12" Push Reel Lawn Mower, 6-Gallon Collection Bag, 5 Blade Manual Lawn Mower, 0.67-1.3 in Adjustable Cutting Height, Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers for Yard, Garden Review

Overview

This 12-inch push reel lawn mower from Collection is a compact, budget-friendly manual mower designed for small lawns and tight spaces. Priced at just $41.99, it’s aimed at homeowners who want a quiet, gas-free, and low-maintenance cutting solution for patches up to 1/4 acre. With a 6-gallon collection bag and adjustable cutting height from 0.67 to 1.3 inches, it’s a straightforward tool for those who value simplicity over frills.

Who Should Buy This

1. Apartment dwellers with tiny yards – If you’re maintaining a postage-stamp lawn (say, under 1,000 square feet), this mower’s 12-inch width and lightweight build make it easy to maneuver and store in a shed or garage corner.

2. Eco-conscious homeowners who hate gas cans – No emissions, no oil changes, no fuel mixing. This reel mower runs on elbow grease, making it ideal for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint and avoid the hassle of gas-powered equipment.

3. Budget-focused first-time buyers – At $41.99, it’s one of the cheapest mowers on the market. If you’re renting, have a tiny lawn, or just need a stopgap tool for a season or two, this won’t break the bank.

4. Noise-sensitive neighborhoods – Reel mowers are whisper-quiet compared to gas or even electric models. This is perfect for early-morning mowing or properties close to neighbors without disturbing the peace.

Key Features Breakdown

• 12-inch cutting width – This is narrow. It’s great for tight spaces like around flower beds or between garden paths, but it means more passes on even a modest lawn. Expect to spend extra time if your yard is over 2,000 square feet.

• 5-blade reel design – Five blades provide a clean scissor-like cut, which is healthier for grass than the tearing action of rotary mowers. That said, the blades aren’t hardened steel at this price point, so they may dull faster on thicker or taller grass.

• 6-gallon collection bag – A decent size for a small mower, but it’s plastic and attaches to the rear. For a 12-inch cut, you’ll fill it quickly if the grass is thick, and emptying it can be a bit fiddly since the bag isn’t the most secure fit.

• Adjustable cutting height (0.67–1.3 inches) – Three settings let you dial in the height, but the range is limited. You can’t go above 1.3 inches, which means this mower is best for short, well-maintained lawns. If you let grass grow tall, you’ll struggle.

• Manual push operation – No engine, battery, or cord. It’s silent, lightweight (under 15 pounds), and nearly maintenance-free—just keep the blades sharp. But it requires physical effort, especially on uneven terrain.

Pros

1. Price is unbeatable – At $42, it’s hard to find a cheaper lawn mower that actually works. Great for the budget-conscious.

2. Ultra-quiet operation – No engine noise means you can mow any time without bothering neighbors or waking up the household.

3. Lightweight and easy to push – Weighing in at around 12–14 pounds, it’s effortless to maneuver, even for someone with limited upper-body strength.

4. Eco-friendly and low maintenance – No gas, oil, or batteries to replace. Just clean the blades occasionally and sharpen them once a season.

5. Works well on short, fine grass – If your lawn is Bermuda or fescue kept under 2 inches, this mower will give a clean, precise cut that rotary mowers can’t match.

6. Compact storage – It takes up minimal space in a shed, garage, or even an apartment closet. No need for a dedicated mower corner.

Cons

1. Narrow cutting width – That 12-inch swath means you’ll make more passes than with a standard 20-inch mower. For a 1/4-acre lawn, you’re looking at an hour or more of pushing.

2. Poor performance on tall or thick grass – The reel can jam or skip if grass is over 3 inches tall or if it’s damp. You’ll need to mow frequently—every 4–5 days in peak growing season.

3. Flimsy collection bag – The 6-gallon bag is small and attaches loosely. It tends to pop off on bumpy terrain, and emptying it requires some wrestling. Many users end up mulching instead.

4. Limited cutting height range – The maximum 1.3-inch height is too short for warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or for lawns that get infrequent mowing. You can’t raise it for taller grass without scalping.

Bottom Line

The Collection 12-inch push reel mower is a solid choice for anyone with a very small, well-kept lawn who wants a dirt-cheap, silent, and eco-friendly cutting tool. It excels on Bermuda or fescue kept under 2 inches, and its price makes it a no-brainer for renters or first-time homeowners with tiny yards. But if your lawn is larger than 2,000 square feet, has thick grass, or you prefer to mow every two weeks, look elsewhere—this mower will frustrate you with constant jams and a narrow cut. For the right buyer, it’s a steal; for the wrong one, it’s a chore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can this mower handle thick, overgrown grass?
A: Not really. It’s designed for short, fine grass under 2–3 inches. If your lawn is overgrown or damp, the blades will struggle to spin, and you’ll end up pulling or pushing the mower without cutting. Stick to weekly mowing for best results.

Q: How do I sharpen the blades?
A: You’ll need a sharpening stone or file. Remove the reel (it’s held by a few bolts), then file each blade at a 45-degree angle until they’re sharp. Alternatively, you can buy a replacement reel assembly for about $15–$20. Do this once a season or after heavy use.

Q: Does it work on uneven or bumpy ground?
A: It’s okay on mild bumps, but the 12-inch width means it can tip or skip on larger dips or roots. The cutting height is fixed, so it won’t float over terrain like a rotary mower. Best for flat, smooth lawns.