There’s a certain symphony to suburban life, but the Sunday morning roar of a gas-powered lawn mower is rarely a welcome part of it. For years, I was part of that chorus, wrestling with a heavy, sputtering machine that left behind a haze of exhaust and a lawn that often looked more torn than trimmed. The constant refueling, the oil changes, the yearly struggle to get it started after a long winter—it all felt like a chore, a noisy battle against nature rather than a partnership with it. I longed for a simpler, quieter, and more eco-friendly way to maintain my lawn, a method that would not only cut the grass but also improve its health and appearance. The problem was finding a manual mower that wasn’t a flimsy throwback, but a modern, effective tool capable of handling a well-kept lawn. Not solving this meant resigning myself to the noise, pollution, and the subtly damaged, shredded look that rotary mowers can leave behind.
- Scotts manual mower has a 18-inch cutting width, 7-blade ball bearing reel, and 10-inch dual tracking wheels
- Rotary lawn mower has an adjustable cutting height of 1" to 3" for a clean and even cut
- Scotts lawn mower blades are made of quality, heat-treated alloy steel that 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 achieving a healthy, manicured lawn without the complexity and cost of a riding mower. This category of tools empowers homeowners to take direct control over their turf’s appearance and well-being. The primary benefit of a manual reel mower, like the one we’re reviewing today, is the quality of the cut. Instead of a single high-speed blade that tears and shreds grass, a reel mower uses multiple blades in a scissor-like action, snipping each blade of grass cleanly. This clean cut is less stressful for the grass, helping it retain moisture, resist disease, and grow greener and fuller. Furthermore, these mowers are quiet, emission-free, and require minimal maintenance, offering a peaceful and environmentally conscious way to care for your yard.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a small to medium-sized lawn (typically under 5,000 sq. ft.) who takes pride in its appearance and prefers a hands-on, low-impact approach. It’s perfect for those with fine-bladed grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, or Kentucky Bluegrass that thrive with a lower, precise cut. However, a manual reel mower might not be suitable for those with very large, hilly, or rough terrain dotted with weeds, rocks, and twigs. The precision blades can be damaged by debris, and the manual effort can be significant on steep inclines or vast properties. For those situations, a self-propelled gas mower or a powerful cordless electric model might be a more practical alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Consider the cutting width. An 18-inch width, like on the Scotts model, offers a good balance between coverage and maneuverability. A wider deck covers ground faster but can be harder to navigate around trees and garden beds. Also, think about storage; a reel mower’s relatively compact and lightweight frame makes it easy to hang on a garage wall, saving valuable floor space.
- Capacity/Performance: The number of blades is a key performance metric. A 5-blade reel is standard for common grasses, but a 7-blade reel, as featured here, is designed for a finer, more frequent cut on dense, creeping-type grasses. Also, look at the cutting height range (e.g., 1 to 3 inches). This adjustability is critical for adapting to different grass types and seasonal growth patterns.
- Materials & Durability: The blades should be made of heat-treated alloy steel to ensure they hold a sharp edge longer. The frame and wheels also contribute to longevity. While plastic components keep the weight down, a solid steel frame provides a more stable and durable platform for the cutting mechanism, ensuring consistent performance over many seasons.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A comfortable, cushioned handle can make a huge difference during a mowing session. Look for tool-free height adjustment and straightforward assembly. Long-term care is minimal but important: regular cleaning of the blades, occasional lubrication of moving parts, and periodic blade sharpening or adjustment are necessary to maintain that perfect scissor cut.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower is an excellent choice, 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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First Impressions: Simple, Solid, and Ready to Roll
Unboxing the Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower was a refreshingly simple affair. There was no engine to check, no battery to charge, no complicated wiring to decipher. The main unit, consisting of the blade reel and wheels, felt solid and well-constructed right out of the box. The alloy steel blades had a satisfying heft and a pre-sharpened gleam. Assembly consisted of attaching the multi-part handle with a few nuts and bolts, a process that took us less than 15 minutes with a basic wrench. The finished product feels surprisingly lightweight at just over 25 pounds, a welcome change from the 60-plus pound gas mowers we’re used to. The cushioned grip on the handle is a thoughtful touch, providing a comfortable and secure hold. Right away, it was clear this mower was designed for straightforward, no-fuss operation. The classic green finish is unassuming, focusing on function over flash, which is exactly what we look for in a tool like this.
Key Benefits
- Superior 7-blade design provides a fine, scissor-like cut ideal for dense turf.
- Lightweight and highly maneuverable, making it easy to navigate tight spaces.
- Simple, tool-free cutting height adjustment from 1 to 3 inches.
- Eco-friendly, quiet operation with no gas, oil, or emissions.
Limitations
- Can struggle with tall, thick weeds or uneven terrain.
- May require multiple passes or a specific mowing pattern to avoid a “washboard” effect on some lawns.
A Deep Dive into the Scotts Mower’s Performance
A reel mower’s worth is measured not by its power, but by its precision. Over several weeks, we put the Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower through its paces on a variety of lawn conditions, from a manicured Zoysia front yard to a more rugged Bermuda grass patch. We evaluated everything from the assembly and ergonomics to the all-important quality of the cut. This is where the machine truly revealed its character—its strengths, its quirks, and who it’s truly built for.
The 7-Blade Scissor Cut: Precision for a Healthier Lawn
The heart and soul of this mower is its 7-blade ball bearing reel. This is a significant step up from standard 5-blade models, and the difference was immediately apparent on our test lawns. Where a 5-blade reel can sometimes struggle with the dense, horizontal growth of grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia, the 7-blade configuration delivered a remarkably clean and even cut. The action is exactly as advertised: a gentle, satisfying snip-snip-snip that slices each blade of grass cleanly, like a pair of scissors. We confirmed this by examining the grass tips post-mow; they were sharp and un-frayed, a stark contrast to the often-jagged tearing left by rotary mowers. One user review captured this perfectly, noting that the grass looks “more green and more beautiful” because the cut is a clean slice, not a tear that leads to brown, damaged tips.
This scissor action is crucial for lawn health. It minimizes trauma to the grass, allowing it to heal faster, retain more moisture, and be less susceptible to disease and pests. However, achieving this perfect cut requires the right conditions. We did encounter the “washboard” or wavy effect mentioned by one user when we pushed the mower too quickly over a very flat, dense area. We found that this could be mitigated by slightly overlapping each pass and, as another user creatively suggested, mowing in perpendicular patterns (north-south, then east-west). This two-pass method yielded a flawless, carpet-like finish that was deeply satisfying. The mower performs best on lawns that are already relatively well-maintained and free of tall, thick-stemmed weeds, which can sometimes stall the blades.
Height Adjustment and Customization: Dialing in the Perfect Look
Versatility is a key strength of the Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower. The height adjustment mechanism is simple and effective. A pair of levers on the sides allows for quick, tool-free changes to the cutting height, with nine slots ranging from 1 inch to 3 inches. We found this system incredibly convenient, allowing us to easily switch from a low, 1.5-inch cut on the Bermuda grass to a higher 2.5-inch setting for a different section of the yard. This range covers the ideal cutting heights for most common residential grasses.
For the true lawn enthusiast, especially those cultivating low-growing turf like Bermuda, the mower offers even more potential. One user shared a brilliant modification: replacing the small rear tracking wheels with slightly smaller ones to drop the minimum cutting height below the official 1-inch setting. Intrigued, we tried a similar adjustment and were able to achieve a cut as low as 7/8 of an inch, which is fantastic for developing that dense, golf-course look. While this is an unofficial modification, it speaks to the mower’s simple, adaptable design. The ease of adjustment, confirmed by multiple user experiences, is a major plus, making it easy for anyone to find the perfect height for their lawn’s specific needs without wrestling with complicated tools or bolts. If you’re looking for a mower that provides both standard ease-of-use and the potential for fine-tuned customization, this Scotts model is an exceptional choice.
Real-World Maneuverability and Daily Use
Mowing is a physical activity, and a mower’s ergonomics can make the difference between a pleasant task and a grueling chore. Weighing in at just 25.57 pounds, the Scotts reel mower is effortless to push on flat or gently sloping ground. The 10-inch dual tracking front wheels roll smoothly, and the 18-inch cutting path is a sweet spot—wide enough to cover a decent area with each pass but narrow enough to easily navigate around flower beds, trees, and walkways. We were able to maneuver it into tight corners and along edges with a precision that’s simply not possible with a bulky gas mower.
The quiet operation is perhaps its most profound benefit. We could mow early in the morning without disturbing anyone, listening to the birds instead of an engine. This peaceful experience transforms mowing from a noisy obligation into an almost meditative activity. However, our testing also confirmed some of the practical challenges noted by users. The mower can get jammed by an accumulation of very thick, wet clippings, requiring you to stop and clear the blades. It’s also imperative to keep the lawn clear of small twigs, gumballs, or rocks, as these will instantly stop the reel. Furthermore, one user’s feedback about maintenance proved accurate: after a few uses, a bit of squeaking developed, which was quickly silenced with a spray of lubricant on the wheel and blade axles. Regular cleaning and light oiling are essential to keep the Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower running smoothly and quietly, a small price to pay for its many benefits.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our extensive hands-on testing, we delved into the broader user feedback to see how our experience aligned with others. The sentiment is generally positive, with many users celebrating the mower’s simplicity, light weight, and the beautiful quality of the cut. One Spanish-speaking user expressed it beautifully, saying he felt “like a child with a new toy” and that the mower cuts like scissors, leaving his Zoysia lawn looking greener and healthier than it ever did with a string trimmer. Another user found mowing their 3,000 sq. ft. Bermuda lawn “oddly satisfying,” a feeling we definitely shared.
However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing, which provides a realistic picture. The most common critical point, which we also observed, is the potential for an uneven or “wavy” cut, especially on very flat, dense turf if not operated with care. One user was so frustrated by this and by jamming from clippings that they deemed it unusable. Other critiques focused on build quality, with one person noting the handle grip tore after only the second use, and another receiving a unit with dull blades and non-functional gears, leading to an immediate return. These negative experiences, while seemingly in the minority, highlight the importance of proper blade adjustment out of the box and underscore that reel mowers require a different technique and expectation than powered rotary mowers.
How Does the Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower Compare?
The Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower exists in a diverse market. To understand its place, we need to compare it not just to its direct peers but also to the powered alternatives that many homeowners consider. Here’s how it stacks up against three distinct competitors.
1. Greenworks 40V Push Mower + Blower + Trimmer Combo Kit
- 40V CORDLESS MOWER - This 40V Brushless lawn mower provides the power you need with up to 45 minutes of runtime on a fully charged 4.0Ah battery. The battery completely charges in 120 minutes.
- 40V CORDLESS TRIMMER / EDGER (2-IN-1) - This 40V String trimmer Converts from trimmer to edger with push of a button;Trimmer head rotates 90° so you can trim and edge at multiple angles;Push button...
- 40V CORDLESS BLOWER - This 40V Blower delivers 350 CFM and 100 MPH for powerful leaf and debris clean up,with Two Speed Switch (High/Low)
The Greenworks 40V combo kit represents the modern cordless electric alternative. Its primary advantage is power and convenience. For those with larger yards, thicker grass, or a mix of weeds, the battery-powered rotary blade will cut through it all with minimal physical effort. The inclusion of a blower and trimmer makes it an all-in-one yard care solution. However, it is significantly heavier, much louder than the Scotts reel mower, and relies on battery life. The cut quality, while good for a rotary mower, is fundamentally different—it tears the grass rather than snipping it. This kit is for the user who prioritizes power and convenience over the precision cut and zen-like experience of a reel mower.
2. Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower
- ECO-FRIENDLY PUSH LAWNMOWER: Manual reel lawn mower with 18" cut width; No gas, oil, charging, or cords required; 60% easier to push than other reel mowers and ideal for regular lawn maintenance
- BEST-IN-CLASS CUTTING PERFORMANCE: InertiaDrive Reel boasts twice the cutting power of standard reel mowers, while the StaySharp Cutting System eliminates the cost and inconvenience of manual blade...
- SUPERIOR ERGONOMICS: Reversible grass chute can direct clippings away from your feet, making it easier to mow tough patches while limiting messiness; One-touch handle height adjustment enhances your...
The Fiskars reel mower is the most direct competitor to the Scotts model. It’s known for its innovative design, which includes a chain-drive system for easier pushing and blades that rarely need sharpening. Its “InertiaDrive” reel is engineered for cutting through tough patches. The main trade-off is often the number of blades and the resulting cut fineness. While Fiskars is a top-tier brand, the Scotts model’s 7-blade design is specifically geared toward a finer, more manicured finish on dense turf grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia. The Fiskars might be a better choice for someone with a mix of tougher grasses who values low-maintenance blades, while the Scotts is for the purist seeking the cleanest possible cut.
3. YARDMAX 21 in. 3-in-1 Gas Push Lawn Mower
- Single-lever deck adjustment for quickly setting your mow height
- MAXFlow Deck Technology – volute spiral deck design for better airflow and mulching
- Heavy-duty, 16-guage stamped steel deck
The YARDMAX represents the traditional gas-powered option. It offers the most raw power, a wider 21-inch cutting deck, and 3-in-1 functionality (mulch, bag, side discharge). This mower is the best choice for large, challenging lawns with hills, thick weeds, and rough spots where a reel mower would simply stop. Its high rear wheels make it easier to handle on uneven terrain. The downsides are significant: it’s loud, heavy, requires ongoing engine maintenance (gas, oil, spark plugs), and produces emissions. It’s the workhorse for difficult jobs, whereas the Scotts mower is the artist’s tool for crafting a perfect lawn.
Our Final Verdict on the Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower
After extensive use and careful evaluation, we can confidently say that the Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower is an outstanding tool for the right person and the right lawn. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for homeowners with small to medium-sized yards who are dedicated to cultivating a truly healthy, beautiful lawn, its performance is exceptional. The 7-blade reel delivers a surgeon-precise cut that promotes greener, more resilient turf. Its silent, emission-free operation turns a weekly chore into a peaceful, satisfying activity. It is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and refreshingly simple to maintain.
You must be willing to embrace the process—keeping your lawn free of debris and occasionally making two passes for a perfect finish. It will not power through a neglected, overgrown yard. But if you view lawn care as a craft rather than a battle, this mower is one of the best investments you can make. It rewards your effort with a pristine finish that powered rotary mowers simply cannot replicate.
If you’ve decided the Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API