Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push vs Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 716-18S 18-In
Quick Verdict
The Great States 815-18 wins for value and lighter cutting, while the Scotts 716-18S edges ahead for finer grass clipping and slightly better build quality. Neither is dramatically superior; your choice depends on how often you mow and your budget.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | Great States 815-18 | Scotts 716-18S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $116.00 | $142.89 |
| Blades | 5 | 7 |
| Cut Width | 18 inches | 18 inches |
| Best Yard Size | Small to medium (up to ¼ acre) | Small to medium (up to ¼ acre) |
| Ideal Grass Height | 2–4 inches | 1.5–3 inches |
Both are manual reel mowers with 18-inch cutting swaths, suited for flat, unobstructed lawns. The key difference is blade count: 5 vs. 7.
Where Great States Wins
Lower price. The Great States costs about $27 less, making it the better choice if you’re on a tight budget or want a backup mower.
Lighter push effort. With 5 blades, this mower has less resistance per revolution. It rolls more easily through tall or slightly damp grass, and requires less force on each push. For uneven terrain or longer grass, this reduces fatigue.
Better for occasional mowing. If you let grass grow to 4–5 inches between cuts, the 5-blade design clogs less and handles thicker stems without stalling. The wider blade spacing gives grass more room to be captured and cut.
Stronger customer rating. 4.3 stars from over 9,200 reviews indicates consistent satisfaction, particularly for price and ease of use.
Lighter overall weight. The simpler frame and fewer blades make it easier to lift, carry, and maneuver around flower beds or garden edges.
Where Scotts Wins
Finer cut quality. The 7-blade design makes more cuts per wheel revolution, producing smaller clippings that decompose faster and leave a cleaner lawn appearance. For fescue or bluegrass that you keep short (1.5–2.5 inches), the Scotts delivers a noticeably smoother finish.
Better for frequent mowing. If you cut every 3–4 days, the extra blades shear grass cleanly without tearing. This reduces browning tips and promotes denser turf.
More durable reel assembly. Scotts uses a heavier steel frame and sealed bearings in the reel, which typically last longer than Great States’ bushing design. For heavy use over several seasons, the Scotts holds alignment better.
Wider adjustment range. The Scotts offers more cutting height settings (typically 1–2.75 inches vs. Great States’ 1–2.5 inches), giving finer control for different grass types and seasons.
Which Should You Buy
Choose the Great States 815-18 if:
- You want the lowest cost for a reliable manual mower
- Your lawn has uneven spots or you sometimes let grass get tall
- You prefer a lighter, easier-to-push mower
- You mow less than once a week
Choose the Scotts 716-18S if:
- You mow frequently and want the most manicured finish
- Your grass is kept short (under 3 inches)
- You plan to use the mower for several years and want a sturdier build
- You don’t mind paying extra for finer clippings and more adjustments
Both mowers are good for small, flat lawns. The Great States offers better value for casual use; the Scotts justifies its higher price with a better cut and longer service life for regular mowing.