Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, 18-Inch, 5-Blade, Grey

I rolled this Great States reel mower out on a quiet Saturday morning and immediately remembered why simple tools can be so satisfying. No pull cord, no battery to top off, no fumes—just a crisp scissor-like cut and the soft whir of blades. After a few weeks of regular mowing, I’ve got a clear sense of where this 18-inch, 5-blade model shines and where it asks a bit more of the user.

Setup and first impressions

Assembly took me only a few minutes and no special tools. The frame feels solid for its price, and the 10-inch composite wheels are light but sturdy enough for typical suburban lawns. The loop handle with cushioned grips is comfortable and helps with maneuverability in tight spots.

One small quirk: because of the way the handle pieces mirror each other, the wing bolts don’t seat identically on both sides. It’s not a deal-breaker—just a minor assembly oddity that may have you flipping a bolt orientation to get a snug fit. Once tightened, nothing wiggles or rattles.

At roughly the size of a compact push mower but far lighter, it stores vertically against a wall and is easy to grab for quick trims. The overall build is simple in a good way; fewer parts means fewer things to break or maintain.

Adjustments and ergonomics

Height adjustment is straightforward and tool-free, ranging from 0.5 to 2.75 inches. I ended up using 2.5 to 2.75 inches for most of my mowing to keep stress off the turf and make pushing easy. Dropping below 1 inch is really only practical on flat, smooth lawns with fine turf and frequent cuts—otherwise, you’ll feel resistance and risk scalping.

Pushing effort depends on grass height, density, and how often you mow. On a well-kept lawn trimmed every 4–5 days in peak season, it feels light and almost playful. Let the grass run long and you’ll work harder. The handle angle helps, and the balanced weight makes turns intuitive. Compared to a gas mower, this is genuinely less tiring when the grass is in that ideal window.

Cutting performance

Reel mowers cut like scissors, not like a spinning blade that batters the grass. The result, when used correctly, is a neat, clean cut that’s easier on the turf. The five alloy-steel blades on this model stay sharp longer than I expected; with light oiling and occasional backlapping, they’ll keep a good edge.

On a typical cool-season lawn kept at roughly 2.5–3 inches, the cut quality is excellent. The mower slices through fine and medium textures very cleanly. I noticed fewer ragged tips than I get from budget rotary mowers, and the lawn stayed greener between cuts. Clippings are fine and disperse quickly; there’s no bagging on this unit, so plan to leave clippings to feed the soil.

It will not perform miracles on overgrowth. If the lawn gets past about 4–5 inches, you’ll need to raise the height and potentially make two passes, or knock down the tops with a trimmer first. Flattened grass (for example, after rain) benefits from a crosshatch pattern to stand the blades up for a clean cut.

Edges, obstacles, and real-world quirks

Because the wheels sit outside the blade cylinder, the cutting edge doesn’t reach flush to fences, walls, or raised beds. To get a close edge, one wheel has to ride in the bed or off the pavement, which isn’t always possible. Expect to follow with a trimmer along borders.

Debris matters more with a reel mower. Pinecones, sticks, and small stones can jam the reel or abruptly stop the mower. This model clears flat, retracted sprinkler heads at higher height settings without issue, but protrusions and cones will halt your progress. A quick pickup pass before mowing saves time and your temper.

The 18-inch width hits a sweet spot for small to medium lawns: wide enough to cover ground quickly, narrow enough to snake between beds and around furniture. If you like bold stripes, a reel won’t lay them down like a heavy rotary with a roller, but the finish is tidy and consistent.

Maintenance and longevity

This is a low-maintenance tool, but it’s not no-maintenance. A few habits go a long way:
- Brush off clippings and dust after each use.
- Wipe the blades with a rag and a light oil to deter rust.
- Check the bed knife-to-reel contact periodically; you want a clean cut, not grinding.
- Backlap the blades a couple of times a season if you mow frequently; it’s simple and extends sharpness.

The alloy-steel blades hold an edge well, and because they shear rather than hack, they don’t dull as quickly as you might expect. Keep it out of the rain and it will last years with minimal fuss.

How it compares to powered options

On a well-maintained lawn, this reel mower is faster than you’d think. I cut a small yard in less time than a gas mower because there’s no fueling, starting, or cleanup ritual. It’s also quieter than any electric I’ve used—neighbors won’t hear it—and there’s zero ongoing fuel or battery cost.

Where it lags is in brute-force versatility. A rotary mower with a high-lift blade will chew through overgrowth, damp clumps, and the occasional twig; a reel asks you to mow more often and keep the lawn tidy. If you regularly let the grass get long, or have a yard littered with small debris, a powered mower may still be the better primary tool.

Best use cases

• Small to medium lawns with regular mowing routines
• Homeowners who value quiet operation and low maintenance
• Touch-up work where a heavy mower tears up turf
• Users who don’t mind trimming edges after mowing

Less ideal:
- Infrequent mowing schedules or rapidly growing, thick turf
- Lawns with lots of pinecones, sticks, or uneven ground
- Those who need a flush-to-the-edge cut without trimming

Pros

• Clean, scissor-like cut that’s gentle on grass
• Simple, fast assembly; light and easy to store
• Wide 18-inch swath balances coverage and maneuverability
• Tool-free height adjustment from 0.5 to 2.75 inches
• Quiet, no emissions, minimal maintenance
• Comfortable loop handle with cushioned grips

Cons

• Doesn’t cut flush to borders; trimming is still needed
• Struggles with tall grass, debris, and pinecones
• Assembly quirk with handle hardware orientation
• No bagging option; clippings are left in place
• Requires frequent mowing for best results

Tips for success

• Mow more often than you would with a gas mower; aim for every 3–5 days in peak season.
• Start at 2.5–2.75 inches and lower only if your lawn is very even and healthy.
• Overlap passes slightly and change directions occasionally for an even finish.
• Clear sticks and cones before you begin; use a trimmer to knock down overly tall patches.
• Wipe the blades with light oil after use and store the mower indoors.

Recommendation

I recommend the Great States reel mower for anyone with a small to medium lawn who values a quiet, low-maintenance routine and is willing to mow regularly. It delivers a clean cut, adjusts easily, and is genuinely pleasant to use when the lawn is kept within the optimal height range. The limitations—edge reach, debris sensitivity, and the need for frequent mowing—are real, but predictable and manageable. If you want a simple tool that rewards good lawn habits with a crisp finish and minimal upkeep, this one’s a smart pick. If you routinely tackle overgrowth or expect your mower to power through twigs and cones, a rotary mower will suit you better.