Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
1,021 of 1,045 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Will Change Your Idea of Mowing, August 28, 2001
This review is from: Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower (Lawn & Patio)
This summer, sick of my dirty, smelly, loud gas-powered mower, I decided to purchase a reel mower. As someone who considers himself to be environmentally friendly, I no longer felt comfortable using a polluting machine on my lawn. At the same time, I didn't want to turn lawn mowing into a huge, difficult task. After researching every model on the market, I decided I would give the Scotts 2000-20 reel mower a try. My idea of lawn mowing has completely changed. What used to be a tedious, annoying task is now pleasant and relaxing, due to the ease of use and functionality of this mower. Out of the box, it is very clear how to put this mower together, and it should take no more than about 30 minutes to get the assembly done. Just remember to put some dishwashing detergent inside the rubber handle cover before you slide it on. Then you're ready to go. The height adjustment, which is located near one of the rear wheels, is very easy to access: you simply push a lever in and slide it to the correct height level. The height levels are clearly marked right on a dial (a lot easier than having to get out your wrench and screwdriver for most gas-powered mowers). In actual cutting, this mower is very smooth. With minimal energy, the blades spin with good speed and torque, easily cutting the grass down to size. I have a somewhat weedy lawn, and I was concerned that this mower might bog down, but it cuts everything with the same smoothness. My lawn also has several uneven spots, but this mower handled that nicely as well. The rear wheels keep the mower balanced as you push it. If you push faster, of course, the blades will run faster. However, at a casual pace, the blades definitely spin fast enough to take care of a typical lawn. I have even "let my lawn go" a couple of times this summer (it grew to about 6" in height at one point), but the mower handles it just fine. As you're mowing, you'll notice that there is a lot less dust flying around, no smell of fumes, and you can listen to birds and natural sounds the entire time you're outside. This reel mower cuts the grass more cleanly for sure -- you can see that the grass is greener when you're done, without brown tips. When I cut my lawn, I leave the cuttings there and allow them to mulch into the soil. The mower is light enough to lift and carry into a storage area. You don't have to keep oil and gas around, so this mower takes up the minimal amount of space. Here are the only disadvantages to this mower: (1) You can only get about 6" to an edge; (2) If a stick gets into the blade, you have to stop and pull it out; (3) You will not be visiting the local lawnmower repair shop every season for a tune up, spark plugs, air filter, and any number of other unpredictable problems. Since I started using this mower, several people have asked me if it's more difficult to use, if it's slower, or cuts worse. I assume potential buyers are asking the same questions. I will venture to say that it is actually JUST AS EASY TO USE A REEL MOWER AS IT IS TO USE A GAS-POWERED MODEL. There is NOTHING about a gas-powered mower than makes it easier to use, and gas-powered mowers do not save any time, espcially when you consider all the peripheral needs of owning one. Overall, this is an example of a simple, low-tech solution to a common need.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you?
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
382 of 391 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Safer, quieter mower. Definitely worth a consideration., July 20, 2002
This review is from: Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower (Lawn & Patio)
I just eagerly put my reel mower together, having spent much time researching whether I should get one or not. The reviews on here were especially helpful. In short, I'm glad I bought it. Pluses:
1. Safer: no flying rocks or other projectiles, your kids won't sneak up on you and get extremities caught in the blade the way they do with gas mowers. As an ED physician, this is an especially important observation that I don't think had been pointed out before.
2. Quieter: my neighbors are thankful, as are my ears
3. No smoke, no gas fumes
4. Easier handling than gas mower, lighter, can get in crevices more easily and safely
5. Better for environment, save on gas, oil.
6. Easier to start-up; I'm more likely to cut the grass with this mower
7. Doesn't take any longer to mow then lawn vs. a gas mower (and if you gas mower is finicky, will probalby be faster). Negatives:
1. Requires a bit more elbow grease with thick grass, especially on hills. Not a lot more, but a bit more (good exercise though).
2. Tall grass/weeds will not be easily cut with this; anything taller than 6-8 inches probably won't spring back up in time for the blades to cut them
3. 20" cutting swath a bit more narrow than your average gas mower, so you may need a few more passes. On flat land, it's no problem whatsoever. I'm happy with this mower, how well it holds up remains to be seen. Construction quality is decent, the price and free shipping can't be beat. Haven't tried the $200+ models of reel mowers, so I can't comment. If you have a smaller (< 0.5 acre), relatively flat yard, what are you waiting for?! If you like to think of mowing the lawn as exercise and have a bit larger yard, this may also be for you. Lastly, if you have kids and safety is a concern, (yes, you Volvo all-wheel-drive owners out there), a reel mower is also the way to go.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
|
|
127 of 130 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Concerned about reel mowers? Don't be., October 25, 2002
This review is from: Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower (Lawn & Patio)
I own a John Deere 4.5 hp 22" gas-powered (4-stroke) self-propelled mulching mower. I think it retailed for about $600-700 ten years ago. It's performed very well, but it needs annual service; it needs to be cleaned, and it clogs if the grass is damp or too tall.I'm not sure what made me look at reel mowers on Amazon. Maybe it was wondering how I was going to transport my gas-powered mower to John Deere for service this year. Maybe it was my surprise when I saw I'd have to buy gas twice in one season this year. Having to tune the carburetor almost every week this season? Breathing in unfiltered exhaust? Whatever the reason, I found this mower on Amazon and was intrigued by the idea of a clean, quiet mower. The fact that its cutting method might be better for my lawn was just a bonus. No gas or tune-ups? Even better. The reviews on Amazon were encouraging, but I did a lot more research than that. I looked at the Brill Luxus, but it has a maximum cutting height of 1.8". I don't know about you, but my lawn is definitely not a golf course. This Scotts mower is the only one with a maximum 3" cutting height, and I use it at about 2.5". Price: Amazon also has the best deal I found, especially with free shipping. Other sites are charging $180 and up, plus shipping. Research: Amazon asks people not to enter URLs, but a quick Google for "scotts classic reel" will display all of the sites I used in my research. Assembly: It sounds crazy, but you should definitely pour about a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid inside the foam pad to help it slide onto the handle. Try to spread it around the inside of the foam as much as possible. You can wipe off any excess after installation. Other than that, assembly is a snap. (A 30-minute snap.) First impressions: My 8-year-old son mowed the lawn the first time. The grass was probably 5" tall and slightly damp, but this mower went right through it. There were some spots that needed another pass, but that's because the grass was too long. Leaves: The second weekend, the leaves had started to fall. I experimented and found that this reel mower can handle white birch leaves, which are small enough that the mower just tosses them out of the way. However, my 5-year-old son and I had to rake up the larger leaves (such as maple). Now that the leaves have started to fall in earnest, I'm just going to pull out the gas mower to mulch them, rather than rake. However, I'm looking forward to doing a final pass with the reel, and of course, I can't wait until spring. Simple. Quiet. Inexpensive. It just works.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
