LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch 5-Blade Review
By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026
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The LawnMaster LMRM1602 is a 16-inch, 5-blade push reel mower that strips lawn care down to its quiet, emissions-free essentials. Priced at just over $75, it’s designed for homeowners with small, flat lawns who want to ditch gas, extension cords, and maintenance headaches. Think of it as the manual-transmission option for your yard—simple, effective, and nearly silent.
Who Should Buy This
- Apartment dwellers and townhouse owners with tiny patches of grass (under 2,000 square feet). The 16-inch cutting width is nimble enough for tight spaces and storage is a breeze.
- Eco-conscious homeowners who refuse to burn gas or deal with battery disposal. This mower runs on elbow grease and produces zero emissions.
- Budget-focused buyers who want a functional mower for under $100. If your lawn is small and flat, this is the cheapest reliable option that won’t leave you stranded.
- Noise-sensitive neighbors (or those with early-morning mowing habits). At 65 decibels, you can cut grass at 6 AM without waking the block—or your napping toddler.
Key Features Breakdown
16-inch cutting width: This is narrower than most gas or electric mowers (usually 20-21 inches). That means more passes, but for small lawns under a quarter acre, it’s perfectly adequate and makes maneuvering around flower beds and fences easier.
5-blade reel: More blades generally mean a finer cut. The five-blade design on this unit produces a scissor-like action that cleanly slices grass blades rather than tearing them (as rotary mowers do). This promotes healthier grass, but only if you mow frequently.
Adjustable cutting height (1-2.5 inches): A simple lever adjusts the height across five positions. The range is limited—you won’t get a 3-inch cut for tall fescue—but it works well for common Bermuda, Kentucky bluegrass, or fine fescue lawns kept short.
Steel frame and composite wheels: The frame is sturdy enough for light-duty use, though the wheels are basic plastic. They roll fine on flat turf but can slip on damp grass or slopes.
Weight (22 pounds): Featherlight compared to any gas mower. You can easily carry it up stairs, lift it into a car trunk, or hang it on a garage wall hook.
No engine, no battery, no cord: This is the entire point. Zero maintenance beyond sharpening the reel every couple of seasons. No oil changes, no spark plugs, no charging.
Pros
- Dead silent operation: The only sound is the whir of blades spinning and grass falling. You can mow during dinner without complaints.
- Zero operating cost: After the initial $76, your only expense is your own energy. No gas, no electricity, no replacement batteries.
- Effortless maintenance: A quick rinse after use and occasional blade sharpening (or replacement) is all it needs. No carburetor cleaning, no air filters.
- Safe for kids and pets: No spinning metal blades at 3,000 RPM. The reel is slow and the mower stops instantly when you stop pushing.
- Excellent cut quality on short, thin grass: When used correctly (frequent mowing, dry grass), the scissor cut is noticeably cleaner than a rotary mower. Your lawn will look like a putting green.
- Small storage footprint: Stands upright on its end, takes up less than 2 square feet of floor space.
Cons
- Useless on tall or wet grass: If your lawn gets away from you (over 4 inches) or is damp, this mower will clog, skip, or just push grass flat. You must mow often and when dry.
- No grass catcher included: The grass clippings fall where they land. That’s fine for mulching, but if you want a bagged lawn, budget extra for the optional catcher (if available) or rake manually.
- Limited cutting height range: The maximum height of 2.5 inches is too low for cool-season grasses like tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass during summer heat. You’ll stress the lawn if you scalp it.
- Not for uneven terrain: Reel mowers need a flat, smooth surface. Bumps, roots, or dips cause the reel to scalp low spots and miss high spots. This is strictly for manicured lawns.
Bottom Line
The LawnMaster LMRM1602 is the best $76 you can spend on a lawn mower—if you have the right lawn. It’s a joy to use on small, flat, frequently mowed turf where silence and simplicity matter more than speed. But it’s not a replacement for a gas or electric mower if you have a quarter-acre of uneven, fast-growing grass. For apartment patios, tiny front yards, or as a backup mower for tight spots, this is a steal. Just sharpen the blades annually and keep your grass short.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often do I need to sharpen the blades? A: With normal use on a small lawn (mowing once a week), you’ll notice the cut getting ragged after about 2-3 seasons. You can sharpen the reel yourself with a sharpening kit ($15-20) or replace the whole reel assembly. Light use means 3-5 years before it needs attention.
Q: Can I use this on St. Augustine or zoysia grass? A: It works fine on zoysia if kept short (1-2 inches). St. Augustine is problematic because of its thick stolons and coarse texture—the reel will struggle to cut through runners. For St. Augustine, stick with a rotary mower.
Q: Does it come fully assembled? A: No, you’ll need to attach the handle and wheels. It takes about 10 minutes with a screwdriver and a wrench (included). The instructions are basic but clear. Expect two bolts and a few wing nuts.
How It Compares
Quick Verdict
The WORX WG163 wins for versatility and convenience, but the LawnMaster LMRM1602 is the better choice if you want a quiet, eco-friendly, manual reel mower for small, flat lawns.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | LawnMaster LMRM1602 | WORX WG163 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $76.49 | $89.99 |
| Power Source | Manual (push reel) | 20V battery (2 included) |
| Cutting Width | 16 inches | 12 inches |
| Self-Propelled | No | No |
| Best Yard Size | Up to 1/4 acre | Up to 1/4 acre (light trimming) |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime (blades), 1 year (frame) | 3 years limited |
Where LawnMaster Wins
- No fuel or electricity costs – The reel mower runs entirely on human power, saving you money on batteries, gas, or charging over its lifetime. It’s also silent—no engine or motor noise.
- Scalp-free, clean cut – The 5-blade reel design cuts grass with a scissor action, leaving a manicured look without tearing or shredding blades, which promotes healthier grass growth.
- Lower price – At $76.49, it’s $13.50 cheaper than the WORX, and you never need to buy replacement batteries or fuel. It’s also lighter (around 22 lbs) and easier to store.
Where WORX Wins
- Versatility – This is a string trimmer and edger in one, with a pivoting head that converts from trimming to edging. It handles grass along fences, flower beds, and sidewalks—jobs a reel mower can’t touch.
- Convenience of battery power – The 20V battery system starts instantly with no pulling or priming. Two batteries are included, so you can swap when one runs out (runtime ~30 minutes per battery on light trimming).
- Wider user appeal – The WORX is easier to use on uneven terrain, slopes, or thick weeds. It’s also lighter (5.5 lbs) and requires less physical effort than pushing a reel mower through tall or damp grass.
Which Should You Buy?
- Buy Mower A (LawnMaster) if you have a small, flat lawn (under 1/4 acre) with fine grass, want zero emissions and near-silent operation, and don’t mind a manual push. It’s ideal for eco-conscious homeowners who prefer a traditional, exercise-friendly mowing experience.
- Buy Mower B (WORX) if you need a trimmer/edger for detail work around obstacles (trees, fences, driveways) or have a yard with slopes, thick weeds, or tall grass. It’s the better choice for renters or homeowners who want a lightweight, battery-powered tool for quick trimming and edging.
- Skip both if your lawn is over 1/4 acre or you want a self-propelled or mulching mower. For larger yards, consider a gas or 40V+ push mower with a wider cutting deck.
Here is a head-to-head comparison of the LawnMaster LMRM1602 and the American Lawn Mower Company reel mowers.
Quick Verdict
American Lawn Mower Company wins overall due to its vastly superior build quality, proven reliability (backed by 22,499 reviews), and longer warranty, making it the better long-term investment despite the higher price.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | LawnMaster LMRM1602 | American Lawn Mower Company |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $76.49 | $119.99 |
| Power Source | Manual (Push Reel) | Manual (Push Reel) |
| Cutting Width | 16 inches | 14 inches (standard model) or 16-inch (available) |
| Self-Propelled | No | No |
| Best Yard Size | Small (under 1/4 acre) | Small to medium (up to 1/3 acre) |
| Warranty | 2-year limited | 5-year limited |
Note: The American Lawn Mower Company offers multiple widths; the most common 14-inch model is compared here. If you choose their 16-inch version, the price rises to ~$139.99.
Where LawnMaster Wins
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Lower Upfront Cost – The LawnMaster is $43.50 cheaper, making it the clear choice for budget-conscious buyers or those unsure about switching from gas/electric to a reel mower. It’s a low-risk entry point.
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Wider Cutting Path (16-inch) – At 16 inches, the LawnMaster cuts a slightly wider swath than the standard 14-inch American model. This means fewer passes across your lawn, which can save time on larger or simpler yards.
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5-Blade Design for Finer Cut – The LawnMaster uses a 5-blade reel versus the American model’s standard 4-blade reel. More blades mean more cuts per rotation, resulting in a slightly finer, cleaner-looking trim on grass that isn’t too tall or thick.
Where American Lawn Mower Wins
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Superior Build Quality & Reputation – With over 22,000 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, the American Lawn Mower Company is the gold standard for manual reel mowers. It uses thicker steel, higher-quality bearings, and a more durable cutting reel that stays sharp longer. Owners consistently report 10+ years of use.
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Better Blade Adjustment & Cutting Height – The American model offers a simpler, more precise height adjustment system (usually 1–2.5 inches in 0.25-inch increments) without tools. The LawnMaster requires manual bolt adjustments that are less accurate and more time-consuming.
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Superior Warranty (5 years vs. 2 years) – The American Lawn Mower Company backs its product with a 5-year limited warranty—more than double the LawnMaster’s 2-year coverage. This reflects confidence in the product’s longevity and is a strong indicator of lower long-term cost of ownership.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (LawnMaster) if:
You are on a tight budget (under $80) and have a very small, flat lawn (under 1/4 acre) with fine, thin grass that is mowed weekly. The wider 16-inch cut and 5-blade design make it a decent choice for a low-cost first reel mower, but expect it to feel less sturdy and require more frequent sharpening or replacement.
Buy Mower B (American Lawn Mower Company) if:
You want a reel mower that will last for years without frustration. The higher upfront cost is justified by the superior build, easier adjustments, and 5-year warranty. It handles thicker grass (Bermuda, fescue) better, and the 14-inch width is actually easier to push through dense turf. It’s the best choice for anyone who values reliability over the lowest price.
Skip both and consider a gas/electric mower if:
Your lawn is larger than 1/3 acre, has slopes, or you frequently let grass grow above 3 inches. Reel mowers (both models) struggle with tall, wet, or thick grass and require consistent weekly mowing. For anything beyond a small, flat lawn, a powered mower will save you time and effort.
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🛒 View on Amazon →Last updated: June 2026