A couple of seasons ago, I researched alternatives to gasoline-powered mowers ("A Kinder Cut," August 10, 2006). That effort ended with my becoming the proud owner of a Scotts Classic reel mower, a new version of those gnarly old-fashioned hand mowers that used to be ubiquitous. Despite their reputation as hard to push, beastly contraptions, the modern version of those old machines is not very hard to push or hard to use. After two seasons, I've learned a thing or two about reel mowers. It's not all roses, but I wouldn't dream of trading mine for a gas-powered mower now.
Two things matter tremendously in getting good results with reel mowers. The first is proper adjustment. I got frustrated early on with my machine because the results seemed wildly uneven. The manual (a surprisingly complete and helpful document, free of bad translations or indecipherable techno-speak) offered the explanation: reel mowers are a bit touchy in the adjustment department. It's easy to adjust them, though, with a little patience coupled with observation of results. If they're too loose (if the blades don't touch the bar they have to touch to basically work like scissors), the mower won't cut. Too tight and you can't push it. Once both sides are right, you have a winner.
The second thing that matters tremendously is more a directive: you have to relax. If you're the sort of person who can't abide a misplaced hair or a picture frame that's not perfectly straight, don't get a reel mower. The results are good, but these things don't ever do a perfect job no matter how many times you roll them over the ground. The answer is to enjoy the overall effect, which is indistinguishable from that of a gas mower, without obsessing.
I didn't mention sharpening, because it seems to matter less than adjustment. But the sharpening process really isn't difficult if you're at all handy. Pop off a couple of parts, paint the blade edges with grinding compound, crank for 10 minutes, and it's done. Everything about reel mowers is less of a headache for you, and for the environment. It's also a nice workout (sometimes a hard one when spring grass comes in thickly—the only major drawback, and no drawback if the workout angle appeals to you like it does to me). Oh, and the gas prices are pretty killer, too.
