You’ll like the Great States 815-18 if you want a quiet, eco-friendly push mower that gives a precise, scissor-like cut. Its five-alloy-blade reel and 18-inch swath produce clean edges and healthy regrowth, but you’ll trade speed and power—it’s slower on tall or dense grass and best for small, flat lawns. It’s light, low-maintenance, and easy to adjust, though you’ll need to sharpen and check parts occasionally; keep going for setup, care, and buying tips.
Some Key Takeaways
- Five-alloy-blade reel provides a clean, scissor-like 18-inch cut ideal for healthy regrowth and neat edges.
- Quiet, lightweight (27 lb) push mower best suited for small, flat lawns up to about a quarter acre.
- Assembly is simple with no special tools; height adjusts 0.5–2.75 inches via a single lever.
- Performs well on regular lawns but slows on tall/thick grass; sharpening and blade maintenance are important.
- No bag or self-propel; eco-friendly and low-maintenance, but confirm warranty and compare prices before buying.
Quick Verdict: Is the Great States 815-18 Worth Buying?
While it won’t replace a ride-on for large yards, the Great States 815-18 is worth buying if you want a quiet, low-maintenance mower that delivers a precise, scissors-like cut on small to medium lawns. You’ll appreciate its light 27‑lb frame, five alloy blades, and simple height adjustment that suit tidy, health-focused lawns. Critically, it’s manual—so you trade speed for control and notable eco benefits: no gas, no emissions, minimal parts to maintain. Join others who value stewardship and simplicity; learn basic blade care and storage tips to keep it turning smoothly season after season. This model fits well with homeowners who regularly maintain their property and prefer push mowers for routine lawn care.
How the 5-Blade Reel Cuts: Real-World Mowing Performance
Feel the difference as the 5-blade reel slices through grass with a clean, scissor-like action rather than tearing it—each alloy blade mounted on the smooth four-spider reel shears turf against a fixed bed knife, producing a precise cut that promotes healthier regrowth and a neater lawn edge. You’ll notice consistent clipping across the 18-inch swath; blade geometry and tight tolerances minimize scalloping and missed strands. On dense or slightly damp lawns the grass shear action holds up, though heavy thatch or very tall stalks need slower pushes. You’ll appreciate the quiet, efficient rhythm and the sense of shared care for your lawn. Regular blade maintenance, including proper sharpening and alignment, keeps the reel performing at peak efficiency and extends blade life, which is essential for blade sharpeners.
Setup, Height Adjustment, and Everyday Maintenance
Getting the 815-18 ready is straightforward and won’t take long: unpack the parts, attach the loop-style handle with the provided fasteners, and snap the side plates and wheels into place following the clear illustrations—no special tools required. Use assembly tips like laying components on soft cloth and tightening fasteners sequentially to keep alignment. Adjust height with the simple lever to set 0.5–2.75 inches; test on a small patch. For daily care adopt cleaning routines—brush clippings, hose off debris, dry thoroughly. Check spring tension and reel bearings periodically. When needed, pursue blade sharpening or service to maintain crisp cuts. For homeowners, choosing the proper replacement blade is important for performance and safety; consider mower blade types when selecting parts.
Who Should Choose This 18-Inch Push Reel Mower?
If you want a low-maintenance, eco-friendly mower that delivers a precise, scissors-like cut on small to medium lawns, the Great States 815-18 is a strong choice; it’s best for homeowners with flat or gently rolling yards up to about a quarter acre who can push rather than rely on power assistance. You should choose it if you value lawn health, quiet operation, and a light 27-pound tool that’s easy to store. It’s ideal for small yards and eco enthusiasts who prefer manual tools, enjoy tending their space, and want reliable, low-fuss performance without engines or fuels. This mower fits well into collections of reel mowers favored by homeowners who care about their lawn.
Pros, Cons, and Where to Buy (Price, Warranty, Alternatives)
Since you’re already sold on a quiet, low-maintenance option for small, mostly flat lawns, here’s how the Great States 815-18 stacks up in practical terms: it delivers a precise, scissors-like cut with minimal upkeep thanks to its five-blade alloy reel and ball-bearing components, and its 27-pound frame with 10-inch wheels keeps it easy to push and store; however, you’ll trade raw speed and power for those benefits—thicker, overgrown turf or larger yards will slow you down, and there’s no self-propulsion or mulching bag included—so weigh the mower’s environmental and maintenance advantages against its limited cutting width and manual labor requirements before you buy. It’s also worth noting that using a protective cover can help extend the life of your mower by shielding it from weather and dust protective covers.
Pros: quiet, low-maintenance, precise cut, lightweight, eco-friendly.
Cons: limited to small lawns, slower on tall/thick grass, no bag or drive.
Where to buy: check price comparison across big-box stores and online alternative retailers, watch seasonal discounts, and confirm warranty details with Great States customer service before purchase.
Some Questions Answered
Can This Mower Handle Wet or Dewy Grass Effectively?
You can, but you’ll face limits with wet or dewy grass; blade clogging is more likely and you’ll need slower, careful passes to maintain mowing safety. You’ll want to wait for partial drying when possible, clear clumps between passes, and keep blades sharp and adjusted. That way you’re protecting your lawn and yourself, joining others who prefer thoughtful, eco-friendly mowing without risking slick slips or poor cuts.
Are Replacement Blades or Parts Readily Available?
Yes — you can find replacement blades and parts fairly easily. You’ll locate OEM and aftermarket blades through major retailers and specialty reel-mower shops, and spare housings are available though less common. You’ll want to match model 815-18 specs (5-blade, alloy steel) and check ball-bearing fit. Shop community forums and local dealers for faster sourcing, and keep receipts to use the manufacturer warranty or ask for parts swaps.
Is the Mower Suitable for Tall or Coarse Grass?
No — you’ll struggle with tall or coarse grass. This manual reel isn’t built like a high torque motor mower; it relies on your push and blade tip speed to shear cleanly. For thin, regularly mown lawns it excels, but heavy, fibrous grass will bog the reel, clogging blades and requiring multiple passes. If you want community-minded, low-impact care, stick to frequent mowing or choose a more powerful mower for tough growth.
How Noisy Is It Compared to Electric or Gas Mowers?
Very quiet — you’ll hear only the reel snip and wheel hum, far less than battery noise from electric mowers or the roar of gas engines. That low sound boosts user comfort and makes mowing social and unintrusive. You’ll notice subtler feedback, so you’ll feel connected to the lawn without distraction. For neighbors and evening chores, its whisper-quiet operation helps you belong to a considerate, eco-friendly mowing community.
Can One Person Easily Transport It in a Car Trunk?
Yes — you can easily lift and load it solo. At 27 pounds with good weight distribution the mower feels light; the folding handle reduces length for trunk fit and makes handling simpler. You’ll still want to tilt it onto its wheels and guide it to avoid scraping blades. It’s compact and friendly for one person, but practice the lift and secure it so you and your car both feel cared for.
