Any advice on purchasing a manual push reel lawn mower?

The kids and I are planning to purchase my husband a manual push reel lawn mower for father's day and was wondering if anyone has any advice. Our property is mainly shaded with many mature trees and we are in the processs of converting it to mainly shade loving plants. We only have a small grassy area, which, since we use no chemicals, includes assorted weeds as well. I would like a lifelong product as we do not believe in disposable short lived items. Any recommendations will be appreciated.

ps. we ran this idea by him (he's an architect designing the first Platinum LEED approved(hopefully) Childrens Hospital and is active with a sustainability group of business leaders in our community) and he liked the idea.

it will not cut tall weeds, but it cuts with the precision of scissors so its all nice and level
and it only weighs 15 pounds.

:-)

or those who value horticulture above horsepower the Brill Luxus is the best choice for a well kept lawn. Choose the Luxus 33 (available early April) for lawns of 4000 sq. ft. or less or the Luxus 38 for lawns of 7500 sq. ft. or less. The Luxus mower is a fine hand tool that provides useful exercise, cleaner air and a quieter neighborhood while giving you a beautiful scissor-cut lawn. Designed and built by Germany's oldest mower manufacturer with not only the machine but also the power source (you) in mind.



http://www.thstore.com/thstore/ProductInfo2_2Home.asp?ID=H-BRI-38&GroupID=311

also all major parts are put together, the only thing that you put on is the handle.

I've heard that the best organic lawn is a lawn of three inch high tall-fescue which is watered 1 inch in the spring, then watered another inch a couple hours later after the first one. I've heard that it blocks the weeds out by cutting sun off to them and the roots penetrate deep enough that drought will kill the weeds long before grass.

I may have the name spelled wrong, but its products for Amish/Mennonite/off the grid type folks, and I think they may have something. The stuff from their catalog is quality.

and adding the link! :hi:

i used to mow my folks lawn when i was a kid and it was easy..espically downhill. as long as the blades stay sharp and the rest is well oiled there is little difference between a power mower and reel mower. the silence is well worth the little extra pushing.

Look for a mower that has easy access to the blades for sharpening. Also get one with a grass catcher if you don't plan to mulch in place.

Not too many years ago, but I can't remember the brand. As long as I did not let the grass grow too long it was easier to mow than with a gasoline powered machine. Cheaper, lighter, quiet, no gasoline to store and no cord to yank. Later, when I had a bigger lawn I replaced it with a mulching electric that I was also happy with. Now I have a house with no grass at all, so I have not kept up with what's available.

(That's my advice for anything.)

Does Sears still guarantee their tools for life?

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/search.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@0285097583.1150068631@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccifaddhmijllemcegecegjdghldfom.0&vertical=SEARS&keyword=push%20mower&sid=ISx20050308x0000289&displayTarget=searchresults

if you live in a neighborhood with grass fanatics which I do then you can't get the American
models, you may try e-bay for prices, I paid $160 which included delivery. Also the german
model has like 10 different grass lengths, where the American models have 3 which I could
never figure out and the American model were heavier. I have included a link where I got mine
from.

http://www.cleanairgardening.com/brillux33sma.html

Lee Valley Tools



C. The 20" mower has the widest cutting path of all our reel mowers. Two quick-release levers easily set the cutting height from 1-7/8" to 3", allowing a higher cut for better soil moisture retention, more effective weed control, and a lusher-looking lawn. The four-wheel design adds stability, with 10" front wheels and 6" rear wheels. This 30 lb, five-blade mower cuts virtually any type of grass.

All Lee Valley traditional mowers have ball-bearing mounted reels for years of trouble-free service. All require some assembly and set-up, with assembly and maintenance instructions included. Made in USA.

D. The grass catcher weighs only 3 lb and fits all three Lee Valley reel mowers. Constructed of fabric with a plastic base, it holds a full bushel of clippings.

it works quite well. if they are sharp enough, they are easy. keep them sharp. don't let the grass get to high between cutting, but if it does, you just have to go over the paths twice.

It was cheap, $80, but does a decent job. One thing to remember is not to let the grass get too high The the cutting swath is not as wide as a gas powered mower so you have to get used to making that adjustment in the length from the blades to wheels. Thankfully, my little bit of lawn is level and the reel cut really is better for the grass and you don't scalp spots. I'm sold on it.