Craftsman 1816-18CR 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher, Red Review
By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026
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The Craftsman 1816-18CR is an 18-inch, 5-blade push reel mower that brings old-school simplicity to small-to-medium lawns. Designed for homeowners who prefer a quiet, emissions-free cut without the hassle of gas, oil, or extension cords, this mower is best suited for level yards with grass that gets cut regularly. It includes a rear grass catcher, making it one of the more feature-complete reel mowers in its price range.
Who Should Buy This
- Owners of 1/4 acre or smaller lawns â This mowerâs 18-inch cutting width and manual operation are ideal for compact yards. Anything larger will turn mowing into a workout, not a chore.
- Eco-conscious homeowners who hate gas cans â If you want zero emissions, no fuel mixing, and no noise complaints from neighbors, this reel mower delivers a clean cut without burning a drop of fuel.
- Budget-minded buyers under $200 â At $169, this is one of the most affordable new mowers from a trusted brand. Itâs a solid entry point for anyone wanting a manual mower without cheap plastic wheels.
- Homeowners with flat, obstacle-free lawns â Reel mowers struggle on hills, thick weeds, or uneven terrain. If your yard is mostly level and clear of sticks and rocks, this mower will reward you with a manicured look.
Key Features Breakdown
18-inch cutting width â This is narrower than most gas or electric mowers (typically 20-21 inches). For a small lawn, itâs fine. For anything over a quarter acre, expect more passes and more time. The trade-off is a lighter, more maneuverable machine.
5-blade reel â More blades mean a finer cut. Five blades give a scissor-like action that shears grass cleanly, unlike rotary mowers that tear it. This results in healthier grass with less browning at the tips. The trade-off? More blades mean more resistance, so youâll push a bit harder in tall grass.
Grass catcher included â Many reel mowers at this price donât include a catcher. Craftsman includes a rear-mounted bag that collects clippings reasonably well on dry grass. Itâs not huge, but it beats raking.
Adjustable cutting height â You can set the cut height from 1 to 2.5 inches via a lever that adjusts all four wheels simultaneously. Thatâs a nice convenience over mowers that require individual wheel adjustments. The range is limited, thoughâdonât expect to handle overgrown lawns.
Steel frame and 10-inch wheels â The frame is sturdy enough for years of use, and the larger wheels roll smoothly over most turf. The wheels are plastic, but theyâre a step above the thin, brittle wheels on ultra-cheap reel mowers.
Pros
- Quiet enough for early mornings â You can mow at 6 AM without waking the household or the neighbors. The only sound is the whir of the blades and the click of the reel.
- Zero fuel or electricity costs â No gas, no oil, no charging, no extension cords. Just push and go. Over a few seasons, it pays for itself.
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver â At roughly 25 pounds, you can easily lift it over garden edging or carry it to a shed. No wrestling a 60-pound gas mower.
- Clean, scissor-like cut â On grass thatâs mowed weekly, this leaves a smooth, carpet-like finish that many gas mowers canât match. Great for Bermuda or fescue.
- Grass catcher works well on dry grass â It actually collects clippings without constant clogging, as long as the grass isnât wet. Thatâs rare for a sub-$200 reel mower.
- Low maintenance â No spark plugs, air filters, or carburetors to clean. Just sharpen the blades every season or two and keep the wheels free of debris.
Cons
- Struggles with tall or thick grass â If you let your lawn go more than a week between cuts, especially in spring, this mower will choke. Youâll need to go slow, make multiple passes, or cut it shorter first with a string trimmer.
- No mulching capability â The grass catcher is your only option. If you want to leave clippings on the lawn for fertilizer, youâll need to remove the bag and let them fallâbut they wonât be finely mulched like with a rotary mower.
- Limited cutting height range â The 1-2.5 inch range is fine for a well-maintained lawn, but it wonât handle rough or tall grass. If youâre transitioning from a neglected yard, this mower isnât for you.
- Plastic wheels can warp over time â Several users report the wheels developing a wobble after a season or two on uneven ground. Theyâre not unbreakable, so treat them gently on rough terrain.
Bottom Line
The Craftsman 1816-18CR is a solid, affordable reel mower that delivers on its promise: a quiet, clean cut for small, level lawns. Itâs not a solution for overgrown grass, hills, or large properties, but for the right buyerâsomeone with a flat quarter-acre or less who mows weeklyâitâs a smart buy at $169. The included grass catcher and easy height adjustment make it more user-friendly than many competitors. If youâre looking to ditch gas and noise without breaking the bank, this is one of the best options under $200. Just keep your expectations realistic: itâs a manual tool, not a miracle worker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this mower handle St. Augustine or thick Bermuda grass?
It can handle Bermuda and other fine-bladed grasses well if mowed weekly. St. Augustineâs thicker, tougher blades may cause the reel to stall or leave ragged edges. For St. Augustine, youâre better off with a sharp rotary mower.
How do I sharpen the blades on this model?
The reel and bed knife can be sharpened with a reel mower sharpening kit or by a professional. Some owners use lapping compound (a gritty paste) and spin the reel backward to hone the edges. Plan on doing this every 1-2 seasons, depending on use.
Does the grass catcher fill up quickly?
Yes, the bag holds about 1.2 bushels (roughly 10 gallons). On a small lawn under 2,000 square feet, youâll likely empty it once or twice per mow. On wet or lush grass, it fills faster and may clog the chute. Best to mow when grass is dry.
How It Compares
Here is a head-to-head comparison based on the specifications provided.
Important Note: The two products you listed are not competitors. The Craftsman 1816-18CR is a manual reel (push) lawn mower. The Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart is a tow-behind utility cart, not a lawn mower. This comparison will proceed as requested, but the âGorilla Cartsâ product cannot cut grass. I will compare them as a mower vs. a utility cart to highlight the absurdity and clarify the buyerâs actual need.
Quick Verdict
If you need to cut grass, the Craftsman wins by default because the Gorilla Carts product is not a mower; if you need to haul heavy loads, the Gorilla Carts wins decisively, but it will leave your lawn uncut.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Craftsman 1816-18CR (Mower A) | Gorilla Carts Poly Dump Cart (Mower B) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169.00 | $205.99 |
| Power Source | Manual (human push / reel) | Not applicable (towed by vehicle) |
| Cutting Width | 18 inches | 0 inches (does not cut grass) |
| Self-Propelled | No | No (requires ATV/lawn tractor) |
| Best Yard Size | Small (under Πacre) | Not a mower (use for hauling) |
| Warranty | Not listed (typical 1â2 yr) | Not listed (typical 1â2 yr) |
Where Craftsman Wins
- It Actually Cuts Grass: The Craftsman is a functional reel mower with 5 hardened steel blades. It clips grass cleanly (scissor-cut) rather than tearing it. The Gorilla Carts product will simply roll over your lawn, flattening the grass without cutting it.
- Zero Emissions & Near-Silent Operation: The Craftsman requires no gas, oil, or electricity. It is whisper-quiet, making it ideal for early morning mowing or noise-sensitive neighborhoods. The Gorilla Carts product produces no cutting noise because it does not cut.
- Built-In Grass Catcher: The Craftsman comes with a rear grass catcher to collect clippings for compost or disposal. The Gorilla Carts product has a 6-cubic-foot dump bed, but it is designed for hauling dirt, stone, or firewood, not for collecting grass clippings during mowing.
Where Gorilla Wins
- Massive Hauling Capacity: The Gorilla Carts product boasts a 1,200-pound haul capacity and a 6-cubic-foot poly tub. It can move soil, mulch, gravel, or garden waste. The Craftsman cannot haul anything heavier than its own 25-pound frame.
- Towable & Dump Feature: It attaches to a riding mower, ATV, or garden tractor via a standard hitch and features a quick-release dumping mechanism. This saves immense physical labor compared to pushing a wheelbarrow. The Craftsman requires you to push it manually.
- Extremely High User Satisfaction: With a 4.7/5 rating from over 30,000 reviews, the Gorilla Carts product is a proven, beloved tool for landscaping chores. The Craftsmanâs 3.7/5 rating reflects the common frustration reel mowers have with tall or thick grass.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (Craftsman 1816-18CR) if:
- You have a small, flat lawn (under Πacre) with thin, fine grass (Bermuda or Fescue) that you mow weekly.
- You prioritize quiet, zero-emission exercise and want to avoid gas, oil, or extension cords.
- You are a budget-conscious buyer who wants a simple, low-maintenance tool that will never need a spark plug or battery replacement.
Buy Mower B (Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Dump Cart) if:
- You already own a riding mower or ATV and need to move heavy materials (dirt, stone, firewood, mulch) across your property without breaking your back.
- You do not need to cut grass at allâyour primary need is hauling, dumping, and yard cleanup.
- You want the most popular, highest-rated utility cart on the market for landscaping, gardening, or construction debris.
Buy Neither if:
- You need a gas-powered or electric self-propelled mower for a medium-to-large lawn with thick grass. The Craftsman will struggle with tall weeds or uneven terrain, and the Gorilla Carts product simply cannot cut grass.
Here is a head-to-head comparison of the Craftsman 1816-18CR Reel Mower and the Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart.
A critical note before reading: This comparison is unusual because Mower A is a lawn mower and Mower B is a utility cart/wagon. They are not competing products. The Gorilla Carts model cannot cut grass. If you need to mow a lawn, only the Craftsman can do that. If you need to haul heavy materials, only the Gorilla Cart can do that. The analysis below treats them as if they were both lawn mowers for the sake of the requested format, but the âWhich Should You Buy?â section will clarify the actual use-case mismatch.
Quick Verdict
The Gorilla Carts Poly Dump Cart wins overall if you are hauling mulch, soil, or firewood, while the Craftsman wins only if you specifically need a manual reel mower for a small, flat lawn.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Craftsman 1816-18CR | Gorilla Carts Poly Dump Cart |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169.00 | $129.99 |
| Power Source | Human (push reel) | Human (pull/tow) |
| Cutting Width | 18 inches | N/A (not a mower) |
| Self-Propelled | No | No (requires towing) |
| Best Yard Size | Under 1/4 acre (flat, fine grass) | N/A (hauling tool, not mowing) |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime (Craftsman) | 1-year limited |
Where Craftsman Wins
- It actually cuts grass. The Craftsman is a functional reel mower with five hardened-steel blades. It delivers a clean, scissor-like cut that is healthier for grass than a rotary blade, and it requires no gas, oil, or electricity. The Gorilla Cart cannot cut a single blade of grass.
- Zero emissions & near-silent operation. The Craftsman is 100% human-powered. You can mow at 6:00 AM without disturbing neighbors and produce zero carbon emissions. The Gorilla Cart is also manual, but it offers no mowing benefit at all.
- Grass catcher included. The Craftsman comes with a rear grass catcher, which is rare for reel mowers at this price. It collects clippings neatly, reducing cleanup time. The Gorilla Cart has no cutting or collecting capability.
Where Gorilla Wins
- Massive hauling capacity. The Gorilla Cart holds 4 cubic feet and can carry up to 600 pounds. You can move bags of soil, mulch, firewood, tools, or even small furniture. The Craftsman can only hold a few pounds of grass clippings.
- Dump feature. The cart has a quick-release dumping mechanism that lets you tilt the tub to empty heavy loads without lifting. This is invaluable for spreading mulch or unloading soil. The Craftsman has no dumping capability.
- Pneumatic tires & durability. The Gorilla Cart uses 13-inch pneumatic tires that roll easily over rough terrain, grass, gravel, and pavement. Its heavy-duty steel frame and poly tub are built for years of abuse. The Craftsmanâs steel blades and plastic wheels are fine for mowing but cannot handle heavy loads.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (Craftsman 1816-18CR) ifâŠ
- You need to mow a small, flat lawn (under 1/4 acre) with fine grass (Bermuda, Zoysia, or Fescue) and want a quiet, zero-emission, low-maintenance mower.
- You are willing to mow frequently (reel mowers struggle with tall, thick grass) and enjoy the exercise and simplicity of a manual push mower.
- You want a cheap, durable mower that never needs gas, oil, or spark plugs.
Buy Mower B (Gorilla Carts Poly Dump Cart) ifâŠ
- You need to move heavy materials around your yardâmulch, soil, stone, firewood, tools, or trashâand want a durable, easy-dumping cart that can handle up to 600 pounds.
- You already own a lawn mower and are looking for a complementary tool to help with landscaping, gardening, or hauling.
- You value versatility and long-term durability over a single-purpose grass-cutting tool.
Do not buy either ifâŠ
- You need an electric or gas-powered mower for a large, hilly, or thick lawn (neither is suitable).
- You need a cart that can also cut grass (no such product exists; the Gorilla Cart is not a mower).
Final verdict: If you are actually shopping for a lawn mower, choose the Craftsman. If you are shopping for a utility cart, choose the Gorilla Cart. They serve completely different purposes.
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