If you are tired of wheeling out that old noisy power mower every time you trim the lawn, it may be time to try a very different alternative. Push reel lawn mowers used to be the standard in lawn care, and you may have seen an old one sitting in the corner of your grandpa's garage. Reel mowers are regaining popularity as people discover that they have many advantages over the gas-powered variety. For example, they're much quieter, , they're better for the health of your lawn, they're better for your personal health, they don't require gas to operate, they require little maintenance, they're good for your health, they're safer, and they're much less expensive than power mowers.

What's more, using a reel mower is undoubtedly the most eco-friendly way to cut your lawn. According to the EPA, standard gas-powered lawn mowers produce enough fumes to equal a new car driving more than 500,000 miles, whereas manual mowers don't produce pollution of any kind.  running a  With their new-found popularity, the Finnish company Fiskars has developed a modern take on the classic reel mower.

Not Your Grandpa's Reel Mower

Traditional reel lawn mowers have several problems. They can be difficult to push, the blades dull quickly, they can be difficult or impossible to adjust, and jam easily. With this in mind Fiskars decided to apply modern technology to an old design, and came up with the StaySharp series of lawn mowers (formerly called the Fiskars Momentum).

The defining characteristic of the StaySharp series is the way that the blades are designed. On a traditional model, the reel constantly rubs against the stationary blade causing it to dull quickly. The StaySharp mower's blades are precision engineered so that the reel and stationary blade never come in contact with one another, keeping the blades sharp for much longer. The blades also have much more cutting power than most other traditional models, making it easier to cut through thick grass. The cutting height can be easily adjusted from 1"-4" to accommodate different grass height. 

Another feature of the StaySharp reel mower, is it's ergonomic handle. The engineers designed to handles to allow you to position your hands in a way that is most comfortable to you and to accommodate people of every size and build.

Models and Accessories

Fiskars offers 3 sub-models of StaySharp reel mower as well as accessories:

StaySharp

The base model uses a combination of technology that makes it 30% easier to push than other reel mowers. It also features the InertiaDrive reel that offers 50% more cutting power to cut through tough spots and twigs that would jam other reel mowers. It can cut all types of grass, including tough grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine, and Bahia. It has a 17" cut width, and comes with a two-year warranty.

StaySharp Plus

The mid model, called the "StaySharp Plus" has all of the features of the base model, plus more. It is 40% easier to push, and delivers 75% more cutting power. The grass discharge chute throws clippings in front of the mower, keeping them off of your feet while you mow. It also has a 17" cut width. The Plus model also comes with a two-year warranty

StaySharp Max

The StaySharp Max is the top of the line, and is the most advanced reel lawn mower on the market today. It received to 2010 Popular Mechanics Green Design Award and is recommended by Consumer Reports over other models of reel mowers. It is 60% easier to push than a typical reel lawn mower, and delivers twice the cutting power. The inset wheels allow the blades to cover the full width of the mower to help avoid uncut strips beneath the wheels and to allow closer cutting near fences, borders, foundations, etc. Grass clippings are discharged out the front, keeping your feet clean while you mow. It has an 18" cutting width, and comes with a three-year warranty.

Accessories

A grass catcher is available for each model and is sold separately. Also, a maintenance kit is available to sharpen the blades after heavy use over many years; the maintenance kit will also work with traditional reel lawn mowers.

Limitations

A reel mower isn't the right choice for everyone. Large yards, yards with lots of hills or ridges, and yards that require lots of maneuvering to mow may not be better suited for a power or riding lawn mower. Reel lawn mowers also don't do well on sandy terrain, such as on beach front property, or in areas with lots of rough terrain and debris.

It's Time to Make the Switch

If you have a small to medium-sized lawn that doesn't have too many twists and turns, a reel mower is an excellent alternative to an engine-powered model. If you've never thought a reel mower  was right for you, it's time to rethink the idea. Throw away that smelly old gas hog, and replace it with a Fiskars StaySharp. Your lawn will be healthier, and you'll be healthier as well.