Push mower anyone?

[jgenie]

I'm thinking of getting a push mower to use on our very small lawn. I thought I might be able to cut the grass while we're outside playing. Are they safe to use when the kids are outside? Any recommendations on brands or models? TIA

[BabyMine]

We used a mode like this one. I would use the same precautions wether it's a push or not.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_317719-70-MM1800_4294857301_4294937087?productId=3191319&Ns=p_product_quantity_sold|0&pl=1&currentURL=/pl_Electric%2BPush%2BMowers_4294857301_4294937087_ ?Ns=p_product_quantity_sold|0

[caleymama]

I bought a Scotts 20-inch push reel lawn mower (http://www.amazon.com/Scotts-2000-20-20-Inch-Classic-Mower/dp/B00004RA3E) a couple of years ago. I ordered it from Amazon. I would say it does an okay job. Definitely not as good as our gas powered mower, but good enough for me. Both DH and I have used it extensively. We have a half acre, so it takes a while but it does well enough that I don't mind the extra time it takes. I love that the girls can be outside with me while I use it (although I do still have them keep some distance) and that I can carry on a conversation or hear them if they need me. We usually use the gas powered mower a few times a summer but do most of the cutting with the push mower.

[vejemom]

We had one when we lived in a townhouse. I liked it. It was quiet and you didn't reek of gas when you finished mowing. I found that the blades needed to be kept very sharp for it to push easily. I would assume it it is safe to use with the kids playing as long as they stay a few feet away. They don't throw up rocks/hard objects like a power mower would. But I found that if I had to push hard, it would sometimes "jump" a bit further than I anticipated before gaining purchase. Just be aware of that.

[KrisM]

I bought a Scotts 20-inch push reel lawn mower (http://www.amazon.com/Scotts-2000-20-20-Inch-Classic-Mower/dp/B00004RA3E) a couple of years ago. I ordered it from Amazon. I would say it does an okay job. Definitely not as good as our gas powered mower, but good enough for me. Both DH and I have used it extensively. We have a half acre, so it takes a while but it does well enough that I don't mind the extra time it takes. I love that the girls can be outside with me while I use it (although I do still have them keep some distance) and that I can carry on a conversation or hear them if they need me. We usually use the gas powered mower a few times a summer but do most of the cutting with the push mower.

I had that one, or an earlier model for years before I got married. I thought it worked very well until my lawn got fuller and then it was a bit more difficult to push. Keeping the blades sharp was key.

I do think it would be much easier to do with kids outside than a gas/electric mower.

[crl]

I used a reel mower and really liked it. It did not cut well if I let the grass get too long.

Catherine

[MommyAllison]

We have the Scotts Classic 20" and I really like it. I am able to use it while the kids are around, though I ask them to play in a part of the yard I'm not mowing just so I don't have to stop & restart constantly. I'm pretty sure DH would buy a traditional mower in a second if I agreed, but I really like that it doesn't take gas or expensive batteries. The workout is nice too. :)

[elliput]

We have a previous model of a Brill Reel Mower (http://www.ecomowers.com/Brill_Reel_Mowers_from_Germany_s/77.htm), and loved it for our lawn in Michigan. Unfortunately, the lawn we have now has lots of crab grass and the mower does not do well on it.

[Indianamom2]

The only thing I would suggest it so actually walk up and down your yard like you would mow. Check to see if there are any uphill/downhill areas, even if it doesn't look like it.

We didn't pay much attention to just how steep the slope of yard was...until we purchased a non-self-propelled push mower. We used that for a couple LONG years, then donated that mower to my BIL who purchased a house with a flat yard. Self-propelled helps if you're dealing with any kind of slope.

[katydid1971]

We have this mower http://www.amazon.com/Gilmour-RM30-20-Inch-Mower-Catcher/dp/B000RGZA8Y/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t We love it. Both DC play outside while the lawn is being mower. One thing with it being so quiet you can hear your DC while they play and know where they are plus the blades stop moving when the mower stops moving which also makes it safer.)