Earthwise 1816-18EW 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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This earthwise 1816 18ew 18 inch 5 blade push reel lawn mower review covers the manual reel model from Earthwise. It is a push mower with an 18-inch cutting width and a five-blade reel. The unit weighs 24.5 pounds and features heat-treated alloy steel blades. You adjust the cutting height from one to three inches. The design includes composite wheels and a loop-style handle. This manual tool offers a quiet, zero-emission option for small yards.
What stands out
- 18-inch cutting width with a five-blade reel
- Heat-treated alloy steel blades for durability
- Adjustable cutting height from 1 inch to 3 inches
- 10-inch composite front wheels and 6-inch rear wheels
- Lightweight 24.5-pound construction for easy maneuverability
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should choose this mower if you have a small, flat lawn under half an acre. The manual push design works well for users who want quiet operation without gas or electricity. The 18-inch width is efficient for narrow paths and tight spaces. If you prefer physical exercise while mowing and want to avoid maintenance like oil changes or spark plugs, this reel mower fits your needs perfectly.
Who should skip it
Skip this model if you have a large lawn or uneven terrain. The manual push drive requires significant effort, especially in thick or wet grass. The 18-inch width is narrow, so mowing large areas will take more time compared to wider electric or gas models. If you need a self-propelled feature to reduce physical strain, or if you want a wider cutting deck for faster coverage, this reel mower is not the right choice for you.
Verdict: This manual reel mower is a solid, eco-friendly choice for small, flat lawns. It offers durability and simplicity without the noise or fumes of powered alternatives.
Key specs explained
Drive Type: push
You must walk behind this mower to operate it. It has no engine or motor to propel the wheels forward. This design keeps the unit lightweight and simple. You save money on fuel or electricity. It is ideal for small, flat lawns where walking is manageable. Unlike cordless electric mowers that drive themselves, this model requires your physical effort for every pass.
Power Source: manual reel
This mower uses no battery, cord, or gas engine. The cutting action comes entirely from your walking speed pushing the reel blades. You get zero emissions and no noise from a motor. There is no need to charge batteries or mix fuel. It offers consistent, quiet cutting. You compare this to cordless models that require battery swaps and charging time for each use.
Cutting Width: 18 in
The reel spans 18 inches across the ground. This width determines how many passes you need to cover your lawn. A narrower cut means more time spent pushing. It fits well in tight spaces and between garden beds. You compare this to wider electric mowers that cover more ground per push but may struggle in narrow corners or around obstacles.
Cutting Height: 1 in to 3 in
You can adjust the blade height from one inch to three inches. This range helps you maintain proper lawn health for different grass types. Lower cuts suit warm-season grasses, while higher cuts protect cool-season varieties. You adjust it to match seasonal needs. Cordless mowers often offer similar ranges, but you must check if the adjustment is a single lever or individual wheels.
Design and build details
The Earthwise 1816-18EW uses a manual reel design. You must push this mower to cut grass. It has no engine or motor. This keeps the unit at 24.5 pounds. You can lift it easily for storage or transport. The frame is gray. The handle is a loop style with a cushioned grip. You get a comfortable hold while walking behind the machine.
According to the listing, the blades are heat-treated alloy steel. They stay sharp for years. The reel has five blades. This setup provides a clean scissor-like cut. You do not need to buy fuel or charge a battery. The power source is entirely manual. You rely on your own walking speed to drive the reel.
The cutting width is 18 inches. You can adjust the height from 1 inch to 3 inches. The wheels are 10 inches in the front and 6 inches in the rear. The rear wheels trail for stability. The total width is 38 inches. The height is 101 inches. The length is 96 inches. These dimensions fit standard garages and sheds. You can assemble it without special tools. The design is simple and practical for small lawns.
Setup and everyday use
Assembly is straightforward. You do not need special tools to put this mower together. The loop-style handle attaches easily to the frame. The cushioned grip provides comfort during operation. The unit arrives in a compact form for storage. You unfold the handle to reach the full 101-inch height. The 18-inch cutting width is managed by the five-blade reel. Heat-treated alloy steel blades ensure longevity. They stay sharp through regular use. You adjust the cutting height between one and three inches. This range allows for precise trimming. The six-inch rear trailing wheels support the 24.5-pound unit. Ten-inch composite wheels provide stability on flat lawns. You push the mower manually. There is no engine or motor to start. You must walk behind it to operate. This design requires physical effort. It suits small, flat yards. The 18-inch deck width is narrow. It fits through standard gates and tight spaces. Maneuverability is good due to the wheel configuration. You can turn the handle to navigate around obstacles. The manual reel cuts grass cleanly. It does not throw clippies. You may need to rake debris after mowing. The loop handle offers a secure hold. You control the speed by your walking pace. This mower is a quiet alternative to gas models. It produces no emissions. You maintain it by keeping the blades clean. The steel construction resists rust if stored properly. Daily use involves pushing the unit across the lawn. It is lightweight enough for most adults to handle. The setup takes minimal time. You are ready to mow shortly after assembly.
Before You Buy This Mower
Before you buy this Earthwise 1816-18EW, consider how it fits your routine. It is a manual reel mower, so you provide all the power. This means it works best on flat, small lawns. You must check your grass height. Thick or wet grass will jam the five-blade reel. The 18-inch cutting width is narrow compared to electric models. You will need more passes to cover large areas. Maintenance is simple. Wipe the heat-treated alloy steel blades after use to prevent rust. Store it in a dry place. The 10-inch composite wheels help on uneven ground, but they lack the traction of motorized drive systems. Compare this to the 1 other options here. If you want zero noise and no cords, this push mower is a solid choice. If you need speed or power for thick turf, look at the cordless electric picks instead. This model suits those who prefer physical exercise and quiet operation.
Check before you buy
- Verify your lawn is flat and not too thick.
- Confirm the 18-inch width matches your storage space.
- Check if you are comfortable pushing for exercise.
- Ensure you have dry storage for the steel blades.
The product at a glance
Earthwise 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower
Best for: manual mowing without batteries or motors
- Power Source
- manual reel
- Cutting Width
- 18 in
- Drive Type
- push
- Cutting Height
- 1 in to 3 in
- Application
- Lawn
- Dimensions
- 96 × 38 × 101 inches
View on Amazon: Earthwise 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower Affiliate link
This Earthwise manual push reel mower provides an 18-inch cutting width powered entirely by your own momentum. It uses a 5-blade ball-bearing reel made from heat-treated alloy steel, cutting grass between 1 and 3 inches high. At 24.5 pounds, it suits you if you want a simple, quiet mechanical cut without charging batteries or maintaining motors.
Pros
- 18-inch cutting path with a 5-blade heat-treated alloy steel reel
- Adjustable cutting height from 1 inch to 3 inches
- Dual-wheel design with 10-inch front wheels and 6-inch rear-trailing wheels
- Cushioned loop handle for manual push operation
Cons
- Manual push mechanism lacks any battery power or motor assist
- Maximum cutting height reaches only 3 inches
- 24.5-pound weight must be moved entirely by operator effort
Good fit if
- You want a zero-emissions mechanical cut without managing lithium batteries.
- You keep your turf trimmed between 1 and 3 inches tall.
- You need an 18-inch reel supported by rear-trailing wheels for stability.
Skip if
- You want an electric motor or self-propelled drive to reduce pushing effort.
- You allow your lawn to grow taller than the 3-inch maximum cut height.
Verdict: Earthwise 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower suits yard owners seeking a strictly manual, steel-blade reel that cuts between 1 and 3 inches without battery maintenance. Its 24.5-pound frame and dual wheel sets provide steady ground contact for human-powered mowing.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Earthwise 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower |
|---|---|
| Power Source | manual reel |
| Cutting Width | 18 in |
| Drive Type | push |
| Cutting Height | 1 in to 3 in |
| Application | Lawn |
| Dimensions | 96 × 38 × 101 inches |
| Weight | 24.5 pounds |
| Size | 18", 5-blade |
| Color | Gray |
| Model | 1816-18EW |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Earthwise 1816-18EW suitable for large lawns?
No. This mower is designed for small, flat yards. You must push it manually to cut grass. The 24.5-pound weight makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. However, the lack of a motor means it requires significant physical effort over larger areas. It is not recommended for expansive properties where manual pushing becomes tiring.
How heavy is the Earthwise 1816-18EW push mower?
It weighs 24.5 pounds. This light weight allows you to lift it easily for storage or transport. The compact design fits well in small sheds or garages. You can move it around your yard without strain. This makes it ideal for users who prioritize ease of handling over heavy-duty power.
What cutting width does the Earthwise 1816-18EW offer?
It features an 18-inch cutting width. This size is efficient for small lawns where you need to make multiple passes. The five-blade reel design ensures a clean cut on grass. You should plan your mowing pattern to cover the area evenly. This width balances coverage with maneuverability in confined spaces.
Does the Earthwise 1816-18EW have a self-propelled drive?
No. It is a push mower with no engine or motor. You must walk behind it to propel the wheels forward. This manual operation keeps the unit simple and lightweight. It eliminates the need for fuel or electricity. You provide all the power needed for cutting, which suits eco-conscious users.
What material are the blades made of?
The blades are made of heat-treated alloy steel. This material provides durability and resistance to rust. The five-blade reel configuration ensures a precise cut. You get a clean trim without tearing the grass. The steel construction helps maintain sharpness over time with proper care.
Can you store the Earthwise 1816-18EW easily?
Yes. The unit arrives in a compact form for storage. You can fold the loop-style handle to reduce its footprint. The 24.5-pound weight makes it simple to lift and move. It fits well in small storage areas. This design allows you to keep your yard tidy when the mower is not in use.