LawnMaster LMRM1401 Push Reel Lawn Mower 14-Inch 5-Blade Review

Overview

The LawnMaster LMRM1401 is a 14-inch, 5-blade push reel mower priced at $79.99, making it one of the most affordable manual mowers on the market. It’s designed for homeowners with small, flat lawns—typically under 1/4 acre—who want a quiet, zero-emission, and low-maintenance alternative to gas or corded electric mowers. If you’re looking for a simple, workout-friendly way to keep a tidy lawn without the hassle of fuel or extension cords, this mower is worth a close look.

Who Should Buy This

• Owners of small, flat lawns (under 1/4 acre): This mower shines on plots where you can finish the job in 20–30 minutes. The 14-inch cutting width and manual push design keep it nimble for tight spaces, but it’s too slow for larger yards.
• Eco-conscious homeowners who hate gas cans and fumes: If you want a mower that produces zero emissions, runs silently, and never needs oil changes or spark plugs, this reel mower delivers exactly that. It’s also perfect for early-morning mowing without waking the neighbors.
• Budget-focused buyers seeking the lowest long-term cost: At $79.99, this is cheaper than most gas mowers by hundreds of dollars. With no fuel, no electricity, and minimal maintenance (just occasional blade sharpening), the total cost of ownership over several years is nearly unbeatable.
• Homeowners who want a light workout while mowing: The LMRM1401 requires more physical effort than a self-propelled mower, but it’s a great way to get fresh air and gentle exercise. If you enjoy the “snip” sound of reel blades and the satisfaction of a clean cut, this is your tool.

Key Features Breakdown

• 14-inch cutting width: This is narrower than most gas or electric mowers (which typically offer 20–21 inches). It means more passes to cover your lawn, but it also makes the mower easier to maneuver around flower beds, trees, and tight corners. Best for small yards where precision matters more than speed.
• 5-blade reel: The five-blade design provides a scissor-like cut that’s cleaner than rotary blades, which tear grass. This results in healthier grass with less browning at the tips. The trade-off is that reel mowers struggle with tall, thick, or wet grass—you’ll need to mow frequently (every 3–5 days during peak growth).
• Adjustable cutting height (0.5–1.75 inches): You can set the height in five positions by moving a lever on each wheel. This range is fine for most cool-season grasses (like fescue or bluegrass) but won’t handle the taller cuts (2–3 inches) that some warm-season grasses need in summer. For Bermuda or Zoysia lawns kept low, it works well.
• Steel frame and plastic wheels: The frame is sturdy steel, which adds durability without excessive weight (the mower is about 15 pounds). The plastic wheels are functional but not as durable as rubber—they may wear faster on uneven or rocky terrain.
• No engine, no cord, no battery: This is a purely mechanical mower powered by you pushing it. That means zero noise, zero emissions, and zero fuel costs. It also means you must maintain a brisk walking pace to keep the blades spinning fast enough for a clean cut.

Pros

• Quiet operation: You can mow at 6 AM without disturbing anyone—just the sound of blades snipping grass. This is a huge advantage over gas mowers and even many electric models.
• Zero maintenance engine: No oil changes, no air filters, no spark plugs, no fuel stabilizer. The only regular task is keeping the blades sharp (once or twice per season for most small lawns).
• Lightweight and easy to store: At 15 pounds, you can hang it on a wall hook or carry it to a shed with one hand. It takes up minimal space compared to a bulky gas mower.
• Clean, scissor-like cut: The 5-blade reel leaves grass tips neatly sliced, not torn. This promotes healthier growth and a manicured look that rotary mowers can’t match.
• Low cost: At $79.99, it’s one of the cheapest new mowers you can buy. You’ll recoup the cost in fuel savings within a season or two if you’d otherwise use a gas mower.
• Great for small lawns and tight spots: The narrow 14-inch width makes it easy to edge along walkways and around garden beds without a trimmer.

Cons

• Struggles with tall or thick grass: If you let your lawn get over 4 inches, the reel will clog or simply push grass down rather than cutting it. You must mow frequently—every 3–5 days during peak growth.
• Not for uneven or bumpy terrain: The reel mower needs consistent contact with the ground to cut evenly. Bumps, dips, or hard soil can cause the blades to miss patches or scalp the lawn.
• No grass collection bag (sold separately): The LMRM1401 comes without a catcher. You’ll need to rake clippings or buy the optional bag ($15–20). If you prefer mulching, this is fine, but it’s an extra expense.
• Limited cutting height range: The max height of 1.75 inches is too short for many warm-season grasses (like St. Augustine or tall fescue) that prefer 2–3 inches. This mower is best suited for low-growing turf types.

Bottom Line

The LawnMaster LMRM1401 is a solid, budget-friendly reel mower that excels for owners of small, flat lawns who value quiet, eco-friendly operation and minimal maintenance. It’s not a tool for lazy mowers—you’ll need to push steadily and mow often—but if you enjoy the process and want to avoid gas cans, extension cords, and battery chargers, it delivers a clean cut at a price that’s hard to beat. I recommend it for anyone with a lawn under 1/4 acre who’s willing to mow weekly and keep the blades sharp. Skip it if your yard is bumpy, overgrown, or requires a tall cut.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does this mower work on thick Bermuda or St. Augustine grass?
It can work on Bermuda if you keep the lawn short (under 1.5 inches) and mow every 2–3 days during peak growth. St. Augustine is generally too thick and coarse for reel mowers—the blades will likely clog or skip. For warm-season lawns, consider a rotary mower instead.

2. How often do I need to sharpen the blades?
For a typical small lawn (under 1/4 acre), you’ll need to sharpen the reel and bed knife once or twice per season. You can do it