High gas prices and carbon footprint aversion have recently boosted interest and sales of modern reel lawn mowers. They're quiet, green, and provide a killer workout.
Not so long ago, specifically the first time I mowed my lawn this spring, I had lawnmower woes. The chassis had rotted out from rust. I repaired it with steel mending plates and went on about my business.
The problem is that the next time I tried to use it, a week later, it fell apart at another spot. The motor is pristine but the body is shot. Oh well, time for a new lawn mower. This time I decided to go a different route. I ordered a reel lawn mower.
I'm not sure where I stumbled onto this (perhaps when my editor mentioned it a while back), but after some research, I decided to give it a shot. The model I ordered, the German Brill Razorcut 38, ain't cheap, but it dosn't use any gas either. And they claim the blades stay sharp for up to eight years. Heck, my Leatherman can't even do that!
All the hype leads me to believe that this modern version of grandpa's contraption is the bee's knees and the cat's pajamas, as grandpa would have said. Sealed bearings, ninja-grade steel blades, and ergonomic grips! (Can I get that in florescent?)
I read a lot of customer reviews online but I don't put too much credence in them. Nobody was on the fence. On the one hand they seemed to be environmental activists (love it no matter what), and on the other hand, complainers about too much work (most likely the typical obese American that wants an air-conditioned bubble around the mower).
So I guess I'll just have to make up my own mind. Rotary mowers VS reel mowers. I'll be in touch.
