Scotts 415-16S 16-Inch Elite Push Reel Lawn Mower Review
Pros :br /br /*Provides an excellent workout. Skip a visit or two to the gym and cut the grass instead! (Seriously, you need to be physically fit to use this item. If you have major health issues or physical limitations/disabilities, this product is NOT for you.)br /br /*Since I stopped mowing the lawn with a gas mower, which deposits gasoline and pollutes the environment with noise, and started cutting the grass with this "mower," nature has returned to my backyard! I have always fed the birds, and they are still around, but I have seen snakes for the first time in decades, and butterflies and dragonflies are returning. If you wish to go organic as well, using this "machine" is a great start. (It also helps if you stop fertilizing and using herbicides, pesticides, etc.)br /br /*Adjustable cutting heights. I left mine on factory-set, but you should adjust as you please. If you live in a drier climate, you may wish to adjust the height so that you are left with 2-3 inch high lawn, which conserves water, keeping the lawn greener longer, and also chokes out weeds.br /br /*Easy to assemble. All you have to do is screw on the long-bodied handlebars. br /br /*Easy to maintain. After every mowing, simply put it away. Or if you like, remove the grass clippings from the blades with a gloved hand or use the garden hose to wash off the grass cuttings. Longer grass cuttings will get curled up in between the wheel and lower bar, but it's easy to remove these pieces with your fingers. There is a small black plastic piece that holds together the long bars of the body of the mower. With use, the motions cause this piece to loosen slightly. Simply screw this piece to re-tighten and the bars will join closer again. As far as sharpening the blades, I saw a video online, and it is so easy to do, using a cordless drill! You simply allow the blades to go in reverse for a time and it sharpens them. I have not had to do this yet, so please search the Scotts website for detailed instructions before performing this task. br /br /*Versatile - does not disappoint in any condition - dry or swampy - and it works great on the uneven ground of my yard.br /br /*Well-made and sturdy. Wheels and blades can take plenty of abuse.br /br /*Works on most grass types. My lawn is a mishmosh of seed I have sowed, plus miscellaneous floating seed from neighbors' yards. I don't even know every variety of grass that is in my lawn, but this mower cuts it all.br /br /*No gasoline or oil needed, no yearly lawnmower maintenance, no spark plugs or need for replacement parts, etc.br /br /*Takes up little space, so it's easy to store.br /br /Cons :br /br /*Foam handlebar grips practically wore off during the first mowing! Instead, buy a pair of rubber bicycle handlebar grips - they're inexpensive, they fit nearly perfectly onto the mower handlebars, and they will last a long time.br /br /*Your lawn must be free of debris, such as larger sticks, pine cones and stones. If you do not first remove the sticks, they will get jammed up in the mower blades and it will abruptly stop working.br /br /*Does not cut stemmy weeds such as dandelion. The leafy green part and short-stemmed flowers will be cut, but long-stemmed weeds stubbornly remain.br /br /Commentary :br /br /Like I said, using this item is definitely a workout. The trick is to put all of your weight behind the mower and push it away from you. It is easier on the body, and that way, if you experience resistance (a twig gets caught up in the blades, or you're cutting very long grass), you don't end up on top of the mower. When you experience resistance, simply yank the mower back onto its rollers, thereby clearing the blades. If it persists, you must have a branch caught up in the blades, and you will have to manually remove that. Otherwise, there is no reason to bend anymore than absolutely necessary - this yanking motion will deposit bunched up clippings and smaller twigs back onto the lawn for you.br /br /The longer you allow your lawn to grow, the more intense your workout will be! If allowed to grow too long, say, 5+ inches, you will have to make a few passes and possibly even criss cross the area to get it from all sides. You will experience resistance from the mower, but it's not impossible - just keep at it!br /br /The wider the mower, the less passes you will have to make. I'm happy with the smaller width model because I love the workout. But if you're looking to get the job done faster, try a wider model.br /br /I have owned this for a year and have loved it since the first time I used it. My priorities are having an organic yard, enjoying the outdoors and getting a great workout without having to get on a gym machine. Hence, I love this item. If your priorities are different, you may not love this product.
Scotts 415-16S 16-Inch Elite Push Reel Lawn Mower Feature
- 1/2- to 2 1/2-Inch Cutting Height Range
- 10-Inch Wheels with Radial Tread Tires, adjustable in 3 positions
- 16-Inch Cutting Width
- Flared "T" style Handle with Cushioned Grips
- 2 Year Limited Warranty
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Customer Reviews
Happy with my purchase but... - Stephanie J. Merrill - New England
I wish I had known that even a small (a very small) twig will jam the blades and you will have to stop, flip the machine and remove the twig before you can resume mowing. My yard is small, and I have had no trouble pushing the mower but in the back yard, near the big tree (Yes! The one that constantly sheds small twigs), it is really tough going. Other than that, I think this is a really great mower that most anyone can push without problem. As mentioned in other reviews, don't let the grass get long...
May 23, 2010 15:00:22
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