12 Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Cordless Manual Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher, Adjustable Cutting Height, Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers for Yard, Garden Review

Overview

The Grass 12 Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a budget-friendly, manual reel mower designed for small, flat yards where precision and quiet operation matter more than raw power. Priced under $50, it’s built for homeowners with tiny lawns (under 1,500 square feet) who want a workout-friendly, emissions-free alternative to gas or electric mowers. It’s not a heavy-duty machine, but for the right scenario, it gets the job done without the noise or hassle of a motor.

Who Should Buy This

• Apartment or condo dwellers with tiny patches of grass – If your “lawn” is a 10x10 foot strip or a postage-stamp yard, this mower’s 12-inch cutting width is ideal. It’s light and easy to store in a closet or under a porch.
• Eco-conscious homeowners who hate fuel and extension cords – No gas, no oil, no batteries, no noise. This mower runs on human power alone, making it perfect for early-morning cuts without waking the neighbors.
• Budget-focused buyers who need a mower for under $50 – If you’re on a tight budget and can’t justify spending hundreds on a gas or electric model, this reel mower is the cheapest entry point that still includes a grass catcher.
• Fitness-minded users who want a light workout while mowing – Pushing a reel mower burns more calories than riding or self-propelled models. This lightweight unit adds a gentle leg-and-arm workout to your weekly chores.

Key Features Breakdown

12-Inch Cutting Width – This is narrow, even for reel mowers. It’s designed for very small lawns or tight spaces like pathways and garden borders. Expect to make many passes on anything larger than a generous patio. For a 10x10 patch, it’s fine; for a quarter acre, you’ll be pushing for hours.

5-Blade Reel – More blades generally mean a cleaner cut, and five is solid for a reel mower at this price. It scissor-cuts grass rather than tearing it, which promotes healthier turf. However, the blades are not adjustable for sharpening, so they will dull over time.

Grass Catcher Included – A rare bonus at this price point. The catcher clips onto the back and collects clippings, saving you from raking. It’s small and fills up fast on tall grass, but it’s better than nothing. Expect to empty it frequently.

Adjustable Cutting Height – The mower offers multiple height settings (typically 1 to 2.5 inches), controlled by moving a few pins or bolts. This lets you choose between a close, manicured look or a slightly taller cut for hotter weather. The adjustment is manual and requires a bit of fiddling, but it works.

Cordless Manual Operation – No batteries, no extension cords, no fuel. You push, it cuts. This is the simplest form of lawn care. The trade-off is that you provide all the power, so thick, tall, or wet grass will be a struggle.

Pros

• Silent operation – The only sound is the blades clicking against the grass. You can mow at dawn or dusk without disturbing anyone.
• Zero emissions – No exhaust fumes, no oil changes, no carbon footprint from operation. Great for the environment and your lungs.
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver – At roughly 10–12 pounds, it’s easy to lift over flower beds, carry up steps, or store in tight spaces.
• Grass catcher works well for light trimming – For short, dry grass, the catcher collects most clippings cleanly. It saves you from a separate raking step.
• Extremely low maintenance – No spark plugs, no air filters, no belts. Just keep the blades clean and occasionally oil the reel bearings. That’s it.
• Price is unbeatable – At $46.99, it’s the cheapest mower you’ll find that includes a catcher. Perfect for an emergency backup or a first mower for a tiny yard.

Cons

• Very narrow cutting width – 12 inches means you’ll make twice as many passes as a 21-inch gas mower. On anything larger than a small lawn, it becomes tedious.
• Struggles with tall, thick, or wet grass – Reel mowers are designed for frequent, light trims. If you let grass get over 4 inches tall, the blades will clog or simply fold the grass over without cutting it. Wet grass is nearly impossible.
• Blades are not user-sharpened – The reel and bed knife are riveted or pressed in place. When they dull (and they will), you can’t easily sharpen them. Replacement parts may be hard to find for this budget model.
• Build quality is basic – Plastic wheels, thin steel frame, and simple bushings. This is a disposable mower, not a heirloom tool. It will last a few seasons if cared for, but don’t expect 10 years of service.

Bottom Line

The Grass 12 Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower is a niche tool that excels in one specific scenario: a very small, flat, well-maintained lawn where silence and zero emissions are priorities. At $46.99, it’s a steal for that use case, especially with the included grass catcher. But if your yard is larger than 1,500 square feet, grows quickly, or gets tall between cuts, this mower will frustrate you. It’s best for apartment dwellers, eco-purists, or anyone who wants a cheap backup mower for touch-ups. For anything more demanding, spend more on a wider reel mower or a basic electric model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this mower cut thick Bermuda or St. Augustine grass?
It can, but only if you mow frequently (every 3–4 days) and keep the grass short. Thick, coarse grasses will dull the blades faster, and the narrow width makes it slow work. It’s better suited to finer fescues or ryegrass.

How do I adjust the cutting height?
Look for a small pin or clip on each wheel. Remove it, move the wheel to a different hole (usually labeled 1–4), and reinsert the pin. The manual shows the exact positions. Expect to do this on all four wheels individually.

Does the grass catcher work well?
It works fine for short, dry grass, collecting about 80% of clippings. On tall or damp grass, it clogs quickly and you’ll need to empty it after every few passes. It’s a nice bonus for the price, but don’t expect perfection.