People stopped using reel mowers primarily because of changes in yard sizes and the introduction of self-propelled mowers. In the 1960s and ’70s, yards were generally smaller and more manageable, making it easier for people to use reel mowers. However, as suburbs grew and more people moved to larger properties, maintaining a lawn with a reel mower became more time-consuming and physically demanding.
During this time, there was also a cultural shift in attitudes towards labor-intensive tasks. Pushing a heavy reel mower through thick grass was seen as a chore, especially when self-propelled mowers became available. These new mowers had engines that powered the blades, eliminating the need for manual pushing. This innovation made cutting the lawn much easier and more efficient, requiring less effort on the part of the person mowing.
Additionally, as children and teenagers began to rebel against household chores, pushing a reel mower through the grass became even more unpopular. It became a symbol of the “old way” of doing things, while their friends who had self-propelled mowers could easily complete the task with minimal effort. As a result, reel mowers lost their appeal and fell out of favor.
Furthermore, reel mowers have certain limitations and drawbacks compared to their self-propelled counterparts. One major disadvantage is their inability to effectively cut longer or overgrown grass. Reel mowers work best on well-maintained lawns with shorter grass, as they struggle to tackle taller vegetation. This limitation made reel mowers less practical for those who preferred a more relaxed approach to lawn care or had neglected their lawns for some time.
Maintenance and sharpening of the blades on reel mowers also required more effort and skill compared to self-propelled mowers. Reel mowers have multiple blades that need to be properly aligned and sharpened regularly to ensure a clean cut. This maintenance task can be time-consuming and may require some technical knowledge, which many homeowners may not possess or be willing to invest in.
The decline in popularity of reel mowers can be attributed to several factors. The increase in yard sizes, the introduction of self-propelled mowers, changing cultural attitudes towards manual labor, and the limitations and maintenance requirements of reel mowers all played a role. As technology advanced and people sought more efficient and convenient ways to maintain their lawns, reel mowers became less practical and appealing to the majority of homeowners.
