For years, my weekend lawn care ritual was a noisy, smelly affair. It started with the frustrating pull-cord dance, yanking again and again, hoping my gas-powered rotary mower would roar to life. When it finally did, it was with a cloud of blue smoke and a deafening racket that I was sure my neighbors appreciated as much as I did. Mowing felt like a chore to be endured, not enjoyed—a battle against finicky engines, sticky gasoline cans, and the constant drone that shattered any hope of a tranquil Saturday morning. I started wondering if there was a better way, a method that connected me more to my lawn instead of just attacking it with brute force. I wanted a clean cut, a bit of exercise, and most importantly, some peace and quiet. This search for a simpler, more sustainable approach to lawn care led me to rediscover a classic tool reimagined for the modern age: the 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...
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 beauty of your turf. Unlike ride-on mowers, they offer greater maneuverability for small to medium-sized yards, allowing you to navigate tight corners and landscaping with ease. Manual reel mowers, a specific subset of this category, take this a step further by offering a unique “scissor” cut that snips grass blades cleanly, promoting healthier growth and a more manicured appearance compared to the tearing action of many rotary mowers. The primary benefits are immense: zero emissions, near-silent operation, no ongoing fuel or electricity costs, and the simple, satisfying feedback of a purely mechanical tool. It transforms lawn maintenance from a noisy chore into a peaceful, physical activity.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges of a small to quarter-acre lawn, who values environmental sustainability, and prefers a quiet, low-maintenance tool. It’s perfect for the suburban homeowner who takes pride in a pristine lawn and doesn’t mind a bit of a workout. However, a manual reel mower might not be suitable for those who have very large properties (over half an acre), extremely hilly or uneven terrain, or a yard littered with thick twigs, rocks, and debris. If your grass is frequently overgrown or full of tough, thick-stalked weeds, the purely manual power might not be enough. In those cases, a powerful gas or high-voltage cordless rotary mower might be a more practical alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The cutting width directly impacts your mowing time. An 18-inch width, like that of the Fiskars model, is a sweet spot for balancing efficiency on open stretches and maneuverability around obstacles. Consider the overall size for storage; reel mowers are typically more compact than their gas-guzzling cousins, but the handle length can still be a factor in a crowded garage or shed.
- Capacity/Performance: Look at the cutting height range. A wider range, like 1 to 4 inches, provides the versatility to handle different grass types and seasonal conditions. For reel mowers, the blade system is paramount. Look for features like hardened steel blades and technologies that provide extra cutting power or momentum, which are essential for tackling denser patches of grass without jamming.
- Materials & Durability: The frame and wheels can be made of plastic or metal. While heavy-duty plastic can be durable and rust-proof, a steel frame often signifies greater longevity. The most critical component is the blade reel; ensure it is made of high-quality, heat-treated steel that can hold an edge. The overall weight is a double-edged sword: a heavier mower can feel more planted and its momentum can help power through thick grass, but it also requires more effort to push, especially uphill.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Modern reel mowers have vastly improved ergonomics. Check for features like padded, adjustable-height handles and easy, tool-free cutting height adjustments. The biggest maintenance task for reel mowers is blade sharpening and alignment. Models that feature “no-contact” or “stay-sharp” systems can significantly reduce the frequency and difficulty of this task, making long-term ownership far more pleasant.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Fiskars 18″ Manual 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:
- 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: This Isn’t Your Grandfather’s Reel Mower
Unboxing the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower was an experience in itself. The first thing I noticed was its weight; at over 50 pounds, it felt substantial and robust, immediately dispelling any notion of it being a flimsy, old-fashioned tool. The design is strikingly modern, with its black and orange color scheme and unique wheel configuration—two large primary wheels in the front and two smaller stabilizing wheels in the back. Unlike some user reports of complicated setups, my experience was refreshingly simple. The main mower body came fully assembled from the factory. The only task was to assemble the three-piece handle, which snapped together and attached to the mower body with two simple pins. No tools were required, and I was ready to go in under ten minutes. The one-touch height adjustment lever felt solid and clicked into place reassuringly. This initial impression was of a thoughtfully engineered machine that blends classic reel mower principles with modern convenience and power.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional scissor-like cut quality for a healthier, greener lawn
- Eco-friendly and silent operation with no gas, oil, or cords
- InertiaDrive technology provides extra power for tougher grass
- Wide cutting height range (1-4 inches) adjustable with a single lever
Drawbacks
- Heavy weight can make it challenging on steep hills
- Reports of inconsistent quality control and customer service issues
A Deep Dive Into the Fiskars Mowing Experience
A mower’s true worth is proven on the grass, not in the box. Over several weeks, I put the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower through its paces on my mixed fescue and bluegrass lawn, which features both flat areas and a moderate slope. I wanted to test Fiskars’ bold claims of superior cutting power and ease of use to see if this modern reel mower could truly replace a gas-powered machine for a typical suburban yard.
The InertiaDrive and StaySharp System: A Cut Above the Rest
The heart of this mower is its cutting mechanism, and Fiskars has packed it with proprietary technology. The two most significant features are the InertiaDrive Reel and the StaySharp Cutting System. The InertiaDrive is essentially a flywheel effect created by the mower’s significant weight and a chain-driven system that spins the heavy blade reel at high speed. The difference this makes in the real world is astounding. Where older, lighter reel mowers would jam on a thick patch of clover or a dense clump of grass, the Fiskars powers through. You can feel the momentum build as you push, and it carries the blades through tough spots that would stop a lesser mower in its tracks. As one user aptly put it, they were “blown away” when it cut through 4-inch tall Bermuda grass with zero problems.
Complementing this power is the StaySharp system. Traditionally, reel mowers require periodic, tedious blade sharpening and precise adjustment of the bedknife. The Fiskars design cleverly avoids this by engineering the blades to never make contact with the bedknife, maintaining their factory edge for years. Out of the box, my unit passed the “paper test” with flying colors, cleanly snipping a sheet of paper along the entire length of the blade. The resulting cut on the lawn is nothing short of beautiful. It’s a clean, precise snip that leaves the grass looking lush and healthy, much like it was cut with thousands of tiny scissors. This confirmed what many lawn care enthusiasts report: a reel mower gives a qualitatively better cut, and the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower is among the best in its class for achieving that manicured look. It’s important to note, however, that like all reel mowers, it struggles with tall, flimsy weeds or seed heads, which can sometimes bend over instead of being cut. It excels at maintaining an already healthy lawn, not reclaiming an overgrown field.
Ergonomics and Push Effort: A Workout with a Purpose
Fiskars claims this mower is 60% easier to push than competitors. This is a subjective claim that depends heavily on the user and, more importantly, the terrain. On the flat portions of my yard, the mower glides forward with surprising ease. The weight and InertiaDrive work in your favor, creating a self-perpetuating momentum. It feels less like strenuous shoving and more like guiding a well-oiled machine. One owner confirmed this, stating that “contrary to other reviews, it is very light to push” on their ideal terrain. However, the story changes on hills. The 51.7-pound weight becomes a very real factor when pushing uphill. As another user with a steep 60-70 degree hill noted, “this is a work out and a half.” I found my moderate slope to be manageable, but it definitely required a solid effort. This isn’t a flaw, but a physical reality of a heavy, manual machine. It turns mowing into a legitimate form of exercise.
The ergonomics are generally well-thought-out. The padded handle is comfortable, and the ability to adjust its height is a great feature. I do agree with one user’s observation that the handle doesn’t “lock” rigidly during use, which can feel a bit strange at first, but I quickly adapted. The standout ergonomic feature is the reversible grass chute. You can set it to eject clippings forward, away from your feet, or backward if you prefer. This is a small but brilliant detail that keeps your shoes clean and prevents you from tracking cuttings into the house. For those with relatively flat yards looking for a superior cut and a bit of exercise, the advanced engineering and thoughtful ergonomics make this mower a compelling choice.
Assembly, Adjustments, and Long-Term Durability Questions
As mentioned, the initial assembly is incredibly straightforward for most users, involving only the handle. The crucial adjustments, however, are the cutting height and the blade contact (if ever needed). The height adjustment is a dream. A single, easy-to-move lever allows you to select any height between 1 and 4 inches, making it simple to adapt to different conditions on the fly. This is a massive improvement over older designs that required tools and fiddling with each wheel.
While the design is impressive, a look at user feedback raises some concerns about quality control and long-term durability. While my test unit performed flawlessly, some customers have reported significant issues. One user received a mower with a misaligned welded blade that couldn’t be adjusted. Another experienced the mower jamming and becoming exponentially harder to push after just two months. Perhaps most concerning are reports of parts failing, like a rear wheel that repeatedly fell off, and the subsequent frustrating experience with customer service, with one user citing a 3-to-4-week claim processing time for a replacement part. These accounts suggest that while a well-made unit is a fantastic tool, there may be some inconsistency in manufacturing and support. This is an important factor to weigh against the mower’s otherwise stellar performance.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment for the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower is largely positive, focusing on its exceptional cut quality. One user, who had previously owned a $1500 motorized reel mower, stated that the “quality of cut is just as good” with the Fiskars, calling it “solid and high quality construction.” Another was so thrilled they wrote their first-ever product review, sharing photos of a “nice, clean cut from only 1 pass” that was visibly superior to the cut from their premium Honda rotary mower.
However, the praise is balanced by some pointed criticism that centers on durability and customer support. The most concerning review came from a user who loved the mower for two months before it began jamming and became incredibly difficult to push. Their frustration was compounded by a non-functional online support form, stating, “it shouldn’t be having problems after 2 months.” Another user had a rear wheel that kept falling off during use and was met with a potential month-long wait for a replacement part from customer service. These negative experiences, while not universal, highlight a potential risk in quality control and post-purchase support that prospective buyers should be aware of.
How Does the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower Compare to Alternatives?
The Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower occupies a specific niche. It’s for the purist who wants the best possible cut without noise or fumes. But how does it stack up against other lawn care philosophies? Let’s look at three distinct alternatives.
1. Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 Scarifier and Dethatcher 15-inch
- Powerful 48V Cordless Power: Dual 24-V 4.0-Ah batteries deliver up to 48V of runtime, allowing you to dethatch, scarify and care for your lawn with a brushless 600W motor for extended, gas-free...
- Tailored Depth Control: Adjust the 5-position depth control knob from -0.375" to 0.4" to precisely control scarifying and dethatching depth, promoting thicker, greener grass growth.
- Maximize Thatch Pickup with AirBoost Technology: The 24-tine dethatching cylinder with spring steel tines maximizes thatch removal, while the 7-blade scarifying cylinder slices through thick moss and...
This Sun Joe machine isn’t a mower at all, but rather a specialized lawn health tool. A dethatcher or scarifier uses tines or blades to remove the layer of dead grass (thatch) from your lawn, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the soil. Someone would choose this over the Fiskars if their primary goal isn’t cutting the grass, but renovating and improving the health of their existing turf. In fact, these two tools are complementary. You would use the Sun Joe once or twice a year to improve your lawn’s foundation, and the Fiskars every week to maintain its pristine appearance. It’s a choice between lawn treatment and lawn maintenance.
2. YARDMAX 21 in. 170cc 3-in-1 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 approach. With its 21-inch cutting width and powerful 170cc engine, this mower is built for raw power and efficiency. It will tear through tall, thick grass, weeds, and small twigs that would stop the Fiskars dead in its tracks. This is the better choice for someone with a larger yard (up to half an acre), rougher terrain, or who mows less frequently, allowing the grass to get longer. The trade-off is significant: you get the noise, the emissions, the regular maintenance of oil and gas, and a tearing cut that is less healthy for the grass blades than the Fiskars’ clean snip.
3. Greenworks 40V Lawn Mower + Blower + String Trimmer 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 kit offers a modern, battery-powered compromise. It provides more power than the Fiskars, making it better for slightly tougher conditions, but operates much more quietly than the YARDMAX gas mower. As a rotary mower, it uses suction to pull grass up for a more even cut and can bag or mulch clippings effectively. The major appeal here is the ecosystem; you get a mower, blower, and string trimmer that all run on the same battery system. This is the ideal choice for someone who wants to move away from gas but still wants more power and versatility than a manual reel mower can provide, and who values the convenience of an all-in-one yard care solution.
The Final Verdict: Is the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower Right for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower is a truly exceptional machine within its intended niche. For the homeowner with a small to medium-sized, relatively flat lawn, it delivers a cut quality that is virtually unmatched by gas or electric rotary mowers. The silent, emission-free operation turns a weekend chore into a pleasant, meditative experience. Its clever engineering, from the power-boosting InertiaDrive to the simple single-lever height adjust, makes it a joy to use.
However, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its significant weight makes it a challenge on steep hills, and like all reel mowers, it is designed for maintenance, not for tackling severely overgrown lawns or thick weeds. The reports of inconsistent quality control are a valid concern that temper a wholehearted recommendation. Ultimately, if you are a lawn care enthusiast who prioritizes a perfect cut and a peaceful process over raw power, and your yard fits the criteria, this mower is one of the best investments you can make for your turf’s health and your own weekend sanity.
If you’ve decided the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel 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