Yardworks Reel Lawn Mower

by Erin English
(Quesnel, BC, Canada)

This year, in an effort to become environmentally friendly while still maintaining a beautiful lawn, I purchased a Yardworks Reel Lawn Mower from Canadian Tire. The great thing about the Yardworks mower is that it cuts as beautifully as a gas-powered mower, but without the gas and without the hassle of an extension cord. The Yardworks Reel Lawn Mower is completely human-powered, and it's very easy to use.

Just like the lawnmowers you may see on a rerun episode of "The Flintstones", the Yardworks mower has a spinning reel where the cutting blades are located. As you push it forward, the reel spins, cutting the grass smoothly and evenly. This hand-powered mower is lighter and more easily managed than the more typical motor-powered mower, and it's quiet! I can cut my lawn early in the morning or late into the evening without disturbing my neighbors.

The downside to the Yardworks Reel Lawn Mower (and there is only this one that I have found) is that it does not work well in long grass. Where a motor-powered power might need several passes to get over a section of long grass, the Yardworks mower will not cut it at all. However, a weekly mowing is generally frequent enough to keep the lawn manageable, and let's face it, if you want a nice lawn you have to keep on top of it - no matter what mower you use.

Overall, the benefits of the Yardworks mower far outweigh it's disadvantage. It's clean, quiet, easy to use, and affordable - and you can operate it even if you forgot to pick up a jerry can of gas before you came home from work!