For those who prefer eco-friendly, efficient lawn care, a reel mower is an ideal choice, especially when tending to Bermuda grass. This type of mower offers a clean cut that promotes healthier grass, unlike traditional rotary mowers that can tear blades. Below is a summary table of five top reel mowers designed to handle the dense, warm-season Bermuda lawn with ease, alongside two sharpener tools to maintain optimal blade performance.
| Product | Brand | Cut Width | Blades | Adjustability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earthwise 1715-16EW | Earthwise Power Tools by ALM | 16 Inches | 7-Blade | Fixed Height |
| LawnMaster LMRM1801 | LawnMaster | 18 Inches | 5-Blade | 9 Positions (1.1″–2.5″) |
| Fiskars Push Mower | Fiskars | 18 Inches | Steel Blades | One-touch Height Adjustment |
| Great States 815-18 | Great States | 18 Inches | 5-Blade | Adjustable (0.5″–2.75″) |
| Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S | Scotts | 20 Inches | 5-Blade | Adjustable (1″–3″) |
Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
The Earthwise 1715-16EW offers a 16-inch cutting width with a 7-blade ball bearing reel, providing sharp and precise cuts suitable for Bermuda grass and other warm-season grasses. Featuring 10-inch composite wheels, it ensures smooth movement and easy handling over various terrain. This mower’s durable steel side plate design and alloy steel blades maintain sharpness longer, reducing maintenance needs. It is a hand-push unit, ideal for those seeking an environmentally friendly mower without fuel or electricity. Although it has a fixed cutting height, it efficiently handles Bermuda grass thickness for a tidy, clean cut.
LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade
The LawnMaster LMRM1801 features an 18-inch deck with 5 blades to deliver a scissor-like cut that prevents tearing of blades—promoting healthier Bermuda lawns. The mower offers nine adjustable cutting heights, ranging from 1.1 to 2.5 inches, letting users customize the cut to lawn conditions. Its 10-inch front wheels enhance maneuverability, making it suitable for navigating small to medium lawns. The design focuses on user-friendly operation while maintaining strong cutting performance ideal for Bermuda grass maintenance.
Fiskars Push Mower – 18-Inch Manual Reel Mower
Fiskars provides an eco-friendly reel mower with an 18-inch cutting width that requires no gas, oil, or batteries. The InertiaDrive Reel system produces twice the cutting power of standard reel mowers, efficiently handling Bermuda grass with ease. With the StaySharp Cutting System, blade sharpening is minimal, reducing maintenance concerns. Ergonomic features include reversible grass chute and one-touch handle height adjustment, enhancing user comfort and minimizing mess during mowing.
Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
The Great States 815-18 reel mower features an 18-inch cutting width with 5 blades supported by ball bearings to ensure smooth, consistent action. It offers an adjustable cutting height from 0.5 to 2.75 inches, allowing precise trimming adapted for Bermuda grass’ growth patterns. The mower is equipped with 10-inch composite wheels for easy pushability. Its alloy steel blades stay sharp longer, offering reliable performance for maintaining a clean and even lawn.
Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower
The Scotts 2000-20S model boasts a wider 20-inch cutting width and 5 heat-treated alloy steel blades that stay sharp longer for clean, effortless mowing. It includes a quick-snap cutting height adjustment allowing from 1 to 3 inches of cut height, perfect for Bermuda lawn heights. Dual tracking 10-inch wheels enhance stability and control, making it easy to guide this classic push reel mower across flat and gently sloped Bermuda lawns.
Additional Lawn Mower Sharpening Tools
Maintaining sharp blades is critical for reel mower efficiency and turf health. Two popular hand sharpeners compatible with these reel mowers include:
- American Lawn Mower Co. SK-2 Reel Lawn Mower Hand Sharpener: Compatible with Great States, Scotts, Earthwise, and American Lawn Mower brands, this sharpener provides an easy and safe option for maintaining blade sharpness.
- XCWT Lawn Mower Sharpener: A user-friendly hand tool compatible with multiple reel mower brands, designed to enhance cutting performance by keeping blades razor-sharp.
Buying Guide for the Best Reel Mower for Bermuda Grass
Cutting Width and Blade Count
The cutting width determines how much grass you cut per pass. Bermuda grass benefits from wider decks (18-20 inches) for quicker mowing, while smaller widths (16 inches) are easier to maneuver in tight spaces. A higher blade count, like 7 blades, can produce a finer cut but may require slightly more push force.
Cutting Height Adjustability
Adjustable cutting height is essential as Bermuda grass is often kept at different heights depending on season and lawn use. Look for mowers offering multiple cut settings between approximately 0.5 to 3 inches for versatile maintenance.
Wheel Size and Maneuverability
Larger wheels (10 inches) improve ease of pushing and maneuvering over uneven terrain common in home lawns with Bermuda grass. Dual tracking wheels add stability and reduce wheel slippage for a straighter cut.
Blade Material and Sharpening
Alloy or steel blades that stay sharp longer reduce maintenance intervals. However, all reel mowers will require periodic sharpening to maintain performance. Consider compatibility with manual sharpeners or models that minimize blade wear.
Ergonomics and User Comfort
Features such as adjustable handles, lightweight construction, and grass chute direction control affect user comfort and mowing ease. Ergonomics become especially important when mowing larger Bermuda lawns.
Environmental Impact
Manual reel mowers are eco-friendly alternatives, producing no emissions or noise pollution. This is ideal for homeowners seeking sustainable, quiet lawn care methods on Bermuda grass.