Great States Reel Lawn Mower Reviews 2026 ⭐⭐

An honest, experience-led review of the Great States 18-inch reel lawn mower. We look at real-world performance, strengths, drawbacks, and who this manual mower may suit in 2026.

A Practical Look

Reel lawn mowers have been quietly gaining interest again, especially among homeowners who want a quieter, simpler, and more environmentally conscious way to maintain a lawn. The Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower sits firmly in that category. It is a fully manual mower with no engine, no fuel, and no cords, priced typically between $100 and $130 in the US market.

Mowing Convenience

At first glance, this mower appeals to a very specific type of buyer. It is lightweight, relatively compact, and promises a clean, scissor-like cut rather than tearing grass like some rotary mowers can. I think that idea alone will resonate with people who care about lawn health just as much as convenience. That said, reel mowers are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and this model is no exception.

Mixed Opinions

There are plenty of positive reviews praising how quietly it operates and how little maintenance it needs. At the same time, there are mixed opinions around ease of use, performance in thicker grass, and how much effort is required depending on lawn conditions. I would not go into this expecting it to replace a powerful gas or electric mower for every situation.

Great States Reel Mower Price Comparison

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Simplicity

What makes the Great States reel mower interesting is not flashy features, but simplicity. The question most buyers should be asking is not “Is it good?” but rather “Is it right for my lawn?” That is where this review aims to help, by weighing real-world expectations against real-world feedback.

Key Features at a Glance

The Great States 815-18 is built around a straightforward design, but there are a few features worth understanding before deciding if it suits your needs.

1, 18-Inch Cutting Width with 5-Blade Reel - This mower uses a 5-blade reel system with an 18-inch cutting width, which is slightly wider than many entry-level reel mowers. In theory, that helps reduce the number of passes needed on small to medium lawns.

2, Adjustable Cutting Height - Cutting height can be adjusted from 0.5 inches up to 2.75 inches, which gives some flexibility depending on grass type and seasonal conditions. I reckon this range works best for regularly maintained lawns rather than overgrown ones.

3, Fully Manual and Motor-Free - There is no engine, battery, or motor involved. That means no fuel costs, no cords to manage, and very little ongoing maintenance. It also means all cutting power comes from you, which is an important consideration that we will revisit later.

4, Lightweight Metal Construction - At around 27 pounds, the mower is light enough to maneuver easily on flat ground. The alloy steel blades are designed to stay sharp longer and can be re-sharpened if needed, which may appeal to buyers looking for longevity rather than convenience.

Positive Reviews

Across the positive feedback, a few clear themes come up again and again. Most five-star reviews come from buyers who understood what a reel mower is, prepared their lawn accordingly, and were happy to trade speed and power for simplicity, quiet operation, and a clean cut.

Clean, Precise Cutting on Maintained Grass

One of the most consistent positives is how cleanly the mower cuts when grass is kept under control. Several reviewers specifically mention that the scissor-style cutting action delivers a healthier-looking finish than rotary mowers.

Comments like “cuts exactly how it's supposed to” and “cuts like scissors instead of burning the grass in a circular motion” appear frequently. Another buyer said it “does well on Bermuda grass if you keep it short”, which is important, as Bermuda can be challenging if neglected.

Some users were surprised by how capable it felt once dialed in. One review noted that grass about a foot tall was still manageable, saying it “cut it down like a power mower”, though this was paired with an admission that effort increases as grass height increases. Overall, the mower seems to perform best when lawns are mowed regularly, rather than left to grow wild.

Easy To Push and Surprisingly Efficient

Many buyers expected the mower to be harder work than it turned out to be. While almost everyone acknowledges there is more effort involved than with a powered mower, several reviews mention that it rolls smoothly and does not feel as heavy as expected.

One user summed it up nicely by saying “works great, much better than I had thought it would”. Another wrote “I was surprised by the ease with which the yard was cut”, adding that their lawn took only 20 minutes to mow.

There is also appreciation for the gearing, with one reviewer noting that “the blades turn much faster than the speed you push it”, which helps reduce fatigue. Several people mentioned mowing medium-sized lawns in around an hour, which feels reasonable for a manual option.

That said, even positive reviewers are clear that effort increases if grass gets too tall, and most stress the importance of mowing consistently.

Quiet Operation and Enjoyable Mowing Experience

Quiet operation is a big reason people choose this mower, and it shows in the reviews. Multiple buyers highlight how different the experience feels compared to gas or battery mowers.

One reviewer loved that “I can hear the birds tweet and twitter while I'm cutting the grass”, while another joked that “my dog is not afraid of it”. There is also appreciation for being able to mow without worrying about time of day, fuel, or recharging batteries.

A long-time gas mower owner said that after years of dealing with engines, this was refreshing, noting “no gas or oil” and “I haven’t had any issues starting it”, followed by a laugh.

For some, mowing became less of a chore and more of light exercise, with comments like “the big plus for me: I'm getting good exercise!” appearing more than once.

Simple Assembly and Straightforward Adjustments

Assembly is generally described as quick and tool-free, although not everyone found it effortless. Many buyers said it was assembled in under 15 minutes, with comments like “easy to put together” and “everything that should be in the box was there”.

Height adjustment is another strong positive. Reviewers frequently mention that it is “easy to adjust the height” and appreciate the wide range from low to relatively tall cuts.

That said, even in positive reviews there are mentions that one part of assembly requires strength. Several users admitted needing help, describing it as “difficult because you have to be very strong to squeeze in”. Still, most felt this was a one-time issue rather than an ongoing problem.

Lightweight, Compact, and Easy To Store

Weight and maneuverability are also highlighted often. At around 27 pounds, many reviewers liked that they could pick it up easily, turn it smoothly, or even hang it on a wall for storage.

One review described it as “lightweight, has good maneuverability, great on turns”, while another said “you can pick it up and carry it or hang it up on wall”. This made it especially appealing to older users and those downsizing from heavier equipment. Several buyers also appreciated that it fits well into smaller sheds or garages without taking up much space.

Long-Term Value and Low Maintenance Appeal

While not everyone commented on durability yet, some reviewers with several months of use reported no issues. One said “I have had this for about 8 months and have had no issues with it”, while another felt confident saying “it seems well built” and “will last many years and very easy to maintain”.

The lack of ongoing costs is another recurring point. No fuel, no oil, no batteries, and no engine servicing were all cited as reasons people felt good about their purchase. One reviewer summed it up nicely by saying “I may not go back to a gas rotary mower”, which says a lot, even if it won’t apply to everyone.

Mixed Reviews

The mixed reviews tend to come from buyers who liked the concept and overall build quality, but ran into practical limitations once the mower met real-world lawns. These are not angry reviews, they are mostly thoughtful, measured reflections on where the mower performs well and where it clearly struggles.

Strong First Impressions, With Caveats After Real Use

Several reviewers were impressed right out of the box. Assembly and initial performance often exceeded expectations.

Comments like “very easy to assemble, just 6 bolts” and “up and running in 15 minutes” appear more than once. First cuts were often described as “very clean and even” and “much better than expected”. One reviewer noted “durable construction, all metal components” and said they were “very glad I made the purchase”, while also adding they would update their opinion over time.

That said, even these early positives were often paired with caution. Height settings sometimes needed adjustment, and several reviewers said the mower worked best only under certain conditions.

Works Well on Short, Thin Grass, Struggles Elsewhere

A very consistent theme in mixed reviews is that the mower performs best on regularly maintained grass, but struggles with tall growth, weeds, or uneven ground.

Reviewers frequently mentioned that “it doesn't cut silky long grass and tall weeds” and that “tall grass or weeds are too tall to be caught by the turning blades”. Dandelions and broadleaf weeds were mentioned repeatedly as problem areas, with comments like “it would not cut the dandelions at all” and “it can’t touch Johnson grass, wild grape vines and other weeds”.

Several people noted that multiple passes were often needed. One reviewer said “I do have to make a couple passes in some areas but it isn’t a deal breaker”, while another described the cut as “ok cutting” but admitted it “takes multiple passes to get an even cut”.

This seems to be one of the biggest dividing lines between satisfied and less satisfied owners.

Easy To Push, Until Conditions Change

Many mixed reviews praise how light and smooth the mower feels, but also point out how quickly effort increases if conditions are not ideal.

Comments such as “thought it would take more effort to push, but was amazingly easy” appear alongside more cautious notes like “it does get difficult if the ground is soft or the grass is VERY tall”. One reviewer summed it up by saying “takes some effort to move, but most mowers do”.

Another mentioned that the mower is “lightweight, very sharp”, but added “if you let the grass get too high, you’ll need to go over it a few times”. Slopes, banks, and uneven lawns were mentioned as manageable, but not effortless.

Sticks, Twigs, and Debris Stop the Reel

Nearly all mixed reviewers acknowledge that small debris brings the mower to a stop. While this is expected with reel mowers, it still came up frequently.

Statements like “does really good until you get a stick or a thick weed stuck in it” and “you have to stop to pull it out” appear repeatedly. Leaves were also mentioned, with one reviewer noting “it does not cut up leaves and you need to avoid sticks, they get stuck”.

Most users did not see this as a deal breaker, but it clearly adds interruptions compared to powered mowers.

Assembly is Simple, But Not Always Easy

Assembly is often described as straightforward, but not necessarily effortless. Several mixed reviews mention needing strength or assistance.

Comments include “you’ll need a little bit of muscle at one point in the assembly” and “assembly requires assistance”. One buyer described the mower as “sturdy but the assembly process is not female friendly”, while another said missing parts made the experience frustrating, calling it a “hassle to get them” with “no clear instructions”. This suggests that while assembly is quick for some, it can be inconvenient or discouraging for others.

Maintenance Expectations Matter

A smaller but important group of mixed reviews mention maintenance. One reviewer warned that “make sure you do the maintenance as suggested, it will get crusty quick”. Others mentioned sharpening blades sooner than expected.

There were also concerns about advertised cutting height. One reviewer claimed “the reel mower cannot cut down to 0.5 inches”, saying the lowest practical cut was closer to 1 inch. While this may not matter to most users, it did create frustration for buyers chasing very short turf.

Ergonomics and Handle Height Limitations

A recurring ergonomic concern is the non-adjustable handle height. One reviewer noted that while it suited an average-height user, it was “not at all user friendly for shorter folks”, describing awkward elbow and shoulder positioning.

Another described the mower as “more difficult to roll than expected”, despite acknowledging good build quality. These comfort-related issues did not make the mower unusable, but they clearly affected long-term satisfaction for some users.

Seen As a Good Backup or Situational Tool

Several mixed reviewers framed the mower as a secondary or backup option rather than a complete replacement.

One user said they were keeping it “just in case” their electric mower broke again, calling it a reliable fallback. Others felt it was ideal for “small to medium-sized lawns” but not efficient for larger spaces due to the 18-inch cutting width and slower pace. This reinforces the idea that expectations play a major role in how satisfied buyers feel.

Negative Reviews – Key Takeaways

Overall negative review rating snapshot - Most of the reviews in this section rate the mower 1–2 stars, showing consistent dissatisfaction, especially regarding cutting performance, assembly, and usability. Recurring Issues are…

1, Extremely Limited Cutting Ability - The most common complaint is that the mower struggles with grass that is anything but short and soft. Thick weeds, crabgrass, dandelions, clovers, and taller grass are repeatedly mentioned as impossible to cut effectively. Several users reported walking over the same line multiple times without noticeable results.

2, Jamming and Blade Problems - Blades frequently jam on small twigs, soft stems, or even thin grass, rendering the mower unusable for many yards. Some users reported that the reel locks up, and the mower effectively becomes a “paperweight” if debris is present.

3, Difficult Assembly - Attaching the handle and assembling the mower is often described as physically demanding. Users with less upper body strength, particularly women and older adults, reported the process as unsafe or impossible without assistance.

4, Hardware and Build Quality Concerns - Wing nuts and bolts loosen easily, sometimes falling off mid-use. Plastic components are prone to early wear, and some reviewers experienced problems after only a few mows. The overall build quality is frequently described as flimsy or inconsistent.

5, Not Suitable for Uneven or Large Lawns - Even minor slopes, soft ground, or uneven terrain significantly reduce performance. Users with medium-sized or irregularly shaped yards often struggled to get consistent results.

6, Damaged or Used Products - Several reviewers received items that appeared used, missing hardware, or incorrectly assembled prior to delivery. This caused frustration and additional time spent on returns.

7, Blade Adjustment and Maintenance - Adjusting the blades can be tricky, and maintenance instructions are often unclear. Users report that even after adjustments, performance does not meet expectations.

Who Might be Frustrated

Lawns with tall or thick grass, weeds, or mixed terrain
Users expecting a low-effort, out-of-the-box experience
People with physical limitations that make handle assembly difficult
Medium to large yards, inclines, or debris-prone gardens
Buyers who expect durability and long-lasting performance

Who Might Still Use it

People with small, flat, well-maintained lawns
Users who only need a backup mower for occasional trimming
Those who specifically want a quiet, petrol-free option and are okay with extra effort
Lawns that are already short, uniform, and free of weeds

Quick Summary

While a few users note the mower works on very ideal conditions, most reviews emphasise that it fails to perform for the average lawn. Issues range from ineffective cutting, constant jamming, difficult assembly, and hardware problems, making it unsuitable for users who want a reliable primary mower.

Pros for the Great States18-Inch, 5-Blade Reel Mower

1, Eco-Friendly and Quiet

No gas, oil, or electricity required.
Minimal noise compared to motorised mowers, ideal for neighbours or early/late mowing.
Lightweight design reduces environmental footprint.

2, Simple Assembly (for some users)

Many users found assembly straightforward, requiring only basic tools and a few minutes.
Quick setup under ideal conditions (10–15 minutes reported).
Minimal parts (6–10 bolts) make it simple if instructions are followed carefully.

3, Clean and Even Cut on Ideal Grass

Performs well on short, thin, and soft grass.
Leaves a neat appearance for small, well-maintained lawns.
5-blade design produces a precise cut on grass it can handle.

4, Lightweight and Maneuverable

Easy to push on flat, smooth lawns.
Suitable for small yards or flat garden areas.
Easier to handle than heavier push mowers, useful for elderly users or tight spaces.

5, Compact Storage

Small size makes storage simple.
Can fit into sheds, garages, or tight corners easily.

Cons for the Great States18-Inch, 5-Blade Reel Mower

1, Poor Cutting Performance

Struggles with tall, thick, or uneven grass.
Cannot handle weeds, dandelions, crabgrass, clover, or broadleaf grass effectively.
Often requires multiple passes to achieve an even cut.
Lowest cutting setting does not reach advertised 0.5-inch height; standard minimum ~1 inch.

2, Jamming and Reliability Issues

Blades jam on twigs, sticks, or even thin grass.
Requires lifting, tapping, or extra force to get blades spinning.
Reel may lock up, leaving the mower unusable.

3, Assembly Difficulties

Attaching the handle can be physically demanding, especially for women, older adults, or those with limited strength.
Assembly may be dangerous if hands slip near the blades.
Some users received pre-assembled or misassembled units, adding frustration.

4, Build Quality and Hardware Concerns

Plastic parts and rollers wear out quickly (sometimes after 5 uses).
Wingnuts and bolts loosen easily during use.
Some components are flimsy or prone to breaking under normal conditions.

5, Not Suitable for Large, Sloped, or Uneven Lawns

Performance drops dramatically on hills, soft soil, or uneven terrain.
Larger lawns require significantly more passes due to 18-inch cutting width.

6, Maintenance and Adjustment Challenges

Blades can be difficult to adjust, especially after heavy use.
Maintenance instructions are limited; unclear guidance can lead to improper setup or reduced performance.

7, Limited Versatility

Only cuts grass effectively under very specific conditions.
Leaves weeds and taller grass untouched, requiring a weedeater or secondary mower.
Not ideal as a primary mower for average residential lawns.

Quick Summary of Pros and Cons

Best For: Small, flat lawns with short grass; users seeking quiet, eco-friendly mowing; occasional or backup use.

Not Recommended For: Lawns with weeds, tall grass, slopes, debris, or larger areas; users needing a reliable, primary mower; those who cannot physically handle assembly.

Final Conclusion

The 18-Inch, 5-Blade Reel Mower is a lightweight, eco-friendly, and quiet option that can perform admirably under ideal conditions, but it comes with significant limitations that buyers need to be aware of.

Who Should Buy it

Small, flat lawns: Ideal for gardens with short, soft grass and minimal weeds.
Eco-conscious users: Perfect for those wanting to avoid gas, oil, or electricity.
Quiet mowing requirements: Excellent for early mornings, late evenings, or noise-sensitive neighbourhoods.
Users seeking a secondary or backup mower: Can serve as a low-maintenance alternative for occasional use or trimming between primary mowing sessions.
Those prioritising maneuverability: Lightweight design makes it easy to push and store in compact spaces.

⭐ ⭐⭐⭐Star Rating in Optimum Conditions: 4/5

Works best on short, soft grass with a flat lawn. Easy to push, assemble, and maintain in these conditions, leaving a clean, even cut.

Who Should Avoid it

Lawns with tall grass, weeds, or crabgrass: Struggles to cut thick or long growth, often requiring multiple passes.
Uneven or sloped lawns: Wheels and blades jam on inclines, soft soil, or uneven terrain.
Large yards: Small 18-inch width increases mowing time.
Users unable to manage physical assembly: Attaching the handle can require significant strength, and some components are tricky or unsafe to assemble.
Those needing a durable, all-purpose mower: Plastic parts and hardware can wear or loosen quickly, leaving the mower unreliable over time.

⭐⭐ Star Rating in Unfavourable Conditions: 2/5

Performance drops sharply on tall, thick, or uneven grass, or if the lawn has debris or slopes. Blades may jam, and the mower may not deliver a satisfactory cut.

Bottom Line

The 18-Inch, 5-Blade Reel Mower is a quiet, eco-friendly, and easy-to-handle mower for small, well-maintained lawns, but it is not suitable for lawns with weeds, thick grass, slopes, or uneven terrain. Buyers should carefully consider their lawn type and physical ability before purchasing.