For years, my Saturday mornings were a predictable assault on the senses. The ritual involved wrestling a heavy, gas-powered rotary mower from the shed, the inevitable struggle with the pull-cord, and the deafening roar that shattered the neighborhood’s peace. The smell of gasoline and exhaust fumes hung in the air long after the job was done. My small, 2,000-square-foot lawn didn’t justify this level of industrial warfare. The mower tore and ripped at the grass, leaving behind a ragged, slightly yellowed look. I knew there had to be a better, more refined way—a method that treated lawn care not as a chore to be endured, but as a craft to be enjoyed. My search led me back in time, to a classic design perfected for the modern lawn enthusiast: the manual reel mower. The goal was to find a tool that was quiet, eco-friendly, and, most importantly, delivered a superior cut. This is what brought the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower onto my radar.
- 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
What to Consider Before Buying a Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
A Walk-Behind Lawn Mower is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for maintaining the health, beauty, and usability of your outdoor space. Whether you choose a manual, electric, or gas-powered model, the fundamental goal is to achieve a clean, uniform cut that encourages healthy turf growth. The right mower prevents grass from becoming overgrown, which can harbor pests and diseases, and it creates a manicured look that significantly boosts curb appeal. Specifically, manual reel mowers like the Earthwise model offer a unique advantage: they cut grass with a scissor-like action, snipping each blade cleanly rather than tearing it. This healthier cut helps the grass heal faster, retain moisture, and resist disease, resulting in a greener, more vibrant lawn over time.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a small to medium-sized lawn (typically under a quarter-acre) who appreciates a hands-on approach and values quiet, emission-free operation. It’s perfect for lawn care purists who cultivate specific grass types like Bermuda, Zoysia, or St. Augustine and want to achieve a very low, dense, carpet-like appearance. Conversely, a manual reel mower might not be suitable for those with very large, hilly, or bumpy yards. If your lawn is littered with weeds, sticks, and uneven terrain, the precision blades of a reel mower will constantly jam, leading to frustration. In such cases, a more powerful gas or battery-powered rotary mower, which creates suction and is less susceptible to debris, would be a more practical alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The cutting width determines how many passes you’ll need to make. The 16-inch width of the Earthwise 1715-16EW is a sweet spot, offering excellent maneuverability for navigating around flower beds and tight corners while still being efficient enough for smaller yards. Its compact, lightweight design also means it requires minimal storage space in a garage or shed.
- Capacity/Performance: For a reel mower, performance is defined by the number of blades and the cutting height range. A 7-blade configuration, like this model has, is designed for a finer, more frequent cut on dense turf grasses. The adjustable height of 0.5 to 2.5 inches is a critical feature, allowing you to achieve that coveted “golf course” look that is simply not possible with most standard rotary mowers.
- Materials & Durability: Look for a mower with a solid steel frame and heat-treated alloy steel blades. These materials ensure the mower can withstand regular use and hold a sharp edge longer. While the composite wheels on the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower are standard, the durability of the core cutting mechanism and frame is what truly matters for longevity.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Manual mowers are simple to use—just push and go. However, they require a bit of physical effort and a commitment to keeping the lawn tidy and free of debris. Long-term care involves regular cleaning, lubricating moving parts, and periodic blade sharpening (a process called “backlapping”) to maintain peak cutting performance.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower stands out in several areas, particularly for its specialized cutting ability. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.
While the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower is an excellent choice for its niche, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
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- POWERED BY A RELIABLE B&S ENGINE: Equipped with a powerful 140cc B&S engine, known for its smooth start-up, consistent performance, and long-term durability—ideal for tough mowing jobs.
- Powerful & Easy-Start Gas Engine: Get going quickly with the reliable 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine on this gas lawn mower. Features a convenient primer button for simplified cold starts, delivering...
First Impressions and Key Features of the Earthwise 1715-16EW
The mower arrived in a compact box, and my first thought was relief. There were no complex engine parts, batteries, or chargers to worry about—just a few simple components. Inside, we found the main mower body with its impressive 7-blade reel, the multi-part handle, two foam grips, and a small bag of hardware. The assembly process was straightforward and took us about 25 minutes. It primarily involves connecting the four handle sections and then attaching the completed handle assembly to the mower deck. As one user wisely noted, it’s critical to be mindful of the extremely sharp blades during this step. We did find attaching the small E-rings a bit fiddly, but a tap with the butt of a screwdriver snapped them into place securely. The assembled product felt surprisingly sturdy, despite some users’ comments about a wobbly handle. At just under 22 pounds, it felt incredibly lightweight and nimble compared to the 80-pound gas machine it was replacing. The quality of the alloy steel blades and the solid feel of the steel side plates gave an immediate impression of durability and purpose-built design.
What We Like
- Delivers a clean, scissor-like cut that promotes grass health
- Exceptionally low cutting height range (0.5″ – 2.5″) for a manicured look
- Near-silent operation for peaceful mowing any time of day
- Eco-friendly with zero emissions, no gas, and no oil
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver in small to medium-sized yards
- Durable alloy steel blades and steel frame construction
Drawbacks
- The multi-piece handle can feel less rigid than a single-piece design
- Easily jams on small twigs, gumballs, or other yard debris
- Maximum cutting height of 2.5 inches may be too short for some lawns
Putting the Earthwise 1715-16EW to the Test: A Deep Dive into Performance
A reel mower’s reputation lives or dies on its cut quality. After spending an entire season with the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower, we can confidently say that, for the right type of lawn, its performance is not just good—it’s transformative. We moved beyond first impressions to rigorously test its core features, from the precision cutting system to its daily usability and long-term durability.
The 7-Blade System: The Secret to a Golf Course Finish
The heart of this machine is its 7-blade ball bearing reel. Unlike rotary mowers that use a single, fast-spinning blade to whack and tear grass, this reel mower employs a precise, scissor-like action. The seven blades work in concert with a stationary bed knife to cleanly snip each blade of grass. The immediate result we noticed on our Bermuda lawn was a stunningly clean cut. The tops of the grass were sharp and green, not shredded and brown. This healthier cut reduces stress on the turf, allowing it to heal faster and develop a richer, deeper green color. One neighbor, accustomed to the look of our previously rotary-mowed lawn, even commented on how much healthier and greener it looked just a couple of weeks after we made the switch.
The seven-blade configuration is specifically designed for finer, denser turf types. It excels on Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine, and other creeping grasses. We found that the mower glides through well-maintained turf, emitting a satisfying, quiet “snip-snip-snip” sound that is the polar opposite of a roaring engine. Achieving this perfect cut requires a bit of momentum. A brisk walking pace is ideal, as it ensures the blades have enough rotational speed to slice through the grass cleanly. In tight corners or when starting from a standstill, it can take a bit more effort to get going, but once you’re moving, the mower’s lightweight nature makes it a breeze to push. This performance advantage is precisely why so many lawn enthusiasts looking for a pristine, low-cut aesthetic find the Earthwise 7-blade reel mower to be the perfect tool for the job.
Adjustability and Control: Dialing in the Perfect Height of Cut (HOC)
One of the main reasons lawn aficionados seek out reel mowers is the ability to maintain a much lower height of cut (HOC) than standard mowers. The Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower delivers spectacularly in this regard, offering an adjustable range from a super-low 0.5 inches up to 2.5 inches. This range is what allows you to cultivate that dense, carpet-like lawn seen on putting greens. We started our lawn at 2 inches and gradually lowered the HOC every few mows, eventually settling at a beautiful 1-inch height that our old rotary mower couldn’t dream of achieving.
The adjustment mechanism itself is functional, if not as convenient as modern single-lever systems. To change the height, you have to adjust a lever and bolt on each of the front wheels. While this requires a wrench and a few minutes of your time, we found it to be a “set-it-and-forget-it” task for the season. Once we found our ideal HOC, we rarely changed it. This method, while slightly more involved, provides a very secure and precise height setting that won’t slip or change accidentally. We also noted the active community of users who have developed simple modifications, like adding a PVC or conveyor belt roller to the back, which can add stability and even slightly increase the maximum cutting height for those who need it, showcasing the mower’s solid, adaptable platform.
Maneuverability and The Mowing Experience: A Satisfying Workout
Mowing with the Earthwise 1715-16EW is a completely different experience from using a powered mower. It’s quiet, engaging, and provides a decent bit of exercise. At under 22 pounds, the machine is incredibly easy to push and guide across a flat, smooth lawn. We could easily maneuver it with one hand in open areas and navigate tight turns around trees and garden beds with precision. This mower rewards frequency; it’s designed to trim the top third of the grass blade every 2-3 days, not to tackle a jungle that’s been neglected for two weeks. Several users confirmed that it can handle surprisingly tall grass, even knee-high, but it requires patience and multiple passes at progressively lower settings.
The most common operational challenge, which we also experienced, is the mower’s tendency to jam on twigs, pinecones, or thick weeds. Any debris larger than a pencil will likely stop the blades cold. While this can be momentarily annoying, it forces a positive habit: taking a few minutes to walk the lawn and clear debris before mowing. A quick back-and-forth jiggle of the mower or a tap on the wheel with your foot is usually enough to dislodge a jam and get you moving again. The multi-piece handle did exhibit a tiny bit of flex during use, confirming some user reports, but it never felt insecure or in danger of failing during our extensive testing.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user feedback confirms our findings: this is a fantastic mower for the right application. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, especially from owners of warm-season grasses. One user, a former professional landscaper with experience using high-end commercial equipment, was so impressed after a full season that he wholeheartedly recommended it for his 2,000 sq ft Bermuda lawn. Another simply stated their lawn now “looks better than any of my neighbors’.” The praise for the clean cut, quiet operation, and the resulting “golf course look” is a constant theme.
However, the feedback also provides a balanced perspective on its limitations. The most consistent critique targets the multi-piece handle, with several users expressing a wish for a more rigid, single-piece design to eliminate any feeling of “jankiness.” Another critical point is its specialized nature. As one user detailed, the mower struggled with their yard’s mixed, thicker grass and weeds, often leaving stubborn stalks uncut even after three or more passes. This highlights the crucial importance of matching this mower to an appropriate lawn type—it is a finishing tool, not a brush hog.
How Does the Earthwise 1715-16EW Compare to the Competition?
While the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower occupies a special niche, it’s helpful to see how its manual, back-to-basics philosophy contrasts with modern battery-powered alternatives. These competitors offer convenience and power, but for a different type of user and a higher price point.
1. Greenworks 48V 5-Piece Garden Tool Set
- Complete Yard Maintenance System: 5-in-1 cordless kit includes 20" steel-deck push mower (7-position height adjust, Up To 30 Minutes Run-Time With 2 Fully Charged 4Ah USB Batteries. Run-Time Varies...
- Powerful 24V Battery Ecosystem: 2x4Ah + 1x2Ah USB batteries power all tools, compatible with 150+ Greenworks 24V products (no need for multiple battery types). It should be noted that the push mower...
- Ergonomic Design for Efficiency: Hedge trimmer features rotating rear handle and 3-sided wrap-around grip for angled trimming of complex hedges; weighs only 4.6 lbs for reduced fatigue. Mower’s...
This Greenworks kit represents the “total yard solution” approach. It includes not just a 20-inch push mower, but also a string trimmer, leaf blower, chainsaw, and hedge trimmer, all powered by the same 48V battery system. This is an incredible value for a new homeowner or anyone looking to build a complete cordless tool arsenal. While its rotary mower won’t provide the same scissor-cut precision as the Earthwise reel mower, it offers far more versatility for tackling taller, thicker, or more varied types of grass and weeds. Someone would prefer this Greenworks set if they have a diverse range of yard tasks and prioritize the convenience of a single, powerful battery platform over the specialized cut of a reel mower.
2. EGO Power+ LM2130SP Self-Propelled Mower
- SELECT CUT MULTI-BLADE CUTTING SYSTEM - Customize your cut with interchangeable lower blades; battery lawnmower includes mulching, high-lift bagging, and extended runtime lower blades, plus an upper...
- TOUCH DRIVE SELF-PROPELLED TECHNOLOGY - Engage the self-propel function with a touch of your palm, change speed with the scroll of a dial at your fingertips
- EXCEEDS POWER OF GAS - This EGO push mower features a brushless motor that delivers up to 7.0 ft-lbs of cutting torque for performance that exceeds gas-powered mowers
The EGO Power+ is a premium, high-performance battery mower that sits at the opposite end of the spectrum from the manual Earthwise. Its key feature is the self-propelled drive system, which makes mowing larger or sloped yards virtually effortless. It boasts significant power, a larger 21-inch cutting deck, and advanced features like dual blades for superior mulching. The ideal customer for the EGO is someone with a larger property who wants to ditch gas but still demands maximum power and convenience. It’s for the user who wants the job done as quickly and easily as possible, without the physical engagement required by a push reel mower.
3. Greenworks 48V Brushless Mower String Trimmer Blower Kit
- Powerful Mower: This Greenworks combo kit features a mower with dual 24-Volt batteries, a 20-inch steel deck, and a push hand design. The 3-in-1 system allows for mulching, rear bagging, and side...
- Efficient String Trimmer: The kit includes a string trimmer with a 12-inch cutting path, equipped with a brushed motor. It uses a 0.065" cutting line and features an auto-feed system for convenience....
- High-Performance Blower: The blower in this combo kit has a brushed motor, capable of delivering 320 CFM airflow and speeds up to 90 MPH. It offers up to 20 minutes of runtime and is ultra-lightweight...
This three-piece Greenworks kit offers a focused, high-value entry into the battery-powered ecosystem. It provides the essential tools for core lawn maintenance: a 20-inch brushless mower, a string trimmer, and a leaf blower. It’s a perfect middle-ground for someone graduating from the manual Earthwise mower. They get the power and convenience of battery operation for mowing, trimming, and cleanup without investing in the more specialized tools of the 5-piece set. This is the logical next step for a homeowner whose lawn care needs have grown beyond just mowing and who values the efficiency and low maintenance of a modern brushless motor system.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Earthwise 1715-16EW Reel Mower for You?
After a full season of pushing, testing, and admiring our lawn, our verdict is clear: the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower is an exceptional tool for a specific purpose. It is not an all-purpose mower for every yard. It is a specialist’s instrument for crafting a beautiful, healthy, and precisely cut lawn. Its strengths—the immaculate scissor cut, silent operation, and eco-friendly design—are undeniable. It reintroduces a sense of connection and craft to lawn care that is lost with loud, powerful machines.
We recommend it without hesitation to homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns (up to about 5,000 sq ft) comprised of dense, creeping grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, or St. Augustine. If you are willing to mow frequently (every 2-4 days in peak season) and enjoy the physical, quiet rhythm of manual lawn care, this mower will reward you with a lawn that is the envy of your neighborhood. If your yard is large, lumpy, or full of weeds and sticks, you would be better served by a powered rotary mower.
If you’ve decided the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower is the right fit for your lawn care philosophy, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API