Push reel mower ease of use vs gas mower?

Question

I am looking at buying a push reel mower instead of gas/electric.

Our lawn is .71 of an acre. Would it be insanely hard to cut a yard that big with a push reel mower? There is only $30 difference in the price between the gas and push mowers, so price isn't the issue.

ALSO on that note about mowers. We bought a $400 used riding lawn tractor from our neighbor that he had fixed up and used for a year On the first cut, a belt on the mowing deck broke. My hubby keeps buying new belts to hopefully fix it, but they keep breaking too. So, we have a $00 lawn tractor that hubby refuses to talk to the neighbor about- he doesn't want any hard feelings, he says. I'm mad and either want our $ back or him to fix it. Our lawn is a mess, hubby won't buy a new mower, and I have been paying someone to cut our lawn. What should we do about it?

Answer 1

I think it depends on the brand of push reel mower.

A friend of mine used one, but his lawn is seriously tiny -- I mean about three or four square yards! He said when the grass grew tall, he had to run it over the grass two or three times.

But, if you need the exercise, this may be the way to do it.

That's a frustrating situation with your husband. I think he may be right about not wanting to make waves with the neighbor -- but make sure you NEVER buy anything from that neighbor again!

Have you tried taking it to a repair shop, or googling that make and model to see if other people have had the same problem? Maybe they've found a solution. Maybe the mower has been recalled. There might be a different way to make back your investment there.

The thing about gas mowers is that you'll probably be paying a lot more for gas in the future. However, you may as well use it while it's still around. Just be sure you research the model thoroughly!!! There are some really crappy mowers out there these days.

Answer 2

You must be joking, cut over two thirds of an acre of lawn with a push mower, are you the Olympic shot putt Champion ?. Right, forget the push mower, that leaves two options. I. repair the sit on mower or 2. purchase a petrol mower. I think you would get your sit on repaired for much less than the cost of a new mower. Find out your dealers, it doesn't have to be the same maker. Get it in for repair and service. It will be like new when you get it back.......problem solved. By the way, your hubby sounds a bit like me.