Reel mower cutting for throw n mow?

I am looking to do some micro plots (1/10th of an acre) using the throw n mow method and I like the idea of implementing a reel mower in the mix because it's quiet, there are no gas fumes, and the push ones are fairly cheap. So, since I have never done the food plotting thing I am not very familiar with the height and girth of the stalks on some of the typical throw n mow plants (WW, WR, oats). Would a reel mower set on one of the higher settings (3") do ok with cutting down some of these plants or would they just get all tangled up in the blades? I am looking to do the LC mix for fall using WR, WW, and oats and then frost seeding red clover in early spring and cutting with the reel mower for thatch. Thoughts?

Did a little more digging and I don't think this would work. I believe all of the stalks would just get tangled up among the blades.

I think you are right. I cut down some 2' tall native grass with a 25hp Hustler and had some struggles.

I've hand pushed a reel mower when I was a boy at the Amish neighbors, they are geared so that you get a pretty good reel speed going when you push, on a lawn, taking off 1" or so the grass really flies, in a food plot? It'd never work. But you get an A+ for thinking outside the box. Consider getting a pullbehind mower with a Honda motor, they don't smoke, you can pull it with atv, etc.

Thanks guys!

Mennoniteman said:

I've hand pushed a reel mower when I was a boy at the Amish neighbors, they are geared so that you get a pretty good reel speed going when you push, on a lawn, taking off 1" or so the grass really flies, in a food plot? It'd never work. But you get an A+ for thinking outside the box. Consider getting a pullbehind mower with a Honda motor, they don't smoke, you can pull it with atv, etc.

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I wouldn't normally consider myself as an outside the box thinker but I went waayyy outside on this one! LOL

Heck since you have that much energy, just get an old time scythe and go at it. I guarantee it will go faster than a reel mower and you can choose your height and will cut any type grass or grain you want. . I've used both and I'll admit, I'll take the fuel fumes. Good luck.

The scythe is a great idea. And after sell all of your exercise equipment you'll probably be ahead dollar wise.

You guys are hilarious! So, since I don't have that much energy (or time) I will look into other options. I have thought about spraying and rolling or maybe even hauling my old riding mower out there. Been wanting to get a new one anyway. I'm only looking into doing a couple of micro plots so definitely don't need large equipment.

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I used one as a kid to create my own putting green on the farm. Answer to your question is NO. To this day I find golf balls in the weirdest places at my Mom's house. Cleaned the dead ivy off the stormpit recently and found two!