Scotts Push Reel Mower Review

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Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower offers a clean, eco-friendly solution for lawn care. Unlike gas mowers that tear grass and emit pollutants, this manual mower cuts grass cleanly like scissors, promoting a healthier lawn. It’s motor-free, easy to assemble, lightweight, and simple to use and store, making it an ideal choice for maintaining your lawn without harming the environment or the grass itself.

Specifications

  • Cutting width: 20 inches
  • Cutting height: 1 inch to 3 inches
  • Weight: 30 lbs
  • Wheel size: 10-inch front wheels, 6-inch rear wheels
  • Warranty: 2-year warranty

Features of Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower

Eco-Friendly Design

visible from the waist down, pushing a green manual lawn mower with bright orange wheels across a well-maintained lawn on a sunny day

The Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower stands out for its environmentally conscious design. Operating without the need for gasoline or electricity, it eliminates emissions, reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to cleaner air. This manual push mower relies solely on human power, making it an excellent choice for those looking to minimize their environmental impact while maintaining their lawn. Its quiet operation further adds to its eco-friendly nature, ensuring that lawn care doesn’t disturb the peace or contribute to noise pollution.

5-Blade Reel System

Scotts Classic lawn mower

Equipped with a 5-blade reel system, this mower is designed to deliver a precise and clean cut every time. The multiple blades work together to efficiently cut grass as you push the mower forward, creating a well-manicured look for your lawn. This system is especially effective for various types of grass, providing a uniform cut that promotes healthy lawn growth. The blades are constructed to maintain their sharpness over many uses, ensuring long-lasting performance and reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Cutting Efficiency

Green lawn in fenced yard

The Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower is engineered for optimal cutting efficiency. Its 20-inch wide cutting path allows for covering more ground with each pass, making the mowing process quicker and more efficient. The adjustable cutting height feature enables users to customize the cut to their lawn’s specific needs, ensuring the best possible appearance and health of the grass. Whether dealing with short, ornamental grass or tackling slightly taller varieties, this mower provides consistent and effective cutting performance, even in conditions where traditional mowers might struggle.

Benefits of Using Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower

Environmental Impact

shows a well-maintained front yard of a house with a lush green lawn, a tree in a small circular garden bed, and a concrete driveway under a clear sky.

The Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower significantly reduces environmental impact, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious individuals. By eliminating the need for gasoline or electric power, it produces zero emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. This manual mower also operates quietly, reducing noise pollution and making it a neighbor-friendly option for residential areas. Its simplicity and efficiency embody sustainable lawn care practices, aligning with the growing trend towards more environmentally responsible living.

Physical Health Benefits

a person in a pink top and blue jeans mowing a well-maintained garden with a green and black manual push lawn mower

Using a push reel mower like the Scotts 20-Inch model offers notable physical health benefits. The manual operation requires physical effort, turning lawn maintenance into a productive workout that can improve cardiovascular health, build muscle, and increase endurance. This active engagement in lawn care promotes a healthier lifestyle, encouraging users to spend more time outdoors and engage in physical activity. The satisfaction of manually caring for one’s lawn can also contribute to mental well-being, offering a sense of accomplishment and connection to nature.

Design and Build

Durability

Lawn mower on gravel road.

The Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower is designed with durability in mind. Constructed from high-quality materials, it is built to withstand the rigors of regular lawn maintenance while maintaining its functionality over time. The robust construction ensures that the mower can endure various lawn conditions and resist wear and tear from frequent use. The blades are made from hardened steel, offering longevity and sustained sharpness, reducing the need for frequent replacements or sharpening. This mower is designed to provide reliable performance season after season, making it a durable choice for any homeowner.

Ease of Use

Person manually mowing a green lawn

One of the key advantages of the Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower is its ease of use. Its lightweight design makes it simple to push and maneuver around the yard, even in more complex garden layouts. The assembly process is straightforward, requiring minimal tools and time to get the mower ready for use. The adjustable cutting height feature allows for quick customization according to the specific needs of your lawn, making it versatile for different grass types and conditions. The intuitive design ensures that users of all skill levels can operate the mower efficiently, making lawn care accessible to everyone.

Performance of Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower

The cutting performance of the Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower is a key aspect of its appeal, particularly for those seeking a simple, efficient, and eco-friendly solution to lawn maintenance. This mower is designed to provide a precise, clean cut, thanks to its 5-blade reel system. The blades are strategically designed to ensure a uniform cut across the 20-inch wide path with each pass, reducing the time and effort required to maintain your lawn.

visible from the waist down, using a green manual push lawn mower on a lush green lawn

The mower excels in cutting grass that is not overly tall or wet, making it ideal for regular lawn maintenance rather than tackling overgrown areas. The adjustable cutting height feature allows users to customize the mower to the specific conditions of their lawn, ensuring optimal cutting performance and promoting healthy grass growth. It’s important to note that while the Scotts push reel mower performs well under most conditions, its efficiency might be reduced in rougher terrains or with taller, wetter grass. However, for standard lawn care, especially in small to medium-sized yards, its cutting performance is more than adequate, providing a clean, even cut that enhances the overall appearance of your lawn.

Comparison Table

FeatureScotts 20Inch5Blade Push Reel MowerSun Joe MJ502M Manual Reel Mower
Cutting Width20 inches20 inches
Number of Blades55
Height AdjustmentVariable (specific range not provided)1.1 inches to 2.9 inches
WeightLightweight (specific weight not provided)30 pounds
Special FeaturesEco-friendly design, easy assembly, adjustable cutting height9-position height adjustment, grass catcher included, rugged all-terrain wheels
Intended UseIdeal for small to medium-sized lawns, not overly tall or wet grassSuitable for all types of grass, especially effective in small to medium-sized lawns
Ease of UseSimple assembly, no tools required for assembly, easy to maneuverEasy to push and maneuver, comes with a grass catcher for convenience
Durability and BuildDurable construction, designed for longevity with minimal maintenanceSturdy build with a comfortable foam grip for extended use
AestheticsTraditional reel mower design, functional and straightforwardSleek design with a green and black color scheme, visually appealing

Both the Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower and the Sun Joe MJ502M Manual Reel Mower offer a 20-inch cutting width and feature a 5-blade reel system for efficient and precise cutting. The Scotts mower emphasizes its eco-friendly design and easy assembly, making it a great choice for those looking for a simple, effective lawn maintenance tool. It’s designed to be lightweight and easy to use, though specific weight details and height adjustment ranges are not provided.

On the other hand, the Sun Joe MJ502M stands out with its 9-position height adjustment and the inclusion of a grass catcher, which adds to its convenience and versatility. It’s slightly heavier at 30 pounds, but it’s designed to be easy to push and maneuver, thanks to its rugged all-terrain wheels and comfortable foam grip.

Both mowers are suited for small to medium-sized lawns and are best used on grass that is regularly maintained to prevent overgrowth. The choice between the two may come down to personal preferences regarding features like height adjustment options and the inclusion of a grass catcher with the Sun Joe model.

Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Wide 20-inch cutting swath mows more grass faster than smaller reel mowers
  • Quick-snap height adjustment levers easily adapt to mowing conditions
  • Padded ergonomic loop handle with multiple grip options for ideal comfort
  • Rear-tracking wheels improve maneuverability compared to rear roller alone

Cons

  • Does not include a grass catcher
  • Wider mower requires more effort to push, mostly noticeable in dense grass

Maintenance Tips

  1. Clean After Use: Remove grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the mower after each use. This can be done with a brush or by gently wiping down the blades and the body of the mower. Keeping the mower clean prevents rust and ensures smooth operation.
  2. Blade Care: The blades should remain sharp for efficient cutting. Check the sharpness periodically and sharpen the blades as needed. It’s recommended to have the blades professionally sharpened to maintain the correct angle and ensure the best performance.
  3. Rust Prevention: After cleaning, especially if the mower has been used in damp conditions, dry it thoroughly. Applying a light coat of oil to the blades and other metal parts can help prevent rust. Use a lubricant such as WD-40, but apply sparingly to avoid excessive buildup, which can attract dirt and debris.
  4. Check for Wear and Tightness: Regularly inspect the mower for loose, worn, or damaged parts, including the handle, wheels, and blade assembly. Tighten any loose bolts and replace parts as necessary to maintain safety and performance.
  5. Adjustment and Alignment: Ensure that the reel and the cutting bar are properly adjusted. Incorrect adjustment can lead to inefficient cutting and increased wear on the blades. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on making these adjustments.
  6. Storage: Store the mower in a dry, covered area to protect it from the elements and prevent rust. Avoid leaving it exposed to rain or dew.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower is an excellent choice for eco-conscious gardeners seeking efficiency and ease in lawn care. Its design promotes a precise cut, contributing to a healthier lawn, while also offering benefits in terms of physical activity, cost savings, and simplicity of use. Opting for this mower means choosing a sustainable, durable, and high-performing tool that not only benefits the environment but also enhances the gardening experience. It stands as a smart, eco-friendly option for those committed to both their lawn’s beauty and the planet’s well-being.

FAQs

  1. Is this mower easy to push?
    Yes, the Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower is designed for ease of use, with its lightweight structure making it quite easy to push and maneuver across your lawn.
  2. How does it perform on uneven terrain?
    The mower handles uneven terrain fairly well, though it performs best on relatively flat and well-maintained lawns. For significantly uneven areas, multiple passes might be needed for a uniform cut.
  3. Can I adjust the cutting height?
    Absolutely, the mower offers adjustable cutting heights, allowing you to customize the length of your grass according to your preferences and the specific needs of your lawn.
  4. Do the blades require frequent sharpening?
    The blades are designed to remain sharp for a long time, but for optimal performance, it’s recommended to sharpen them every one to two seasons, depending on usage.
  5. Is the mower suitable for large lawns?
    While the Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower is efficient and easy to use, it’s best suited for small to medium-sized lawns due to its manual operation. For very large areas, you might consider a different solution to maintain efficiency and ease of use.
Joel Cunningham
Joel Cunningham
Forestry Author

I'm Joel Cunningham, an expert in pruning and weed management with over a decade of experience. My skills are rooted in formal training and extensive practice, focusing on advanced pruning techniques and efficient weed control. I'm known for my quality work, precision, and deep understanding of plant health and soil dynamics. My contributions extend to educational initiatives where I share sustainable practices and advice, establishing myself as a reliable and authoritative figure in the gardening community.

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