An American Push Reel Mower
Once spring arrived this year, I was ready to replace my gas can with a Consumer Reports rated Briggs and Stratton Smart-Fill Gas Gan. I must be all thumbs when it comes to adding gas to my mower because I always spill a little. There are times that I spill enough that I am surprised I didn’t douse my shoes as well. This can was going to be my saving grace. I’d protect the environment and my pride all at the same time. Well, I couldn’t find one. I looked. I really did. I called every store and distributor all the way to the manufacturer convinced that SOMEWHERE there would be one I could just order. Nope. It’s no longer made. Out of print.
I was pretty frustrated for a while, but another solution came to me. I had a friend wanting to see their push reel mower for $30. Not only would this protect the environment from spills, it would also wipe out any CO2 from the combustion engine. It’s a win-win situation. Well, mostly.
The mower had been used just one time over an 8 year period, so the blades need sharpened. I’ve used the mower several times over the summer and have made the following observations.
- It takes longer to mow with a push mower. It only had a 16″ width where my gas mower is a 21″, so there are considerably more trips back and forward across the lawn.
- It might be an effect of not having the blades sharpened yet, but the lawn doesn’t have that crisp look to it. It’s doesn’t look bad by my standards, but it has certainly looked better.
- The push mower does not like twigs. It always a good idea to pick up the sticks in the lawn to save the sharpness of your blades with any mover, but the push mower can get jammed with even the smallest twig.
- My neighbor works second shift and used to wake up to my gas mower. He seemed pleased – and a bit bewildered – to see that I didn’t wake him up with the push mower. (I haven’t seen another mower like it in my neighborhood.
Someday I may end up with an electric mower as a compromise between time spent mowing and the ecological impact.
