Manual Lawn Mower, 12 Inch 5 Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with 6 Gallon Grass Catcher, 0.47-1.77inch Adjustable Cutting Height, Push Lawn Mower for Yard, Garden Review
By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026
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The Blade 12-inch 5-blade push reel mower is a budget-friendly, manual alternative to gas or electric mowers, designed for small lawns (under 1,000 square feet). It targets homeowners who value quiet operation, zero emissions, and a light workout over speed or heavy-duty cutting. At $46.99, it’s one of the cheapest reel mowers on the market, but its low rating (2.7 stars) hints at significant trade-offs.
Who Should Buy This
- Apartment or condo dwellers with tiny lawns – If your grass patch is smaller than a two-car garage, this mower’s 12-inch cut width is manageable and won’t leave you exhausted.
- Eco-conscious homeowners who hate gas fumes – No exhaust, no oil changes, and zero electricity use. Perfect for those committed to a carbon-light yard routine.
- Budget-first buyers needing a backup mower – At under $50, it’s cheap enough to keep in the shed for quick touch-ups between gas mower runs, or for trimming tight spots.
- Fitness-minded users wanting a light leg workout – Pushing a reel mower burns about 200 calories per hour. This one’s lightweight (around 15 lbs) and easy to maneuver for a gentle morning sweat.
Key Features Breakdown
- 12-inch cutting width – This is narrow. Expect more passes and longer mowing time compared to standard 16–20 inch reel mowers. Best for postage-stamp lawns or tight garden paths.
- 5-blade reel – More blades typically mean a cleaner cut, but only if the blades are sharp. On this model, user reports suggest the blades dull quickly, requiring frequent sharpening.
- 6-gallon grass catcher – A decent size for a manual mower. It clips onto the rear and collects clippings, but it’s plastic and can crack if you bump curbs or rocks. Empty it often to avoid clogging.
- Adjustable cutting height (0.47–1.77 inches) – That’s a narrow range. You can’t go above 1.77 inches, which is too short for cool-season grasses like fescue or Kentucky bluegrass (which prefer 2.5–3.5 inches). Only use on Bermuda or Zoysia lawns kept low.
- Push reel mechanism – No motor, no battery, no gas. You push, the reel spins, blades scissor against a stationary bed knife. Works best on thin, short grass—thick or tall grass will stall it.
Pros
- Dead quiet operation – You’ll hear birds and your own breathing, not an engine. Great for early morning or late evening mowing without annoying neighbors.
- Zero maintenance costs – No oil, no filters, no spark plugs, no charging. Just occasional blade sharpening and a drop of oil on the wheels.
- Lightweight and easy to store – At about 15 pounds, you can hang it on a wall hook or stash it in a closet. Takes up minimal garage space.
- Environmentally friendly – No emissions, no noise pollution, no reliance on fossil fuels or grid electricity.
- Good for small, flat lawns – If your grass is consistently under 3 inches and your yard is level, it cuts cleanly with minimal effort.
- Price point – $46.99 is hard to beat. It’s cheaper than a single tank of gas for a riding mower.
Cons
- Terrible on tall or thick grass – If you let your lawn grow past 3 inches, this mower will skip, clog, or just stop spinning. You’ll have to trim with shears first.
- Narrow cutting width – 12 inches means you’ll walk twice as many laps as with a standard reel mower. For a 1,000 sq ft lawn, expect 30+ minutes.
- Low max cutting height (1.77 inches) – Scalps cool-season grasses. If you live in the North, this mower will stress your lawn and encourage weeds.
- Build quality concerns – Several user reviews mention wobbly wheels, loose bolts, and plastic parts that break within a season. It feels cheap in the hand.
Bottom Line
The Blade 12-inch manual reel mower is a mixed bag. For $46.99, it’s a viable option only if you have a very small (under 500 sq ft), flat, well-maintained lawn of warm-season grass that you keep short. It’s quiet, green, and easy to store, but its narrow cut, low height limit, and flimsy construction make it a poor choice for most homeowners. If your lawn is any larger or thicker, spend more on a 16-inch reel mower from a known brand (like Fiskars or Great States). This one is best treated as a cheap, low-stakes experiment—not a long-term tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this mower work on Bermuda grass that’s 2 inches tall?
A: Yes, if the grass is dry and thin. Bermuda is a warm-season grass that thrives at low heights, so the 1.77-inch max is fine. Just keep it mowed weekly to avoid the blades stalling.
Q: Can I sharpen the blades myself?
A: Yes, but it’s a pain. You’ll need to remove the reel and use a sharpening stone or a drill-mounted kit. Many users find the blades too soft and replace the whole mower after a season.
Q: Does the grass catcher actually work?
A: It works okay on short, dry grass. On damp or tall grass, it clogs quickly. You’ll need to empty it every 100–150 sq ft. The plastic attachment is fragile—handle it gently.
How It Compares
Quick Verdict
Neither mower is a winner for lawn mowing, but if you absolutely must choose one for grass cutting, Mower A is the only actual mower—though its 2.7-star rating suggests it’s a poor choice, while Mower B is a string trimmer, not a mower, so it wins only for edging and weed whacking.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Mower A (Manual Reel) | Mower B (BLACK+DECKER Trimmer) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $46.99 | $59.00 |
| Power Source | Manual (human push) | Electric (corded, 6.5-amp) |
| Cutting Width | 12 inches | 14 inches (trimmer head) |
| Self-Propelled | No | No |
| Best Yard Size | Very small (under 1/4 acre) | Edging/trimming only |
| Warranty | Not specified (likely limited) | 2-year limited |
Where Mower A Wins
- Actual lawn mowing capability – Mower A is a push reel mower designed to cut grass across a yard, with a 12-inch cutting width and adjustable height (0.47–1.77 inches). Mower B is a string trimmer meant for edges and weeds, not full lawn mowing.
- Grass catcher included – Mower A comes with a 6-gallon grass catcher, allowing you to collect clippings as you mow. Mower B has no collection system.
- No power cords or fuel – As a manual reel mower, Mower A requires no electricity, gas, or batteries. It’s quiet, lightweight, and has zero emissions, ideal for small, flat lawns where you want a workout.
Where BLACK+DECKER Wins
- Massively higher customer satisfaction – Mower B has a 4.4-star rating from over 17,000 reviews, while Mower A has a dismal 2.7 stars from only 8 reviews. The BLACK+DECKER is a proven, reliable tool.
- Versatility as a 2-in-1 tool – Mower B functions as both a string trimmer and an edger (converts easily). It handles weeds, grass along fences, and lawn edges—tasks Mower A cannot do.
- Ease of use and power – The 6.5-amp electric motor provides consistent cutting without manual effort. Auto-feed line means no stopping to adjust string. It’s lightweight and starts instantly with a button, unlike Mower A’s physical pushing.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A if…
You have a very small, flat lawn (under 1,000 sq ft), want a quiet, cordless, emission-free mowing experience, and are willing to accept poor reviews and likely low build quality. It’s also fine for a budget-conscious buyer who doesn’t mind manual labor and needs a grass catcher.
Buy Mower B if…
You already own a real lawn mower (push or riding) and need a dedicated trimmer/edger for cleanups along fences, flower beds, and sidewalks. It’s excellent for yard maintenance beyond mowing, with proven reliability and thousands of satisfied users.
Buy neither if…
You need to actually mow a typical lawn. Mower A is too small, underpowered, and poorly rated for real grass cutting. Mower B is not a mower at all. Instead, consider a proper walk-behind mower (reel or powered) in the $100–$200 range for better results.
Quick Verdict
There is no contest—Mower A is a complete lawn mower, while Mower B is just a replacement belt, so Mower A wins for anyone needing an actual mower, but if you already own a compatible Bad Boy zero-turn, Mower B is the essential part you need.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Mower A (Manual Reel Mower) | Mower B (Replacement Belt) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $46.99 | $36.29 |
| Power Source | Manual (push) | N/A (belt only) |
| Cutting Width | 12 inches | N/A |
| Self-Propelled | No | N/A |
| Best Yard Size | Very small (under 1/4 acre) | N/A (replacement part) |
| Warranty | Not specified | Not specified |
Where Mower A Wins
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Complete mowing solution – Mower A is a fully functional push reel mower with five blades and a 6-gallon grass catcher, ready to cut grass immediately out of the box. Mower B is just a belt that requires a compatible zero-turn mower to be useful.
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Eco-friendly and quiet operation – With no engine, gas, or electricity, Mower A produces zero emissions and operates silently. This is ideal for early morning mowing, small urban yards, or anyone wanting to avoid noise complaints and fuel costs.
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Extremely low maintenance – Reel mowers have no engine oil, spark plugs, air filters, or belts to replace. The only maintenance is occasional blade sharpening and lubrication. Mower B, ironically, is a wear item that will eventually need replacement.
Where UDC Wins
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Proven reliability and massive user approval – Mower B has over 12,730 ratings with a 4.3-star average, indicating thousands of satisfied customers. Mower A has only 8 reviews with a poor 2.7-star rating, suggesting significant quality or performance issues.
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High-performance application – This belt is designed for commercial-grade Bad Boy zero-turn mowers (60-inch and 54-inch decks), which can mow several acres per hour. Mower A’s 12-inch cutting width would take hours to mow even a modest lawn.
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Aramid cord construction – The belt uses aramid (Kevlar-type) fibers for exceptional strength and durability under high-torque conditions. This is a genuine replacement part, not a budget alternative, and fits multiple popular Bad Boy models precisely.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A if:
- You have a very small lawn (under 1,500 square feet) and want a quiet, zero-emission mower with no fuel costs
- You’re on a tight budget and need a complete mower for under $50
- You prefer simple, low-maintenance equipment and don’t mind pushing a manual reel mower
Buy Mower B if:
- You already own a compatible Bad Boy zero-turn mower (ZT Elite 60, Maverick 60, ZT Avenger, B165, or Outlaw 54) and need a reliable replacement deck belt
- You value proven performance from a product with over 12,000 positive reviews
- You mow a large lawn (1+ acres) and need a durable belt for your commercial-grade mower
Buy neither if:
- You need a gas or electric mower for a medium-sized lawn (1/4 to 1 acre) – consider a self-propelled gas mower or cordless electric model instead
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🛒 View on Amazon →Last updated: June 2026