Earthwise Power Tools by ALM
Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch Reel Mower: Silent, Emission-Free Lawn Care
The Earthwise 1715-16EW is a 16-inch, 7-blade push reel lawn mower built for small, flat yards where quiet, emission-free mowing matters. Its lightweight 21.8 lb steel-deck design and ball bearing rear wheels make it one of the easier push reel mowers to maneuver, and it cuts cleanly without gas, oil, or electricity.
It's best suited for eco-conscious homeowners with compact lawns who want a low-investment, low-maintenance alternative to gasoline push lawn mowers.
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Last updated: . Based on our analysis of 364 lawn mowers.
What Sets It Apart
Key specification highlights based on our analysis.
Steel Cutting Deck
Durable steel deck for long-term use
Zero Emissions
No gas, no electricity, no noise pollution — eco-friendly mowing
Why We Recommend It
- 01.
16-inch cutting width covers small yards efficiently without the bulk of a motorized mower
- 02.
7-blade reel cuts cleanly like scissors, reducing grass tearing compared to rotary blades
- 03.
21.8 lb total weight makes it easy to carry, lift over obstacles, and store in tight spaces
- 04.
10-inch ball bearing rear wheels roll smoothly and reduce pushing effort on flat ground
- 05.
No gas, oil, charging, or engine maintenance , virtually zero ongoing running investment
Considerations
- 01.
Not effective on tall, thick, or overgrown grass , reel mowers require regular mowing to stay effective
- 02.
Limited to flat or gently sloped terrain; hilly or uneven ground significantly increases effort
- 03.
Durability is inconsistent based on customer feedback , some units have reported structural issues over time
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mower Type | Reel |
| Power Source | Manual |
| Cutting Width | 16" |
| Deck Material | Steel |
| Blade Type | Reel |
| Cutting Height | 0.5" – 2.5" |
| Weight | 21.8 lbs |
Power & Performance
As a manual push reel mower, all cutting power comes from the user pushing the mower forward, which spins the 7-blade reel against a fixed bed knife in a scissor-like action. This method produces a notably clean cut on fine and medium grass types like fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and Bermuda, and is gentler on grass health than rotary blades.
Performance drops sharply on long, wet, or thick grass, so consistent mowing intervals of 5-7 days are essential for best results.
Cutting System
The 16-inch steel cutting deck houses a 7-blade reel, which offers more cuts per foot of travel than a standard 5-blade reel , producing a finer, more even finish. Cutting height is adjustable from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, giving reasonable range for different grass types and seasonal scalping or higher summer cuts.
There are no discharge, bagging, or mulching options; clippings are deposited as fine trimmings that naturally decompose into the lawn.
Drive & Handling
This is a fully manual push reel mower with no self-propelled drive, so all forward momentum is user-generated. At 21.8 lbs, it is one of the lighter options in the push reel mower category, which meaningfully reduces fatigue during longer mowing sessions.
The 10-inch ball bearing rear wheels are a notable spec , larger than the typical 8-inch wheels found on entry-level reel mowers , providing better traction and smoother rolling on grass surfaces.
Battery / Fuel
With no engine, motor, or battery, this mower has zero fuel costs and zero emissions for its entire lifespan. Ongoing maintenance is minimal: occasional blade sharpening (typically once per season with regular use) is the primary task, and no oil changes, spark plugs, air filters, or charging equipment are needed.
The physical effort required is moderate on flat ground with maintained grass, but increases noticeably in challenging conditions.
Who Is This Mower For?
Ideal For
- ✓ Homeowners with small, flat yards under 1/4 acre who mow frequently and want a quiet, fuel-free option
- ✓ Eco-conscious users seeking zero emissions and zero noise as a clean alternative to gasoline push lawn mowers
- ✓ Apartment dwellers or urban gardeners with small patches of grass where storage space is limited , at 21.8 lbs it stows easily
- ✓ entry-level-minded buyers who want to eliminate ongoing fuel and maintenance costs after the initial purchase
Not Ideal For
- ✕ Owners of hilly or uneven terrain , the reel mower design struggles on slopes and requires significantly more effort
- ✕ Those with large yards or lawns that go more than a week between cuts , longer grass clogs reel blades
- ✕ Anyone dealing with thick, coarse grass types like St. Augustine or Zoysia, which resist clean reel cutting
Assembly is required out of the box, but customers consistently report it as straightforward and quick, typically completed in under 20 minutes with basic tools. The process generally involves attaching the handle sections and wheels.
Check blade alignment after assembly by slowly spinning the reel , each blade should pass the bed knife with a light, even contact sound
Adjust cutting height before your first mow to match your current grass length; starting too low on longer grass can cause jamming
Warranty terms for the Earthwise 1715-16EW should be verified directly with Earthwise Power Tools by ALM at time of purchase, as coverage details can vary by retailer and model year. Always retain your purchase receipt, as it will be required for any warranty claims.
FAQ
How wide is the cutting width on the Earthwise 1715-16EW?
The Earthwise 1715-16EW has a 16-inch cutting width, which is well-suited for small yards and tight spaces. It's narrower than most motorized mowers, so it maneuvers easily around garden beds, trees, and obstacles.
For a yard up to roughly 1,500-2,500 square feet, this cutting width is efficient enough for a 20-30 minute mowing session.
Is this push reel mower hard to push?
On flat ground with maintained grass (cut at least once per week), the Earthwise 1715-16EW is easy to push thanks to its 21.8 lb weight and 10-inch ball bearing rear wheels. Effort increases noticeably on slopes, in wet conditions, or when grass is taller than 3 inches.
If you let grass grow beyond its comfort zone, the reel can bog down and require multiple passes.
Does the Earthwise reel mower bag or mulch clippings?
No , this mower has no bagging, mulching, or side-discharge attachment. The 7-blade reel cuts grass into fine clippings that fall naturally back onto the lawn.
Because the clippings are very fine, they decompose quickly and actually act as a light natural fertilizer, which is one of the benefits of reel mower cutting over rotary alternatives.
How does this compare to gasoline push lawn mowers for a small yard?
For a small, flat, regularly-maintained yard, the Earthwise 1715-16EW is a compelling alternative to gasoline push lawn mowers. It produces zero emissions, runs silently, and has no fuel or maintenance costs beyond occasional blade sharpening.
The trade-off is that gas mowers handle taller, thicker, and more varied grass conditions far better , so if your lawn is irregular or you mow infrequently, a gas mower will be more forgiving.
What grass types work best with the 7-blade reel mower?
The 7-blade reel system performs best on fine to medium grass types such as Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, perennial ryegrass, and well-maintained Bermuda. It struggles with coarse, thick grasses like St.
Augustine, Zoysia, or Buffalo grass, which require more force to cut cleanly. Keeping the blades sharp is essential regardless of grass type , dull blades tear rather than cut and can leave a ragged, brown finish.
Is the Earthwise 1715-16EW good for hilly terrain?
This reel mower is not recommended for hilly or significantly uneven terrain. Without any motorized drive assist, pushing a manual mower uphill becomes very taxing, and maneuvering on slopes also increases the risk of scalping low points or missing high spots.
For hilly lawns, a self-propelled gas or battery mower would be a much better fit.
Bottom Line
The Earthwise 1715-16EW is a solid, purpose-built push reel mower for small, flat, well-maintained lawns where quiet, emission-free mowing is a priority. Its 7-blade steel deck, ball bearing wheels, and sub-22 lb weight make it one of the more capable manual options in its class, and the complete elimination of fuel and maintenance costs makes the value case strong over time.
Buyers with larger properties, irregular terrain, or inconsistent mowing schedules will be better served by a motorized alternative.
Best for small, flat suburban yards under 1/4 acre where eco-friendly, quiet, low-cost mowing is the goal.
Consider alternatives if your yard is hilly, your grass grows thick or coarse, or you can't commit to mowing on a regular weekly schedule.
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