I remember a string of Saturday mornings, each one starting with the jarring roar of a neighbor’s gas mower. That high-pitched whine, the smell of gasoline, the sheer mechanical violence of it all felt like a complete contradiction to the peaceful act of tending a garden. My own electric mower wasn’t much better; I spent half my time wrestling with a tangled extension cord, always paranoid I was about to mow right over it. I started to wonder if there was a better, quieter, and more connected way to care for my lawn. This wasn’t just about cutting grass; it was about reclaiming a weekend chore and turning it into a satisfying, almost meditative, experience. The search for a simpler, more sustainable solution led me back to a classic design, perfected for the modern era: the push reel mower.
- The Great States motor-less lawnmower with an adjustable cutting height of 0.5"-2.75" for a clean, even cut
- 18" cutting width 5-blade manual push mower with 5-blade ball-bearings, and 10" composite wheels
- Push mower blades are made of high-quality alloy steel that stay 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 beauty of your lawn. Unlike rotary mowers that hack and tear at grass blades, a quality reel mower snips them cleanly, like a pair of scissors. This precise action is far less traumatic for the grass, leading to greener, healthier growth and reduced susceptibility to disease and pests. The main benefits extend beyond just lawn care. Manual reel mowers offer a quiet, peaceful mowing experience, a bit of healthy physical activity, zero carbon emissions, and an almost non-existent maintenance schedule. No gas, no oil, no spark plugs, no dead batteries—just a simple, effective machine ready to work whenever you are.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a small to medium-sized lawn, typically under a half-acre, who appreciates simplicity and environmental responsibility. If your yard is relatively flat and free of major debris, and you see mowing as a pleasant bit of exercise rather than a dreaded chore, a reel mower is a perfect fit. However, it might not be suitable for those who have very large, hilly, or rugged properties with lots of twigs, gopher holes, and rocks. For those larger or more challenging terrains, a powerful gas or high-voltage battery-powered self-propelled mower would be a more practical alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Consider the mower’s cutting width. An 18-inch path, like the one offered by the Great States model, is generous for a reel mower and reduces the number of passes you’ll need to make. Also, think about storage. Reel mowers are wonderfully compact and lightweight, easily hung on a garage wall or tucked into a small shed corner, a significant advantage over bulky gas models.
- Capacity/Performance: The number of blades and the adjustable cutting height are key performance metrics. A 5-blade system provides an excellent cut for most common grass types like Bluegrass, Fescue, and Rye. An adjustable height range, such as 0.5 to 2.75 inches, gives you the versatility to achieve anything from a tightly manicured look to a healthier, longer cut during hot summer months.
- Materials & Durability: Look for a mower built with high-quality metals. The use of alloy steel for the blades and a solid metal frame ensures the machine can withstand regular use for years. Heat-treated blades are engineered to stay sharp longer, which is crucial for maintaining that clean, scissor-like cut.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A manual mower’s primary appeal is its simplicity. It should be easy to assemble, easy to push, and easy to maintain. Look for features like cushioned handles for comfort and ball-bearing wheels for a smoother glide. Long-term care is minimal, primarily involving cleaning the blades after each use and periodic sharpening to ensure peak performance.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Great States 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Great States 18-Inch 5-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:
- 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: Unboxing the Great States Reel Mower
Upon arrival, the box for the Great States 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower was surprisingly compact. Unboxing revealed a refreshingly simple machine. There were no complex engine parts, no batteries to charge, no intimidating wiring—just the main mower body, the handle sections, and a small bag of hardware. The assembly process was as straightforward as it gets, requiring no special tools. In under 15 minutes, the mower was fully assembled and ready to go. Several users noted that snapping the bottom handle into the mower body requires a firm push, and we found this to be true; it’s a tight, secure fit that speaks to the unit’s solid construction.
My first impression was one of robust simplicity. At 27 pounds, it has a satisfying heft that feels durable, not flimsy or cheap. The 10-inch composite wheels are large and sturdy, and the T-style handle with its cushioned grips felt comfortable in my hands. Spinning the 5-blade ball-bearing reel produced a quiet, satisfying *whirring* sound—a stark and welcome contrast to the deafening roar I was used to. It’s a classic design, but it feels well-executed and built for the task at hand.
Key Benefits
- Completely silent, gas-free, and emission-free operation
- Superior scissor-like cut quality promotes a healthier, greener lawn
- Wide 18-inch cutting path and simple tool-free height adjustment
- Extremely low maintenance and easy to store in small spaces
Drawbacks
- Not effective on tall, thick weeds, twigs, or other debris
- Can be challenging to maneuver in very uneven or bumpy yards
Putting the Great States Reel Mower to the Test: A Detailed Performance Analysis
A mower’s true worth is proven on the lawn. Over several weeks, we put the Great States 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower through its paces on a variety of conditions, from a well-maintained front yard to a slightly neglected patch of backyard grass. We focused on the core elements that matter most: cut quality, ease of use, adjustability, and how it handles real-world imperfections.
The Heart of the Machine: Cut Quality and Blade Performance
The single most compelling reason to switch to a reel mower is the quality of the cut, and in this area, the Great States model is truly exceptional. The five heat-treated alloy steel blades spin with precision, snipping each blade of grass cleanly against the cutter bar. This scissor action is fundamentally better for your lawn’s health than the violent tearing motion of a traditional rotary mower. After our first pass, the lawn looked visibly healthier and more uniform. We could see the difference immediately; there were no frayed, brown tips that often appear a day or two after mowing with a dull rotary blade.
This experience is strongly echoed by other users. One owner described their Bermuda grass as looking like “carpet” after mowing, an effect we were able to replicate on our own lawn. Another noted how the mower “cuts the grass so perfectly” and has “made a difference in the quality of and growth of our lawn.” We tested it on our Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue with fantastic results. While the manufacturer’s instructions express caution with tough southern grasses like St. Augustine and Zoysia, we found numerous reports from users in the Southeast who had great success, confirming that this mower is more versatile than its own manual suggests. The key is to mow regularly and not let the grass become excessively long between cuts, which is a best practice for any lawn or mower type.
Effort and Ergonomics: Is It Really Easy to Push?
The term “push mower” can conjure images of a strenuous, exhausting workout, but our experience with the Great States 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower was surprisingly pleasant. At 27 pounds, the mower has enough weight to feel planted and avoid skipping over the grass, yet it’s light enough that propelling it forward on level ground feels more like a brisk walk than a heavy chore. One user was “amazed at how it is just the right weight,” while another, an “average-height, lighter-weight woman,” confirmed she had no trouble pushing it or repositioning it at the end of a row. On smooth turf, we found we could easily push it with one hand.
The smooth operation is largely thanks to the combination of the 10-inch wheels and the ball-bearing reel, which reduce rolling resistance significantly. The cushioned T-handle is comfortable to grip and positioned at a good height for the average person. Of course, it is a manual mower, and you are the engine. We definitely felt a light, satisfying burn in our legs after mowing the entire yard, which many users, including us, view as a major benefit—”killing two birds with one stone,” as one owner put it. The only area requiring more muscle is turning in tight spaces. Since the mower only cuts while moving forward, you have to pivot it for each new row, which can be cumbersome in irregularly shaped yards but is a non-issue on standard rectangular lawns.
Versatility and Adjustability: Dialing in the Perfect Height
Lawn health and aesthetics are directly tied to cutting height, and the Great States mower offers impressive flexibility here. The quick-snap height adjustment system allows you to easily choose a cutting height between 0.5 inches and 2.75 inches. We found this system to be one of its best features. Adjusting it takes only a few seconds, with no tools required, letting you adapt on the fly. We could set it high to tackle a slightly overgrown section, then lower it for a clean, manicured finish on the main lawn.
However, there’s a point of contention among users regarding the lowest setting. The specifications state a minimum of 0.5 inches, but several detail-oriented users have measured the practical minimum height at closer to 1 inch with the factory setup. Our own tests confirmed this; with the adjusters in the lowest position, the cut was just shy of 1 inch. While this is plenty low for the vast majority of homeowners, lawn enthusiasts aiming to scalp their Bermuda or Zoysia grass for overseeding might be disappointed. One savvy user pointed out that achieving a true half-inch cut is possible by making “major adjustments” that involve removing the wheels or even the rear roller—a modification only recommended for advanced users. For everyone else, the 1-to-2.75-inch range is highly practical and effective for maintaining a beautiful lawn.
Real-World Challenges: Handling Overgrown Lawns and Debris
To truly test its limits, we let a small section of our backyard grow to about 7 inches, mimicking the scenario of a user whose battery mower had died. The Great States 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower accepted the challenge. It was not a one-pass job. The first pass knocked the grass down, and subsequent passes at progressively lower heights were needed to achieve a clean, even result. The mower handled the thick grass without jamming, though it required more effort. This confirms what one single mom found: even on a “severely overgrown” lawn, “it did amazing!” with a few extra passes.
Where the mower meets its match, however, is with debris. As every reel mower owner will attest, they are designed to cut grass, not twigs, mulch, pinecones, or thick, stalky weeds. We found that even small sticks would instantly jam the blades. This isn’t a design flaw; it’s the nature of a precision cutting instrument. The fix is simple: you just stop, pull the stick out, or as one user cleverly does, “kick the blades to spin backwards a bit and then keep moving.” The best practice is to give your lawn a quick rake or walk-through to clear debris before mowing. This small prep step ensures a smooth, uninterrupted, and enjoyable mowing experience.
What Other Users Are Saying
After compiling our own findings, we delved into the experiences of hundreds of other owners. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive. A recurring theme is the sheer satisfaction of the quiet, eco-friendly process. One user summed it up perfectly: “Why did I ever use a Gas mower? Its loud, expensive, hard to push and maneuver… I’ll never buy an expensive gas or electric mower ever again.” Many, like a user with a small duplex, find it to be the “perfect solution” for smaller patches of grass, praising its even cut and light weight.
The most enthusiastic reviews often come from those who were initially skeptical but were won over by the performance. One owner who tackled a 7-inch-tall, 400-square-foot courtyard was thoroughly impressed, documenting the before-and-after with photos. Another exclaimed, “Do not hesitate, get this one!!” praising its smooth push and ability to handle tall, thick grass.
Of course, no product is perfect for everyone. The few negative reviews typically stem from a misunderstanding of what a reel mower is. One user was disappointed that it “would not cut small weeds” and that the blades stopped moving. This can sometimes be an issue of incorrect assembly or a rare manufacturing defect, but more often it highlights that reel mowers are for turfgrass, not heavy weed patches. The other common critique, as we noted, is the discrepancy in the minimum cutting height, which is a valid point for those needing a very low cut.
How Does the Great States Mower Compare to the Competition?
The Great States 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower occupies a unique and valuable niche. But for those with different needs, it’s important to consider powered alternatives.
1. BLACK+DECKER 20-Inch 13-Amp Corded Lawn Mower
- CORDED – Corded design offers unlimited runtime for even the biggest jobs.
- POWERFUL ELECTRIC MOTOR – 13 Amp motor supplies ample power for cutting through thick grass and overgrowth.
- TOOL-FREE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT – A single lever adjusts the mower deck’s 7-setting cutting height between 1-1/2 in. to 4 in.
This corded electric mower from BLACK+DECKER represents a step up in raw power. It’s an excellent choice for someone with a small to medium yard who needs to tackle more than just grass, including tougher weeds and slightly taller growth. With its 20-inch cutting deck, it covers more ground slightly faster. However, the convenience of electric power comes with the significant drawback of managing a long extension cord, which can be frustrating to navigate around trees, garden beds, and other obstacles. It provides more muscle but sacrifices the simplicity, freedom, and scissor-cut quality of the Great States reel mower.
2. 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 not just a mower; it’s a complete, battery-powered lawn care ecosystem. This option is tailored for the homeowner looking to ditch gas-powered tools entirely, offering a mower, string trimmer, blower, chainsaw, and hedge trimmer that all run on the same 48V battery platform. The mower itself is more powerful than the Great States model and offers the untethered freedom of battery power. This is an investment for someone who wants an all-in-one solution for a larger property, but it comes at a much higher price point and introduces the complexity of battery management and charging.
3. Greenworks 48V 20″ Brushless Mower 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...
For those who want cordless power without investing in a full toolset, this Greenworks kit is a compelling alternative. It focuses on the core tasks of mowing and trimming. The 20-inch brushless mower delivers significant power and efficiency, easily handling thick grass and larger lawns without the hassle of cords or gas. It provides a modern, convenient mowing experience. The primary trade-offs compared to the Great States reel mower are the substantially higher cost, the heavier weight, and the ongoing need to manage and eventually replace expensive lithium-ion batteries. The Great States model remains the champion of affordability, simplicity, and long-term reliability.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Great States 18-Inch Push Reel Mower Right for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the Great States 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower is a truly outstanding machine for its intended purpose. It delivers an impeccable cut that promotes a healthier lawn, operates in peaceful silence, requires virtually no maintenance, and produces zero emissions. It’s an affordable, reliable, and deeply satisfying tool that turns a mundane chore into a pleasant activity.
This mower is not for everyone. If you have a sprawling estate, a hilly landscape, or a yard littered with debris, you will be better served by a powerful gas or battery model. But for the homeowner with a small to medium-sized lawn, it is, in our expert opinion, one of the best choices you can make. It’s a return to simplicity, a nod to sustainability, and a fantastic way to achieve a beautiful lawn.
If you’ve decided the Great States 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API