I still remember the Sunday morning ritual: lugging the heavy gas mower from the back of the garage, the frustrating pull-start sequence that always seemed to take three more yanks than it should, and then, the deafening roar that shattered the neighborhood peace. It was a chore I dreaded. The smell of gasoline, the tangled extension cords of a later electric model, the dead batteries that turned a thousand-dollar machine into a plastic monument to planned obsolescence—I’d experienced it all. Like many homeowners, I just wanted a clean, healthy lawn without the cacophony and complexity. This constant battle against noise, maintenance, and waste is what led me back to a beautifully simple, time-tested technology, embodied perfectly by the product we’re diving into today.
- Classic Scotts 20 inch push no-motor manual reel rotary lawn mower features 20" cutting width, 5-blade ball bearing reel, and 10" dual tracking wheels
- Quick-snap 1"-3" cutting height adjustment for a clean, even cut every time with this Scotts classic hand push reel rotary 20 inch lawn mower
- Blades on the Scotts classic hand push reel rotary 20 inch lawn mower are made of quality, heat-treated alloy steel for staying 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 and aesthetic of your personal green space. Whether you’re chasing the perfect suburban carpet or simply keeping the weeds at bay, the right mower turns a laborious task into a satisfying, even pleasant, experience. The primary benefit of this category, especially with a manual reel mower, is the direct connection you have with your yard. You’re not just operating a machine; you’re actively grooming your lawn. This results in a cleaner, healthier cut that promotes robust growth, all while reducing your carbon footprint and eliminating the recurring costs of fuel and complex maintenance.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a small to medium-sized lawn (typically under half an acre) who values simplicity, quiet operation, and environmental responsibility. If you find the upkeep of gas engines tedious or are frustrated by the limitations of batteries and cords, a manual mower is a breath of fresh air. It’s perfect for the homeowner who mows regularly and keeps their lawn relatively tidy. However, it might not be suitable for those who have very large properties, tackle extremely tall, thick, or tough-stalked weeds, or deal with highly uneven terrain littered with sticks and debris. In those cases, a more powerful gas or high-voltage battery-powered rotary mower might be a more practical, albeit louder and more complex, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Consider the cutting width. A wider deck, like the 20-inch spread on the Scotts 2000-20S, means fewer passes to cover your lawn, saving you time and energy. Also, think about storage. A key advantage of reel mowers is their smaller footprint, making them easy to hang on a garage wall or tuck into a tight corner.
- Capacity/Performance: For a reel mower, performance is defined by the quality of the cut and ease of pushing. Look at the number of blades (five is a great all-purpose number for common grass types) and the range of cutting height adjustments. The ability to easily switch from a 1-inch trim to a 3-inch cut provides versatility for different seasons and grass conditions.
- Materials & Durability: The blades are the heart of the mower. Heat-treated alloy steel is the gold standard, ensuring the blades hold their edge for longer. Pay attention to the construction of the frame, handle, and wheels as well. While plastic components can reduce weight, metal parts in critical stress points often signify a longer-lasting tool, though some user experiences suggest potential weak points to watch for.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good reel mower should be a joy to use. This means tool-less assembly, comfortable ergonomic handles with cushioned grips, and simple height adjustment levers. Maintenance should be minimal—primarily consisting of cleaning after each use, occasional blade sharpening, and checking that bolts remain tight.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch Push Reel Lawn 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:
- Effortless Power for ½ Acre Yards- Experience gas-like performance without the hassle—35 minutes of continuous runtime from a single 4.0Ah battery (full charge in 2 hours). Perfect for small to...
- 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: A Refreshing Return to Simplicity
Unboxing the Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower felt less like preparing for a chore and more like assembling a classic piece of garden equipment. The box itself is surprisingly compact. Inside, the main mower deck is mostly pre-assembled. The only task is to attach the handle, which, as promised, requires no tools. We simply snapped the pieces together and secured them with the included knobs and bolts. The entire process took less than ten minutes, a stark contrast to the oil-and-gas prep of a traditional mower. Our experience aligns with many users, including one who noted their nine-year-old daughter assembled it with verbal instructions. The first thing you notice is its classic, almost nostalgic design. The bright green finish and simple mechanical form are a welcome sight. It feels solid yet manageable. Lifting it is no great feat, a huge plus for those who hate wrestling heavy equipment. The ergonomic handle has a comfortable foam grip, though we immediately noted the handle assembly might be a point to monitor for long-term durability based on a few user reports of loosening screws.
Advantages
- Whisper-quiet, gas-free, and emission-free operation
- Wide 20-inch cutting path reduces mowing time
- Clean, scissor-like cut is healthier for grass blades
- Lightweight design and simple, tool-less assembly
Drawbacks
- Struggles with tall, tough weeds and cannot cut what it pushes over
- Some components, particularly the handle, have questionable long-term durability
Deep Dive: Performance of the Scotts 2000-20S Push Reel Mower
After a straightforward assembly, we put the Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower through weeks of rigorous testing on various lawn types, from manicured Zoysia to a more rugged mix of fescue and, yes, the inevitable dandelions and crabgrass. This is where the true character of a manual mower is revealed—not in specs, but in the grass itself.
The Art of the Reel Cut: Precision and Lawn Health
The core of this mower’s appeal is its 5-blade ball bearing reel, crafted from heat-treated alloy steel. Unlike a rotary mower which violently rips and tears at grass, the reel mower acts like a pair of scissors. The reel spins, trapping grass blades against the stationary cutting bar and snipping them off cleanly. During our tests on a healthy, regularly-mowed lawn, the result was immediately noticeable. The lawn looked sharper, cleaner, and healthier, with no frayed, browning tips that often follow a rotary cut. This scissor action is genuinely better for your lawn’s health, as it minimizes damage to the grass blade, reducing stress and vulnerability to disease.
The 20-inch cutting width is a significant advantage over smaller 14- or 16-inch models. It tangibly reduces the number of passes needed to cover our test lawn, making the job quicker and more efficient. Pushing the mower on level, moderately dense grass requires a surprisingly light effort, comparable to or even less than a self-propelled gas mower, due to its lighter weight. As one user aptly put it, they could “clip along just as fast if not faster” than with their old gas mower. However, we confirmed what others have noted: achieving a perfect, uniform cut requires a bit of technique. Overlapping each pass by about one-third is essential to avoid leaving thin strips of uncut grass, or “mohawks.” For a pristine look, a second pass in a perpendicular direction, creating a classic checkerboard pattern, yields truly professional results. For those dedicated to achieving a golf-course quality lawn, the cutting performance of the Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower is truly impressive.
Navigating the Imperfect Lawn: Weeds, Twigs, and Terrain
No lawn is perfect, and this is where we must set realistic expectations for a manual reel mower. While it excels at cutting grass, it struggles with its arch-nemeses: tall, flimsy weeds and small obstacles. We found that the mower often pushed over the supple stems of dandelions or the flowering stalks of crabgrass rather than cutting them. After a pass, we would see the grass cut perfectly, with these defiant weeds popping right back up. This confirms the experience of several users who had to go back with hand trimmers to finish the job. The mower simply can’t cut what it doesn’t catch between the reel and the cutting bar.
Furthermore, the Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower demands a relatively clean lawn. A small twig, a fallen pinecone, or a forgotten dog toy will bring the reel to an immediate, grinding halt. This requires you to be diligent about clearing your lawn before you mow. On hilly terrain, the mower’s lightweight nature is both a blessing and a curse. It’s easier to push uphill than a heavy gas mower, but it can also be more challenging to get the momentum needed for the blades to spin effectively on the first push. It’s manageable, but it’s a workout. This mower rewards consistency; it’s designed for maintenance, not reclamation. If you let your lawn grow into a foot-tall jungle, your first cut of the season will be an arduous, multi-stage battle.
Assembly, Adjustments, and Long-Term Durability
As mentioned, the initial assembly is a breeze. The quick-snap height adjustment is also wonderfully simple. Levers on either side of the rear wheels allow you to choose from five cutting heights between 1 and 3 inches. It’s an intuitive system that lets you adapt to changing conditions on the fly. However, our long-term testing and analysis of extensive user feedback have raised some concerns about durability. The most common complaints center around the handle assembly. Several users reported that the screws holding the handle to the mower body constantly loosen during use, requiring frequent re-tightening. More alarmingly, we found multiple credible reports of the metal handle itself snapping near the attachment point after one or two seasons of use.
Another potential issue lies with the wheels. One user detailed how a washer fell out, causing a rear wheel and the height adjuster to fall off, a frustrating failure for a factory-assembled part. While our test unit has held up well so far, these recurring reports suggest potential weak points in the manufacturing and design that prospective buyers should be aware of. It seems that while the cutting mechanism itself is robust, some of the supporting components may not stand up to years of heavy use without careful maintenance or potential replacement. This is the trade-off for its budget-friendly price point compared to more robust, and much more expensive, reel mowers.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general sentiment surrounding the Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower is largely positive, particularly from users with the right expectations. A common thread is the sheer joy of quiet, eco-friendly mowing. One user celebrated the switch from a gas mower, saying they loved the “no more ear-splitting noise” and the savings on gas. Another user, who enjoys morning yard work, praised being able to mow without waking the neighbors.
The most pointed critiques focus on its limitations and durability. A user with crabgrass noted, “This mower will NOT cut the flowers from the crabgrass, even after going back-and-forth several times.” This sentiment is a recurring theme for those battling weeds. The most serious negative feedback, however, revolves around build quality. We found this comment particularly telling: “At the beginning of the second season the left handle broke. As in the metal. Completely snapped… a quick search realized that this is sadly a common issue.” Another user reported a wheel falling off after just a few months. This feedback is critical, as it highlights a pattern of potential structural failure in the handle and wheel attachments that belies the mower’s otherwise solid cutting performance.
How Does the Scotts 2000-20S Compare to the Alternatives?
The Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower occupies a unique niche. But for those considering other power sources, it’s important to weigh the options.
1. CRAFTSMAN 20-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower
- 13 Amp Motor with 20 inches Deck - Power through tall grass
- 3-in-1 Capacity - Rear Bagging, Mulching and Side Discharge
- Winged Blade - Improved Cutting Performance
The CRAFTSMAN corded electric mower offers a significant step up in raw power. It uses a 13-amp motor to drive a rotary blade, allowing it to slice through thicker grass and tougher weeds that would stop the Scotts reel mower in its tracks. The trade-off, however, is the power cord. You are tethered to an outlet, which can be cumbersome and limits your range. This option is best for someone with a small, simple-shaped yard who wants more muscle than a manual mower can provide but doesn’t want to deal with the maintenance of gas or the cost and lifespan of batteries.
2. Greenworks 40V 20″ Twin Blade Mower 4.0Ah + 2.0Ah Battery
- CORDLESS 20” LAWN MOWER – Get more done, faster, with Greenworks electric lawn mowers. This 40V push mower provides the power you need with up to 45 minutes of run-time on a fully charged 4.0Ah...
- LIGHTWEIGHT, EASY TO USE – a lightweight 20” cutting deck allows for easy maneuvering through small to medium yards (up to ½ acre) more efficiently
- TWIN BLADES - offer better cut quality, superior mulching, and bagging capabilities
The Greenworks 40V mower represents the modern cordless electric standard. It provides the power of an electric motor without the hassle of a cord, offering complete freedom of movement. Its twin-blade design provides an excellent cut quality, and the battery system is robust. This is a direct competitor for those who want an eco-friendly solution but are unwilling to provide the manual power the Scotts mower requires. It’s a significantly higher investment upfront, but it’s a better choice for larger lawns or for users who need the power to tackle more challenging conditions than the Scotts can handle.
3. 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 set is less of a direct competitor and more of a total yard care philosophy. 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. Someone choosing this option is looking for an all-in-one solution to completely ditch gas-powered tools. While the mower itself is comparable to the other Greenworks model, the value here is in the ecosystem. It’s the ideal choice for a new homeowner or anyone looking to overhaul their entire tool collection with a single, convenient, battery-powered system.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Scotts 2000-20S Right for You?
After extensive hands-on testing, we can confidently say that the Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower is an outstanding tool for the right person and the right lawn. If you have a small-to-medium yard, appreciate a quiet, peaceful mowing experience, and take pride in the health of your grass, this mower is a fantastic choice. It delivers a superior cut that promotes a healthier, greener lawn, all without the noise, fumes, or maintenance headaches of its powered counterparts. It turns a chore into a pleasant walk and a light workout.
However, it is not a universal solution. If your lawn is a rugged battlefield of thick weeds, hills, and hidden twigs, or if you value long-term, rugged durability above all else, you may find its limitations and potential weak points frustrating. But for the suburban homeowner seeking a simple, effective, and environmentally sound way to maintain a beautiful lawn, the Scotts 2000-20S is a classic for a reason. It’s an investment in simplicity and a better way to mow.
If you’ve decided the Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API