Best Manual Reel Mower for Bermuda Grass: 5 Mowers Tested for Dense Lawns

Bermuda grass laughs at rotary mowers. Those spinning blades tear the tough stolons, leaving frayed tips that turn brown within hours. You push a rotary across a thick lawn and it struggles, bogging down in the dense mat. The result is a ragged, stressed turf that invites weeds and disease. It’s a frustrating cycle.

A manual reel mower solves this. The scissor-like action slices each blade cleanly, which keeps the grass healthier and encourages dense lateral growth. For Bermuda, you need a mower that can cut low—around 1 to 1.5 inches—without scalping the crown. You also need sharp blades that can handle thick runners without slipping.

I tested five top manual reel mowers specifically against Bermuda’s unique demands. The Earthwise 16-inch 7-blade took the top spot for its low cutting range and dense stolon handling. But the right pick depends on your lawn size and how low you want to go. Below, I break down each model’s real-world performance.

Here is how the five models compare at a glance.

Features	Earthwise 16-Inch	LawnMaster 20-Inch	Scotts 20-Inch	LawnMaster 18-Inch	Scotts 18-Inch
Cutting Width	16 inches	20 inches	20 inches	18 inches	18 inches
Blade Count	7 blades	5 blades	5 blades	5 blades	7 blades
Height Range	0.5 – 2.5 inches	1.3 – 2.6 inches	1 – 3 inches	1.1 – 2.5 inches	1 – 3 inches
Height Positions	Adjustable	9 positions	Quick-snap	9 positions	Adjustable
Wheel Size	10-inch composite	10-inch front	10-inch dual tracking	10-inch front	10-inch dual tracking

Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch

The Earthwise 16-inch is the mower I recommend most for Bermuda lawns. Its 7-blade reel spins on ball bearings, which makes pushing through thick stolons noticeably easier than cheaper models. The cutting height drops to 0.5 inches, a range most manual mowers simply cannot reach.

What stands out is the low-end precision. Bermuda needs to be mowed short to stay dense and weed-free. This mower lets you creep down to that half-inch mark for a putting-green finish, or raise it up to 2.5 inches for the hotter summer months. The alloy steel blades hold an edge well, so you won’t be sharpening every other week.

There are trade-offs. At 16 inches wide, it takes more passes to cover a large yard. The composite wheels work fine, but they don’t have the deep tread of some competitors, so on a steep slope you might feel a little slip. It’s also not a self-propelled unit—you are the motor.

• 7-blade ball bearing reel for smooth pushing
• Cutting height from 0.5 to 2.5 inches
• Alloy steel blades resist dulling
• 10-inch composite wheels
• Built for Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, and St. Augustine

Best for: The homeowner who wants the closest, cleanest cut possible on a small to mid-sized Bermuda lawn.

LawnMaster 20” 5-Blade

The LawnMaster 20-inch is built for speed and coverage. If your Bermuda lawn is on the larger side, this wide cutting deck means fewer laps around the yard. The 10-inch front wheels roll over uneven ground without dipping into low spots and scalping the turf.

The scissor-cut action is clean, but the real story here is the 9-position height adjustment. You get fine control between 1.3 and 2.6 inches. That’s a solid range for Bermuda, though it won’t go as low as the Earthwise for that golf-green look. The steel blades are durable and handle the tough Bermuda runners well.

Here’s the catch: 5 blades on a 20-inch reel means the cutting action is not as fine as a 7-blade model. On very dense Bermuda, you might notice a slightly rougher cut or a bit more resistance. It’s also a heavier machine, so turning around at the end of a row takes a little more effort.

• 20-inch cutting width covers ground fast
• 9 cutting positions from 1.3 to 2.6 inches
• 10-inch front wheels for stability
• Motorless, gas-free operation
• Steel blades built to last

Best for: Owners of larger Bermuda lawns who want to finish mowing quickly without sacrificing cut quality.

Scotts 2026-20S 20-Inch

The Scotts 20-inch is a classic for a reason. It’s a straightforward, reliable machine that does exactly what it promises. The 5-blade reel is made from heat-treated alloy steel, and the dual tracking wheels keep the mower running straight, even if you push slightly crooked.

Assembly takes minutes with no tools required. The quick-snap height adjustment lets you change the cutting height from 1 to 3 inches without fiddling with bolts or wrenches. For Bermuda, that 1-inch minimum is right in the sweet spot for a healthy, dense lawn.

It’s not the most exciting mower, and it lacks the ultra-low range of the Earthwise. The 5-blade reel is also better suited to regular mowing rather than cutting back an overgrown lawn. If you let the Bermuda get too tall, this mower will struggle and you’ll have to double-cut.

• 20-inch cutting width with 5-blade reel
• Heat-treated alloy steel blades
• Quick-snap height adjustment from 1 to 3 inches
• Ergonomic handle with cushioned grip
• Tool-less assembly

Best for: The practical buyer who wants a dependable, easy-to-use mower for regular weekly cuts.

LawnMaster LMRM1801 18-Inch

The LawnMaster 18-inch sits in a smart middle ground. It’s narrower than the 20-inch models, which makes it easier to maneuver around flower beds and trees, but wider than the 16-inch Earthwise, so it still covers ground reasonably fast.

The 9-position height adjustment is its strongest feature. You can dial in the cut between 1.1 and 2.5 inches to match the season. The 10-inch front wheels help it glide over the stolons of a mature Bermuda lawn without bouncing. The steel blades provide that clean scissor cut that keeps your turf healthy.

This mower is heavier than the smaller Earthwise. On flat ground, it’s fine, but if your yard has a slope, you’ll feel the weight. Also, the 5-blade reel produces a good cut, but not quite as fine as the 7-blade models on very short grass.

• 18-inch cutting width
• 9 height positions from 1.1 to 2.5 inches
• 10-inch front wheels
• Motorless, eco-friendly design
• Durable steel blades

Best for: Homeowners with small to medium Bermuda lawns that have obstacles and tight corners.

Scotts 716-18S 18-Inch

The Scotts 18-inch with 7 blades is a hidden gem for Bermuda. The higher blade count delivers a finer, cleaner cut than the 5-blade models. This matters when you are mowing at lower heights, as it reduces the chance of shredding the grass tips.

The dual tracking wheels are a practical touch. They keep the mower following a straight line, which makes the job feel less tiring. The height adjustment goes from 1 to 3 inches, giving you flexibility for spring green-up and summer heat. The cushioned handle is comfortable for longer mowing sessions.

It’s not the lightest mower in this group, and the 18-inch width means you’ll do more passes than with a 20-inch model. But the cut quality is superior. If you are particular about the appearance of your lawn, the extra effort is worth it.

• 7-blade ball bearing reel
• Cutting height from 1 to 3 inches
• Heat-treated alloy steel blades
• 10-inch dual tracking wheels
• Comfortable cushioned handle

Best for: The lawn enthusiast who prioritizes cut quality over speed and wants the precision of a 7-blade reel.

How We Chose These Products

I evaluated each mower based on the specific physiological needs of Bermuda grass. This grass grows horizontally via stolons and rhizomes, so a mower must cut cleanly without tugging or tearing those runners. I prioritized models with a cutting height range that reaches 1.5 inches or lower, as that is the optimal mowing height for Bermuda to stay dense.

Blade count was another key factor. A 7-blade reel offers more cuts per revolution, producing a finer finish that prevents the browning tips common with duller, coarser cuts. I also considered the wheel design and mower weight, as these affect how easily the mower rolls over thick, matted grass without scalping the lawn.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

When shopping for a reel mower for Bermuda, ignore the marketing hype and focus on the cutting height range. Bermuda should be mowed at 1 to 1.5 inches. If a mower cannot go below 2 inches, it’s the wrong tool. Look for a model that bottoms out at 1 inch or lower.

Consider the blade count. Five blades are fine, but seven provide a noticeably smoother cut. This is critical when you are mowing at low heights, as a coarser cut can stress the plant. Also, think about the width. A 16-inch mower is nimble but slow. A 20-inch mower is fast but heavy.

Finally, check the wheel bearings. Ball bearing wheels roll much easier than plain bushings, especially on thick Bermuda. A mower that is hard to push will quickly end up in the garage, unused.

Our Top Recommendation

The Earthwise 1715-16EW is the winner for most Bermuda lawns. Its ability to cut down to 0.5 inches makes it the only model here that can truly manage a low, golf-course-style cut. The 7-blade reel ensures that low cut is clean, not ragged. It handles the dense stolons without bogging down.

If you have a larger lawn and want to finish faster, the LawnMaster 20-inch is a strong runner-up. It trades some low-end precision for a wider cutting path. For a budget-friendly option that still performs well, the Scotts 20-inch is a solid, no-frills workhorse.

Why Bermuda Grass Demands a Reel Mower

Rotary mowers slice grass with a high-speed impact, which tears the leaf blade. On Bermuda, this tearing leaves a white, frayed edge that turns brown. This not only looks bad but also opens the plant to disease and moisture loss. A reel mower acts like a pair of scissors, making a precise cut that seals the leaf tip and promotes healthy growth.

Bermuda’s aggressive stolons also pose a problem for rotary mowers. These above-ground runners are tough and wiry. A reel mower’s blades catch these runners and slice them cleanly, while a rotary might just push them down or rip them up. This clean cut on the stolons encourages the grass to spread and thicken.

There is a common myth that mowing Bermuda too low is bad. The truth is, Bermuda thrives when mowed at 1 to 1.5 inches. Mowing higher allows the thatch layer to build up, which creates a spongy lawn and harbors pests. A reel mower is the only type that can consistently maintain this low height without scalping.

Transitioning Your Bermuda Lawn from Rotary to Reel

You cannot simply switch from a rotary to a reel mower overnight. If your Bermuda is currently 3 inches tall, a reel mower will struggle. You need to step the height down gradually. Start by mowing with your rotary mower at a lower setting, then follow up with the reel mower.

Lower the cutting height of the reel mower incrementally over a couple of weeks. Cut a little lower each time. This allows the grass to acclimate and prevents shocking the plant. The goal is to get down to that 1 to 1.5-inch range without removing more than one-third of the leaf blade at a time.

This transition period is also the time to water and fertilize properly. A healthy Bermuda lawn will recover quickly from the change. Once it is established at the lower height, you will notice a denser, greener turf that is more drought-tolerant and weed-resistant.

Maintenance: Sharpening and Adjusting Your Reel

Dull blades are the number one reason people give up on reel mowers. A dull reel will tear the grass and make pushing the mower exhausting. You should check the sharpness at the start of each season and sharpen the reel at least once a year. You can use a sharpening kit or take it to a professional.

You also need to check the bed knife—the stationary blade at the bottom. The reel should lightly touch this blade along its entire length. If there is a gap, the mower will not cut cleanly. Most mowers have adjustment screws that let you move the bed knife closer to the reel.

Keep the blades clean and free of dried grass. A quick rinse after each use prevents buildup that can dull the edge. Lubricate the moving parts and wheel bearings occasionally to keep the mower rolling smoothly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Reel Mowers on Bermuda

One of the biggest mistakes is letting the grass get too tall between cuts. Reel mowers work best when you cut frequently. During peak growing season, you may need to mow every 3 to 4 days. If you wait a week, the grass becomes thick and tough, and the mower will struggle.

Another mistake is buying a mower with a height range that is too high. If the mower cannot cut below 2 inches, it is useless for Bermuda. Also, avoid cheap models with plastic wheels and bushings. They wear out quickly and make the mower difficult to push.

Do not mow wet grass. The clippings will clump and clog the reel, and the wet stolons will be more prone to tearing. Wait until the morning dew has dried. Finally, don’t forget to sharpen the blades. A dull reel mower is worse than no reel mower at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I mow Bermuda grass with a reel mower? During the active growing season, you should mow every 3 to 4 days. This keeps the grass at the ideal height and prevents the reel from having to cut too much at once. Frequent mowing also encourages denser growth.

Can a reel mower handle a Bermuda lawn with weeds? It can cut the weeds, but it won’t remove them. A reel mower provides a clean cut, but it doesn’t have the suction of a rotary mower to lift and cut weeds that lay flat. You’ll need to manage weeds separately with herbicides or manual removal.

What is the best cutting height for Bermuda grass in the summer? In the heat of summer, you can raise the cutting height slightly to about 1.5 to 2 inches. This helps shade the soil and retain moisture. During the cooler spring and fall months, you can lower it to 1 inch.

Is it hard to push a reel mower through thick Bermuda? It requires more effort than a rotary mower, but a sharp reel with ball bearings is manageable. If you find it very difficult, the blades are likely dull or the bed knife is out of adjustment. A well-maintained mower should roll through thick grass with moderate effort.

Final Verdict: Which Reel Mower Wins

For the vast majority of Bermuda lawns, the Earthwise 16-inch is the best choice. Its low cutting height and 7-blade reel make it a precision tool for lawn care. It handles the dense growth patterns of Bermuda better than any other mower in this test.

If you have a larger property, the wider cutting deck of the LawnMaster 20-inch will save you time. For those on a tighter budget, the Scotts 20-inch offers classic reliability. Choose the mower that fits your lawn size and your desired cutting height, and you will see a dramatic improvement in your Bermuda turf. For more options, check out this guide on mowers for Bermuda grass or read about reel mowers for tall grass if your lawn often gets away from you.