n
6

Ditched my gas lawnmower for a manual reel mower and my neighbors think I'm crazy

I live in Portland and finally got sick of the noise and fumes from my old gas mower. Switched to a manual reel mower from a local shop 2 months ago. First cut took me almost 2 hours but now I'm down to 45 minutes. Grass looks healthier and I don't have to buy gas anymore. Anyone else make the swap and feel like you're doing a workout instead of yard work?
3 comments

Log in to join the discussion

Log In
3 Comments
craig.tessa
craig.tessa1mo agoMost Upvoted
Read something the other day about how manual mowers actually pull the grass up instead of tearing it, makes for a way healthier lawn. Neighbors gave me the same looks but they stopped complaining when my lawn stayed green through a dry spell and theirs turned brown.
6
sanchez.mary
Actually it's more like manual mowers scissor-cut the grass clean while gas mowers tear it, but you're right about healthier lawns!
4
hugo_jones
hugo_jones1mo ago
...and on the first try I nearly took my own ankle off with the reel because I forgot which way to push. The neighbors definitely thought I'd lost my mind, especially when I was out there huffing and puffing like I was training for a marathon. But honestly? I love the quiet now. I can actually hear the birds instead of a two-stroke screaming in my ears. My lawn does look greener than theirs, which is my favorite tiny revenge. Plus now I can skip the gym on mowing days which my wallet appreciates more than my legs do.
1