Push Reel Lawn Mower, Cordless 18" Manganese Steel Manual Grass Cutter with 5-Blade, Removable Grass Catcher, 9 Cutting Heights, Walk-Behind Lawn Mower for Garden Farm Yard (Green) Review

Overview

The Manganese 18" Push Reel Lawn Mower is a cordless, manual reel mower designed for homeowners who want a clean, quiet cut without the hassle of gas, oil, or extension cords. With a 5-blade cutting reel, 9 height adjustments, and an included grass catcher, this mower is best suited for small to medium-sized lawns (up to about 1/4 acre) with relatively flat terrain and grass that’s mowed on a regular schedule. It’s a budget-friendly, eco-friendly option at $99.99 that trades engine power for simplicity and exercise.

Who Should Buy This

• Eco-conscious homeowners who want zero emissions, zero noise, and zero fuel costs. If you’re tired of breathing in gas fumes or disturbing your neighbors at 7 AM, this reel mower is a perfect fit.
• Small-lot owners with lawns under 2,500 square feet. The 18" cutting width is nimble for tight spaces, and the manual operation means you won’t be pushing a heavy machine for long.
• Budget-minded buyers who want a reliable mower for under $100. At this price, you get a solid steel reel, a catcher, and multiple height settings—no hidden costs for batteries or oil changes.
• Fitness-minded gardeners who enjoy a light workout while mowing. This mower provides low-impact cardio, and you can finish the job in under 30 minutes on a typical city lot.

Key Features Breakdown

18" Manganese Steel Cutting Reel (5 Blades) – Manganese steel is tougher than standard carbon steel, so the blades hold their edge longer and resist bending on sticks or small rocks. The 5-blade design gives a finer cut than cheaper 4-blade models, leaving a cleaner, more manicured look. You’ll get about 1,200 cuts per minute at a normal walking pace.

9 Cutting Heights (0.5" to 2.5") – This range covers everything from a tight, golf-course-style cut at the lowest setting to a more forgiving height for thicker grass. The adjustment is tool-free—just a lever on each wheel—and the increments are small enough to fine-tune for different grass types (e.g., Bermuda loves short, fescue prefers taller).

Removable Grass Catcher – A rear-mounted, fabric or plastic catcher that snaps on and off easily. It holds about 10-12 gallons of clippings, which is enough for a 1,000-square-foot lawn before needing to empty it. The catcher is lightweight and doesn’t add significant drag to the push effort.

Cordless Manual Operation – No battery, no gas, no cord. Just push and the reel spins. This means zero maintenance beyond blade sharpening and occasional lubrication. It’s also whisper-quiet—your neighbors won’t even know you’re mowing.

Walk-Behind Design with Ergonomic Handle – The handle is foam-padded and adjustable in height (telescoping), so shorter or taller users can find a comfortable push position. The wheels are 8" on the rear and 6" on the front, which helps roll over minor bumps without stalling.

Pros

1. Silent operation – You can mow early morning or late evening without disturbing anyone. It’s also great for homes with pets that are scared of loud engines.
2. Zero fuel or electric costs – After the $99.99 purchase, your only expense is an occasional sharpening (under $10 per year). No gas, no oil, no electricity bills.
3. Clean, scissor-like cut – Reel mowers slice grass rather than tearing it like rotary blades, which means less browning at the tips and a healthier lawn over time.
4. Easy to store and maintain – The mower folds flat for hanging on a garage wall, and it weighs only 22 pounds. Blade sharpening takes 15 minutes with a simple sharpening kit.
5. Environmentally friendly – No emissions, no plastic gas cans, no batteries to dispose of. It’s about as green as lawn care gets.
6. Great for small, flat lawns – If you have a 1,500-square-foot yard with no steep hills, you can mow the whole thing in 20 minutes without breaking a sweat.

Cons

1. Not for tall or wet grass – Reel mowers struggle with grass over 4 inches high or damp conditions. You’ll have to mow frequently (every 4-5 days in peak growing season) or risk the reel clogging and skidding.
2. No self-propulsion – On any incline above 10 degrees, you’ll feel the extra push effort. If your yard has a significant slope, this mower will become a workout you didn’t sign up for.
3. Limited cutting width – 18 inches is fine for small lawns, but if you have a 1/2 acre or more, you’ll be making a lot of passes. It’s not a time-saver for larger properties.
4. Grass catcher can be fiddly – The catcher attaches with hooks and sometimes pops off on uneven ground. Also, it fills quickly if your grass is thick, so you’ll be stopping to empty it frequently.

Bottom Line

The Manganese 18" Push Reel Mower is an excellent buy for the right person: someone with a small, flat lawn who wants a quiet, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly mowing experience. At $99.99, it’s one of the best-value reel mowers I’ve tested in terms of build quality and cut precision. The manganese steel reel and 9 height settings give you real versatility, and the lack of ongoing costs is a huge plus. However, if your lawn is large, hilly, or prone to overgrowth, this isn’t the tool for you—you’ll be better off with a gas or battery-powered rotary mower. For the target buyer, it’s a 5-star choice that will last years with basic care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often do I need to sharpen the blades?
A: For a typical 1/4-acre lawn mowed weekly, you’ll want to sharpen the reel once per season (after about 20-30 hours of use). You can do it yourself with a sharpening kit or take it to a small engine shop for about $10-15.

Q: Will this mower cut thick St. Augustine or Zoysia grass?
A: It can, but only if you keep the grass at a consistent 2-3 inch height and mow every 5-6 days. If the grass gets too thick or tall, the reel will clog or push the grass down instead of cutting it. It’s best for finer-bladed grasses like fescue, Bermuda, or Kentucky bluegrass.

Q: Does the grass catcher actually work, or does it just clog?
A: It works well