Yardworks Reel Lawn Mower – Achieving A Golf-Course Finish Without
Do you dream of a lawn that looks like a lush, velvet carpet but dread the deafening roar and smelly fumes of a gas engine? You are not alone, as many of my fellow gardeners are moving back to simpler, more effective tools.
I promise you that switching to a manual approach is not just better for the planet, but it is actually significantly better for the health of your turf. The secret lies in the way the blades interact with the grass blades to promote thicker growth.
In this guide, we are going to dive deep into how to use and maintain your yardworks reel lawn mower to get professional results every single time you step outside. Let’s explore how this classic tool can transform your weekend chores into a peaceful, rewarding workout.
What's On the Page
- 1 Why the Yardworks Reel Lawn Mower is a Game-Changer for Small Lawns
- 2 Understanding the Mechanics of a Reel Cut
- 3 Setting Up Your Mower for Success
- 4 Expert Techniques for a Perfect Mow
- 5 Maintenance and Sharpening Secrets
- 6 Troubleshooting Common Reel Mowing Issues
- 7 Safety First in the Garden
- 8 The Environmental and Health Benefits
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions About Yardworks Reel Lawn Mowers
- 10 Conclusion
Why the Yardworks Reel Lawn Mower is a Game-Changer for Small Lawns
If you have a modest urban plot or a tidy suburban backyard, a heavy gas mower is often overkill. It is like using a sledgehammer to hang a picture frame when a small hammer would do a better job.
The yardworks reel lawn mower excels because it offers a level of precision that rotary mowers simply cannot match. Instead of a spinning blade hacking at the grass, the reel uses a shearing action that is far more delicate.
This tool is also incredibly lightweight, making it easy to maneuver around flower beds and tight corners. You won’t have to worry about spark plugs, oil changes, or running to the gas station in the middle of a job.
Understanding the Mechanics of a Reel Cut
To get the most out of your equipment, it helps to understand how it actually works. A reel mower consists of a series of curved blades on a rotating cylinder and a stationary flat blade called a bedknife.
Scissor-Cut vs. Tearing Action
Standard rotary mowers use a high-speed horizontal blade that essentially “bashes” the top off the grass. This often leaves the tips of the grass jagged and frayed, which can lead to browning and disease.
A reel mower works like a pair of scissors. As the wheels turn, the rotating blades trap the grass against the bedknife and snip it cleanly. This clean cut heals faster and keeps your lawn looking vibrant and green.
The Role of Ground Speed
Since you are the engine, your walking pace determines the “clip rate” of the mower. Walking at a steady, brisk pace ensures the blades spin fast enough to catch every blade of grass.
Don’t worry—you don’t need to be an Olympic sprinter! A comfortable, energetic walk is usually perfect for achieving an even cut across the entire yard.
Setting Up Your Mower for Success
When you first get your mower out of the box, or even at the start of a new season, a little preparation goes a long way. Proper calibration is the difference between a beautiful lawn and a frustrating afternoon.
Adjusting the Cutting Height
Most reel mowers allow you to adjust the height of the rollers. For a healthy lawn, I usually recommend keeping the grass a bit taller, around 2.5 to 3 inches, depending on your grass type.
Cutting the grass too short, or “scalping” it, can stress the roots and allow weeds to take over. Use the adjustment levers on the side of the wheels to find the “sweet spot” for your specific turf variety.
The Paper Test for Blade Alignment
This is a pro tip that every reel mower owner should know. To check if your blades are properly aligned with the bedknife, try the paper test while the mower is stationary.
Slide a strip of paper between the reel blade and the bedknife, then slowly rotate the reel by hand. It should snip the paper cleanly like a pair of office scissors. If it folds the paper, the blades are too loose; if the reel won’t turn, they are too tight.
Expert Techniques for a Perfect Mow
Mowing with a manual reel is an art form. Once you find your rhythm, it becomes a meditative part of your gardening routine that you might actually look forward to.
The Overlap Method
To ensure you don’t leave “mohawks” or thin strips of uncut grass, always overlap your previous pass by about two or three inches. This ensures that every inch of the lawn receives that precise shearing action.
I like to visualize the lawn in sections. By overlapping, you account for any slight wobbles in your path and ensure a uniform height across the entire landscape.
Managing Long Grass and Tall Weeds
Manual mowers can struggle if you let the grass get too tall, as the blades may simply push the grass over instead of cutting it. If you’ve missed a week of mowing, don’t panic!
The trick is to mow the lawn twice. Set the mower to its highest setting for the first pass, then lower it to your desired height and mow in a perpendicular direction for the second pass.
Maintenance and Sharpening Secrets
A well-maintained yardworks reel lawn mower can literally last for decades. Unlike complex engines, these machines only have a few moving parts that need your attention.
Cleaning After Every Use
Grass contains moisture and acids that can cause corrosion if left on the blades. After you finish mowing, take a moment to brush off any clippings with a stiff brush or a dry cloth.
I often use a bit of compressed air to blow out the hard-to-reach areas around the gears. Keeping the unit dry is the best way to prevent rust from forming on the cutting edges.
Lubrication is Key
Every few mows, apply a light coating of silicone spray or 3-in-1 oil to the moving parts. Focus on the axle, the gears inside the wheels, and the points where the reel rotates.
Avoid using heavy greases that can attract dirt and grit. A light lubricant keeps everything spinning freely, which means you have to push less hard to get the job done.
Backlapping Your Blades
Over time, the blades will lose their edge. Instead of taking the mower to a shop, you can perform a process called “backlapping.” This involves applying a grinding compound to the blades and spinning them backward.
This process hones the edge of the reel against the bedknife, restoring that factory-sharp finish. Most gardening enthusiasts find they only need to do this once every year or two.
Troubleshooting Common Reel Mowing Issues
Even the best tools can run into hiccups. If you notice your mower is acting up, it is usually a very simple fix that you can handle yourself in the driveway.
If the mower is difficult to push, check for clogged grass or debris wrapped around the axle. Sometimes a small twig or a piece of mulch can get wedged between the reel and the bedknife, stopping it in its tracks.
If the cut is uneven, double-check your height settings. It is common for one side to accidentally get bumped to a different notch than the other, causing a slanted cut that looks messy.
Safety First in the Garden
While reel mowers are much safer than gas mowers—there are no flying rocks or hot mufflers—the blades are still incredibly sharp. Always wear sturdy footwear while mowing.
Never attempt to clear a jam with your hands while the mower is in motion. Even though there is no engine, the tension in the reel can cause it to snap forward unexpectedly when a clog is released.
If you have a very steep slope or a hill with loose footing, be extra careful. Manual mowers require traction to spin the blades, and slipping on a hill can be dangerous for both you and your lawn.
The Environmental and Health Benefits
One of the reasons I love recommending the yardworks reel lawn mower is the positive impact it has beyond just the grass. It is a win-win for you and the neighborhood.
You are eliminating carbon emissions and noise pollution. Your neighbors will appreciate the silence, and you will enjoy the fresh air without the smell of exhaust sticking to your clothes.
Plus, pushing a reel mower is a fantastic low-impact aerobic exercise. It burns calories and strengthens your core and legs, turning a chore into a productive workout session in the sun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yardworks Reel Lawn Mowers
Can a reel mower handle twigs and leaves?
Not very well. Reel mowers are designed for grass. Small twigs or large leaves can jam the reel or dull the blades. It is always best to do a quick sweep of the yard to pick up debris before you start mowing.
How often do I need to sharpen the blades?
For a typical suburban lawn, a full sharpening is usually only needed every 1 to 2 years. However, you should check the alignment and perform the paper test every few months to ensure the cutting performance remains high.
Is it hard to push a manual mower?
If the lawn is maintained at a reasonable height and the blades are sharp, it is surprisingly easy. It feels similar to pushing a vacuum cleaner on a thick carpet. If it feels very heavy, it usually means the blades are rubbing too hard against the bedknife or the grass is too long.
Can I use this on wet grass?
I wouldn’t recommend it. Wet grass tends to clump and stick to the blades, which prevents the shearing action from working correctly. For the best results, wait until the morning dew has dried or mow in the late afternoon.
Conclusion
Embracing the yardworks reel lawn mower is a step toward a more mindful and sustainable way of gardening. It allows you to connect with your outdoor space while providing the highest quality cut possible for your grass.
Remember that the key to success is consistency. By keeping your blades sharp, your gears lubed, and your mowing schedule regular, you will be rewarded with a lawn that is the envy of the block.
Don’t be afraid to slow down and enjoy the process. Gardening is a journey, and sometimes the old-fashioned way is truly the best way. Go forth and grow a beautiful, healthy lawn that you can be proud of!
