Given an algebra of pseudo-differential operators on a manifold, an elliptic element is said to be a reduction of orders, if it induces isomorphisms of Sobolev spaces with a corresponding shift of smoothness. Reductions of orders on a manifold with boundary refer to boundary value problems. We consider smooth symbols and ellipticity without additional boundary conditions which is the relevant case on a manifold with boundary. Starting from a class of symbols that has been investigated before for integer orders in boundary value problems with the transmission property we study operators of arbitrary real orders that play a similar role for operators without the transmission property. Moreover, we show that order reducing symbols have the Volterra property and are parabolic of anisotropy 1; analogous relations are formulated for arbitrary anisotropies. We finally investigate parameter-dependent operators, apply a kernel cut-off construction with respect to the parameter and show that corresponding holomorphic operator-valued Mellin symbols reduce orders in weighted Sobolev spaces on a cone with boundary.