-blade reel mower is extremely versatile and requires little to no maintenance. Its smooth-spinning blades and precise scissor-cut action make it excellent for all yard maintenance. Its power also allows it to cut bent grass like Centipede and Seashore paspalum. The alloy steel blades don’t require maintenance since they stay sharp for years and resist both, rust and corrosion.
This easy-to-use mower is also extremely lightweight at only 26 lbs. and has large 10” composite wheels which make it easy to maneuver – very little effort is required, making this easy to use for both, adults and children. The 16-inch cutting deck makes lawn maintenance extremely fast and efficient. Users can also adjust the cutting height from 0.5” to 2.5” to best suit their needs.
Pros:
- Adjustable cutting height
- Durable alloy steel blades (anti-rust and anti-corrosion)
- 7 spinning blades for precise cutting
- Lightweight (26 lbs.)
- Large wheels for easy maneuvering
- 16-inch cutting deck
Cons:
- Costly
Features to Consider in a Manual Lawnmower
It is important to consider individual features before making a big investment. Picking the wrong lawn mower can be costly and inconvenient. Instead of having to return your purchase, keep our buyer’s guide in mind when making your choice.
Size and Weight
Manual lawn mowers need to be pushed and this requires plenty of strength. To lessen fatigue, opt for lightweight models that will make your job much easier. Smaller mowers are also easier to store, making this a win-win situation.
Cutting Deck Width and Height
Manual lawn mowers’ decks range from 8” to 24” in width. Of course, requirements vary based on circumstances such as lawn size. For smaller lawns, decks that are 8” to 10” are ideal. However, if you have a larger lawn, make sure that the cutting deck is at least 16” in width.
The cutting deck height determines trimming, and the best manual lawn mowers have adjustable cutting heights. This allows for customization and versatility.
Design
The design of the lawn mower includes aspects like handles and the size of wheels. The best manual lawn mowers have large wheels so that friction is minimized. This makes the lawn mower easier to push and maneuver.
Always take a look at the handles before buying a lawn mower. This is to ensure comfort when trimming the lawn, with ergonomic handles and rubber grips offering not only comfort, but also helping with grip. Some models even come with padded grips. Handles are also important when it comes to storage – lawn mowers with adjustable or collapsible handles are easier to store.
Blade Durability
One of the most important things to ensure is durability. After all, buying a lawn mower that will need to be replaced after a year or two is simply a waste of money. Make sure that your lawn mower will last you a long time by checking if the blades are coated with carbon steel. This coating not only strengthens the blades, but also prevents rust and eliminates friction during use. Stainless steel cutting reels are also a good option.
Number of Cutting Blades
The number of blades determine the cut of the grass. More blades result in finer cutting and are preferable. Make sure that the reel has a minimum of 5 blades. However, keep in mind that the best manual lawn mowers have 7 blades.
Collection and Disposal
No one likes spending extra time raking after they’re done mowing the lawn. This is why a collection bin for trimmed grass can be useful. It’s important to note that this is more common in electric lawn mowers than manual ones. However, it is not impossible to find manual lawn mowers that come with this accessory. Those looking for easy cleanup and disposal should prioritize the presence of a collection bin.
Our Final Thoughts
Our top picks for the best manual lawn mowers include something for everyone, no matter your specific needs. However, if you’re still having trouble deciding between them, we’d like to suggest the Fiskars StaySharp Reel Mower Max. Remember to carefully go over the buyer’s guide before making your final decision – good luck!
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Fiskars Stay Sharp Max Reel Mower, 18 Inch (362050-1001), Black | Check Today's Price |
| Sun Joe MJ501M 18-Inch Manual Reel Mower w/Grass Catcher, Green/Black | Check Today's Price |
| Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Grey | Check Today's Price |
| American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red | Check Today's Price |
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