Mower vs. Reaper — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 25, 2024
Mowers are used primarily for cutting grass or small plants, typically for lawn care, whereas reapers are specialized agricultural machines designed for harvesting crops like grains.
Difference Between Mower and Reaper
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Mowers are typically used in garden and landscape maintenance to cut grass to a uniform and desirable height. Whereas reapers are agricultural tools specifically designed for cutting the stems of grains during harvest.
The design of mowers often includes rotating blades that can be adjusted to various heights depending on the desired length of the grass. On the other hand, reapers use a combination of sickle bar cutters or scythes to efficiently cut cereal crops close to the ground.
Modern mowers may be powered by gasoline, electricity, or even manual push mechanisms, making them versatile for small to medium-sized lawns. Conversely, reapers, which are more complex, are typically tractor-driven and are used in larger agricultural fields.
Safety features on mowers include blade guards and automatic shut-offs when the operator leaves the handle. Whereas reapers come equipped with safety guards around their cutting mechanisms and often require more extensive operator training due to their larger size and the complexity of operation.
Mowers are generally more accessible to the average consumer, available in home improvement stores. Reapers, however, are agricultural equipment sold through specialized dealerships and are essential tools for farmers rather than general consumers.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Cutting grass and small plants
Harvesting crops, especially grains
Design
Rotating blades, adjustable height
Sickle bar cutters or scythes
Power Source
Gasoline, electricity, manual
Typically tractor-driven
Safety Features
Blade guards, automatic shut-off
Safety guards, requires operator training
Availability
Home improvement stores, general use
Specialized dealerships, agricultural use
Compare with Definitions
Mower
A mower that operates using gasoline, suitable for cutting thicker grass or larger areas.
The gas-powered mower works efficiently on the rough terrain of their farm.
Reaper
A machine that cuts and gathers grains at harvest.
The farmer used his new grain reaper to quickly harvest the ripe wheat.
Mower
A device used to cut lawn grass mechanically.
He uses his riding lawn mower to maintain his expansive yard.
Reaper
A reaper that operates independently of external pulling force, often with its own engine.
The self-propelled reaper can navigate through fields with little human intervention.
Mower
A mower powered by electricity, known for being quieter and environmentally friendly.
Their new electric mower makes very little noise, perfect for urban settings.
Reaper
An early agricultural machine that mechanized the cutting of crops.
The invention of the mechanical reaper in the 19th century revolutionized farming.
Mower
A manually operated mower that requires physical force to move and cut grass.
She prefers the quiet and exercise of using a push mower for her small garden.
Reaper
An advanced machine that combines reaping, threshing, and winnowing.
Modern farms use combine harvesters to efficiently process crops from field to storage.
Mower
An automated mower that operates independently within a defined area, using sensors and programming.
Their robotic mower keeps the lawn perfect without any effort from them.
Reaper
A reaper that is attached to and powered by a tractor.
Their large fields necessitate the use of a powerful tractor-mounted reaper.
Mower
To cut (grass or grain) from
Mow the lawn.
Reaper
Reaper The Grim Reaper.
Mower
A mower is a person or machine that cuts (mows) grass or other plants that grow on the ground. Usually mowing is distinguished from reaping, which uses similar implements, but is the traditional term for harvesting grain crops, e.g.
Reaper
A reaper is a farm implement or person that reaps (cuts and often also gathers) crops at harvest when they are ripe. Usually the crop involved is a cereal grass.
Mower
To cut down (grass or grain) with a scythe or a mechanical device.
Reaper
One that reaps, especially a machine for harvesting grain or pulse crops.
Mower
To cut down grass or other growth.
Reaper
One who reaps; a person employed to harvest crops from the fields by reaping.
Mower
A lawnmower, a machine used to cut grass on lawns.
Reaper
A machine used to harvest crops.
Mower
A farm machine used in hay production (sickle mower, finger-bar mower).
Reaper
Ellipsis of Grim Reaper
Mower
A person who cuts grass.
Reaper
The recluse spider (Loxosceles and Sicarius spp.).
Mower
One who, or that which, mows; a mowing machine; as, a lawn mower.
Reaper
One who reaps.
The sun-burned reapers wiping their foreheads.
Mower
Garden tool for mowing grass on lawns
Reaper
A reaping machine.
Reaper
Someone who helps to gather the harvest
Reaper
Death personified as an old man or a skeleton with a scythe
Reaper
Farm machine that gathers a food crop from the fields
Common Curiosities
Can mowers be used for agricultural purposes?
While mowers are primarily designed for lawn care, some robust models can handle thicker, weedier vegetation.
What is the primary function of a mower?
The primary function of a mower is to cut grass and maintain lawns at a desired height.
How has the development of reapers changed agriculture?
Reapers have greatly increased the efficiency of harvesting, reducing the labor required and increasing the speed of crop gathering.
How do the safety features of mowers and reapers differ?
Mowers often have safety features like blade guards and automatic shut-offs, while reapers require more comprehensive safety measures and operator training due to their complexity.
What types of crops are typically harvested using a reaper?
Reapers are primarily used to harvest cereal crops such as wheat, barley, and oats.
Where can one typically purchase a mower?
Mowers can be purchased at home improvement stores, garden centers, and online retailers.
Are reapers still used in modern agriculture?
Yes, reapers, often part of combine harvesters, are essential for modern agriculture, especially in large-scale grain production.
How does the operation of a manual push mower compare to an electric mower?
A manual push mower requires physical effort and is best for smaller areas, while an electric mower provides ease of use and is suitable for medium-sized lawns.
How do the costs of owning and operating a mower compare to a reaper?
Owning and operating a mower is generally less expensive and less complex than a reaper, which is designed for large-scale agricultural use.
What is the difference in maintenance requirements between a mower and a reaper?
Mowers generally require regular blade sharpening and motor maintenance, whereas reapers need more specialized maintenance due to their complex machinery.
Can a reaper be used on any type of terrain?
Reapers are best suited for relatively flat and large agricultural fields; their use in uneven or small-scale fields may be impractical.
What safety precautions should be taken when using a mower?
Safety precautions for using a mower include wearing appropriate footwear, clearing the lawn of debris, and never bypassing the safety features.
What advancements have been made in mower technology?
Recent advancements in mower technology include the development of electric and robotic mowers that offer eco-friendly and automated lawn care solutions.
What is the environmental impact of using a gas-powered mower versus an electric mower?
Gas-powered mowers emit pollutants and are noisier compared to electric mowers, which are cleaner and quieter.
What are the storage requirements for mowers and reapers?
Mowers can often be stored in a garage or shed, while reapers, due to their size and complexity, require more extensive storage solutions, often in specialized agricultural facilities.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
