This summer, sick of my dirty, smelly, loud gas-powered mower, I decided to purchase a reel mower. As someone who consdiers himself to be environmentally friendly, I no longer felt comfortable using a polluting machine on my lawn. At the same time, I didn't want to turn lawn mowing into a huge, difficult task. After researching every model on the market, I decided I would give the Scotts 2000-20 reel mower a try. My idea of lawn mowing has completely changed. What used to be a tedious, annoying task is now pleasant and relaxing. That is due to the ease of use and functionality of this mower. Out of the box, it is very clear how to put this mower together, and it should take no more than about 30 minutes to get that part done. Just remember to put some dishwashing detergent inside the rubber handle cover before you slide it on. Then you're ready to go. The height adjustment, which is located near one of the rear wheels, is very easy to access: you simply push a lever in and slide it to the correct height level. The height levels are clearly marked right on a dial (a lot easier than having to get out your wrench and screwdriver for most gas-powered mowers). In actual cutting, this mower is very smooth. With minimal energy, the blades spin with good speed and torque, easily cutting the grass down to size. I have a somewhat weedy lawn, and I was concerned that this mower might bog down, but it cuts everything with the same smoothness. My lawn also has several uneven spots, but this mower handled that nicely as well. The rear wheels keep the mower balanced as you push it. If you push faster, of course, the blades will run faster. However, at a casual pace, the blades definitely spin fast enough to take care of a typical lawn. I have even "let my lawn go" a couple of times this summer (it grew to about 6" in height at one point), but the mower handles it just fine. As you're mowing, you'll notice that there is a lot less dust flying around, no smell of fumes, and you can listen to birds and natural sounds the entire time you're outside. This reel mower cuts the grass more cleanly for sure -- you can see that the grass is greener when you're done, without brown tips. When I cut my lawn, I leave the cuttings there and allow them to mulch into the soil. The mower is light enough to lift and carry into a storage area. You don't have to keep oil and gas around, so this mower takes up the minimal amount of space. Here are the only disadvantages to this mower: (1) You can only get about 6" to an edge; (2) If a stick gets into the blade, you have to stop and pull it out; (3) You will not be visiting the local lawnmower repair shop every season for a tune up, spark plugs, air filter, and any number of other unpredictable problems. Since I started using this mower, several people have asked me if it's more difficult to use, if it's slower, or cuts worse. I assume potential buyers are asking the same questions. I will venture to say that it is actually JUST AS EASY TO USE A REEL MOWER AS IT IS TO USE A GAS-POWERED MODEL. There is NOTHING about a gas-powered mower than makes it easier to use, and gas-powered mowers do not save any time, espcially when you consider all the peripheral needs of owning one. Overall, this is an example of a simple, low-tech solution to a common need.