How to Use a Reel Mower: Beginner Tips and Technique

To use a reel mower, clear the lawn, set the cutting height on the high side, and push at a steady walking pace in straight, slightly overlapping rows. Mow when the grass is dry and fairly short, and cut often so the blades shear the grass cleanly instead of bending it over. If the grass is long, raise the height and mow in stages rather than forcing one low cut.

How a reel mower works (and why it changes your technique)

A reel mower has a spinning cylinder of blades that sweeps grass against a fixed bottom blade, like a pair of scissors. Your forward motion turns the wheels, and the wheels turn the reel. No engine, no cord, no battery.

That design explains most of the technique. The reel only spins as fast as you walk, so a steady pace gives a clean cut and a stop-and-start pace gives a ragged one. It also cuts best when grass is upright and dry, which is why timing and height settings matter more than with a motorized mower.

If you are still choosing a mower, our best reel mower comparison explains which products are true reels and which cordless models only look similar.

Get the lawn and the mower ready

A little prep prevents most beginner frustration. Reel blades sit close together and can jam on sticks, stones and toys, so a quick walk across the lawn is worth the time.

Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip and long pants. Reel blades are sharp, so never reach toward the cylinder to clear a clog while the mower is upright or moving. Tip the mower back or lay it down, and keep your hands clear of the blades.

Pick up sticks, stones, acorns, wire and pet toys.
Check that the grass is dry. Wet grass clumps and bends under the blades.
Confirm the wheels spin freely and the reel turns when you push.
Set the cutting height before you start, not halfway through the lawn.
Plan your first pass along a straight edge such as a walkway or fence.

Set the right cutting height

Reel mowers work best on short grass, so the height setting is your most important adjustment. Start higher than you think you need. You can always lower it on the next mow.

For example, the LawnMaster LMRM2001 lists a cutting range of 1.3 to 2.6 inches across 9 positions. That gives you room to start near the top of the range on a first mow and step down gradually. Check your own mower's manual for how to change the setting, and make sure both sides are set to the same position so the cut stays level.

As a general rule, avoid removing more than about a third of the blade height in one mow. Taking off too much stresses the grass and makes the reel work harder.

Step-by-step mowing technique

Once the lawn is clear and the height is set, mowing is simple. The goal is a steady rhythm.

Start on a flat, straight section and walk forward at a normal pace.
Push smoothly. Do not jerk the handle or stop mid-pass, because the reel slows and leaves uncut tufts.
Overlap each row by a few inches so no strips are missed.
Turn gently at the end of each row. Avoid pivoting on the spot, which can scuff the turf.
Alternate your mowing direction each time you mow to avoid ruts and grass that leans one way.
Empty the clippings or leave them where they fall. Reel clippings are fine and short, so they usually break down on the lawn.

Using a reel mower on long grass

Long grass is the hardest job for a reel. The blades need to catch the grass upright, and tall, flopped-over grass tends to push ahead of the mower instead of being cut.

Raise the cutting height to the top setting first. Mow slowly, and try a few overlapping passes in different directions. After a few days, lower the height one notch and mow again. Repeat until you reach your target height.

If the grass is far above the top setting, or thick with weeds and stalks, a reel may not be the right tool for the first cut. A string trimmer or a rotary mower can bring the lawn down to size, and then the reel can take over for regular upkeep. Wear eye and hearing protection if you use powered tools for that first cut.

Fix common beginner problems

Most problems come from height, speed or wet grass. This table covers the usual ones.

Quick fixes for common reel mower problems

Problem	Likely cause	What to try
Uncut strips	Not enough overlap or stopping mid-pass	Overlap rows and keep a steady pace
Grass bends over and is left standing	Grass too long or too wet	Raise the height and mow when dry
Reel stops or jams	Sticks, stones or thick stalks	Stop, tip the mower back, and clear debris with care
Ragged, torn look	Blades dull or out of adjustment	Check the manual for adjustment or sharpening
Hard to push	Grass too tall or cut too low	Raise the height and mow more often

Care and storage after mowing

Reel mowers need less upkeep than engine models, but a few habits keep them cutting well. Brush off clippings after each use, wipe the blades dry, and store the mower somewhere dry.

Because a reel has no engine, there is no oil, fuel or battery to manage. The trade-off is that you supply the power, so the weight of the mower matters. The LawnMaster LMRM2001 weighs 30.2 lb and has a 20 in cutting width with 10-inch front wheels. By comparison, the self-propelled models on our best reel mower page weigh from 63.9 lb to 74.95 lb, so a light push reel is easier to lift and store.

Mow often, keep the height moderate, and keep the lawn clear of debris. Those three habits do more for a clean cut than any technique tweak.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I mow with a reel mower?

More often than you would with a rotary mower. Frequent mowing keeps the grass short enough for the reel to cut cleanly and makes each pass easier.

Can a reel mower cut wet grass?

It can, but results are poor. Wet grass clumps, bends and sticks to the blades. Wait until the lawn is dry if you can.

Do I need to sharpen a reel mower?

Eventually, yes. If the cut looks torn or ragged even on dry, short grass, check the manufacturer's instructions for blade adjustment or sharpening.

Is a reel mower hard to push?

It depends on the mower weight, grass height and your lawn. A lighter frame and regular mowing make it easier. Tall or thick grass makes it harder.