20" Push Reel Lawn Mower, 5-Blade Manual Push Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher and Adjustable Cutting Height, No-Motor Grass Cutter Machine for Small Yards & Gardens Review

Overview

The Grass 20" Push Reel Lawn Mower is a manual, no-motor mower designed for homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns who want a quiet, emissions-free cutting experience. With five hardened steel blades, a rear grass catcher, and adjustable cutting heights, it’s built for precision trimming on level, well-maintained turf. Best suited for yards up to about 1/4 acre, this mower is a solid entry-level reel option for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize simplicity over speed.

Who Should Buy This

• Homeowners with small, flat lawns (up to 1/4 acre) – If your yard is under 5,000 square feet and relatively level, this mower will handle it with ease. The 20-inch cutting width is efficient without being unwieldy.

• Eco-conscious users who hate gas and noise – No exhaust fumes, no oil changes, no earplugs needed. This mower runs on elbow grease, making it ideal for early-morning or late-evening mowing without disturbing neighbors.

• Budget-minded buyers seeking low maintenance – At $75, it’s one of the most affordable reel mowers available. There are no spark plugs, filters, or batteries to replace—just occasional blade sharpening.

• Gardeners who want a cleaner cut – Reel mowers scissor-cut grass rather than tearing it like rotary blades. If you’re particular about lawn health and want to reduce browning tips, this mower delivers.

Key Features Breakdown

20-Inch Cutting Width – This is a sweet spot for small yards. Wide enough to make decent time on a 1/4-acre lot, but narrow enough to maneuver around flower beds and garden edges. It’s not a racehorse, but you won’t be out there all afternoon.

5-Blade Reel System – More blades generally mean a finer cut. Five blades is standard for this price range, and they’re made of hardened steel. For healthy, thin-bladed grasses like fescue or Bermuda, you’ll get a clean scissor action that promotes denser growth.

Adjustable Cutting Height – The mower offers multiple height settings (typically 1 to 2.5 inches or similar). This lets you adjust for seasonal growth or grass type. Keep it higher in summer to shade roots, lower in spring for a tidy look. The adjustment mechanism is simple—no tools required on most models.

Grass Catcher Included – A rear-mounted catcher that clips onto the handle. It’s not huge (usually around 10-12 gallon capacity), but it beats raking clippings. For small lawns, you can usually finish without emptying it. It’s made of fabric or plastic—check for durability, as some budget catchers tear over time.

No-Motor, Manual Operation – The obvious trade-off: you provide the power. This means zero fuel costs, zero emissions, and near-silent operation. The downside is you’ll work harder on thick grass, and hills will test your stamina.

Lightweight Build – At roughly 20-25 pounds, it’s easy to push and lift. Great for smaller users or anyone who needs to carry it over steps or store it in a tight shed.

Pros

1. Dead quiet – You can mow at 6 AM without waking the house. Birdsong and wheel noise are the only sounds.
2. Zero operating costs – No gas, no electricity, no belts. Just a bit of elbow grease.
3. Clean, healthy cut – The scissor action reduces tearing and browning, which is better for your lawn’s long-term health.
4. Light and easy to maneuver – At around 22 pounds, it’s easy to push and turn in tight spaces. Great for small yards with lots of obstacles.
5. Simple maintenance – Sharpen the blades once a season, maybe oil the wheels. That’s it.
6. Affordable price – $75 is a steal for a functional reel mower with a catcher. Comparable models often cost $100+.

Cons

1. Not for thick or tall grass – If you let the lawn get over 4-5 inches, this mower will struggle. You’ll need to mow frequently (every 5-7 days) to keep it manageable.
2. Poor on uneven or bumpy ground – Reel mowers need a flat surface to cut evenly. Dips, rocks, or tree roots will cause scalping or missed patches.
3. Grass catcher is small – On a slightly damp lawn or with thick growth, you’ll be emptying it every few passes. It’s adequate for very small yards but can feel tedious.
4. No mulching capability – Unlike some reel mowers, this one doesn’t mulch clippings. You either catch them or rake them. If you prefer letting clippings lie, you’ll need to remove the catcher and deal with clumps.

Bottom Line

The Grass 20" Push Reel Mower is a fantastic value for the right buyer. If you have a small, flat lawn (under 1/4 acre), want to ditch gas and noise, and don’t mind mowing weekly, this mower will serve you well. It’s simple, light, and delivers a clean cut that’s better for your turf than most cheap gas mowers. But if your yard is bumpy, overgrown, or larger than a postage stamp, you’ll quickly outgrow it. At $75, it’s a solid entry-level reel mower—just know its limits. Recommended for small-lot homeowners and eco-minded gardeners on a budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this mower work on Bahia or St. Augustine grass?
A: It’s not ideal for thick, coarse grasses like St. Augustine or tall Bahia. Reel mowers work best on thin-bladed turf like fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, or Bermuda. For tough southern grasses, you’ll need to mow very frequently and keep the blades razor-sharp.

Q: How often do I need to sharpen the blades?
A: With regular use on a small lawn, expect to sharpen once per season (or every 15-20 hours of mowing). You can use a sharpening kit or take the reel to a shop. Dull blades cause tearing, so don’t skip it.

Q: Can I use this mower on a slight slope?
A: Mild slopes (less than 10 degrees) are fine if the grass is short. Steeper hills will be tough because the blades need forward momentum to spin. On hills, you may find yourself pushing harder, and the cut may be uneven.