Mowing flat land, and mowing ditches is not the same thing. The uneven and steep banks make it challenging to maneuver the mower. This is why it is important to choose the right one that is lightweight and easy to handle.
So you can safely and efficiently move around the ditch without putting yourself in danger. Several options on the market may seem suitable for this job, but selecting the best mower for ditches requires a thorough evaluation.
We will explore the features of various mowers that you can use for this purpose. You will also get some guidance regarding selecting the most suitable option.
American Lawn Mower Company 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Strong lightweight reel mower with a noise-free and low-maintenance design
● Power Source: Manual, Self-propelled
● Material: Alloy Steel, Polymer
● Cutting Width: 14 Inches
● Adjustable Cutting Height: 0.5-1.75 inch
● Blade Count: 4
● Weight: 19 pounds
● Noise-free, Low maintenance
Fiskars 18 Inch Staysharp Max Reel Mower
Sharp and reliable mower with grass chute and one-touch height adjustment
● Power Source: Manual, Self-propelled
● Material: Steel, Plastic
● Cutting Width: 18 Inch
● Adjustable Cutting Height: 1-4 Inch
● Blade Count: 4
● Weight: 51.7 Pounds
● StaySharp cutting system
Great States Scotts 14 In. 5-blade Reel Mower
Lightweight reel mower with cushion-gripped T-style handle
● Power Source: Manual, Self-propelled
● Material: Alloy Steel
● Cutting Width: 14 Inches
● Adjustable Cutting Height: 1″-1.75″
● Blade Count: 5
● Weight: 18.08 Pounds
● Durable heat-treated alloy steel blades
What Type of Mower Is Best for Ditches?
While many different types of mowers can be used to mow ditches. Among them, the push reel mower is the best for ditch mowing.
The main reason for this is that the push reel mower is lightweight, which makes it easy to maneuver around hilly terrain ditches. Due to the uneven terrain of the ditch, the lightweight mower makes it easier to push it along.
Other types of lawn mowers, such as the riding mower, sickle mower, or zero-turn mowers, are heavy-weighted and more likely to tip over on uneven, steep hill banks.
You may be in a dangerous position due to this. Using a push reel mower, you are in control, so there is less risk of injury or accident.
The adjustable blade height on a reel mower also makes it a good choice for ditch mowing. You can adjust the blade height to cut the grass to the desired length and avoid scalping.
A reel mower is also eco-friendly. It produces no emissions and unusual noise that could disturb neighbors. On the other hand, motorized and electric lawn mowers can produce a lot of noise and pollution.
Motorized and electric mowers aren’t as light as push-reel lawn mowers and are more likely to deteriorate the engine and blade because of uneven surfaces.
Reviews of the Top 5 Lawn Mowers for Ditches
There are a few important reasons why it’s essential to read product reviews before purchasing a mower for the ditch.
The first reason is that you can get an idea of how the mower performs and what types of features it has. This can help you decide if the mower is right for your needs.
It is helpful to read reviews to obtain an understanding of the quality of the mower. Reading reviews can help you save money. If there are any problems with the mower, you’ll know about them before purchasing it.
This can help you avoid buying a defective product or one that doesn’t meet your needs. The following are reviews of five lawn mowers for ditches.
1. American Lawn Mower Company 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
You can easily and quickly mow your steep ditches with this reliable push-reel lawn mower. The sleek design makes it easy to maneuver, and there’s less chance of tipping.
● Power Source: Self-propelled
● Material: Alloy Steel, Polymer
● Color: Red
● Item Weight: 20 Pounds
● Cutting Width: 14 Inches
● Operation Mode: Manual
● Product Dimensions: 24″D x 20″W x 42.5″H
Key Features at a Glance:
- Lightweight at only 19 pounds
- Durable heat-treated alloy steel & polymer construction
- 14-inch cutting width
- 0.5 to 1.75-inch adjustable blade height
- Pollution and noise-free
- Up to 4 inches tall cutting capacity
Reasons That May Attract You:
Durable Construction: It’s built well. The alloy steel and polymer materials make this lawn mower strong and reliable. When you take care of it, this mower will last the longest.
Lightweight and Maneuverable: The lightweight and maneuverability of the American Lawn Mower Company push reel lawn mower make it easy to use.
It only weighs 19 pounds, so it is easy to move around. The compact size also makes it easy to store. Its 8.5-inch polymer wheels provide easy maneuverability and smooth rolling.
Good Cutting Width: The ability to the wide cutting width of this lawn mower is a great feature. This lawn mower is able to cut a 14-inch wide path with ease. This gives you full coverage of your yard or lawn and is great for getting a clean cut.
Adjustable Blade Height: This push mower features you to customize the height of the blade to your needs. You can adjust the height of the blade from 0.5 to 1.75 inches.
Whether you are cutting grass that is up to 4 inches tall or shorter, this lawn mower can handle the job. The scissor action cut ensures a clean and even cut every time, so your lawn will look great.
Sharp Four Blades Reel: The four blades reel is made of heat-treated alloy steel to ensure a sharp cut every time. The blades stay sharp for a long time, so you don’t have to worry about sharpening them too often.
Noise-free and Low Maintenance: Choosing this 4-blade push reel lawn mower can be a wise choice as it is an environment-friendly alternative to gas-powered models. It does not produce any noise or air pollution and requires minimal maintenance.
Positive Aspects:
- Lightweight at only 19 pounds for easy maneuverability
- Adjustable blade height of 0.5”-1.75” with scissor action cut
- Heat-treated alloy steel reel stays sharp for a long time
- Noise-free & pollution-free operation for an eco-friendly option
- Low maintenance and easy to use
- Can cut grass up to 4 inches tall for an excellent finish
Limitation:
- Long-term use may jam the wheels, but simple cleaning and lubrication can fix it
2. Fiskars 18 Inch Staysharp Max Reel Mower
This product from Fiskars is a high-quality lawn mower with easy-to-use controls. It is equipped with advanced technologies that provide superior cutting performance and ergonomic features that make it more comfortable and user-friendly.
● Power Source: Manual, Self-propelled
● Material: Steel, Plastic
● Cutting Width: 18 Inch
● Adjustable Blade Height: 1-4 Inch
● Item Weight: 51.7 Pounds
● Product Dimensions: 24 x 23.5 x 14.25 inches
Key Features at a Glance:
- 18 inches cutting width
- Eco-friendly
- Precision-ground steel blades
- One-touch handle height adjustment
- Low noise operation
Reasons That May Attract You:
Wide Cutting Width: Due to its wide cutting width of 18 inches, you can easily mow your ditch with this mower. This allows you to efficiently reach a large area within a short period.
Good Cutting Power: The cutting power of the Fiskars reel mower is impressive. This reel mower is built with an InertiaDrive Reel that offers twice the cutting power of conventional reel mowers. So you can easily tackle tough patches and grass.
Eco-friendly: Unlike gas or electric lawn mowers, this reel mower does not require any gas, oil, charging, or cords. This makes it an eco-friendly option for maintaining your ditch.
Highly Configurable: With its VersaCut technology, you can adjust the cut height from 1″-4″ to mow all types of grass. The one-touch handle height adjustment also enhances your comfort and control while operating the mower.
Low Noise: The mower is also nearly silent-running, so you can mow your steep ditch without making too much noise. This makes it great for keeping your neighborhood peaceful and quiet.
Positive Aspects:
- Easy to push and maneuver
- InertiaDrive Reel provides 50% more cutting power
- Eco-friendly with no need for gas or oil
- Precision-ground steel blades stay sharp longer
- One-touch handle height adjustment for added control and comfort
- 18-inch cutting width for efficient ditch mowing
Limitation:
- Some people may find the weight a little bit heavy, but it’s easy to push
3. Great States Scotts 14 In. 5-Blade Reel Mower
The Great States 304-14S push reel lawn mower is a viable option for anyone looking for an environmentally friendly and economical way to mow their ditch. This reel lawn mower is easy to operate, and its 14-inch blade can handle even the largest yards.
Key Features at a Glance:
- 14″ wide cutting width
- Durable alloy steel construction
- Adjustable cutting height from 1″-1.75″
- 8.5″ composite wheels
- Comfortable cushioned grip
Reasons That May Attract You:
Durable Material: Alloy steel is used to manufacture this lawn mower because it is of high quality and durability. Due to this construction, the mower will remain functional in a variety of weather conditions and over a variety of terrains.
Great Cutting Width: It has a wide cutting width of about 14 inches, allowing you to cover a large area in a single pass.
Adjustable Cutting Height: You can easily adjust the cutting height from 1″ to 1.75″, allowing you to customize your mowing experience.
Large Composite Wheels: The Scotts reel mower has large composite wheels measuring 8.5 inches that make it easy to maneuver and transport around your lawn.
T-Style Handle: The T-style handle provides a comfortable cushioned grip which enables you to push the lawn mower with ease.
Positive Aspects:
- Durable alloy steel construction ensures long-term use
- With a 14″ cutting width, you can cover a large area quickly
- Mowing height can be adjusted from 1″ to 1.75″
- Transport, and maneuvering are easy with 8.5″ composite wheels
- T-style handle with a cushioned grip for comfortable pushing
Limitation:
- Having mud in the wheels can sometimes make pushing it difficult
4. Great States 5-Blade Reel Lawn Mower
Keeping your ditches clean is simple and easy when you use the Great States 815-18 lawn mower. Anyone looking for an efficient way to keep their ditches neat and tidy will find it a great option because it is simple to operate and easy to maneuver.
● Power Source: Self-propelled
● Material: Metal
● Color: Gray
● Item Weight: 27 Pounds
● Cutting Width: 18 Inches
● Operation Mode: Manual
● Product Dimensions: 25″D x 14″W x 10.5″H
Key Features at a Glance:
- 18″ cutting width
- 10″ composite wheels
- Adjustable cutting height between 0.5” – 2.75”
- Eco-friendly and low maintenance
Reasons That May Attract You:
Adjustable Cutting Height and Long-Lasting Sharper Blades: The blades are made from high-quality alloy steel and are adjustable, meaning you can change the height of the blade depending on what you’re cutting.
This feature makes the mower ideal for ditch mowing, both large and small. An approximate range of cutting heights is 0.5-2.75 inches.
Good Cutting Width: The cutting width is 18″, which is pretty standard for reel lawn mowers. This width is perfect for most residential lawns and ditches.
Large Wheel: Composite materials make the wheels durable and low maintenance. The size is 10″, which is suitable for going over uneven terrain.
Eco-Friendly and Low Maintenance: The Great States 5-blade reel lawn mower is eco-friendly because it doesn’t use any gas or oil. It also requires minimal maintenance, which makes it a great choice for anyone looking to save money and reduce their environmental impact.
Positive Aspects:
- Smooth spinning blades for precision cutting
- High-quality alloy steel blades that stay sharp longer
- Easy to assemble without special tools
- Adjustable cutting height for mowing different types of grass
Limitation:
- Sometimes the blades may get a little jammed due to grass clippings
5. Earthwise 1715-16ew 16 Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Mower
Earthwise’s push reel lawn mower is suitable for ditching. With its easy maneuverability and reliable performance, this lawn mower can be a good option for those seeking an efficient way to ditch their yard.
● Material: Metal
● Color: Gray
● Item Weight: 21.83 Pounds
● Cutting Width: 16 Inches
● Number of Positions: 7
● Operation Mode: Manual
● Product Dimensions: 45.87″D x 21.85″W x 27.76″H
Key Features at a Glance:
- Easy to use and lightweight
- Rust-resistant design
- Low-maintenance
- 7 blades with a sharper edge
- 0.5″ to 2.5″ adjustable cutting height
Reasons That May Attract You:
Lightweight: This push reel lawn mower is lightweight and easy to use. It is ideal for mowing small yards and ditches.
Rust Resistant: There is no risk of this mower rusting. It is capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions and the elements.
Low-Maintenance Design: You will spend less time maintaining your lawn mower due to its low-maintenance design.
Smooth Ditch Mowing: The seven-blade design cuts through grass quickly and easily, so you can get the job done quickly.
Good Adjustable Cutting Height: This mower also has an adjustable cutting height that allows you to customize the length of your cut. The range of 0.5″ – 2.5″ allows you to mow your lawn to your desired height.
Eco-friendly: The Earthwise 1715-16ew 16 inch 7-blade push reel mower is a great alternative to gas lawn mowers, making it an eco-friendly option. You will not have to worry about creating pollution or noise when using this machine.
Positive Aspects:
- Do not easily rust due to its durable steel side plate design
- Lightweight for easy maneuverability and transportation
- 7-blade mower for a quick, clean cut
- Adjustable cutting height of 0.5″ – 2.5″ for customized mowing
Limitation:
- The handle may be a bit shorter for some people
Comparison Chart of the Mower for Ditches
| Product Name | Material | Cutting Width | Adjustable Cutting Height | Blade Count | Handle Type |
| American Lawn Mower Company Reel Lawn Mower | Alloy Steel, Polymer | 14 Inches | 0.5 – 1.75 Inch | 4 | T-style handle |
| Fiskars 362050-1001 StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower | Steel, Plastic | 18 Inches | 1-4 Inch | 4 | Loop-style handle |
| Great States Reel Lawn Mower | Alloy Steel | 14 Inches | 1-1.75 Inch | 5 | T-style handle |
| Great States 815-18 Push Reel Lawn Mower | Metal | 18 Inches | 0.5-2.75 Inch | 5 | Loop-style handle |
| Earthwise Push Mower | Metal | 16 Inches | 0.5-2.5 Inch | 7 | T-style handle |
Factors to Consider for Choosing the Best Lawn Mower for Ditches
When looking to purchase a mower for the ditch, there are a few different factors you need to consider. As you already know, reel mowers are an excellent choice for ditching, but there are still some factors that you need to consider before making a purchase.
This will help ensure that you get the best possible mower for your needs. Select your mower based on the following factors:
1. Material
Check the material of the mower you are considering purchasing. When checking out the material of a reel mower for ditches, you’ll need to make sure that it can handle the tough conditions.
The material should be strong so it can resist abrasion, and it also needs to be rust-resistant so that it won’t corrode in wet environments. Alloy steel is a good choice since it meets both of these requirements.
A mower may also contain plastic parts, so make sure that the plastic is of high quality and durable. In the product description of a reel mower, you can determine the materials used in its construction.
2. Cutting Width
Width is an important consideration when choosing a mower for ditches. A wider cutting width will require fewer passes to mow the ditches, which will save time and effort. Cutting the ditch evenly is easier if there is a wider cutting width.
A reel mower typically has a cutting width of 14 to 20 inches. For ditching, a reel lawn mower with a cutting width of at least 14 inches is sufficient.
You may find it more convenient to use a reel lawn mower that has a cutting width of 18 inches or more if you have a large area to ditch.
One place to find the cutting width of a reel mower is on the manufacturer’s website. Typically, the cutting width is listed in the product specifications. Another place to find this information is on the product packaging.
3. Adjustable Cutting Height
The adjustable cutting height on a mower is an important feature to have. With the ability to lower the blade, you can get closer to the ground and ensure your ditch is nice and even.
This is also a great option if you have any areas of your lawn that are higher than others. Adjusting the cutting height can help you get a more uniform cut in these areas.
The range of cutting height adjustment on a reel mower can vary depending on the model. Typically, the range is anywhere from 1/2 inch to 2.75 inches or a little bit more.
4. Number of Blades
The number of blades on the mower can affect how well it cuts the grass. More blades generally mean a cleaner cut.
When selecting a reel mower for ditch mowing, consider how many blades it has and what type of terrain you will be using it on. There are a few places to find information about the number of blades on a reel mower.
The product description may list this information and the manufacturer’s website. You can look for the mower image and video to find out how many blades it has.
5. Wheels
The wheels on a mower for mowing ditches should be made of a durable material that can handle the stress of being in contact with rocks and other debris.
They should also be large enough to provide stability and traction as the reel mower moves through the ditch.
8.5 inches polymer wheels are good for ditch mowing since they’re light and easy to maneuver. The larger 10 inches ball-bearing wheels are better for taller grass and rougher terrain as they provide more stability.
6. Handle
When choosing a push reel mower for ditch mowing, it is important to consider the handle type included. Some models have a T-shaped handle, while others have a loop handle.
The T-shaped handle is the most common and is typically more comfortable for long periods of use. For those who need to mow larger areas or in tougher terrain, the loop handle provides increased push leverage. To easily control the mower, the handle should have a comfortable grip.
How Long Do Reel Mowers Last After Continuous Use for Ditch Mowing?
It largely depends on the model and make of the reel mower. The intensity and frequency of use should also be taken into account.
Some reel lawn mowers may only last for a year or two after continuous use, while others may last for about three years. You can do some things to extend your reel mower’s life. Keep all blades sharp at all times.
Dull blades will cause the mower to work harder. After each use, it is important to clean the mower. Stubborn build-up on the blades and in the gears can lead to the deterioration of the mower.
Lubricate the gears and bearings regularly. This will help keep them running smoothly and prevent excessive degradation.
How Often Should You Sharpen Your Reel Mower Blades After Ditch Mowing?
Some people might find that they need to sharpen their blades every 20 hours of use, while others might be able to go 25 or even 30 hours before needing to sharpen.
Ultimately, it depends on the condition of your blades, the type of grass and soil you’re mowing, and how often you’re using the mower.
If you see a lot of scuffs on your blades or if your blades are becoming noticeably dull, then it’s probably time to sharpen them.
Safely and Efficiently Mow the Ditch With Quality Mower
Regarding finding the best mower for ditches, the push reel mower should definitely be high on your list. Reel mowers are made specifically to help with more difficult terrain and can even be used on hilly grounds with ease.
They also provide an incredibly efficient and clean cut while using minimal effort and noise. The American Lawn Mower Company’s reel mower is the best option as it has all of these attributes, plus it is relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Its adjustable cutting height dial allows it to be customized according to the user’s preferences. Also, the Scotts reel mower from the Great States offers an economical alternative for ditch mowing applications that still provides excellent performance.
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