7 Best Reel Mowers with Grass Catchers (November 2026)

The best reel mowers with grass catchers include the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push for lightweight small lawns, the American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC 14" 5-Blade Reel for built-in clipping collection, and the American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade for maintained short grass.

On this page (3 sections)

1. The best reel mowers with grass catchers
2. How to choose a reel mower with a bagger
3. Which reel mower with bagger should you choose?

The best reel mower with bagger is the American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC because it includes a grass catcher and uses a 14-inch, 5-blade reel for small, maintained lawns.

That combination matters if you want gathered clippings without moving to a much wider mower.

Choose the LawnMaster LMRM1801 if you want a wider 18-inch mower with a collection bag instead.

A grass catcher changes the job in a useful way.

Instead of leaving cut blades across the lawn, you can gather them for disposal or composting.

That can keep paths, beds and seating areas cleaner after a mow.

It can also make it easier to see whether you are cutting evenly.

The trade-off is that a catcher needs to be emptied, and it adds another part to attach securely.

You should check the fit before you start and again as the mower is pushed across uneven ground.

An emptying break also means more time away from the pass you are on, especially on a first outing.

If you are new to this mower type, start with What Is a Reel Mower?.

Reel mowers use a scissor-like cutting action, so they work best when the grass is not wet, sticks and mulch are removed, and the lawn is cut regularly.

That cutting style suits short, maintained grass better than long growth that has been left to thicken.

It also rewards a steady walking pace, because your push supplies the power for every pass.

A small, level lawn gives you the easiest introduction to that rhythm.

You can learn the width of the cut, the feel of the handle and the height setting with less strain.

Once those basics feel familiar, the catcher becomes a simple addition rather than a distraction.

For a larger or rougher yard, width, weight and turning space need more attention before you choose.

The right mower is the one whose size and features match the lawn you actually have, not the one with the longest list of claims.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for lightweight small lawns

   American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for built-in clipping collection

   American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC 14" 5-Blade Reel

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for maintained short grass

   American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade

   9.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Scotts 304-14S 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel

   Best for low cutting heights
   Check it
5. 5

   LawnMaster 20” 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

   Best for the widest cutting path
   Check it
6. 6

   Scotts 716-18S 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn

   Best for a wider fine-cut reel
   Check it
7. 7

   LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch

   Best for an 18-inch mower with a bag
   Check it

The best reel mowers with grass catchers

The American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC is the strongest direct match because it includes a grass catcher.

The LawnMaster LMRM1801 is the other bagging choice here, while the remaining models are useful comparisons when you prefer a wider path, a lower cut or a lighter mower.

That split helps you sort the list by what you need first.

Start with clipping collection, then look at width and height range.

A mower without a catcher can still cut well, but it will not meet the main purpose of this search.

Our score weighs the stated specs and features against the needs of someone searching for a reel mower with a bagger.

We checked cutting width, blade count, height range, wheel size and whether a catcher or collection bag is included.

Those details affect the work in practical ways.

Width decides how many passes you make and how easily the mower turns near edges.

Blade count affects the reel design, while height range affects what lengths of grass you can manage.

Wheel size can influence how the mower rolls and turns on your lawn surface.

A catcher or bag then decides whether clippings stay behind or leave with you.

Weight and assembly also matter, even when they sit outside the headline specs.

A lighter mower may be easier to lift, store and push around a small yard.

Tool-less set up can save time at the start, but it does not replace checking the catcher fit.

The score is a guide to fit, not a promise about every lawn condition.

Tall, thick or weedy grass can change the result for any of these models.

Regular mowing, dry grass and clear ground give a reel mower its best chance.

Use the comparison to narrow your choice, then match the final pick to your space and routine.

1

American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push: Best for lightweight small lawns

9.7/10Our score

• 14-inch cutting width
• 4-blade reel
• 8.5-inch polymer wheels
• 0.5 to 1.75-inch adjustable height

This 19-pound manual mower is easy to maneuver across a compact lawn. It does not include a grass catcher, so choose it when lightweight cutting matters more than collecting clippings.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Lightweight 19-pound design
• 4-blade reel
• Adjustable cutting height

Cons

• No grass catcher included
• Less effective on taller grass

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is the lightest pick in this group at 19 pounds.

Its 14-inch cutting width and 8.5-inch polymer wheels make it a practical size for a compact lawn where turning space matters.

That size suits a small yard with beds, paths or fences close together.

A narrower path asks for more passes, but it can be easier to place where a wider mower would struggle.

Its 4-blade reel has an adjustable height from 0.5 to 1.75 inches.

The mower can cut grass up to 4 inches tall, but it becomes less effective as grass grows taller, so regular mowing matters.

Raising the height can reduce resistance when growth is thicker.

Making more than one pass may still be needed if the lawn has been left for a while.

This is a manual mower with no gas, oil, batteries or charging requirements in the product data.

That removes fuel and engine care from the routine, which can suit a simple set up.

It does not include a catcher, which is the main reason it ranks below the bagging models for this search.

Choose it when easy maneuvering and low weight matter most.

If collecting clippings is required, move to the American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC or the LawnMaster LMRM1801.

For storage, check the assembled size against a shed, garage corner or wall space before you buy.

Clear sticks and wet patches before mowing, and keep the pace steady for a cleaner cut.

2

American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC 14" 5-Blade Reel: Best for built-in clipping collection

9.5/10Our score

• 14-inch cutting width
• 5 heat-treated alloy-steel blades
• Grass catcher included
• 10-inch polymer wheels

The 1304-14GC is the clearest match for shoppers who want a reel mower with a bagger. Its manual design and 14-inch width suit small, relatively level lawns that are cut regularly.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Grass catcher included
• 5-blade reel
• 10-inch wheels

Cons

• Needs extra passes through tall or thick grass
• Designed for smaller lawns

The American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC is the best direct match for a reel mower with bagger because a grass catcher is included.

Its 14-inch width keeps the mower suited to smaller lawn areas, and its 10-inch polymer wheels support maneuvering.

That makes it a sensible first choice for a compact, level lawn.

Five heat-treated alloy-steel blades provide the reel.

The cutting height adjusts from 1 to 2.25 inches across 5 positions, giving you room to raise the cut when thicker grass creates more pushing resistance.

A higher setting can make a pass feel easier, though it will leave the grass taller.

The mower is manual and needs no gas, oil, batteries or charging.

It is designed for small, relatively level and regularly maintained lawns.

Tall, thick or weedy areas may need extra passes.

Secure the catcher before mowing and empty it before it becomes cumbersome.

Check that it sits clear of moving parts and stays firm as you turn.

Emptying on a regular schedule also keeps the weight balanced from start to finish.

This model is the best choice when collecting clippings matters more than having the widest cutting path.

For a larger open lawn, the 18-inch LawnMaster LMRM1801 may cover the ground in fewer passes.

3

American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade: Best for maintained short grass

9.3/10Our score

• 14-inch cutting width
• 5 heat-treated alloy-steel blades
• 10-inch polymer wheels
• 1 to 2.25-inch adjustable height

This 21-pound mower has the same core width and height range as the catcher version, but it does not include a grass catcher. It fits buyers who want a compact 5-blade mower and plan to leave clippings in place.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 5-blade reel
• 10-inch wheels
• Manual, low-maintenance design

Cons

• No grass catcher included
• Not the best match for collecting clippings

The American Lawn Mower 1304-14 gives you a 14-inch, 5-blade reel without the catcher. Its 10-inch polymer wheels and 21-pound weight keep it in the compact manual-mower category.

The height range runs from 1 to 2.25 inches. That range is useful for a regularly maintained lawn, but it does not make this mower a better choice for long, neglected grass.

Its heat-treated alloy-steel blades use a scissor-action cut. Because there is no grass catcher, clippings remain behind after mowing.

That may suit you if you do not need to gather them and want a simpler mower setup.

Choose this model over the catcher version only when you prefer the same general width and blade count without a collection attachment. For grass conditions, compare it with our guide to the best reel mower for thick grass.

4

Scotts 304-14S 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel: Best for low cutting heights

9.2/10Our score

• 14-inch cutting width
• 5-blade ball-bearing reel
• 8.5-inch composite wheels
• 0.5 to 1.75-inch adjustable height

The Scotts 304-14S suits maintained lawns where a lower cut is useful. It does not include a grass catcher, so it is better for buyers who value height control over clipping collection.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Low 0.5-inch setting
• 5-blade reel
• Tool-less assembly

Cons

• No grass catcher included
• 14-inch width covers less ground per pass

The Scotts 304-14S is the better fit when you want a low 0.5-inch cutting setting.

Its 14-inch cutting width and 5-blade ball-bearing reel suit maintained grass where a shorter cut is part of your plan.

That low start point sets it apart from models that begin at 1 inch or higher.

The height adjusts from 0.5 to 1.75 inches across 3 positions.

Fewer positions may mean less fine tuning between settings.

Its 8.5-inch composite wheels keep the mower compact, while the cushioned T-style handle gives you a more comfortable grip during manual use.

The handle shape can help you steer in short, steady movements.

This mower needs no gas or oil and does not include a grass catcher.

That makes it less suitable for the exact bagger search, but useful as a low-cut alternative when leaving clippings on the lawn is acceptable.

The tool-less assembly is helpful when setting up the mower.

Prepare the lawn first by removing debris and avoiding wet grass, which can make a reel mower cut unevenly.

Clear ground also protects the reel from sticks that can stop a pass.

Choose this model for height control, then accept the extra work if you still need to gather clippings by another method.

5

LawnMaster 20” 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower: Best for the widest cutting path

9.1/10Our score

• 20-inch cutting width
• 5-blade reel
• 10-inch front wheels
• 9 height positions from 1.3 to 2.6 inches

The 20-inch LawnMaster covers more lawn in each pass than the 14-inch models. It has no stated grass catcher in the product data, so choose it for coverage when collecting clippings is not the main goal.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Widest 20-inch path
• 9 cutting positions
• 10-inch front wheels

Cons

• No grass catcher included
• Wider body may be less convenient in tight spaces

The LawnMaster 20-inch model is the widest mower here, so it can cover more ground per pass than the 14-inch picks.

Its 20-inch cutting width pairs with 10-inch front wheels for movement across a larger open lawn.

That width can reduce the number of back and forth passes on a straight run.

Nine height positions range from 1.3 to 2.6 inches.

That range gives you more adjustment points than the smaller models, although the product data does not state that a grass catcher is included.

More positions can help you match the cut to the current growth.

The mower has a 5-blade reel and a motorless design.

It needs no gas or batteries, and its steel blades are designed for a scissor-like cut without ripping or tearing grass blades.

Choose it when cutting width is more important than bagging.

For a tight yard with trees, beds or narrow gates, a 14-inch mower may be easier to turn even if it takes more passes.

Check your gate width and turning space before you choose the widest path.

A wider mower also needs a clear storage spot where it will not block daily access.

6

Scotts 716-18S 18-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn: Best for a wider fine-cut reel

8.8/10Our score

• 18-inch cutting width
• 7-blade ball-bearing reel
• 10-inch dual tracking wheels
• 1 to 3-inch adjustable height

The 18-inch Scotts combines a wider path with a 7-blade reel and a broad height range. It does not include a grass catcher, so it fits lawns where a clean reel cut matters more than bagging.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 7-blade reel
• 18-inch width
• Height range up to 3 inches

Cons

• No grass catcher included
• Heavier than the compact 14-inch picks

The Scotts 716-18S is a wider reel mower with a 7-blade ball-bearing reel.

Its 18-inch cutting width gives it more coverage than the 14-inch models, while the 10-inch dual tracking wheels support straight movement.

That combination suits an open lawn where long passes are possible.

The adjustable height runs from 1 to 3 inches.

That is the broadest height range among the Scotts picks here, so it can suit a lawn where you do not want the lowest possible cut.

A higher setting may help when grass is thicker, though extra passes can still be needed.

The mower has heat-treated alloy-steel blades and a cushioned handle.

It is manual, easy to assemble and does not include a grass catcher.

Pick it when you want an 18-inch reel with 7 blades and do not need to gather clippings.

If your grass is Bermuda, compare the cutting height and mowing schedule with our guide to the best reel mowers for Bermuda grass.

Clear sticks and mulch before you start, and avoid wet grass for a more even result.

Store it where the wider frame will not catch on tools or garden equipment.

7

LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel Lawn Mower 18-Inch: Best for an 18-inch mower with a bag

8.7/10Our score

• 18-inch cutting width
• 5-blade reel
• 10-inch front wheels
• Collection bag included

The LMRM1801 combines an 18-inch deck with a collection bag, giving buyers a wider reel mower that can gather clippings. Its 9 height positions cover 0.75 to 2 inches.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Collection bag included
• 18-inch deck
• 9 height positions

Cons

• Heavier than some compact picks
• Height range ends at 2 inches

The LawnMaster LMRM1801 is the second direct bagging choice in this roundup.

It combines an 18-inch deck, 5-blade reel and 10-inch front wheels with a collection bag.

That makes it the wider alternative to the compact American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC.

Its 9 cutting positions range from 0.75 to 2 inches.

The lower starting height may suit maintained grass, while the 18-inch width reduces the number of passes compared with a 14-inch mower.

The mower is manual and has a motorless design, so there is no gas or battery system to manage.

The included collection bag is the key feature for this search, but the product data does not describe the bag's capacity.

Attach the bag securely and empty it before added clippings make the mower hard to push.

Choose it when you want a bagger and more cutting width than the American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC provides.

Choose the American model instead if a smaller mower is easier to store or turn around your lawn.

Check gates, corners and storage space before you commit to the wider deck.

Mow dry, clear grass and keep the height suited to the growth in front of you.

How to choose a reel mower with a bagger

The best reel mower with bagger depends first on whether the catcher is included. In this group, the American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC and LawnMaster LMRM1801 are the clearest choices because their product data specifically includes a grass catcher or collection bag.

Is a 14-inch or 18-inch reel mower better?

A 14-inch reel mower is easier to place in smaller areas and may be simpler to turn around beds or tight corners. An 18-inch mower covers more ground per pass, but it needs more room to move.

The American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC is the compact bagging option. The LawnMaster LMRM1801 gives you the wider 18-inch path and a collection bag.

How many blades should a reel mower have?

Four blades can suit a lightweight compact mower, while 5 or 7 blades give you more cutting edges in the reel. Blade count should be considered with width, height range and lawn condition rather than by itself.

The 4-blade American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is the lightest pick. The Scotts 716-18S has 7 blades and an 18-inch width, while several 5-blade models sit between them.

Can a reel mower handle tall or thick grass?

A reel mower handles maintained grass best. Tall, thick or weedy grass can increase resistance and may require a higher cutting setting, more overlap and extra passes.

Do not remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a pass. If your lawn often gets long, read Best Reel Mower For Tall Grass before choosing a bagger.

How should you use a grass catcher?

Attach the catcher securely before mowing and check that it stays clear of the reel and wheels. Empty it regularly so the added clippings do not make the mower awkward to push.

Mow when the grass is dry, remove sticks and mulch first, and keep the cutting height suited to the current grass length. A catcher helps collect clippings, but it does not make a reel mower suitable for every lawn condition.

Can you make or add a catcher?

Some mower designs may accept a catcher, but compatibility depends on the model and attachment points.

Do not assume that a bag made for one reel mower will fit another.

Frame shape, wheel position and reel clearance all affect where a catcher can sit.

A catcher that blocks air flow or rubs a wheel will cause trouble on the first pass.

If you are considering a homemade option, read How To Make A Lawn Mower Grass Catcher? first.

That guide can help you think through fit, balance and safe mounting points.

For an existing catcher, How To Put Grass Catcher On Lawn Mower? covers the attachment question.

Check the hooks, brackets or straps before the mower reaches the lawn.

Make sure the catcher stays clear of the reel and wheels through a full turn.

Test the fit on a flat patch and listen for any rubbing or wobble.

Empty the catcher often, so the added weight does not pull the mower off line.

If the fit feels loose or awkward, stop and adjust it before continuing.

A secure catcher should feel firm, balanced and easy to remove for emptying.

When compatibility is unclear, a mower sold with a catcher or bag is the safer choice.

Which reel mower with bagger should you choose?

Choose the American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC if you want the most direct match for a compact reel mower with a grass catcher.

Choose the LawnMaster LMRM1801 if you need an 18-inch cutting path and a collection bag.

Those two models answer the bagger search in different sizes.

The American model suits a smaller, level lawn where turning space is tight.

The LawnMaster suits a larger open lawn where fewer passes will save effort.

For a mower without a catcher, pick the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 for low weight.

Pick the Scotts 304-14S for a low cut.

Pick the LawnMaster 20-inch model for the widest path.

Pick the Scotts 716-18S for a 7-blade reel with a 1 to 3-inch height range.

Each of those options asks you to give up clipping collection in return for a specific advantage.

Match your choice to the lawn you have and the routine you will keep.

A regularly mowed, dry and clear lawn will suit any reel mower best.

Clear debris, set the height for the current growth and walk at a steady pace.

Secure and empty any catcher or bag during the job, not after it becomes cumbersome.

That simple routine will help you get a clean cut and a tidy finish.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for lightweight small lawns

   American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for built-in clipping collection

   American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC 14" 5-Blade Reel

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for maintained short grass

   American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade

   9.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What is the best reel mower with a bagger?

The American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC is the best reel mower with a bagger for a small, level, regularly maintained lawn. It has a 14-inch cutting width, 5 alloy-steel blades, 10-inch polymer wheels and a grass catcher.

The LawnMaster LMRM1801 is a wider alternative with an 18-inch deck and collection bag.

Do reel mowers collect grass clippings?

Some reel mowers collect clippings, but many do not include a catcher. The American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC includes a grass catcher, and the LawnMaster LMRM1801 includes a collection bag.

Check that the catcher is secure, then empty it regularly so the mower stays manageable.

Are reel mowers good for tall grass?

Reel mowers work best when grass is maintained and no more than about one-third of the blade is removed in a pass. Tall, thick or weedy grass may require extra passes, a higher setting or preparation before mowing.

See our guide to the best reel mower for tall grass for more.

What is the difference between a 4-blade and 5-blade reel mower?

A 4-blade reel can suit a compact lawn and may feel easier to push when the mower is lightweight. A 5-blade reel gives more cutting edges in the reel.

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 has 4 blades, while the 1304-14GC, 1304-14 and Scotts 304-14S have 5.