You want to maintain a lawn but don’t have a good budget to buy a lawn mower; that’s one serious problem. From electric to gas, lawn mowers are available in different types to handle rough terrains, big lawns, and thick grass. However, when it comes to flat terrains and small lawns, the best manual lawn mower is a perfect pick for your needs. Low cost, easy to operate, and with minimum maintenance, manual lawn mowers offer a variety of benefits for lawn care.
Which one is better for me? That was the first question I asked myself when I was buying my first manual lawn mower. I went through countless products, analyzed features, read user reviews, and compared prices to find a top-quality manual lawn mower. Based on my experiences, here are the ten best lawn mowers available on the market.
Best Manual Lawn mower- Top Quality Lawn mowers for 2023
1. Great States 815-18 – best small manual lawn mower
Quick Features
- Operation mode Manual
- Cutting width 18 inches
- Mower weight 28 lbs
- Manufacturing material metal
Designed for small lawns, Great States 815-18 is a compact-sized reel lawn mower. The best part is that besides the large cutting width of 18 inches, the mower doesn’t need much space for storage. It comes with five durable steel blades with heat-treated technology for long-lasting cutting performance. These tough blades are mounted on the four spider ball bearings for quick reel spinning.
Thanks to the 18 inches cutting width, the mower is one of the widest manual lawn mowers available on the market. Weighing only 28 lbs, Great States 815-18 is easy to maneuver around the lawn. Additionally, it features ten inches durable wheels for convenient maneuverability. You can easily mow your lawn without even breaking a sweat.
This best walk-behind push reel lawn mower is manufactured with alloy steel material. Not only is this material durable, but it also makes the unit stain and rust-resistant. There is loop style handle with proper cushioning to provide your comfortable grip. Also, the handle comes with a powder coat finish to prevent rust build-up.
Equipped with radial rubber tires, the mower can easily handle rough terrains in your yard. One of the best features of manual lawn mowers is that they need less maintenance as compared to gas and electric lawn mower. Blades can perform for a long time without sharpening, and the wheel won’t jam due to wet grass. All you need is to clean the machine after the mowing session to keep it in ideal condition.
Pros
- Loop-style lawnmower handle
- Adjustable cutting height
- Heat-treated steel blades
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- 10-inch wheels and radial rubber tires
Cons
- Doesn’t cut tall grass
2. American Lawn Mower 1204-14 – best manual lawn mower under 300
Quick Features
- Operation mode Manual
- Cutting width 14 inches
- Mower weight 20 lbs
- Manufacturing material Alloy steel
A one-blade manual lawn mower with a four-blade reel, this American Lawn Mower 1204-14 comes with an adjustable blade height of 0.5 inches to 1.75 inches. Featuring a scissor action cut, the mower easily cuts through grass up to 4 inches tall. Assembling the mower is effortless, with no tools required. Extremely light and easy to maneuver, the reel mower can be easily stored in small garages.
Manufactured from alloy steel material, the mower is rust resistant which allows using the machine on wet grass. One of the best features of the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is its low maintenance, a hassle-free design that only needs to be sharpened once every 3-5 years. Sharp blades can cut through different types of grass easily.
Using the mower is very extremely comfortable. It has a zinc-plated handle coated with a plastic grip to prevent handles from slipping. There are 8 inches diameter polymer wheels to handle different terrains. They also come with integrated molded treads for improved traction on a variety of grass. Although we didn’t find any warranty information but American Lawnmower Co is offering excellent customer support for their customers.
Pros
- Adjustable blade height
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Heat-treated alloy steel blades
- Durable polymer wheels
- Comfortable cushioned handle
Cons
- Not for large yards
3. Scotts 20-Inch Reel Lawn Mower – best manual lawn mower under 150
Quick Features
- Operation mode Manual
- Cutting width 20 inches
- Mower weight 34 lbs
- Manufacturing material Alloy steel
One of the most popular brands for producing high-quality outdoor products, Scotts lawn mowers are known for comfort and convenience. This manual lawn mower is a perfect choice for maintaining small to medium-sized lawns. It can cut like a pair of scissors without shredding leaves. Thanks to the 20-inch cutting width, it can even cut grass in a single go. It prevents ripping and tearing of blades that help maintain the lawn’s health.
Equipped with a five-blade reel that is manufactured with heat-treated steel. Such precision blade technology offers accurate, clean, and quick cuts in your yard. Also, it is combined with smooth ball bearings, so that mower blades spin efficiently when you push the machine across the lawn.
One convenient feature is its quick snap height adjuster that allows easy and fasts cutting height adjustment of 1 inch to 3 inches in a snap. The lever is located with the rear wheels for comfortable adjustment. Thanks to the ergonomic handle with a comfortable cushioned grip, the mower won’t slip from your hands throughout the mowing session.
There are two 10 inches of composite wheels combined with radial tires plus two six inches of tracking wheels for effortless maneuverability. The innovative dual wheel tracking technology helps to eliminate drag and makes it convenient to push the mower over even the toughest terrain. Last but not least, the manufacturer is offering two years limited warranty for this best manual lawn mower.
Pros
- Quick-Snap Height Adjusters
- Dual Wheel Tracking for Maneuverability
- Precision Blade Technology with Ball Bearing Reel
- Easy to Assemble
- Two years warranty
Cons
- Not for big lawns
4. Fiskars Lawn Mower – best manual lawn mower for rough terrain
Quick Features
- Operation mode Manual
- Cutting width 18 inches
- Mower weight 51.7 lbs
- Manufacturing material Plastic
Fiskars is known for producing easy-to-use, innovative tools to make crafting, cooking, and gardening more enjoyable. Featuring excellent cutting power, the Inertia-Drive Reel is one of the most powerful manual lawn mowers available on the market. Thanks to the StaySharp Cutting system, it eliminates the cost and hassles associated with manual blade sharpening.
The reversible grass chute helps to direct clippings away from the user’s feet, making it convenient to mow difficult patches while limiting messiness. Being an ideal eco-friendly cutting solution for small to medium lawns, this mower can cut tough southern varieties, including St.Augustine, Bermuda, Zoysia, and Bahia. It features 18 inches cutting width and VersaCut technology to adjust height settings from 1 inch to 4 inches.
Equipped with a soft grip and long handle, the mower is overall easy to hold and maneuver around the yard. Although wheels are made from plastic but they won’t cause any problem during mowing. If you are not satisfied with the performance, Fiskars is offering three years warranty for this masterpiece.
Pros
- StaySharp Cutting System
- Reversible grass chute
- One-touch handle height adjustment
- Three years warranty
- Durable Inset wheels
Cons
- Plastic material
5. American Lawn Mower 1815-18 – best manual lawn mower for long grass
Quick Features
- Operation mode Manual
- Cutting width 18 inches
- Mower weight 27 lbs
- Manufacturing material Metal
Another top-quality manual lawn mower by American Lawn Mower Co, 1815-18, can efficiently cut through 4 inches of tall grass. You can easily assemble the mower and adjust sharp blades according to cutting needs. Equipped with five sharp blades, the mower is a good option for thick and tall grass. Additionally, you can adjust the blades from 1 inch to 2.5 inches depending on cutting needs.
With a cutting width of 18 inches, it can even cut grass on a single pass. You don’t need to come back to level the lawn surface. Also, the lightweight of only 27 pounds makes it ultra comfortable to maneuver with powerful cutting performance. Its 8.5 inches super smooth wheels are a great addition to improve mower performance.
Equipped with a soft cushioned T-handle, this best manual reel lawn mower offers an ideal grip throughout the mowing session. Even with sweaty palms, the handle will not slip from your hands. Overall, this planet-conscious lawn mower needs low maintenance as compared to electric and gas mowers without altering the grass-cutting performance.
Pros
- Five sharp blades system
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Durable cushioned handle
- Large wheels
- Cast iron roller brackets
Cons
- Height adjustment issues
6. Great States 815-16 – best rated manual lawn mower
Quick Features
- Operation mode Manual
- Cutting width 16 inches
- Mower weight 20 lbs
- Manufacturing material Metal
Producing fine quality lawn care products for more than 125 years, the Great States is one of the most reliable brands available on the market. This manual lawn mower is a shining example of its flawless artisanship. Manufactured from lightweight and durable materials, the lawn doctor makes cutting grass convenient for anyone. The durable and sharp blades are crafted from heat-treated alloy steel.
Not only do these blades cut through thick and tall grass, but they also stay sharp for a long time. You don’t need to sharpen them after a while. Featuring 10 inches composite wheels, it is effortless to maneuver the mower in your yard. Additionally, the wheels are rust-resistant, which means you can comfortably use the machine on wet grass.
Thanks to easy cutting height adjustment, you can adjust the blade height from 0.5 inches to 1.75 inches. There is a comfortable cushioned t-handle with a perfect grip to make mowing flawless. Whether it’s raining or a hot summer day and you are mowing with sweaty palms, the mower won’t slip from your hands.
Pros
- Adjustable cutting height
- 10 inches large wheels
- Cushioned loop style handle
- 5-blade ball bearings
- Durable radial tread tires
Cons
- No warranty
7. Earthwise 1715-16EW – best manual lawn mower under 200
Quick Features
- Operation mode Manual
- Cutting width 16 inches
- Mower weight 21.23 lbs
- Manufacturing material Metal
This seven blade reel lawn mower by Earthwise perfectly maintains the health of grass through its precise scissor-cut performance. An ideal blend of innovative features and classic design, 1715-16EW features ultra smoother spinning blades with convenient roll wheels for easy mowing. You can also cut bent grass like Zoysia, Bermuda, St.Augustine, Centipede, and Seashore paspalum with this best manual lawn mower.
The ultra-lightweight design is durable, and you can expect reliable cutting from the mower. There is an unbreakable steel side plate added for improved durability. This self-cutting mower has an adjustable cutting height of 0.5 inches to 2.5 inches for even cuts. Also, the metal design is resistant to corrosion or rust. So, you can use the mower to cut wet grass without rusting issues.
The 16 inches cutting width is a decent choice for small to medium-sized lawns. Not only the cutting performance is superb, but it can handle rough surfaces with ease. Equipped with ten inches composite wheels, the mower is easy to maneuver around the yard. Another standout feature of this manual lawn mower is its sturdy handle with wide comfortable foam grips.
Pros
- Outstanding cutting precision
- Rust resistant material
- Durable steel side plate design
- Adjustable cutting height
- Comfortable cushioned handle
Cons
- Plastic wheels
How to find manual lawn mower- The buying guide
Before you make a decision, you should consider some essential factors to pick the right lawn mower for your yard. Here are the most important features of a manual lawn mower.
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Mower blades
The number of blades in a lawn mower determines how effectively it can cut grass. For instance, if your lawn mower has fewer blades, you may need to take more passes to cut grass. On the other hand, a mower with maximum blades may need more energy, but it can efficiently cut through the grass in a single pass.
A manual lawn mower with many blades is best for thick and long grass. So, it is better to check the grass first and then buy a lawn mower. Also, if the lawn has a rough surface, a mower with maximum blades is recommended by a lawn mower expert. If the lawn surface is flat, a manual lawn mower with fewer blades can work for you.
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Cutting Width adjustment
This is one of the most important features of a manual lawn mower. Cutting width adjustments allow customizing grass cutting experience to your requirements. However, you don’t need to go overboard with cutting width adjustments, as according to lawn experts, the recommended grass cutting height is up to 1/3 of an inch.
If the cutting height is below this threshold, you leave the lawn grass susceptible to severe diseases and parasitic invasion. Also, the grass with lower height is vulnerable to the extreme heat of the midday sun. Make sure to choose the manual lawn mower with a cutting height adjustment of 1 to 4 inches.
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Width and size of a lawn mower
The cutting width of a lawn mower matters a lot, especially when you are dealing with big yards. A mower with a large cutting deck cuts grass faster than a mower with a small cutting deck. A standard cutting width of a manual lawn mower is between 14 to 20 inches.
Mower with a large cutting deck can cut grass quickly, but it also needs more physical energy. If you are dealing with thick grass and a big yard, choose the mower with a large cutting deck. On the contrary, small cutting deck lawn mowers are ideal for small to medium-sized lawns.
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Lawn size and terrain
Manual lawn mowers are good for small to medium size lawns. You can’t mow a large acre of land by pushing a mower. If you are dealing with a large yard, it is recommended to consider an electric or gas-powered lawn mower.
The lawn mower with manual operation mode comes with a small rear tire, and they aren’t the best at offering traction. These mowers were not designed for optimum support. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a manual lawn mower for small-sized lawns with plain terrain.
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Convenience
Convenience is the top priority of every mower user. However, with manual mowers, you must have good energy levels to mow around the yard. Although there is still no engine, smart features like a folding deck, ergonomically designed handles, and adjustable handle heights can help to make mowing convenient for you. Don’t forget to check your storage area before deciding on the mower size.
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Different types of manual lawn mowers
Manual or reel lawn mowers are available in two types, including contact lawn mowers and silent cut lawn mowers.
Silent cut lawn mowers offer super quiet performance with their ultra-sharp blades. This is achieved as the cutting blades of the mower don’t come in contact with the bed knife.
Here are the prominent benefits of silent cut lawn mowers.
- Easy to push around
- Super quiet operation
- Eliminates the frequent requirements for back lapping and cross-hatching
- Offers a high level of precise cutting
On the other hand, contact lawn mowers are the direct opposite of silent lawn mowers. Its blades are in proper contact with the bed knife and create some noise during grass cutting.
Take a look at the prime advantages of a contact lawn mower.
- Precise cutting performance
- Convenient to push around
- No need to sharpen blades for a long time
- Best for thick grass
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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Is a manual lawn mower hard to push?
Manual lawn mowers are not hard to push as the axels push the wheels and blades, helping you to mow the lawn conveniently. All you need to do is to apply decent pressure while pushing the mower around the lawn to cut grass with its sharp vertical blades.
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Which is better, a 7 blades or 5 blades lawn mower?
It depends on several factors to select the mower with 5 or 7 blades. For instance, if you are cutting wet grass or terrain with a serious amount of moisture, a manual lawn mower with 5 blades is best for you. On the contrary, 7 blades manual lawn mower is ideal for bent grass, hybrid Bermuda, tiff, and Zoysia.
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Can a manual lawn mower work on long and thick grass?
A manual lawn mower is not created to cut high grass. If you are willing to put in some extra energy and time, you can cut long grass with manual lawn mowers. These mowers are designed to cut the grass from 2.5 inches to 4 inches in height.
Final words
There is nothing more serene than a lush green yard. Not only does it improves the aesthetic factor of any home, but it also makes the entire place a perfect relaxing spot for your family and friends. Manual lawn mowers are an excellent investment you can make for your small residential lawn. They are affordable, provide great performance, and need less maintenance as compared to gas or electric lawn mowers. Make sure to make a list of the features you want in a manual lawn mower, take a look at your budget and then choose the right mower for your lawn.