LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch 5-Blade

Why I reached for a reel mower

There are plenty of reasons to choose a manual reel mower: the clean cut, the quiet, the simplicity. The LawnMaster reel mower (model LMRM1801) checks those boxes and adds a few thoughtful touches that make it friendlier to use than many budget reels I’ve tried. After a season of mowing a small, mostly flat yard with cool-season grass, here’s how it held up.

Setup and build

Assembly took me about 15 minutes with a basic wrench and screwdriver. The handle comes in sections that bolt together, and the mower body arrives pre-assembled with the 5-blade reel and bed knife already aligned. The hardware is straightforward—but do yourself a favor and loosely fit the handle brackets before tightening them down; it’s easier to seat the handle that way.

The mower itself feels more substantial than its price might suggest. The reel and frame are steel, and the 10-inch front wheels are sturdy enough to roll over minor ruts without nosediving. It’s not featherlight—an 18-inch reel carries more mass than a 16-inch—and I can feel that weight when lifting it up steps, but on turf it balances well. The four-wheel stance adds stability and keeps the bed knife consistently engaged with the turf, which helps the cut quality.

Fit and finish are on par with what I expect at this tier. There’s a utilitarian look to the orange frame, and nothing in the mechanism feels flimsy. As with all reel mowers, the longevity is in your maintenance habits, not the paint job.

Cutting performance

A properly set reel mower slices grass with a scissor-like action. When the reel and bed knife are in tune, the cut is crisp and leaves the lawn looking tighter and healthier than a rotary cut at the same height. That’s the case here when I mow on schedule. The 5-blade reel is a good compromise for residential use: enough blades for a clean cut without creating too much resistance on push.

There are a few realities to keep in mind:

• Frequency matters. This mower shines when you take off a small amount—think one-third of the blade or less. If I let the lawn run long, I’m in for multiple passes and a workout.
• Direction helps. Reel mowers don’t create suction, so stragglers happen. Cross-cutting or changing direction cleans up the missed blades.
• Pace plays a role. The reel responds to speed; maintaining a steady, brisk push improves the scissor action.
• Grass type is key. Fine and medium grasses cut beautifully. Coarse, stemmy weeds or thick, wiry varieties? Expect roll-overs and uncut stalks unless you attack them from multiple angles or trim them first.

On a typical weekly schedule, the lawn looks uniformly clipped with one to two passes. If I’m honest, it takes longer than a gas mower, but the finish is excellent and the process is oddly relaxing. On overgrown areas, it’s simply not the right tool—you’ll want a powered cut to reset, then return to the reel.

Height adjustment and cut range

Height adjustment is quick via side levers, and the nine positions cover 1.1 to 2.5 inches. That range is great for low-to-mid cuts—perfect for many cool-season lawns kept on the short side and some warm-season grasses that like it low. The limitation is at the top end. If you prefer a 3+ inch canopy for heat or drought management, the 2.5-inch max won’t get you there. I settled around 2.25 inches most of the season, which kept the turf dense and the mower happy.

Handling and maneuverability

At 18 inches wide, the deck balances coverage with control. I can snake around beds and trees without feeling like I’m pushing a cart, and the larger front wheels help ride over uneven patches rather than plowing into them. The four-wheel layout keeps the bed knife parallel to the ground, reducing the tendency to scalp bumps or miss dips.

On slopes, gravity is the enemy. The mower will climb gentle inclines if your footing is solid, but anything steep turns the session into a gym day. On my flat lawn with a shallow swale, it’s manageable; on serious hills, I’d look elsewhere or break out a trimmer.

The handle has a transport-friendly angle that makes it easier to tilt the mower back and roll it over hard surfaces without dragging the bed knife. It’s a small thing, but it saves wear and tear.

Bagging and cleanup

The included collection bag works, within the limits of a reel mower. Because there’s no airflow to lift clippings, the bag captures best when the grass is dry, you’re cutting minimal growth, and your pace is consistent. I used it during spring growth when I wanted to avoid clumps, but most of the time I left clippings to mulch.

Emptying is straightforward: unhook, lift, dump. The bag sits close to the reel, which keeps the package compact but means you’ll want to stop before it’s overloaded to avoid spillage.

Cleanup is easy. I keep a stiff brush hanging by the door; a minute of brushing the reel and bed knife keeps buildup away. A light wipe of the blades and a spritz of dry lubricant or light oil after damp sessions helps prevent surface rust.

Maintenance and adjustments

Reel mowers reward small maintenance habits:

• Clear debris before mowing. Sticks and stones are the mortal enemies of a bed knife.
• Keep it dry. Wipe the blades and bed knife after wet cuts.
• Lubricate sparingly. A drop of oil on the axle and gear points reduces squeaks.
• Check the reel-to-bed-knife contact. You want a whisper of contact across the full width. If you hear grinding or see uncut lines, adjust the reel screws to re-square the contact. It’s a 10-minute task once you’ve done it once.
• Backlapping annually. A lapping compound and a hand-crank will refresh the edge without full sharpening.

Following that routine, the cut stayed clean throughout my season, and the mower stayed quiet except for the gentle snip one expects from a well-set reel.

Noise, safety, and the experience

The quiet is real—conversation-level noise, even with neighbors nearby. There’s no fuel, no cords, and nothing spinning at high speed once you stop pushing. That makes it a friendlier option for early mornings or shared spaces. The trade-off is that you are the motor. Expect a mild workout, especially if you’re chasing height or trying to tame areas you let go too long.

Limitations to note

• Not for tall or neglected lawns. Use a powered mower to reset, then maintain with this.
• Struggles with coarse weeds and stiff stems; you’ll do better trimming those or attacking from multiple angles.
• Max height of 2.5 inches won’t satisfy those who like a taller summer cut.
• Heavier than some smaller reels. If you need to haul it up stairs frequently, consider storage logistics.

None of these are unique to this model; they’re inherent to manual reels. But they’re worth weighing against your lawn and habits.

Who it’s for

This mower makes the most sense if you have:

• A small to medium, mostly flat lawn
• Fine to medium grass types kept short
• A willingness to mow regularly
• An appreciation for low-maintenance, low-noise tools

If you’re battling thick, mixed turf with lots of weeds, or you prefer a high summer cut, you’ll be happier with a rotary mower or a different reel with a taller height range.

Recommendation

I recommend the LawnMaster reel mower for homeowners with small, relatively flat lawns who want a quiet, low-maintenance way to get a clean, scissor-cut finish—and who are willing to mow on schedule. It’s well built for the price, easy to assemble, stable on turf, and it delivers the tidy, healthy cut reel mowers are known for. Its limitations are predictable: it’s not the right tool for overgrown grass, coarse weeds, steep slopes, or those who prefer a 3-inch-plus cut. If your lawn and routine fit the profile, this is a satisfying, straightforward mower that rewards regular use with a sharp-looking yard and a pleasantly calm mowing experience.