5 Blade Vs 7 Blade Reel Mower

Imagine you are a skilled barber, tasked with giving a customer the perfect haircut. You carefully select your tools, making sure each one is sharp and precise. 

As you begin to work, you realize that the number of blades on your scissors can greatly impact the outcome of the haircut. This same principle applies when choosing between a 5 blade and 7 blade reel mower for your lawn.

Reel mowers are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those looking for an eco-friendly and low-maintenance way to keep their lawns trimmed. However, with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which type of reel mower is best for your specific needs. 

The number of blades on a reel mower is one factor that can greatly impact the overall performance of the mower, and understanding the differences between a 5 blade and 7 blade reel mower is crucial when making a decision.

Brief Overview of Reel Mowers

If you’re looking for a lawn mower that provides a clean, precise cut without the noise and emissions of a gas-powered machine, then a reel mower might just be your new best friend. Reel mowers use a series of blades that spin against a fixed cutting bar, slicing the grass cleanly and evenly.

One of the main benefits of reel mowers is their ability to provide a precise cut, leaving your lawn looking neat and well-groomed. However, reel mowers do have some disadvantages compared to gas mowers. They require more physical effort to push and can struggle with taller or thicker grass.

Additionally, reel mowers may need more frequent sharpening to maintain their cutting efficiency. From an environmental standpoint, reel mowers are a much greener option as they produce no emissions and require no gasoline.

They are also much quieter than gas mowers, making them a great option for those who live in noise-sensitive areas.

5 Blade Reel Mowers

You may be surprised to learn that manual push mowers require up to 60% less energy to operate than gas-powered mowers, according to a study by the EPA. That’s not the only benefit of using reel mowers.

Here are some additional advantages:

• Reel mowers are environmentally friendly, producing zero emissions and reducing noise pollution.
• They provide a clean, precise cut, leaving your lawn looking well-manicured.
• Reel mowers are easy to maneuver and operate, making them ideal for small lawns or tight spaces.
• They are low maintenance and cost-effective, requiring only occasional sharpening and oiling.

To keep your reel mower in top condition, here are some maintenance tips to follow:

• Sharpen the blades at least once a year for optimal cutting performance.
•  Clean the blades and undercarriage after each use to prevent buildup of grass clippings and debris.
• Keep the blades oiled to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
•  Store your reel mower in a dry place to prevent corrosion and damage.

7 Blade Reel Mowers

If you’re looking for a precise cut, blade reel mowers with smaller blades may be the perfect choice for you. These mowers are ideal for well-manicured lawns, as they can give you a clean, precise cut that is hard to achieve with other types of mowers.

However, it’s important to note that using a blade reel mower requires more effort than other mowers, so be prepared to put in some extra elbow grease.

Smaller Blades for a Precise Cut

Employing smaller blades enhances the precision of the cut on a reel mower. With a smaller blade, the mower can make more cuts per inch, resulting in a more even and precise cut.

Precision cutting is especially important for maintaining a healthy lawn, as it helps prevent damage and disease. When comparing blade sizes, it’s important to consider the type of grass being cut.

For example, finer blades may be more suitable for cutting Bermuda grass, while thicker blades may be better for cutting fescue.

Additionally, smaller blades may require more frequent sharpening to maintain their precision cutting ability. However, the benefits of a more precise cut can outweigh the maintenance requirements.

Ideal for Well-Manicured Lawns

For a lawn that looks perfectly groomed, nothing beats the precision of using smaller blades on your reel mower. The benefits of a well-manicured lawn are endless. It increases your home’s curb appeal, enhances the natural beauty of your surroundings, and even adds value to your property.

Using a reel mower with smaller blades ensures a cleaner cut, leaving your lawn looking lush and healthy. Here are a few reasons why using a reel mower with smaller blades is ideal for a well-manicured lawn:

1. Smaller blades create more cuts per inch, resulting in a finer, more precise cut.
2. A reel mower with smaller blades is lighter, making it easier to maneuver around tight corners and obstacles.
3. Smaller blades require less power to operate, making them more environmentally friendly than gas-powered mowers.
4. Compared to other types of mowers, reel mowers with smaller blades are quieter, reducing noise pollution in your neighborhood.

More Effort Required

Using a push mower, while more old-fashioned, may require a bit more sweat equity, but it can also provide a sense of satisfaction and nostalgia for the simpler times of yesteryear. 

However, it’s important to keep in mind that using a blade reel mower does require more effort than a 7 blade reel mower. 

This is because the blade reel mower has fewer blades, which means that it takes more passes to get the job done. This can lead to physical strain and fatigue, especially if you have a larger lawn.

But, there are ways to reduce the effort required when using a blade reel mower. One way is to ensure that the blades are sharp and properly adjusted. 

This will make it easier to cut through the grass and reduce the number of passes needed. Another way is to be mindful of your posture and technique when pushing the mower. 

By keeping your back straight and using your legs to push, you can reduce the strain on your back and arms. While it may take a bit more effort to use a blade reel mower, with proper maintenance and technique, you can still achieve a well-manicured lawn without putting too much strain on your body.

Cutting Height

Adjusting the cutting height on a blade or 7 blade reel mower can greatly affect the final appearance of the lawn. Cutting precision is important because if the grass is cut too short, it can damage the roots and make the lawn more susceptible to disease and pests.

On the other hand, if the grass is not cut short enough, it can appear uneven and unkempt. To achieve the correct cutting height, it’s important to consider the type of grass and its growth pattern.

Here are some tips to help you adjust the cutting height on your mower:

• For warm-season grasses like Bermuda or zoysia, keep the cutting height at around 1-2 inches during the growing season.
• For cool-season grasses like fescue or bluegrass, keep the cutting height at around 2-3 inches.
• If you’re not sure about the correct cutting height for your lawn, start with a higher setting and gradually lower it until you achieve the desired appearance.

Lawn Type

Identifying the type of lawn you have is crucial in maintaining its health and appearance. Different types of grass have different maintenance requirements and suit different mowers. 

For instance, a Bermuda or Zoysia lawn will need a lower cutting height compared to a St. Augustine lawn. A reel mower with a 7-blade reel is more suitable for Bermuda and Zoysia lawns because it can cut at a lower height and maintain the health of the lawn.

On the other hand, a blade mower is more suitable for St. Augustine lawns because it can handle the thicker and coarser blades of this type of grass. Additionally, a blade mower can handle uneven terrain and longer grasses better than a reel mower. 

Before choosing a mower, it’s important to consider the maintenance requirements of your lawn. Bermuda lawns, for example, require regular mowing and fertilizing to maintain their health and appearance.

Cost

When considering the cost of a lawn mower, it’s important to weigh the price differences between a 5 and 7 blade mower.

While a 7 blade mower may cost more upfront, it may be more cost-effective in the long run due to its ability to produce a finer cut that requires less maintenance and repair.

It’s important to factor in both the initial cost and long-term maintenance costs when making a decision on which type of mower to purchase.

Price Differences between 5 and 7 Blade Mowers

Compared to 5 blade mowers, 7 blade mowers typically come with a higher price tag. The cost comparison between these two types of reel mowers often raises questions about whether the performance differences justify the price difference.

While 5 blade mowers are more affordable, 7 blade mowers offer a finer cut and more precision, making them ideal for golf courses, sports fields, and other areas where a manicured appearance is important.

The price differences between 5 and 7 blade mowers vary depending on the brand and model. However, on average, a 7 blade mower can cost 20-30% more than a 5 blade mower. This price difference may seem significant, but it’s important to consider the long-term benefits of a 7 blade mower.

With its finer cut and precision, it can provide better turf health and reduce the need for frequent mowing. 

Long-Term Costs of Maintenance and Repair

When comparing blade vs 7 blade reel mowers, it’s important to consider the long-term durability and maintenance costs. While a 7 blade reel mower may have a higher upfront cost, it may ultimately save you money in the long run due to its durability and efficiency.

In terms of maintenance costs, a 7 blade reel mower may require less frequent sharpening of blades due to the additional blades distributing the wear and tear more evenly. However, when maintenance or repairs are necessary, the cost may be higher due to the additional blades and complexity of the machinery.

It’s important to weigh the long-term maintenance costs against the performance comparison and efficiency between the blade and 7 blade reel mowers to determine which option is the most cost-effective for your needs.

Noise Level

It’s important to consider the noise level when choosing between 5 and 7 blade mowers. A 7 blade reel mower is generally quieter than a 5 blade model, which can make a big difference for both your neighbors and the environment.

By opting for a quieter mower, you can reduce noise pollution and be a good neighbor, while also enjoying a more peaceful mowing experience.

Differences in Noise Level between 5 and 7 Blade Mowers

You’ll be amazed at how much quieter the 7 blade reel mower is compared to the 5 blade version. The differences in noise level between these two mowers are significant, and it’s all thanks to the extra blades on the 7 blade model.

Here are some reasons why the 7 blade reel mower is quieter:

• The extra blades help to distribute the load more evenly, reducing the amount of noise generated by each blade.
• The blades are also spaced closer together, which means that they don’t have to work as hard to cut the grass. This results in less noise and a smoother cut.
• The blades on the 7 blade reel mower are typically made from a higher quality steel, which means that they are less likely to vibrate and create noise.

Impact on Neighbors and Environment

The 7 blade mower isn’t just quieter, it also has a significant impact on both your neighbors and the environment.

It’s no secret that lawn mower noise can cause tension between neighbors. A loud mower can disrupt the peace and quiet of your neighborhood, causing annoyance and frustration for those around you. 

By using a 7 blade reel mower, you can significantly reduce the noise level and improve your relationship with your neighbors.

This can lead to a more harmonious living environment and a greater sense of community.

In addition to improving neighbor relations, using a 7 blade reel mower can also have a positive impact on the environment. Traditional gas-powered mowers emit harmful pollutants into the air, contributing to air pollution and climate change.

User Experience

Experience the difference in the cut quality with a 7 blade reel mower compared to a blade mower. The user experience is vastly different with these two types of mowers. 

The 7 blade reel mower offers a precise cut that leaves your lawn looking like a golf course. The blades are adjustable, allowing you to cut the grass at your desired height. 

Maneuverability is also a key factor with the 7 blade reel mower. Its lightweight design allows you to easily navigate around obstacles in your yard and turn sharply without damaging your grass.

To further illustrate the difference in user experience between the two mowers, take a look at the following table:

As you can see, there are clear advantages to using a 7 blade reel mower over a blade mower. Not only does it provide a superior cut quality, but it is also easier to use and quieter. 

Final Decision

It’s important to consider several factors when choosing a 5 or 7 blade mower. These include the type of grass you have, the size of your lawn, and your personal preferences.

Factors to Consider when Choosing between 5 and 7 Blade Mowers

You’ll want to think about what type of grass you have in your yard before deciding on a 5 or 7 blade mower. Different grasses have different needs when it comes to mowing. 

For example, thicker and tougher grasses such as Bermuda and Zoysia will require a mower with more blades to ensure a clean cut. On the other hand, if you have a more delicate grass such as Kentucky Bluegrass, a 5 blade mower may be sufficient.

To help you decide between a 5 and 7 blade mower, take a look at the table below. This table outlines the key differences between the two types of mowers in terms of blade durability and ease of use. 

Keep in mind that while a 7 blade mower may offer a more precise cut, it may also require more maintenance and may be more difficult to maneuver. 

Which Mower is Right for You?

Deciding on the perfect mower for your lawn can be as simple as picturing your dream yard and choosing the tool that will make that vision a reality.

To decide which mower is right for you, weigh the pros and cons of a blade and a 7 blade reel mower and compare their performance.

A blade mower is an excellent option for those with smaller lawns. It’s affordable, easy to use, and gets the job done quickly. However, it’s not as precise as a 7 blade reel mower, which is better suited for those with larger lawns who want a more manicured look.

While a 7 blade reel mower requires more maintenance, it provides a cleaner cut and is better for maintaining a perfectly even lawn.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do reel mowers compare to gas-powered mowers in terms of cutting power?

The cutting power of electric and gas-powered mowers is usually better than manual reel mowers. 

However, reel mowers are more environmentally friendly and efficient. Robotic mowers are also an option for those who want convenience.

Can reel mowers be used on uneven terrain or do they require a perfectly level lawn?

Did you know that reel mowers can be used on uneven terrain? They offer several benefits to the environment, such as producing zero emissions and requiring no gas or electricity. 

However, pros and cons exist for small yards, including the need for more frequent mowing.

Are reel mowers difficult to maintain or require any special care?

Maintaining a reel mower is easy with regular cleaning, sharpening the blades, and adjusting the reel and bed knife. 

The benefits of reel mowers for the environment and cost effectiveness compared to gas powered mowers make it a great choice for lawn care.

What are some common mistakes people make when using reel mowers?

Common mistakes people make when using reel mowers include improper technique, such as mowing too quickly or not adjusting the blades properly. 

Proper technique involves maintaining a consistent mowing speed and making frequent height adjustments to ensure an even cut.

Can reel mowers be used for commercial landscaping or are they strictly for residential use?

Reel mowers can be used for commercial landscaping, but their commercial viability depends on the size of the property and frequency of use. 

Maintenance costs can be higher than gas mowers due to blade sharpening and adjustment.

Verdict

So, which is better: a 5 blade or 7 blade reel mower? It ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

If you have a thick, lush lawn and want a precise, manicured cut, a 7 blade reel mower may be the way to go. However, if you have a smaller lawn and want a more affordable option with less noise, a 5 blade reel mower may be the better choice.

With their quiet operation, lack of emissions, and ability to promote a healthier lawn, it’s no wonder more and more people are choosing reel mowers over gas-powered alternatives.

Ultimately, both 5 blade and 7 blade reel mowers have their advantages and disadvantages. Consider your lawn type, cutting height preferences, budget, and user experience when making your decision.