Scotts Reel Mower Review: My Honest Take

When I moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, I swapped my small balcony for a real backyard. That’s when I noticed how loud my old gas mower was. It didn’t fit in with the quiet vibe of my new neighborhood.

I wanted something quiet and eco-friendly. I also didn’t want to spend a lot or mess with gas and oil.

That’s when I found the Scotts 2000-20 Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower. At first, I didn’t expect much. But after two years, it surprised me.

This simple tool changed how I think about mowing. It’s quiet, clean, and tougher than it looks.

Wondering if a reel mower can handle real grass? In this Scotts reel mower review, I’ll share what I’ve learned—after two Carolina summers of pushing it around.

Check Customer Review

Quick Overview of the Scotts 2000-20 Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower

  • Product Name: Scotts 2000-20 Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower
  • Type: Manual reel mower (no motor, no gas)
  • Best For: Small to medium-sized lawns, especially flat yards with regular grass types like fescue or bluegrass (common in many U.S. regions)
  • Price Range: Around $100–$150, depending on the retailer

If you’re looking for a quiet, low-maintenance way to mow in a suburban neighborhood—or just want to ditch the fumes and noise—this mower fits the bill.

Scotts Reel Mower Price

👉🏿👉🏻 Check Latest Price and Offer at Amazon 👈🏻👈🏿

Why I Chose It

When I started looking for a new mower, I didn’t need fancy features. I just wanted something simple that worked. It had to be quiet, easy to use, and not take up my whole weekend. The Scotts 2000-20 checked all those boxes.

Heat-Treated Steel Blades

The blades are made of strong alloy steel. They stayed sharp all year, even with thick Carolina grass. The cut is clean, like scissors—no tearing or rough edges.

Adjustable Handle Height

I’m 5’9″, and the handle feels just right. No bending or wrist pain. It’s padded too, so it’s still comfy on long days.

Lightweight but Solid

It weighs under 35 pounds. I can push it up slopes or hang it in my shed with no help. It feels sturdy, not cheap.

Easy Cutting Height Adjustment

You can change the height from 1 to 3 inches with a simple knob. I keep mine in the middle for my fescue lawn. No tools needed, and it takes just seconds.

No Fuss, No Gas

There’s no engine, no gas, and no cords. You just push and mow. No spills, no fumes—just clean and quiet lawn care.

What Could Be Better

What Could Be Better

The Scotts 2000-20 gets a lot right—but it’s not perfect. After two Carolina summers, here’s what I’ve noticed:

Not Great for Tall or Wet Grass

If your grass gets too long or stays wet, this mower struggles. You may need to go over spots twice or split the job into shorter sessions.

Doesn’t Handle Sticks or Debris

Small twigs can jam the reel. I’ve had to stop and clear it more than once. If your yard has trees, you’ll need to pick up first.

Edge Cutting Takes Practice

It’s hard to cut right up to fences or flower beds. The wheels stick out past the blades. I use a trimmer for edges. It’s not a big issue, but it helps to know.

Needs Occasional Tune-Ups

It’s low work, but not zero work. After a year, I oiled the blades and tightened a few bolts. It’s quick, but still something to plan for.

My Personal Gardening Experience

The first time I used the Scotts reel mower, I thought I’d made a mistake. It was a hot Saturday, and the grass was too long. But once I started, I noticed how quiet it was. No engine noise. No smell. Just the soft snip of blades. I could even hear birds singing. That never happened with my old mower.

One time after a summer storm, I tried mowing while the grass was still damp. It wasn’t easy. I had to go slow, and it clogged a few times. But after clearing the twigs and taking lighter passes, it worked. My neighbor even leaned over the fence and said, “Man, I haven’t seen one of those in years—but your yard looks great.”

On a cool fall day, I finished both the front and back yards in under 45 minutes. No gas, no cords, no hassle. Just grab it and go. It’s now part of my weekend routine. I never thought mowing could feel calm—but with this mower, it kind of does.

Who Should Buy This?

Who Should Buy This

The Scotts 2000-20 Classic is a smart pick if you want a quiet, simple mower that just works. It’s great for:

  • Small to Medium Yards: If your lawn is under 5,000 square feet and mostly flat, this mower can handle it with ease. No gas, no noise—just push and cut.
  • Quiet Suburbs: It runs with barely a sound. You won’t wake up the baby next door or bother your neighbors during weekend mowing.
  • Low-Maintenance Fans: There’s no gas, no cords, and no engine to service. Just clean it now and then and oil the blades once in a while.
  • Eco-Friendly Homeowners: It runs on muscle, not fuel. That means no emissions and no carbon footprint. Just clean, green mowing.

But it’s not for everyone. Skip it if:

  • You Let Grass Grow Tall: This mower does best with short grass. If you wait too long between cuts, you’ll have to work harder—or make more passes.
  • Your Yard Has Sticks or Bumps: Twigs can jam the reel, and it doesn’t like rough ground. If your lawn is messy, it might slow you down.
  • You Want One Tool for Everything: This mower doesn’t trim close to edges. You’ll still need a trimmer to clean up near fences or flower beds.

Bottom Line? If you want a simple, quiet mower that keeps your lawn neat without gas or noise, the Scotts 2000-20 is worth it.

Alternative Option to Scotts Reel Mower

Before I chose the Scotts 2000-20, I tested a few others—like the Earthwise 1715-16EW. I wanted to find out if anything could beat the quiet cut and smooth push I’d found with the Scotts.

Here’s what I learned from using both in my own yard:

Earthwise vs. Scotts: Quick Comparison

FeatureScotts 2000-20Earthwise 1715-16EW
Cutting Width20 inches16 inches
Blades5 heat-treated steel blades7-blade ball-bearing reel
Cutting Height1–3 inches (easy knob adjustment)0.5–2.5 inches (manual setting)
WeightAbout 34 lbsAbout 26 lbs
Ease of PushSmooth on flat yards, OK on small hillsVery light, best on flat lawns
Edge CuttingNeeds a trimmer for close spotsBetter edge reach with smaller wheels
Debris HandlingMay jam on twigs or wet grassSame issue with sticks or wet clumps
Best ForSmall to medium suburban lawnsVery small, flat lawns with short grass
Price Range$100–$150$85–$120

My Take After Using Both

If your yard is tiny and flat, the Earthwise may be all you need. It’s light and easy to move. But for my thicker fescue lawn in Raleigh, the Scotts felt tougher and more reliable. I liked the adjustable height and wider cut. It just felt like a better long-term choice for a regular suburban yard.

Final Thoughts

If you want a mower that’s quiet, clean, and easy to use, the Scotts 2000-20 is a solid pick. It won’t cut thick or overgrown grass, but for small, neat lawns, it gets the job done. And it does it without noise, gas, or fuss.

Scotts Reel Mower Price

👉🏿👉🏻 Check Latest Price and Offer at Amazon 👈🏻👈🏿

FAQs – Scotts Reel Mower Review

Is the Scotts 2000-20 reel mower good for thick grass?

It works best on grass that’s kept short. Tall or wet grass may take more passes.

How often do I need to sharpen the blades?

For most yards, once a year is enough. The blades stay sharp through a full season.

Can the Scotts reel mower cut close to fences or edges?

Not exactly. The wheels stick out, so you’ll need a trimmer for tight spots.

Is the Scotts 2000-20 a good choice for U.S. suburban lawns?

Yes! It’s great for small or medium yards. It’s quiet, green, and easy to store.

Does it require gas or electricity?

Nope! It runs on leg power. No gas, no cords—just push and mow.

Garden and Lawn Tools Specialist with deep expertise in selecting, maintaining, and optimizing tools for landscaping and lawn care. Focused on efficient, durable, and innovative solutions to meet every outdoor need.

Leave a Comment