American Lawn Mower CompanyAmerican Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, 18-Inch, 5-Blade, Black

Works well. Important to keep oiled on the blade edges.Small but I have a small yard. It can be difficult if you let the grass grow too long. I'm retired so mowing a couple of times a week gives me something to do, especially with all the rain this season.My yard is uneven so at points it cuts a bit too short even at the highest setting adjustment. This, I am sure, is less of a problem on the larger models or nice and flat yards.First time cutting I had to clear out many twigs, but since clearing that up it's been smooth sailing.Keep it cleaned up after each use and keep the blades oiled and it should last for a very long time. I just hose it off, let it dry then put a few drops of 3in1 oil on a paper towel to wipe the 4 rotating blades and the fixed blade.

I've been using a traditional gas rotary mower for years and had heard good things about reel mowers. There's a lot of options, and I tried out a Scotts 16" Elite Reel Mower first from a local store before upgrading to this 18-Inch 5-Blade Reel American Lawn Mower, and overall, I am pleased with it so far. Assembling the mower fairly easy using the provided instructions and it didn't take long before I was ready to start cutting.One of the standout features of this (and any reel mower) is its clean cutting ability, sort of like a pair of scissors. The five-blade reel spin as you walk and push the grass up against the cutting bed to give a consistent cut, every time. The speed of the reel is dependent on how fast you are walking, so a good moderate pace is required. I tend to do some perimeter cuts first, then go back and forth (switching from 'horizontal' to 'vertical' or 'diagonal' every few times to switch up the pattern. The cut quality is truly superior to that of traditional rotary mowers.However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The mower may struggle to catch all the grass if some blades are bent down or if the grass is too long. With this, its recommended cutting the grass more frequently, going in opposite directions, and overlapping each pass. While this may reduce the effective cutting width from 18 inches to around 12-14 inches, it ensures a thorough and even cut. It actually takes around the same amount of time to cut the ~4000 sq foot I cut with this than with the rotary gas mower and that is comparing a 21" cut to this. Perhaps its because its lighter, I can walk faster, and turning is easier too?For maintenance and accessories - Maintaining the sharpness of the blades is important for optimal performance, and although I haven't had the need to sharpen them yet, there are sharpening kits available. Additionally, the option to purchase a bagger is available, but personally, I prefer leaving the clippings on the lawn as natural fertilizer. Just be sure to pick up any twigs or anything else the blades may catch on during use, as you'll come to a complete stop as it jams into the cutting bed. At least with a reel mower you don't have to keep your hand on the push-bar, so you can easily stop to pick something up. I even look around to 'de-weed' the lawn in that area as I come across things. Sometimes I'll carry or attach a small bag to the unit to store the twigs or anything else I pickup so I can throw it out when done.Also, it's worth noting that the mower throws the clippings backward, so wearing long pants and shoes is key to avoid getting them on your legs. Though I'm sure it would work with some additional leg-power, this mower works best on flat lawns without too many weeds, as it may struggle with uneven terrain as it's self-powered and the weed stems can also stop the blade reel in its tracks if they are too thick.One other thing, is that you won't really get the traditional 'stripes' of a rotatry mower. I've seen others modify the reel mower to drag a lead / pvc pipe with sand in it, but personally I don't bother. As long as the grass looks trimmed and neat, I'm happy.You also can't beat the workout it provides - I get a solid ~30 minutes of mowing every few days and you work up quite a sweat.Overall, I wanted to try reel mowing for the season and the 18-Inch 5-Blade Reel American Lawn Mower is a solid choice that fit my needs. While it may require some additional effort one of the standout things is since its nearly quiet, you can mow at any time, and even when its wet - two things a gas powered mower just can't (or shouldn't) do. Really - you can't bet the cut quality and that's why I'm doing this, for a healthier lawn.

Love this thing. It has been used for weeks on the dangerous parts of a very large yard and works great at evening up the parts where the large deck mower has a hard time due to the shape of the ground. It is super easy to assemble, fairly easy to push (I often use one hand due to a wrist injury), easy to clean, easy to store and does a really nice short cut.Doesn't like really tall grass or sticks of any diameter. Would be nice if it had a mechanism to unlock the blade height for when debris jams in the blade housing so I don't have to stick whatever tool is handy in there.

Purchased this for my son who has been very bored over summer and needed some responsibilities. We have only used this in our yard and honestly as long as there is no sticks anyone can use this very lightweight. Makes a neat noise when it spins and cuts very well upto about 3 inches of grass and weeds (even freshly rained on grass). This has been a fun way to get some steps in while maintaining the yard.

The lower bars have no pins to attach to the reel without using some strength to bend the bars into place.This is more of a grass trimmer than a mower and not a replacement for power mower.It’s difficult to mow without getting blades stuck with grass and even small pieces of mulch. Also cannot get into corners and fence edges because wheels and handles get in the way.It was easier to use pulling backwards with the rollers in front but will cut at higher height and also need to make multiple passes or cross hatch.Good for getting a sweaty workout and to get your steps in. What I pay for yard service is worth the price instead of DIY with this trimmer but will keep it for occasional yard maintenance without getting gas or power equipment.

I love it! Just wish I was in better shape to do more at a time. I have fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. It's been in the 90's and very humid. I work and rest, work and rest. My stamina is getting better though. Haha I do enjoy using it and love the sound, and easy maintenance.

Works great so far. I’ve gotten lots of compliments on my lawn, with many saying it works just as good or better than an electric/gas lawn mower. Works on tall grass with a bit of effort and a couple of passes, but as long as you mow more frequently, it’s super easy and quick. You will also need to be careful of mowing over small branches and twigs, as the mower will stop, but once they are removed, the process goes back to being smooth. So far the blades are still sharp and provide a nice low cut. Very happy with this purchase.