reel mower question (sink, gas, hurricane, cost)

[sailordave]

I live in a trailerpark that was once a farmer's field where produce was grown. The owners didn't level and grade the land before making it a trailerpark so some parts of my yard still has small hilly areas where the rows use to be. We also have a small ditch/trench at the front, side, and back of the lot to help with drainage. The yard will sometimes get thin seed stems or thick patches of grass depending on the weather. Occasionally we'll also get a patch of thisel, a thorny plant that grows in cow fields and makes those puffy white seeds that fly through the air on the wind.
I've seen that modern reel mowers are lighter than those in the past and some even come with height adjustment and a bagger. Am considering one for next season to cut cost (gas, plugs, filters, oil) and because it won't sink in wet soft spots as much as my push mower currently does. Would this be a good fit for my type of yard or would it not work as well as my gas powered mower with sharp blades? I've never used one before. I do realize that I'll have to physically work harder but that'll be an added benefit for my health.

[North Beach Person]

The trick with a reel mower is to not let the grass get away from you, they don't do well on grass higher than maybe 3 inches. It depends on how steep that ditch line is, you may find yourself using the weed whacker a lot. Skip the bag, it'll had a bit off weight and awkwardness and the clippings will decompose quickly.

[sailordave]

Originally Posted by North Beach Person

The trick with a reel mower is to not let the grass get away from you, they don't do well on grass higher than maybe 3 inches. It depends on how steep that ditch line is, you may find yourself using the weed whacker a lot. Skip the bag, it'll had a bit off weight and awkwardness and the clippings will decompose quickly.

If that's the case then I'll have to stick with a gas powered mower. Battery powered electric mower's are still too expensive and I'm not going to drag an extension cord for a push mower. Because of those rows I mentioned, rain water sticks around for a while. By the time the yard dries enough to cut, the grass can be at least a half a foot high or more, especially after a hurricane. Oh well.