Scotts 20-Inch Reel Mower and Its Smaller Siblings Compared

Best for
Medium lawns finished in fewer passes

The Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel mower is the classic wide model. Its 20-inch cutting width is the largest in the range, riding on 10-inch dual tracking wheels with a 5-blade ball bearing reel. A quick-snap adjustment sets the cutting height anywhere from 1 to 3 inches, and the heat-treated alloy steel blades are built to stay sharp longer.

The ergonomic handle has a cushioned grip and assembly is tool-less. It is made by American Lawn Mower Company under the Scotts name. Like every reel mower, it snips grass like scissors instead of tearing it the way a rotary blade does, which Scotts says leaves the grass healthier and less open to disease. There is no engine to start, no fuel to store and no oil to change, so maintenance comes down to keeping the blades sharp.

The trade-offs are weight and blade count. At 26.9 pounds it is the heaviest mower here, and five blades means fewer cuts per wheel turn than a 7-blade reel, which can matter on dense fine turf. For a medium lawn of taller grass, though, the width is what saves you time. If you have outgrown push mowers altogether, a cordless 21-inch push mower is the next step.

• 20-inch cutting width
• 5-blade ball bearing reel
• Quick-snap 1-3 inch height
• 10-inch dual tracking wheels

Best for
Clean cut with clippings collected

The Scotts 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Manual Reel listing is a bundle: the Scotts 18-inch 7-blade mower plus an American Lawn Mower Company GC91820 grass catcher. The mower has an 18-inch cutting width, a 7-blade ball bearing reel, 10-inch dual tracking wheels and heat-treated alloy steel blades.

The catcher fits 18-inch and 20-inch American Lawn Mower reel models and uses a belt with a quick-release clutch, a rot-resistant polyester bag and a heavy-duty wire frame. The listing’s feature text says cutting height adjusts from 1 to 3 inches, while the specification field says a maximum of 3 centimeters with three positions; go by the inch figure in the features and confirm on the product page. The listing does not give a weight.

This is the pick if you want the cleaner finish of seven blades and do not want clippings on the lawn or tracked into the house. If you prefer to mulch, the 716-18S is the same size without the bag. For leaves and debris on top of clippings, a lawn sweeper handles cleanup.

Best for
Fine turf and a finer finish

The Scotts 716-18S 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel mower is the standalone 18-inch 7-blade model in green. It has an 18-inch width, 7-blade ball bearing reel, 10-inch dual tracking wheels, 1-3 inch cutting height and heat-treated alloy steel blades. The handle has a cushioned grip, and Scotts describes it as easy to assemble and maneuverable.

At 25.6 pounds it is only slightly lighter than the 20-inch model, and it measures about 42 by 24 by 31 inches. What you gain is seven blades: more cuts per wheel rotation, which generally produces a finer, more even finish on thin-bladed grass.

It suits owners of fine turf who want the best finish without a bag. It gives way to the 2000-20S if speed matters more, and to the bundle above if you want clippings collected.

Best for
Small to medium fine-grass lawns

The Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2607-16S 16-Inch mower keeps the 7-blade reel in a 16-inch width. Scotts calls it ideal for small to medium lawns and fine to medium turf grasses such as Bermuda, zoysia, ryegrass and fescue. It has a padded U-handle for comfort and control, and weighs 23 pounds.

The listing does not specify the cutting height range or wheel size, which are important details on a reel mower, so check the product page before buying. The brand field lists Great States with American Lawn Mower Company as the manufacturer.

This is a good fit for a compact suburban lawn of warm-season grass, where the narrower path makes it easy to work around beds and trees. It gives way to the 18-inch models if you want the documented 1-3 inch height range.

Best for
Tiny yards and short turf

The Scotts 304-14S 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel mower is the smallest and lightest at 18.1 pounds. It has a 14-inch cutting width, a 5-blade ball bearing reel, 8.5-inch composite wheels and a T-style handle with a cushioned grip. Assembly is tool-less and it carries a 90-day limited warranty.

Its cutting height runs from 0.5 to 1.75 inches, the lowest range in this list. That suits short, fine turf but not grass you like to keep tall; anything above 1.75 inches needs one of the bigger models.

Pick it for a tiny yard, a townhouse patch or a strip beside the driveway where storage space is tight. It hangs on a garage wall more easily than any of the larger mowers.