Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower Review: The Eco-Friendly Powerhouse Put to the Test

I remember the Sunday morning ritual vividly. The reluctant trip to the shed, the struggle with the pull-cord on our old gas mower, the inevitable cloud of blue smoke, and the deafening roar that shattered the neighborhood’s peace. It was a chore I dreaded, a noisy, smelly, and mechanically fussy process that felt more like a battle than lawn care. My lawn looked decent, but the grass tips were always a little frayed and brown, a sign of the brutal tearing action of a rotary blade. I knew there had to be a better, more thoughtful way to maintain my yard—one that was better for the grass, the environment, and my own sanity. This search led me back to a classic, reimagined: the manual reel mower, and specifically, to the much-lauded Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower.

What to Consider Before Buying a Walk-Behind Lawn Mower

A Walk-Behind Lawn Mower is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for maintaining the health and aesthetics of your property. Whether you choose a manual, electric, or gas-powered model, these machines are essential for controlling growth, preventing pests, and creating a lush, inviting outdoor space. The primary benefit is control. Unlike ride-on mowers, walk-behinds offer precision and maneuverability, allowing you to navigate flower beds, trees, and tight corners with ease. For those seeking an eco-friendly option, a manual reel mower like the Fiskars eliminates gas, oil, batteries, and noise, offering a truly green alternative that provides a superior, scissor-like cut that is healthier for your grass.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a small to medium-sized lawn (typically up to 1/4 or 1/3 of an acre) who values simplicity, reliability, and environmental consciousness. If you enjoy a bit of light physical activity and the quiet satisfaction of a job done well, a manual reel mower is a perfect fit. However, it might not be suitable for those with very large properties (over half an acre), as the manual effort can become substantial. It’s also not the best choice for yards that are frequently overgrown with tall, thick weeds or littered with debris like large twigs and rocks, as these can jam the reel. For those with larger yards or physical limitations, a self-propelled gas or battery-powered mower might be a more practical alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Consider the cutting width. An 18-inch deck, like on the Fiskars, is a great balance between covering ground efficiently and being nimble enough for smaller areas. A wider deck means fewer passes, but a narrower one is easier to maneuver and store. Also, check the product’s weight; at over 50 pounds, the Fiskars is hefty, which helps with traction but requires more effort on inclines.
• Capacity/Performance: Look at the cutting height range. The Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower boasts a 1-inch to 4-inch range, which is exceptionally versatile for a reel mower and suitable for various grass types, from Bermuda to Fescue. Performance also depends on the blade system; Fiskars’ “InertiaDrive” and “StaySharp” technologies are designed to make pushing easier and reduce maintenance, key performance factors to evaluate.
• Materials & Durability: The construction of a mower dictates its lifespan. Look for hardened steel blades and a solid frame. While some components on the Fiskars are plastic to save weight, the core cutting mechanism and frame are robust. User feedback often highlights build quality, so watch for patterns of complaints about specific parts like wheels or handles failing prematurely.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A key benefit of manual reel mowers is their simplicity. There’s no engine to service. However, “ease of use” includes assembly, height adjustment, and pushing effort. The best models, like this Fiskars, feature tool-free handle assembly and a simple, single-lever height adjustment. The biggest maintenance point for reel mowers is blade sharpening, which the “StaySharp” system is designed to eliminate, a huge long-term advantage.

Making the right choice ensures your lawn care is a pleasure, not a chore. The Fiskars aims to tick all the right boxes for the modern homeowner looking for a manual solution.

While the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, especially if you have challenging terrain, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Modern Take on a Classic Design

Unboxing the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower was a refreshingly straightforward experience. The main mower body arrives fully assembled, a heavy and substantial piece of equipment that immediately feels durable. At 51.7 pounds, it has a satisfying heft that cheap, flimsy mowers lack. The only assembly required was for the handle, which snapped together in a few intuitive steps without any tools needed, a detail confirmed by several users who were up and mowing in minutes. Some online accounts mention a more complicated setup, but our unit was ready to go. The design is sleek and modern, with a black and orange color scheme that is distinctly Fiskars. The large primary wheels and smaller rear wheels give it a powerful, almost futuristic stance. The most striking feature right out of the box is the cutting reel itself—the thick, helical blades of the StaySharp system look far more formidable than the thin blades on older reel mowers. The one-touch height adjustment lever moved smoothly and locked into place with a solid click, inspiring confidence before the first blade of grass was even cut. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its innovative design.

Performance Deep Dive: Putting the Fiskars to the Test

A mower’s true worth is proven on the turf. We put the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower through its paces on a variety of lawn conditions, from lush, well-maintained fescue to a tougher, hillier section with some challenging spots. Our goal was to test its core promises: superior cut quality, ease of pushing, and user-friendly design.

The Heart of the Machine: Cutting Performance & The StaySharp System

The single most important aspect of any mower is its cut quality, and this is where the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower truly excels. Unlike rotary mowers that hack and tear at grass blades, a reel mower acts like a pair of scissors, delivering a clean, precise snip. This is immediately visible after the first pass. The lawn looks incredibly sharp and uniform, almost like a manicured green. One user perfectly described the result as looking like they “cut my lawn with scissors instead of a machine,” and we couldn’t agree more. This clean cut isn’t just aesthetic; it’s healthier for the turf, preventing the browned, frayed tips that invite disease and pests.

We tested the mower on 4-inch tall Bermuda grass, and it sliced through without any hesitation, leaving a pristine finish. The StaySharp Cutting System is a game-changer. The precision-ground, hardened steel blades are designed to stay sharp for years, eliminating one of the most tedious maintenance tasks associated with reel mowers. After several mows, the blades cut a sheet of paper as cleanly as they did out of the box. However, it’s not without its limitations. As one owner in Florida noted, it struggles with the tough seed heads of Bahia grass and has difficulty picking up blades of grass that are laying flat. This is a common trait of all reel mowers, as they lack the vacuum suction of a rotary mower. For best results, you need to mow regularly and avoid letting the grass get too long or matted down. Overlapping passes by about one-third of the mower’s width helps ensure you don’t miss any stray blades.

Is It Really Easier to Push? The InertiaDrive Reel

Fiskars claims its InertiaDrive Reel makes the mower 60% easier to push than standard reel mowers. This technology uses a large-diameter cutting reel and heavier blades to generate more momentum, which helps power through dense patches, small twigs, and other minor obstacles. Does it work? Absolutely. We were skeptical, given the machine’s 50+ pound weight, but the pushing experience on level ground is surprisingly light. The momentum of the reel carries you forward, and the mower glides smoothly. One of the most impressive user accounts came from an individual with a “not flat” yard, including a steep hill of roughly 60-70 degrees. They reported that while it was a workout, the mower handled the challenge admirably, only stopping when it hit a large stick or a piece of concrete. This confirms our finding: the weight and inertia are assets on tough terrain, not liabilities.

That said, physics is still physics. Pushing any 50-pound object up a steep hill requires effort, and some users found it to be a significant workout, especially those with less physical strength. But compared to other reel mowers we’ve tested, the InertiaDrive system provides a tangible advantage. It chews through patches that would jam a lighter, less robust mower. We successfully rolled over small twigs and pinecones without the reel locking up, which is a major victory for reel mowing. This powerful cutting feature is what sets it apart from many competitors in its class.

Ergonomics and VersaCut Adjustability

Comfort and control are paramount for an enjoyable mowing experience, and Fiskars has integrated several thoughtful ergonomic features. The handle height is easily adjustable to fit different users, which is a simple but crucial feature for maintaining proper posture and leverage. The padded grip is comfortable to hold for the duration of a full mow. The standout feature in this category, however, is the VersaCut technology. A single, easy-to-reach lever allows you to adjust the cutting height from 1 inch all the way up to 4 inches. This is a massive advantage. Many reel mowers are limited to a much narrower range (e.g., 0.5 to 2.5 inches), making them unsuitable for grass types like fescue that thrive when cut higher. This wide range makes the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower one of the most versatile manual mowers on the market, capable of handling everything from low-cut Bermuda to taller cool-season grasses.

Another clever design choice is the reversible grass chute. You can orient it to throw clippings forward, away from your feet, or backward if you prefer. This keeps your shoes clean and prevents clippings from being tracked into the house. While the mower maneuvers well in open spaces, its design, with the wheels set inside the cutting path, leaves a few inches of uncut grass along edges and fences. As one user pointed out, this is a minor issue easily solved with a weed eater, but it’s something to be aware of if you have intricate landscaping borders.

Build Quality, Durability, and Potential Pitfalls

For the most part, the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower feels like a solid, well-built machine destined for years of service. The steel components feel robust, and the overall construction inspires confidence. However, a scan of user experiences reveals a pattern of potential quality control issues that cannot be ignored. Some users have reported significant problems developing after a short period of use, such as the reel beginning to jam and becoming exponentially harder to push. Others have had issues with the rear wheels falling off during operation or receiving units with improperly assembled parts or misaligned blades right out of the box.

These reports seem to represent a minority of experiences, but they are frequent enough to warrant caution. One user’s struggle to contact customer support via a non-functional website form is also concerning. While our test unit performed flawlessly, it’s clear that there is a “luck of the draw” element involved. We highly recommend performing a thorough inspection upon arrival. Check that all wheels are secure, spin the blades to ensure they move freely, and perform the “paper test” (ensuring the blades cleanly cut a sheet of paper along the entire cutting bar) to verify the factory blade alignment before you begin mowing. When it works as designed, it’s a fantastic machine, but be prepared to engage with customer service or the return process if you receive a faulty unit. You can check the latest price and availability here.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from numerous owners provides a clear and balanced picture of the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower. The praise is overwhelmingly focused on the quality of the cut. One user who switched from a high-end Honda rotary mower said, “Not only is the cut way better than my rotary push mower but I believe that the Fiscar only being 18 inches across enables me to keep a more grade cut.” Another who rehabbed their lawn called the cut “so good it was like I cut my lawn with scissors.” Many appreciate the quiet operation and the gentle workout it provides, transforming a chore into a more pleasant activity.

However, the negative feedback clusters around two main areas: performance on imperfect lawns and quality control. One owner stated plainly, “Doesn’t cut seed heads… Doesn’t cut grass that is laying down.” This reflects the inherent nature of reel mowers and is a crucial expectation to set. More concerning are the reliability complaints. An updated review dropped from 4 stars to 1, stating, “After using the mower for 2 months, it is jamming up today and getting caught.” Another user had a rear wheel that kept falling off and faced a “3 to 4 weeks” claims process time from customer service. These accounts highlight a potential gap between the mower’s excellent design and its manufacturing consistency.

How Does the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower Compare to the Alternatives?

While the Fiskars is a top contender in the manual reel category, the modern lawn care market offers compelling alternatives. Depending on your priorities—be it power, convenience, or budget—one of these competitors might be a better fit for your yard.

1. Greenworks 40V 20″ Brushless Push Mower 4.0Ah

If you love the idea of eco-friendly mowing but aren’t ready for a fully manual workout, the Greenworks 40V Push Mower is an excellent middle ground. It offers a slightly wider 20-inch cutting path and the effortless power of a 40V battery system. This model eliminates the pushing resistance you’d encounter with the Fiskars in thick grass, making it better for lawns that are dense or slightly overgrown. You lose the superior scissor-cut of a reel mower, but you gain the convenience of battery power and the suction of a rotary blade, which is better for vacuuming up leaves and dealing with weeds. It’s the choice for someone who wants a quiet, low-maintenance mower without the physical demands of a manual reel.

2. Scotts 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

For those with very small, simple lawns and a tighter budget, the Scotts 14-Inch Reel Mower is a classic, no-frills alternative. It’s significantly lighter and more compact than the Fiskars, making it incredibly easy to store and maneuver in tight spaces. Its 14-inch cutting width is narrow, meaning more passes are required, but for a small patch of grass, this is hardly a drawback. The cutting height adjustment is more limited, and it lacks the advanced InertiaDrive and StaySharp features of the Fiskars. This mower is best for homeowners who prioritize affordability and simplicity for a small, flat, and well-maintained lawn.

3. Greenworks 40V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower 5.0Ah

This Greenworks model represents the peak of convenience in the walk-behind category. It’s the ultimate upgrade for someone who finds the idea of pushing a mower—manual or otherwise—a chore. The self-propelled feature does all the work for you, making it ideal for large yards, steep hills, or anyone with mobility concerns. It combines a wide 21-inch cutting deck with a powerful 40V battery and the ease of self-propulsion. While it’s the most expensive of the alternatives and moves away from the simplicity of a reel mower, it offers the least physically demanding way to achieve a great-looking lawn without the noise and fumes of gas.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower Right for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower is a superb machine that largely lives up to its promises. It offers a truly exceptional quality of cut that promotes a healthier, greener lawn. Its innovative InertiaDrive and StaySharp systems make it one of the most powerful and low-maintenance manual mowers available. For the eco-conscious homeowner with a small-to-medium-sized lawn who enjoys quiet, contemplative yard work and a bit of exercise, this mower is an outstanding choice that can turn a dreaded chore into a satisfying ritual. It is, without a doubt, one of the best manual reel mowers on the market.

However, it is not a perfect product for every situation. Its effectiveness diminishes on unruly lawns with tall weeds or matted grass, and the recurring reports of quality control issues are a valid concern. If you have a very large or hilly yard, a self-propelled model may be a better investment. But if its strengths align with your needs, the Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower is an investment in a better lawn and a more peaceful mowing experience. If you’re ready to ditch the noise and fumes and embrace a superior cut, we highly recommend you find out more about this excellent manual mower today.