Great States Reel Mower Review
Finding the best reel push mower
Great States Reel Mower
Reel
- Ball bearing supports on reel
- Flame hardened blades
Cutting height
- Adjusts from 0.5” to 2.75” cutting height, depending on model
Roller
- Plastic
Handle
- ‘Hour Glass’ with foam grip
- ‘T’ handles with foam grip
Weight
- 20 to 33 Pounds
Sharpening
- Every 2 years
Price
- About $99.00 - $130.00
Visit the manufacture’s web site!
The Great States Reel Mower is made by the American Lawn Mower Company, and is designed as an entry level machine. The Great States brand is one of several names this line of mowers can carry - you might find an identical machine at Sears, for instance.
All of the mowers in the Great States line have one thing in common - they are all considered ‘entry level’ machines. This is not necessarily a bad thing. For instance, if you have a small yard, if you rent your home, if you will be moving soon, then a cheap mower may be just the ticket.
The Great States Reel Mower Model 204-14 features a 14 inch cutting width. The cutting blades and bed knife are tempered alloy steel. The blades contact the bed knife. This model sports 4 cutting blades on the reel - the absolute minimum any reel mower could be equipped with. Cutting height is adjustable from a ‘crew cut’ 1 inch to a maximum of 1.5 inches. The handle is the traditional T-style with cushioned grips. The 8.5 inch composite wheels are covered with rubber tires for a good grip on the lawn. The price for this most economical reel mower is about $100.00
The Great States Model 415-16 features a 16 inch cutting width. The cutting blades and bed knife are tempered alloy steel. The blades contact the bed knife, and the reel assembly is supported with ball bearings. This model has been upgraded to 5 cutting blades on the reel. A 2 inch shrub bar on the front of the cutting reel helps keep low hanging branches clear from the blades. Cutting height is adjustable from an absurd 1/2 inch to a more reasonable 2 3/4 inches. The handle is an hourglass design with cushioned grips. The 10 inch wheels are designed for flat ground without ruts or bumps. The price for this most economical reel mower is about $115.00
The Great States Model 815-18 features an 18 inch cutting width. The cutting blades and bed knife are tempered alloy steel. The blades contact the bed knife, and the reel assembly is supported with ball bearings. This model has been upgraded to 5 cutting blades on the reel. Cutting height is adjustable from the ‘much too close” 1/2 inch to a more reasonable 2 3/4 inches. The handle is powder coated, and sports the hourglass design with cushioned grips. The 10 inch wheels are designed for flat ground without ruts or bumps. Increasing the cutting width to 18 inches as an added bonus for larger lawns. Keep in mind a wider cutting width translates into a mower that is harder to push, since more grass is being cut with each swath. The price for this wide reel mower is about $125.00
The Great States Push Mower is not the lightest, most durable, or the quietest push mower available. Really, for this price, who cares? This brand is designed for the homeowner with a small yard, that mows infrequently. If this describes you, Great States could be the brand for you!
Return to Reel Push Mower from Great States Reel Mower Review
