Reel lawn mowers are a popular choice for maintaining a clean, even cut on Bermuda grass. Unlike rotary mowers that use a fast-spinning blade, reel mowers use a set of spinning blades that move in a scissor-like action. This type of cutting is gentler on Bermuda grass, which is a dense and fast-growing warm-season turf.
Bermuda grass requires frequent mowing to stay healthy and attractive, and reel mowers deliver a precise cut that helps prevent damage to the grass blades. They also tend to be quieter and more eco-friendly since many models are manual or use electric power rather than gas. This makes reel mowers a good fit for homeowners who want a neat lawn without the noise and fumes of traditional mowers.
When choosing a reel mower for Bermuda grass, key factors include cutting height options, blade quality, and the mower’s weight and maneuverability. Bermuda grass can be tough and requires sharp, well-maintained blades set at the right height to avoid scalping or uneven cuts. We spent time testing various reel mowers to find those that work best for Bermuda grass and deliver a clean, consistent mow.
Best Reel Lawn Mowers for Bermuda Grass
We have tested and researched to find the best reel lawn mowers that work well with Bermuda grass. Our list focuses on models that provide a clean, precise cut and handle the tough, dense blades of Bermuda grass easily. Below, you’ll find reliable options to help keep your lawn healthy and looking great.
Yard Force Hybrid Reel Mower
This mower is a solid choice if you want a quiet, eco-friendly way to keep Bermuda grass trimmed with the option to go cordless or manual.
Pros
- Cuts grass cleanly for healthy growth
- Battery option eases mowing effort on hills or thick patches
- Easy height adjustment for different grass lengths
Cons
- Battery life limits large yards
- Some find it heavy to push without power assist
- Smaller cutting width means more passes on bigger lawns
We found the clean cut from the reel blade really helped Bermuda grass look well-groomed. The hybrid design lets you switch off the battery and push manually, which works well for small to medium lawns.
Using the battery to power the blade made mowing smoother, especially on uneven spots. The quiet motor was a big plus for early morning or late evening work.
One thing to know: its 15-inch cut width means it takes longer on large spaces. Also, the mower feels a bit heavy when powered off. Still, for lawn health and easy storage, this mower performs well for Bermuda grass care.
Earthwise 16-Inch 7-Blade Reel Mower
This mower offers a solid, quiet cut for Bermuda grass with low maintenance and eco-friendly operation.
Pros
- Cuts cleanly and evenly on short Bermuda grass
- Easy to push despite its solid build
- Environmentally friendly with no gas or noise
Cons
- Not great for longer or thicker grass
- Assembly is needed before use
- Adjusting blade height can be a bit stiff
We found this mower works well on Bermuda grass that is kept short and trimmed regularly. The 16-inch cutting width covers decent ground without being hard to control. Using it feels straightforward, and it cuts without the noise or fumes of a gas mower.
The reel blades stay sharper longer than expected, so you don’t have to sharpen them often. It’s light enough for easy pushing, even on uneven spots. However, it does struggle if the grass grows too tall; you’ll need to mow more often for best results.
We noticed that setting the cutting height takes a little effort, but once set, it holds firm. Assembly was simple, but it does take some time. Overall, this mower is a solid choice if you want a green, quiet way to cut Bermuda lawns with minimal hassle.
LawnMaster 16-inch Reel Mower
This mower is a great choice for those who want a simple, eco-friendly way to cut Bermuda grass with good control over grass height.
Pros
- Cuts cleanly without tearing the grass
- Easy to adjust cutting height
- Light and easy to push around the yard
Cons
- Only works well on short, thin grass
- Assembly can be a bit tricky if not careful
- Not effective on thick weeds or tall grass
We found the LawnMaster 16-inch reel mower offers a sharp, scissor-like cut that helps keep Bermuda grass healthy. Its steel blades move smoothly, and it’s quiet since there’s no engine. This makes mowing feel less like a chore.
Adjusting the cutting height was quick and allowed us to set the grass between 1 and 2 inches. That range fits well with Bermuda grass’s needs, and the 16-inch width helped us mow efficiently without feeling too heavy.
Pushing the mower was surprisingly easy thanks to its 10-inch front wheels and lightweight design. The only downside was the assembly instructions—they require patience or some trial and error. Also, if your lawn has thick weeds or very tall spots, this mower might miss those areas.
Overall, if you want a manual mower that’s simple, eco-friendly, and gentle on Bermuda grass, the LawnMaster works well for basic lawn care.
Great States 18-Inch Reel Mower
This reel mower works well for Bermuda grass with its sharp blades and simple design, making lawn care quiet and eco-friendly.
Pros
- Cuts grass cleanly and evenly
- Easy height adjustment for different grass lengths
- Lightweight and easy to push on small to medium lawns
Cons
- Takes some effort on thick or tall Bermuda grass
- Assembly can be a bit tricky at first
- Manual operation might tire some users on uneven terrain
We found the Great States mower reliable when cutting Bermuda grass. Its sharp, five-blade reel slices the grass gently without tearing, which is better for the lawn’s health. The height adjustment lets us fine-tune the cut between half an inch and almost three inches, perfect for the dense growth of Bermuda.
Pushing this mower feels smooth, thanks to the ball-bearing wheels and cushioned handle. It glides well over flat areas but needs more effort on slopes or patchy spots. We appreciated how quiet and clean it runs, with no gas or wires to worry about.
Overall, this mower suits those looking for a simple way to keep Bermuda grass trimmed and healthy. It’s a good choice for environmentally friendly lawn care, though you should expect a brief learning curve to master the motion and assembly.
Scotts 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Mower
We recommend this mower for its simple, reliable cutting that keeps Bermuda grass healthy and looking neat.
Pros
- Cuts grass cleanly without tearing
- Wide 20-inch cutting width saves time
- Easy height adjustment with quick-snap lever
Cons
- No grass catcher, so you need to rake clippings
- Requires physical effort, harder on big yards
- Slight learning curve getting smooth with push
Pushing this mower felt easy thanks to its light weight and smooth turning wheels. The blades make a neat cut that protects Bermuda grass, which helps our lawn stay green and thick.
The 20-inch width reduced our mowing time compared to smaller reel mowers. Adjusting the blade height took just seconds, and it stayed firm during use. We liked being able to set it between 1 to 3 inches for different grass lengths.
Missing a catcher means you have to deal with clippings after mowing, which can be a small hassle. Also, if you have a large area, it requires noticeable effort pushing it. But for a medium Bermuda lawn, this mower is an effective gas-free choice.
Fiskars StaySharp Mower
This reel mower offers a solid balance of power and ease for Bermuda grass, making it a reliable choice if you want quiet and eco-friendly lawn care.
Pros
- Cuts dense and tough grass with good power
- Blades stay sharp longer, no need for frequent sharpening
- Pushes easier than many other reel mowers
Cons
- Pricier than some basic reel mowers
- Can struggle if grass is very tall (over 6 inches)
- A bit heavier to maneuver on uneven ground
When we put this Fiskars mower to work, the first thing we noticed was how cleanly it cut through Bermuda grass. The blades slice evenly without tearing, which helps the lawn look healthier. It handles thick patches well, thanks to the extra cutting power the InertiaDrive reel provides.
Pushing it felt smoother than expected. The design really lowers the effort needed, but on rough or sloped yards, the mower still demands a bit of muscle. We appreciated the quiet operation. It’s nice to mow without gas, cords, or noise interrupting the neighborhood peace.
One downside is the price. It costs more than basic manual mowers, but the durability and sharp blade system could save money over time by reducing maintenance. For Bermuda grass owners who want a quieter, environment-friendly mower that works well on tough blades, this one is worth a look.
Scotts 14-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower
This mower is a solid choice for Bermuda grass if you prefer a quiet, eco-friendly cut with minimal fuss.
Pros
- Cuts grass cleanly without damaging blades
- Lightweight and easy to push around small yards
- Simple to maintain with just blade sharpening needed
Cons
- Not ideal for tall or very thick grass without frequent mowing
- Wheels can lock up or be hard to roll on uneven ground
- No grass catcher, so clippings scatter on the lawn
Using this mower, we appreciated how the blades slice cleanly, helping Bermuda grass stay healthy without bruising. Its light frame lets us maneuver it easily, even in tight spots.
However, when the grass grows long or the terrain is bumpy, pushing gets harder and requires extra effort. It’s best if we keep the lawn maintained regularly to get the best cut.
Since it doesn’t have a catcher, we found grass clippings spread around, which some might not like. Still, for those who want a simple, gas-free mower, this one works well for moderate Bermuda grass lawns.
Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Reel Mower with Grass Catcher
This manual reel mower is a solid choice for keeping Bermuda grass healthy with a clean cut and simple operation.
Pros
- Cuts grass smoothly without shredding
- Lightweight and easy to push
- Grass catcher helps keep the yard tidy
Cons
- Limited cutting width may take longer on large lawns
- Requires physical effort, which can tire some users
- Grass catcher can be tricky to attach at first
We found that this mower gives a clean, precise cut that is better for Bermuda grass than a gas mower’s rough blade. The blades slice the grass calmly, which helps maintain the turf’s health over time. It’s quiet and does not disturb the neighborhood noise levels.
The mower’s lightweight feel made it easy for us to push around the yard without getting too tired quickly. Adjusting the cut height was simple, allowing us to keep the grass at a good length. The grass catcher attached well and saved time on cleanup, though it took a bit of effort to get it in place the first time.
If you have a medium or small lawn, this mower works well and feels durable. For very large lawns or if someone struggles with physical work, it may not be the fastest or easiest option. Overall, it balances performance with a gentle approach to lawn care.
Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Reel Mower
This reel mower is a solid choice for Bermuda grass lovers who want an easy-to-use, quiet tool that keeps grass healthy.
Pros
- Cuts grass cleanly without shredding the blades
- Lightweight and simple to push around the yard
- Adjustable cutting height lets us pick the perfect length
Cons
- Assembly instructions could be clearer
- Does require physical effort to push, especially on thick grass
- Cutting width is narrower compared to gas mowers
When we used this mower on Bermuda grass, the blades stayed intact, which helped protect the lawn. It felt nice to mow without noise or fumes. The 18-inch width meant we made several passes, but the reel’s sharp blades made each cut tidy.
Putting it together was mostly straightforward. The handle went on easily, though the manual left some steps a bit vague. Once assembled, the mower glided smoothly thanks to the ball bearing reel and large wheels.
Adjusting the cutting height from 1 to 3 inches was simple. We liked being able to trim Bermuda grass just right without scalping. The cushioned handle kept pushing comfortable during our yard work sessions.
This mower is better for smaller lawns where doing a little extra pushing isn’t a problem. It’s also a great choice if you want a mower that helps your Bermuda grass stay healthy and looks neat after every cut.
Craftsman Reel Mower
This mower is a solid, eco-friendly choice for small Bermuda grass lawns but requires regular upkeep and some effort to get the best cut.
Pros
- Quiet, zero-emission operation
- Durable steel blades that stay sharp for years
- Lightweight with easy height adjustment and grass catcher
Cons
- Not ideal for tall or overgrown grass
- Grass catcher doesn’t capture everything
- Needs multiple passes for a clean cut
We found the Craftsman reel mower easy to push on well-maintained Bermuda grass. Its sharp blades gave a nice clean cut that didn’t damage the grass. Maneuvering was smooth thanks to the composite wheels and comfortable handle.
The cutting width is perfect for small yards, but it struggled when the grass was taller than 3-4 inches. We had to mow more often to keep the lawn manageable. The grass catcher helped keep the yard tidy but didn’t catch all the clippings.
Overall, this mower is best for people willing to maintain their lawn regularly and want a quiet, pollution-free mower. It’s simple and low-maintenance but needs some muscle and patience on tougher grass.
Buying Guide
When selecting a reel lawn mower for Bermuda grass, we focus on cutting precision. Bermuda grass grows low and thick, so a sharp, well-adjusted blade is important for a clean cut. A mower with multiple blades usually works better for this type of grass.
We also pay attention to the cutting height. Bermuda grass needs to be cut between 0.5 and 1.5 inches. Look for a mower that allows easy adjustment of height. This helps keep the grass healthy and avoids scalping.
The mower size matters too. A wider cut means fewer passes and faster mowing for large lawns. But a smaller mower is easier to handle in tight spaces and around obstacles.
We want a mower that is lightweight and easy to push. Bermuda grass can be tough to cut, so less effort makes mowing more comfortable. Some reel mowers have ergonomic handles or wheels designed for smooth movement.
Maintenance is another factor. Simple designs with easy blade access save time and effort in sharpening or cleaning. Durable materials help the mower last longer.
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Blades | Sharp, multiple blades |
| Cutting height | Adjustable, 0.5 to 1.5 inches |
| Width | Wide for big lawns, smaller for tight spaces |
| Weight & Ease | Lightweight, ergonomic design |
| Maintenance | Easy blade access, durable parts |
FAQs
How effective are reel lawn mowers for Bermuda grass?
Reel mowers cut Bermuda grass cleanly, which helps the grass stay healthy. They trim the blades evenly without tearing, reducing browning and disease risk.
Are reel mowers safe to use?
Yes. Reel mowers don’t use gas or electricity, so they pose less risk of burns or shocks. We should still be careful when pushing close to rocks or hard objects.
How much area can we cover with a reel mower?
Reel mowers work best on small to medium lawns. Large yards might take more time because they require manual pushing and often have a smaller cutting width.
What kind of maintenance do reel mowers need?
We need to sharpen the blades regularly to keep cutting clean. Cleaning the mower after each use prevents rust and helps it last longer.
How do reel mowers compare to gas or electric mowers?
Reel mowers are quieter and eco-friendly. They don’t handle tall or wet grass as well but provide a closer and cleaner cut for Bermuda grass.
Can reel mowers cut thick or overgrown Bermuda grass?
For thick or tall Bermuda grass, reel mowers may struggle. We might need to trim down the grass with a gas mower first before using the reel mower.
Is it easy to push reel mowers on uneven ground?
Reel mowers can be harder to push on uneven or rough surfaces. Smooth, flat lawns are best for easy mowing and a better cut.
Conclusion
Reel lawn mowers work very well on Bermuda grass. They give a clean, even cut that helps the grass stay healthy and strong. We found that these mowers are safe to use because they don’t have fast-spinning blades like gas mowers.
They are also better for the environment. Since they don’t use gas or electricity, they don’t cause pollution or noise. This makes our yards quieter and cleaner.
Choosing the right reel mower means you get a tool that lasts a long time. Look for one with a sturdy frame and sharp blades that stay sharp longer. This will save us money and effort over the years.
In the end, a reel mower is a smart choice for anyone with Bermuda grass. It keeps the lawn looking its best while being safe and eco-friendly. Let’s pick the best one for our needs and enjoy a fresh, green yard all season.
