Great States 16″ Push Reel Lawn Mower Review

Great States 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a manual, eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered lawn mowers. It features a 16-inch cutting width and a five-blade reel that cuts grass with a scissor-like action, leaving a clean, healthy cut. The mower is also lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it a good option for small to medium-sized lawns.

Overview of the Great States 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Designed to cater to the needs of modern homeowners while retaining the simplicity and eco-friendliness of traditional mowing, this model is a testament to thoughtful design and functionality. The 16-inch cutting width, coupled with a precision-engineered 5-blade reel, ensures a clean and even cut every time, promoting healthier grass growth.

What sets this mower apart is its ease of use. Lightweight and maneuverable, it can easily navigate through tight spaces and around obstacles, making lawn mowing less of a chore and more of a pleasant outdoor activity. This push reel mower does not rely on gas or electricity, which means it operates quietly and without emitting harmful pollutants, offering a green solution to lawn maintenance. The Great States 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is designed for durability and low maintenance. Without the complex parts found in motorized mowers, this reel mower requires minimal upkeep, primarily occasional blade sharpening and cleaning, ensuring it remains in excellent condition for years to come.

Features and Benefits

Eco-Friendly Operation

The Great States 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower stands out for its environmentally conscious design. Operating purely on human power, it eliminates the need for gasoline or electricity, making it a zero-emission lawn care solution. This feature is particularly appealing in today’s eco-aware society, as it helps homeowners reduce their environmental impact significantly. By choosing this mower, you’re not only maintaining your lawn but also contributing to a healthier planet by cutting down on fossil fuel consumption and avoiding the electrical demands associated with electric mowers. Moreover, the absence of fuel and electricity means you’re spared from ongoing costs related to gas purchases or increased energy bills, making it an economically smart choice as well.

Precision Cutting Mechanism

The precision of the Great States reel mower is attributed to its 5-blade reel system, meticulously designed to cut each grass blade cleanly and efficiently, much like a pair of scissors. This precision cutting mechanism is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures a clean, even cut across your lawn, enhancing its appearance. Secondly, by cutting the grass cleanly without tearing, it promotes healthier grass growth, leading to a more robust and vibrant lawn. Moreover, this precise cutting action minimizes the stress on your grass, reducing the likelihood of brown spots, disease, and pest infestations, which are often the result of uneven or torn grass blades.

Lightweight and Maneuverable

One of the most user-friendly features of the Great States mower is its lightweight design. Weighing considerably less than traditional gas-powered or electric mowers, it offers unparalleled ease of use. This lightweight nature makes it incredibly easy to push and maneuver, even in tight or complex spaces within your garden. Whether you’re navigating around flower beds, along pathways, or through small gates, this mower moves effortlessly, transforming what might typically be a strenuous task into a more manageable and even enjoyable activity. This maneuverability not only makes lawn care more accessible to a broader range of people but also turns mowing into a less daunting and more engaging physical exercise.

Low Maintenance

The simplicity of the Great States 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower extends to its maintenance requirements. Free from the complexities of engines, spark plugs, batteries, and electrical circuits that characterize many modern mowers, this mower demands very little in terms of upkeep. Routine maintenance is primarily limited to keeping the blades sharp and the mower clean. Sharp blades ensure the continued precision and efficiency of the cut, while a clean mower prevents build-up that could hinder performance. This low maintenance aspect is particularly appealing for those seeking a straightforward, hassle-free lawn care tool. It not only saves time and effort but also reduces the long-term costs associated with more complex mowing equipment, making it an economical choice for savvy homeowners.

Ideal Use Cases

Small to Medium Yards

The Great States 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized yards. Its compact size and efficient design are key factors that make it a preferred choice for maintaining smaller spaces. In smaller yards, the ability to easily maneuver around various landscape features—such as garden beds, trees, and walkways—is crucial. This mower’s lightweight and nimble nature allow for precise navigation in tight spaces, ensuring no patch of grass is left untrimmed. Additionally, the quieter operation of a reel mower enhances the peaceful ambiance of a smaller garden setting, making lawn maintenance a more pleasant experience. For homeowners with limited storage space, the compact design of this mower also means it can be easily stored in a shed or garage without taking up much room. Overall, its design and operation align perfectly with the requirements and constraints of smaller yard maintenance, offering a practical and effective solution.

Comparison Table

Feature	Great States Reel Mower	Gas-Powered Mowers	Electric Mowers
Environmental Impact	Zero emissions, eco-friendly	High emissions, less eco-friendly	Lower emissions than gas, but still reliant on electricity
Maintenance	Minimal (blade sharpening, cleaning)	High (oil, filters, engine)	Moderate (battery, electrical components)
Cost-Effectiveness	High (low upfront and operational costs)	Lower (fuel and maintenance costs)	Moderate (no fuel, potential battery replacement)
Ease of Use	High (lightweight, simple operation)	Moderate (heavy, noisy)	High (lighter than gas, no manual start, but cord/battery considerations)
Suitability for Lawn Sizes	Small to medium lawns	Large or uneven lawns	Small to medium lawns

The Great States 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower stands out for its environmental friendliness, with zero emissions and a high level of eco-consciousness. It’s highly cost-effective due to minimal maintenance and operational costs and is particularly easy to use thanks to its lightweight and straightforward design, making it ideal for small to medium-sized lawns.

Gas-powered mowers, while powerful and suitable for large or tough lawns, are less eco-friendly due to their emissions and have higher maintenance and operational costs. They can be bulky and noisy, which might be a consideration for some users.

Electric mowers offer a good balance with lower emissions than gas mowers and moderate maintenance needs. They are quieter and lighter, suitable for small to medium lawns, but their use may be limited by the presence of a power cord or battery life in cordless models.

Overall, the choice among these mowers will depend on the user’s priorities, lawn size, and environmental consciousness.

Pros and Cons

Maintenance and Care

Cleaning the Blades

Regular cleaning of the blades is essential to maintain the mower’s cutting efficiency. Over time, grass clippings, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the blades, potentially affecting their cutting ability. To clean them:

1. Safety First: Ensure the mower is in a stable position and cannot roll or cause injury.
2. Brush Off Debris: Use a stiff brush to remove any loose grass clippings and debris from the blades and the reel.
3. Wipe Down: For more stubborn dirt, use a damp cloth to carefully wipe the blades, taking care not to cut yourself on the sharp edges.
4. Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, make sure to dry the blades thoroughly to prevent rust and corrosion.

Adjusting the Blades

Occasionally, the blades may need adjustment to ensure they maintain their optimal cutting performance. This involves ensuring the reel and cutter bar are properly aligned so that the blades slice through grass with precision, rather than tearing or pulling it. To adjust the blades:

1. Check the Manual: Refer to your mower’s manual for specific instructions on blade adjustment, as the exact method can vary slightly between models.
2. Test the Cut: Perform a paper test (sliding a sheet of paper between the blades and cutter bar) to check the tightness of the cut. The blades should cleanly snip the paper along the full length of the cutter bar.
3. Adjust if Necessary: If the blades aren’t cutting the paper cleanly, use the adjustment mechanisms (usually screws or bolts on the mower) to slightly alter the distance between the reel and cutter bar. The goal is to achieve a light, precise contact where the blades can cut effectively without too much resistance or friction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Great States 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is an ideal blend of traditional and modern lawn care, perfect for those who value eco-friendliness and manual precision. Its low maintenance, ease of use, and effective cutting make it suitable for small to medium lawns, offering a sustainable and enjoyable mowing experience. By choosing this mower, users support environmental health and enjoy the simplicity of manual lawn care, making it a smart, satisfying choice for a well-kept lawn.

FAQs

1. How often do the blades need to be sharpened?
The blades should be sharpened every 1-2 seasons, depending on usage frequency and lawn size. Regularly check the blades for dullness and sharpen as needed to ensure optimal performance.
2. Can the Great States mower handle tall or thick grass?
While the mower is designed for efficiency and precision, very tall or thick grass might require multiple passes or a preliminary trim. For optimal results, regular mowing is recommended to prevent grass from becoming too tall.
3. Is assembly required for the Great States reel mower?
Minimal assembly is required upon purchase. The mower comes mostly assembled, with only the handle needing to be attached, which is a straightforward process outlined in the included instructions.
4. Can the mower be used on uneven terrain?
The Great States reel mower performs best on relatively flat and even terrain. While it can handle slight variations in lawn surface, extremely uneven or rugged terrain might pose challenges.
5. Are replacement parts available for the Great States mower?
Yes, replacement parts are available. It’s recommended to contact the manufacturer or authorized dealers for specific parts to ensure compatibility and maintain the mower’s performance.
6. How should the mower be stored when not in use?
Store the mower in a dry, sheltered place to protect it from the elements. Keeping it clean and dry when not in use will help prolong its life and maintain its performance.
7. Is the mower suitable for larger lawns?
The mower is best suited for small to medium-sized lawns. For larger lawns, consider the physical effort required and the efficiency of the mower over extensive areas. Multiple sessions or a larger reel mower might be more appropriate for bigger spaces.