A walk reel mower has a traction frame that carries a reel cutting unit and that is self-propelled over the ground by a traction drum that is operatively connected to a power source on the traction frame. A U-shaped kickstand at the rear of the traction frame has a raised, inoperative position in which the kickstand is substantially nested within the rearwardly and upwardly extending handle tubes of a handle assembly. The kickstand is pivotally connected to the traction frame to pivot to a lowered, fully deployed position in which the kickstand has engaged the ground and lifted the traction drum out of contact with the ground. The kickstand has an assist member that lies in a plane that is different from and that is inclined to a plane that encompasses the U-shape of the kickstand to allow the operator to apply leverage to the kickstand.