Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, 18-Inch, 5-Blade, Grey Review

Overview

The Great States 815-18 is a classic 18-inch, 5-blade push reel mower that strips lawn care back to its simple, quiet, and emission-free roots. Designed for homeowners with small to medium-sized, relatively flat lawns who want a reliable, low-maintenance cutting tool without the noise, fumes, or fuel costs of a gas mower, this is a budget-friendly entry point into manual mowing. It’s best suited for those who value a tidy, scissor-like cut over speed and are willing to engage physically with their yard work.

Who Should Buy This

• Homeowners with 1/4 acre or smaller, level lawns: If your yard is under about 3,000 square feet and doesn’t feature steep hills or thick, overgrown patches, this mower will handle the job efficiently without leaving you exhausted.
• Eco-conscious users who hate gas and noise: If you want to eliminate fuel cans, oil changes, and earplugs from your Saturday routine, this reel mower offers a completely silent, zero-emission cut that won’t disturb neighbors.
• Budget-minded buyers seeking a low-cost, long-term tool: At $116, this is one of the most affordable mowers available. It has no engine parts to fail, no spark plugs to replace, and minimal maintenance—just occasional blade sharpening.
• Gardners who want a cleaner, healthier cut: Reel mowers slice grass like scissors, unlike rotary mowers that tear it. This results in less browning at the blade tips and a healthier lawn overall, ideal for those who take pride in turf quality.

Key Features Breakdown

• 18-inch cutting width: This is a narrow deck by modern standards, which means you’ll make more passes than with a 21-inch mower. However, it also makes the mower lighter, easier to push, and better for navigating tight spaces, flower beds, and small gates. For a lawn under 2,000 square feet, this width is a sweet spot.
• 5-blade reel: The five hardened steel blades spin at a high gear ratio, delivering a dense, fine cut. More blades generally mean a cleaner clip, but they also require more effort to push through thick grass. This is a good balance for typical turf.
• Heat-treated alloy steel frame: The frame is built to withstand years of use without warping or rusting through, especially if stored properly. It’s not the lightest material, but it adds durability that cheap plastic frames lack.
• Ball bearing wheels: Smooth-rolling wheels reduce pushing resistance on flat ground. Ball bearings are a step up from simple bushings and help the mower glide rather than drag, especially on longer grass.
• Adjustable cutting height: You can set the cut between 1 and 2.5 inches via a simple lever system. This range works well for cool-season grasses like fescue and ryegrass but won’t handle the taller cuts some warm-season grasses prefer (like Bermuda at 3 inches).
• No engine, no fuel, no cords: The most obvious feature is what’s missing. This is purely mechanical—you push, it cuts. There’s zero maintenance beyond cleaning and sharpening, and no operating costs.

Pros

• Silent operation: You can mow at dawn without waking anyone. The only sound is the blades slicing grass and the wheels turning—peaceful and neighbor-friendly.
• Extremely low maintenance: No oil changes, no air filters, no spark plugs. Just keep the blades sharp and the wheels clear. It’s the most reliable mower you’ll ever own because there’s almost nothing to break.
• Environmentally guilt-free: No emissions, no fuel spills, no plastic gas cans to dispose of. It’s the greenest way to cut a lawn, both literally and figuratively.
• Safe for kids and pets: The blades stop instantly when you stop pushing. There’s no spinning metal waiting to fling rocks or hurt a curious toddler or dog.
• Great exercise: You’ll burn 200-300 calories per mowing session while getting fresh air. It turns a chore into a light workout without needing a gym membership.
• Crisp, clean cut: Grass is sliced, not torn, which means less disease and browning. Your lawn will look healthier and more manicured than with a gas rotary mower.

Cons

• Struggles with tall or wet grass: If you let the lawn get over 4 inches tall, or try to mow after rain, the reel will clog and skip. You must mow frequently and only when grass is dry—this isn’t a mower for neglectful schedules.
• No grass collection bag: This model is a side-discharge design (no bag included). Clippings are left on the lawn (which is fine for mulching), but if you want a clean, bagged finish, you’ll need to rake or buy an aftermarket catcher.
• Limited height adjustment range: The maximum cut height of 2.5 inches is too low for some warm-season grasses (like St. Augustine or Zoysia) that prefer 3-4 inches. This mower is best for cool-season lawns.
• Requires physical effort on hills: On any significant slope, you’ll need to push harder to keep the reel spinning. It’s not impossible, but it’s noticeably more work than a self-propelled gas mower.

Bottom Line

The Great States 815-18 is a no-frills, honest reel mower that delivers exactly what it promises: a quiet, clean cut for small, flat lawns. It’s not a tool for overgrown fields or lazy maintenance schedules—you have to keep up with your grass and accept a bit of physical work. But for the price, durability, and simplicity, it’s an excellent value for budget-conscious, eco-minded homeowners who want a healthy lawn without the hassle of gas. If your yard is under a quarter acre and your grass is well-behaved, I recommend it without reservation. If you have a larger lot or thick, tall grass, look for a wider or self-propelled reel mower instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this mower come fully assembled?
A: It requires some assembly—usually attaching the handle and wheels. The process is straightforward with basic tools (a wrench and screwdriver), and most people finish in 15-20 minutes. Instructions are clear, and no special skills are needed.

Q: Can I use this on Bermuda or St. Augustine grass?
A: It works on Bermuda if you keep it cut short (under 2 inches), but it’s not ideal for St. Augustine, which needs a higher cut (3-4 inches). The maximum height of 2.5 inches is too low for St. Augustine’s health. It’s best for fescue, ryegrass, or Kentucky bluegrass.

Q: How often do I need to sharpen the blades?
A: With normal use on a typical lawn, you’ll