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

By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026

★★★★ 4.1/5 (1641 reviews)
$79.99
Brand: LawnMaster
LawnMaster LMRM1401 Push Reel Lawn Mower 14-Inch 5-Blade
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Overview

The LawnMaster LMRM1401 is a 14-inch, 5-blade push reel mower that brings back the quiet, eco-friendly simplicity of manual lawn care. Priced at just $79.99, it’s designed for homeowners with small, flat lawns—typically under 1/4 acre—who want a zero-emissions, low-maintenance alternative to gas or electric mowers. If you’re tired of storing fuel, dealing with extension cords, or listening to a noisy engine, this mower offers a budget-friendly way to keep your grass neatly trimmed with nothing but elbow grease.

Who Should Buy This

  1. Owners of tiny, flat lawns (under 1/4 acre) – If your yard is a postage stamp, this mower is a perfect fit. It’s nimble, lightweight, and won’t overcomplicate a small job. Larger lawns will turn mowing into a workout you didn’t sign up for.

  2. Eco-conscious homeowners who hate gas and fumes – No gas, no oil, no emissions, no noise complaints from neighbors. This mower runs on human power, making it ideal for anyone who wants a greener footprint and a quieter Saturday morning.

  3. Budget-first buyers who want a sub-$100 mower – At $79.99, it’s one of the cheapest new mowers you’ll find. If you’re renting, on a tight budget, or just need something to get through a season, this hits the sweet spot.

  4. Homeowners who enjoy a light workout while mowing – If you’re looking for a way to burn a few extra calories while tidying up the yard, a reel mower is a pleasant alternative to a gym session. It’s not hard work, but it’s not effortless either.

Key Features Breakdown

  • 14-inch cutting width – This is a narrow cut, which means more passes across your lawn. It’s fine for small yards, but if you’re covering anything larger than a typical suburban front lawn, you’ll be pushing it for a while. The upside is that it’s extremely maneuverable around flower beds and tight corners.

  • 5-blade reel – More blades generally mean a cleaner cut. The five-blade design helps snip grass cleanly rather than tearing it, which reduces browning at the tips. That said, it requires a bit more force to push through thicker grass compared to a 4-blade reel mower.

  • Heat-treated steel blades – These stay sharp longer than untreated steel, and they’re durable enough to handle regular use on a well-maintained lawn. You’ll still need to sharpen them annually, but they won’t dull after a few uses.

  • Adjustable cutting height (1.0 to 2.0 inches) – That’s a limited range. You can’t go higher than 2 inches, which means this mower isn’t suited for tall, thick grass or lawns that need a longer cut during hot summer months. It’s best for cool-season grasses kept short and tidy.

  • Lightweight at 15 pounds – This is a major advantage for carrying it up stairs, loading it into a car, or pushing it on uneven ground. The weight makes it easy to maneuver, but it also means the mower can skip or bounce on bumpy terrain.

  • No engine or battery – The biggest feature is also the biggest limitation. There’s nothing to break, no cords to trip over, and no fuel to buy. But you’re the motor, so your stamina determines how much lawn you can cover.

Pros

  1. Dead quiet operation – You’ll hear the blades spinning and the grass falling. That’s it. You can mow early in the morning or late in the evening without disturbing anyone.

  2. Zero maintenance beyond blade sharpening – No oil changes, no spark plugs, no battery charging, no gas mixing. Just clean it off and store it. That’s a huge time and money saver.

  3. Excellent for small, flat lawns – On a level yard with short grass, it cuts cleanly and leaves a nice striped finish. It’s almost meditative to use.

  4. Super lightweight and easy to store – At 15 pounds, you can hang it on a wall hook or stash it in a corner. No bulky deck or handle that takes up half your garage.

  5. Safe for kids and pets – No spinning blades at high speed, no hot engine parts, no toxic fumes. You can mow while the dog is in the yard without worry.

  6. Great for exercise – It’s not a cardio machine, but you’ll get a light leg and arm workout. If you’re already active, it’s a bonus. If you’re not, it’s still manageable.

Cons

  1. Struggles with tall or thick grass – If you let the lawn get over 4 inches, this mower will clog, skip, or just bend the grass over instead of cutting it. You’ll need to mow frequently—every 5–7 days in peak growing season.

  2. No grass catcher included – Clippings are left on the lawn. That’s fine for mulching, but if you want a clean, bagged finish, you’ll need to buy a separate catcher or rake them up.

  3. Limited cutting height range – Maxing out at 2 inches is too short for many warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or for lawns that need a taller cut during drought. This mower is best for short, cool-season grass.

  4. Not for uneven or bumpy ground – The lightweight frame and fixed reel design mean it bounces over dips and rises, leaving uncut patches. You need a relatively flat lawn for consistent results.

Bottom Line

The LawnMaster LMRM1401 is a solid, budget-friendly reel mower for the right buyer. If you have a small, flat lawn (under 1/4 acre), want to avoid gas and cords, and don’t mind mowing every week to keep grass short, this is a fantastic value at $79.99. It’s quiet, simple, and nearly maintenance-free. But if your lawn is large, uneven, or you let it get shaggy, you’ll be frustrated by its limitations. I’d recommend it confidently to anyone with a tidy, compact yard who wants a low-cost, eco-friendly mowing experience. Just know what you’re getting into—and keep the grass short.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does this mower come with a grass catcher?
No, the LMRM1401 does not include a grass catcher. Clippings are left on the lawn as mulch. LawnMaster sells a separate catcher (model CATCH14) that fits this mower, but it’s an additional purchase.

2. Can I use this on Bermuda grass or St. Augustine grass?
It works on Bermuda if you keep it short

How It Compares

Quick Verdict

If you need a quiet, zero-emission, low-maintenance mower for a small, flat lawn, the LawnMaster wins for traditional reel cutting; but for versatility and ease of use on uneven terrain or overgrown areas, the WORX string trimmer is the better choice overall.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature LawnMaster LMRM1401 (Mower A) WORX WG163 (Mower B)
Price $79.99 $89.99
Power Source Manual (push reel) 20V cordless battery (2 included)
Cutting Width 14 inches 12 inches (string trimmer head)
Self-Propelled No No
Best Yard Size Under 1/4 acre, flat, well-maintained Small to medium, uneven or overgrown
Warranty Usually 2-year limited (check retailer) 3-year limited

Where LawnMaster Wins

  1. Zero operating costs and emissions – The LawnMaster requires no gas, oil, electricity, or battery charging. It’s completely silent and produces zero exhaust, making it ideal for early-morning mowing and environmentally conscious users. The only ongoing cost is occasional blade sharpening.

  2. Better cut quality on short, even grass – Reel mowers scissor-cut grass rather than tearing it, resulting in a cleaner, healthier cut that reduces browning and disease. For a manicured, golf-green look on a small, flat lawn, the LawnMaster’s 5-blade design (cutting every 1.5 inches per revolution) outperforms any string trimmer.

  3. Lower weight and simpler maintenance – At roughly 15–20 lbs, the LawnMaster is lighter than the WORX (5.5 lbs trimmer head, but with battery and shaft). There are no belts, spark plugs, or filters to replace. A quick rinse and occasional blade adjustment are all that’s needed.

Where WORX Wins

  1. Versatility for trimming and edging – The WORX is a string trimmer and edger in one, with a pivoting head that converts from trimming to edging in seconds. The LawnMaster can only mow flat lawn areas and cannot reach along fences, flower beds, or sidewalks. For a complete lawn-care tool, the WORX is far more useful.

  2. Handles tall, wet, or uneven grass – String trimmers don’t clog on damp grass or struggle with weeds over 6 inches tall. The LawnMaster’s reel blades will jam, skip, or require multiple passes on uneven ground or overgrown patches. The WORX’s 12-inch cutting swath and 20V motor power through tough conditions.

  3. Higher reliability and user satisfaction – With 27,806 reviews and a 4.4-star rating versus 1,641 reviews at 4.1 stars, the WORX has a much larger sample of proven performance. Many reel mower users report frustration with dull blades, grass clumping, and the need for precise blade-to-bedknife adjustment, while the WORX’s Command Feed system automatically advances the cutting line.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (LawnMaster) if: You have a very small, flat lawn (under 1,500 sq ft) of fine, well-maintained grass, you want zero noise and zero emissions, and you’re willing to mow every 3–5 days to keep grass short. This is a great choice for a tiny front yard or a rental property where you don’t want to store batteries or fuel.

Buy Mower B (WORX) if: You need a tool for trimming edges, clearing weeds, and maintaining uneven or overgrown areas, or if your lawn is small but irregularly shaped. The WORX is also the better pick if you want a single tool that can handle both mowing (on very small lawns) and detail trimming, and you value the convenience of 20V battery power with a backup battery included.

Neither is ideal if: Your lawn is larger than 1/4 acre. For a 1/4- to 1/2-acre lot, you’ll need a full-size gas or cordless mower with a 20–21 inch cutting deck. The LawnMaster will take too long and the WORX will be exhausting for full-lawn mowing.

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the LawnMaster LMRM1401 and the American Lawn Mower Company reel mower.


Quick Verdict

The American Lawn Mower Company wins overall due to its vastly superior build quality, higher customer satisfaction across tens of thousands of reviews, and a longer warranty, making it the better long-term investment for the average homeowner.


Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature LawnMaster LMRM1401 American Lawn Mower Company
Price $79.99 $119.99
Power Source Manual (Push Reel) Manual (Push Reel)
Cutting Width 14 inches 14 inches (most models; 16" & 20" also available)
Self-Propelled No No
Best Yard Size Small (under 1/4 acre) Small to Medium (up to 1/2 acre)
Warranty 1 year (limited) 2 years (limited)
Blades 5-Blade 5-Blade (standard on 14" model)

Where LawnMaster Wins

  1. Lower Upfront Cost: At $79.99, the LawnMaster is the clear budget champion. If you need a mower for a tiny city lawn or a single season and want to spend the absolute minimum, this is your option. It’s $40 cheaper than the American model.

  2. 5-Blade Design for Finer Cut: The LawnMaster uses a 5-blade reel, which means it cuts grass more frequently per wheel rotation compared to a standard 4-blade reel. This can result in a slightly finer, cleaner cut on very short, manicured Bermuda or Zoysia grass, provided the grass isn’t too thick or tall.

  3. Lightweight Build: At approximately 18 lbs, the LawnMaster is noticeably lighter than the American model. This makes it easier to carry up stairs, lift into a shed, or maneuver around tight flower beds for a very small lawn.


Where American Lawn Mower Wins

  1. Superior Build Quality & Longevity: The American Lawn Mower Company has been in business since 1895. Their mower uses heavier-gauge steel, a thicker axle, and sealed ball bearings in the wheels. Owners consistently report these mowers lasting 10–20+ years with basic maintenance (sharpening, oiling). The LawnMaster uses lighter, cheaper materials prone to bending or rusting within a few seasons.

  2. Overwhelmingly Better Customer Satisfaction: With a 4.3 rating from 22,499 reviews (vs. 4.1 from 1,641), the American mower has a massive reliability track record. The LawnMaster has a higher percentage of negative reviews citing blade alignment issues, plastic wheel failures, and poor cutting performance on anything but perfect, short grass.

  3. Better Cutting Performance on Real Lawns: The American mower’s design includes a more robust cutting bar and a heavier frame that provides better ground contact. It handles slightly taller, thicker grass (like St. Augustine or Fescue) more reliably without stalling or skipping. It also features a larger, more comfortable wheel design that rolls easier over uneven terrain.

  4. Longer Warranty: The 2-year warranty (vs. 1 year) offers double the peace of mind and reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the product.


Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (LawnMaster LMRM1401) if: You have a tiny, flat lawn (under 1,500 sq ft) of very fine grass like Bermuda or Zoysia, you’re on a strict budget under $80, and you only need it to last a season or two. It’s also a reasonable choice for a lightweight mower you’ll carry to a community garden plot.

Buy Mower B (American Lawn Mower Company) if: You want a tool, not a toy. If you have a lawn up to 1/3 acre, plan to use the mower for more than 2 years, or have any grass type other than perfect, short Bermuda, the American mower is the only logical choice. The $40 extra is an investment in reliability—most owners will never need to buy another reel mower.

The “Buy Once, Cry Once” Scenario: If you are serious about manual mowing, skip both and consider the American Lawn Mower 20-inch model (around $150). It cuts faster, is even better built, and is the gold standard for reel mowers. But between these two specific models, the American wins for durability and performance; the LawnMaster wins only for absolute lowest price.

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Last updated: June 2026