Discover The Best Reel Mowers for Canadian Homeowners

A quality reel mower is like a well-made Japanese knife in the hands of a chef. It just works. Everything becomes easier and the results speak for themselves. If you've never used a proper reel mower, switching from your old rotary mower will feel like getting a second pair of eyes. You'll wonder how you went so long without one.

Reel mowers, also called cylinder mowers, use a rotating reel of blades to cut grass. Unlike traditional gas mowers that tear grass with a spinning blade, reel mowers deliver clean, surgical cuts. Cleaner cuts mean healthier turf, better disease resistance, and a lawn that looks genuinely cared for. If you've got Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass—the standard grasses for Canadian lawns—a reel mower lets them actually thrive.

This guide covers what makes Rolux reel mowers stand out, the models available in Canada, and how to pick the right one for your lawn.

What Are Rolux Reel Mowers?

Most appliances don't last anymore. Refrigerators, dishwashers, lawnmowers—they're all built cheaper and with a shorter lifespan by design. In the 1950s and 60s, manufacturers started pushing planned obsolescence: deliberately making products less durable so they'd fail sooner and people would buy replacements. That trend never stopped. Today, things that used to last 20 or 30 years are lucky to make it five.

While the rest of the industry was trimming costs, engineer Dennis Loxton was chasing the opposite goal. In the early 1960s, he became obsessed with one problem: building the perfect lawn mower.

His definition of perfect was simple but uncompromising:

• Cut perfectly and deliver a classic striped lawn
• Be easy to use and maintain
• Be a pleasure to operate
• Last for 50 years

A 50-year lifespan was laughably ambitious. We barely build houses that last that long. But Loxton stayed true to his vision. That commitment resulted in Rolux: a line of reel mowers engineered for decades of reliable use.

Why Rolux Stands Out: Premium Materials and Construction

A product is only as good as its parts. Rolux doesn't cut corners here.

Every Rolux mower is 99% steel. Only 8 ounces of plastic on the entire machine. No plastic drivetrain components, no rubber belts that dry rot. You get chains, steel gears, and professional-grade engines—Rolux-branded on S-Series, Honda GX160 and GX200 on Z-Series. The design is built around repair. Parts are interchangeable and straightforward to replace. Five-year factory warranty on the chassis.

The history backs this up: spare parts from 1960s Rolux mowers are still available and fully functional. That's 60 years of actual durability, not marketing.

[IMAGE: Close-up of steel construction detail and chain drive mechanics]

What You Get: Key Features

Self-Drive Acceleration

Rolux mowers assist with propulsion, reducing fatigue during longer mowing sessions. You control the speed; the mower handles the heavy lifting.

Multi-Speed Throttle

Adjust cutting speed based on grass height and terrain. Thick spring growth? Slow down for a precise cut. Dry summer turf? Speed up through it.

Precision Biangular Reel Blade

Heat-treated steel blades deliver the clean cuts that make reel mowers superior to rotary mowers. Biangular refers to two corners on leading edge of the blade.  You'll see it in your lawn: sharper lines, healthier grass, less disease pressure.

Large Grass Catcher

The 40-litre catcher means fewer stops to empty during mowing. Or leave it off and let clippings fall—they feed your lawn and improve soil health.

Precision Cut Height Adjustment

Set your cut height with precision dual HOC adjustment from 4mm to 37mm. Different grass types and seasons demand different heights—Rolux lets you dial it in.

Split Steel Drum Roller

The ribbed rear roller improves traction and stability. It also creates those clean striped patterns you see on a properly maintained lawn.

Cast Aluminum Chain Cover

Protects internal mechanisms and extends the mower's lifespan. Another detail that shows Rolux thinks in decades, not years.

Rolux Reel Mower Models Available in Canada

Rolux builds mowers for every lawn size. Blade count and cutting width vary by model. The model number refers to reel width in inches.

[IMAGE: Warehouse photo — Rolux assembly floor with mowers in production]

S-Series: Entry-Level Gas

Built on a Rolux-branded 196cc engine. Simple, reliable, single-purpose. Choose 6 or 9-blade at order.

• S17 – 17" cut width. Yards up to 4,000 sq ft. Ideal for smaller suburban lots. Available in 6 or 9-blade. Shop S17
• S20 – 20" cut width. Yards up to 5,000 sq ft. More coverage, same build. Available in 6 or 9-blade. Shop S20

Cut Height Range: 3mm to 35mm | Available Now

[IMAGE: Side-by-side detail of S17 and S20 in red]

Z-Series Gas: Premium Honda-Powered

Three sizes. All-steel chain drive. All friction-clutch reel engagement. All include steel grass catcher. Available in 9 or 12-blade on Z25 and Z30. Z20 comes in 9-blade only.

• Z20 – 20" cut width. Yards up to 5,000 sq ft. Honda GX160 engine. 9-blade only. Shop Z20
• Z25 – 25" cut width. Yards 5,000+ sq ft. Honda GX160 engine. 9 or 12-blade. Shop Z25
• Z30 – 30" cut width. Yards 5,000+ sq ft. Honda GX200 engine. 9 or 12-blade. Shop Z30

Cut Height Range: 3mm to 35mm | Available Now

[IMAGE: Close-up of Z-series reel blade and chain drive system]

Z-Series Electric: EGO Battery Platform

Same all-steel chain drive as gas models. Zero emissions. Runs on EGO—the same batteries in your other tools. Available in 9 or 12-blade on Z25 and Z30. Z20 Electric comes in 9-blade only.

• Z20 Electric – 20" cut width. Yards up to 5,000 sq ft. Max runtime 125 minutes (dual 10Ah batteries). 9-blade only. Shop Z20 Electric
• Z25 Electric – 25" cut width. Yards 5,000+ sq ft. Max runtime 108 minutes (dual 10Ah batteries). 9 or 12-blade. Shop Z25 Electric
• Z30 Electric – 30" cut width. Yards 5,000+ sq ft. Max runtime 90 minutes (dual 10Ah batteries). 9 or 12-blade. Shop Z30 Electric

Cut Height Range: 3mm to 35mm | Arriving Late May 2026

Batteries and charger sold separately. EGO batteries work across your existing EGO tools.

[IMAGE: Z-series electric model in action on striped lawn]

Blade Count: Which One for Your Lawn?

• 6-Blade (S-Series only) – Mowing 2x per week at standard height. Good for most suburban Canadian lawns.
• 9-Blade (All series) – S-Series & Z-Series option. Mow every 2–3 days. Finer finish and tighter cut than 6-blade at the same height.
• 12-Blade (Z25 & Z30 only) – Daily or every-other-day mowing. Tennis court finish. Requires well-prepped, level lawn.

Our take: Start with 9-blade for most situations. It handles thick growth and new grass better. The 12-blade option delivers a finer cut on established turf but demands more engine power.

How Rolux Stacks Up

• 99% steel construction – Only 8 ounces of plastic on the entire mower. No plastic gearbox, no rubber belts that dry rot. Full chain drive on Z-Series models.
• All-steel grass catcher included – Z-Series ships with it. S-Series can add one as an accessory.
• 5-year chassis warranty – More than double the competition. No commercial carve-outs.
• Easy to repair – Parts are interchangeable and available. Spare parts from 1960s Rolux mowers are still in use today.

Is Reel Mowing Right for Your Lawn?

Most suburban and acreage lawns in BC, Ontario, and Alberta qualify for reel mowing. The main factors:

• Grass Type: Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass both thrive with reel mowing. If your lawn is mostly tall fescue or native prairie, reel mowing isn't the fit.
• Lawn Condition: You need a level or gently sloped lawn. Significant bumps, dips, or uneven grading won't work. A heavily thatched or neglected lawn needs prep first.
• Mowing Schedule: Reel mowers work best when you mow regularly. Plan on at least once per week—twice is better.

The honest truth: stay on schedule and reel mowing is effortless. Let it slide and it's frustrating.

What You'll Notice

• After the first cut: cleaner edges, no ragged brown tips.
• After a season: your lawn visibly thickens. Consistent clean cuts encourage denser growth.

[IMAGE: Before/after lawn comparison showing stripe quality and turf density]

How to Pick the Right Model for Your Lawn

Lawn size is the main factor:

• S17: Up to 4,000 sq ft
• S20: Up to 5,000 sq ft
• Z20: Up to 5,000 sq ft
• Z25: 5,000 to 15,000 sq ft
• Z30: 15,000+ sq ft

Gas vs Electric: Gas models offer unlimited runtime and more raw power. Electric models cut fuel, emissions, and maintenance. Go electric if your lawn is under 10,000 sq ft and you're comfortable with battery swaps on larger properties.

Blade count depends on your mowing rhythm. Start with 9-blade for most situations.

Why Buy From PremiumBackyard.ca

A Rolux mower weighs 143 - 170 pounds depending on model. Ordering direct from the US means freight, Canadian import duty, GST/HST, and customs brokerage on top of the retail price. At PremiumBackyard.ca, all of that is already included in the price you see.

• Duty, freight & brokerage built into the price
• Backlapping paste included with every order — view product
• Sharpening stone included with every order
• Direct owner support — call or email Dan directly
• A business that stands behind what it sells

We're the only Canadian retailer for Rolux. No middleman. No surprises at checkout.

[IMAGE: Warehouse/storefront photo]

Ready for the Last Lawn Mower You'll Ever Buy?

Rolux mowers cost more than rotary mowers you'd throw away after ten years. That's intentional. You're buying a tool built to last decades, not seasons.

Shop the full Rolux lineup at PremiumBackyard.ca

Email: dan@premiumbackyard.ca | Phone: 1(888) 851-8852

Frequently Asked Questions

Are reel mowers better for Canadian lawns?

Yes. Reel mowers deliver clean cuts that promote turf health. If you have Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass—which is what most Canadian lawns are planted with—a reel mower will keep them looking better and growing stronger than a rotary mower ever could.

How do reel mowers work?

A rotating cylinder with blades passes over a stationary lower blade, creating a scissors-like cutting action. This is radically different from rotary mowers, which tear grass with a spinning blade.

Are Rolux mowers really that durable?

Yes. The 99% steel construction, professional engines, and chain-based drivetrain mean fewer things break. Spare parts from original 1960s Rolux mowers are still available and functional. That's real durability.

What's the difference between gas and electric models?

Gas models (S17, S20 with Rolux-branded engines; Z20, Z25, Z30 with Honda engines) offer unlimited runtime and more power. Electric models (Z-series with EGO batteries) cut fuel, emissions, and maintenance. Choose based on your lawn size and how you feel about electric tools.

Which blade count should I choose?

Start with 9-blade for most situations. It handles thick growth and new grass better. The 12-blade option delivers a finer cut on established turf but demands more engine power. If you're not sure, ask—we'll help you decide based on your lawn's condition.