Best Push Mowers With Grass Catcher for Lawns
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
A grass catcher push mower collects clippings as you cut, which keeps the lawn tidy and saves a trip with a rake. This roundup compares eight push reel mowers from our product pack that include a grass catcher, ranging from 14-inch to 20-inch cutting widths and from about 6 to 11.8 gallons of catcher capacity where the listing states it. Every fact comes from the product listing. Where a listing gives two figures for the same feature, we show both, and where a listing does not state a value, we say so.
Quick answer
- For a small, flat yard with a bag that empties often, the EAGWON 14-inch and the Pyroarle 14-inch are the narrowest models with a catcher in the box.
- For the largest catcher, the Walensee 20-inch lists an 11.8-gallon removable grass catcher, and the Walensee 16-inch lists 7.9 gallons.
- For a wider cut with a bag, the Sun Joe 20-inch lists an 8.5-gallon catcher, and the Craftsman 18-inch comes with a catcher that the listing says you can remove.
- Check the height range before you buy, because the listings give different numbers in their bullets and specs for several models.
Why a catcher changes the job
A reel mower cuts with a set of spinning blades that work like scissors against a fixed bar. Without a catcher, clippings fall on the lawn, and on a dry day that can look messy and smother the grass beneath. A catcher stops most of that, but the listings are clear that it does not catch everything. The Craftsman 18-inch listing says reel mowers cut like scissors and there is little force behind the cut grass, so not all clippings will be collected. Expect some scatter, and plan to rake or mulch the rest.
The catcher also changes how often you stop. A small bag fills quickly, and the EAGWON listing gives a useful rule: empty the bag when it is about 70 percent full for the best suction. The bigger bags on the Walensee and Sun Joe models hold more clippings before you need to stop, which matters on a long lawn.
What to compare before you buy
Start with cutting width. A 14-inch mower suits a small yard and a narrow path around beds, while a 20-inch mower covers more ground per pass but is harder to steer in tight corners. The Walensee 20-inch and the Sun Joe 20-inch are the widest models in this group.
Next, check the height range. The Craftsman listing says the cut is best when grass stays under about three to four inches, so a wider height range gives you more choice in the cut. The Walensee 20-inch lists nine positions from 1.0 to 2.5 inches, and the Sun Joe 20-inch lists nine positions up to 2.44 inches.
Then compare catcher size. The listings give capacities for six models and leave the others unstated, so compare the catcher size against the grass you cut and how often you can empty it. A bigger bag is useful on a long lawn, but a bigger bag is also heavier when full.
The eight push mowers in this roundup
The table below uses the listing’s stated values. Where a listing gives a value in the bullets that differs from its specs, the table uses the bullet and the block below notes the difference.
| Model | Cutting width | Height range (listing) | Catcher (listing) | Weight (listing) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walensee 16-inch (WBLM-001-16) | 16 inches | 0.5 to 1.5 inches (specs); 0.6 to 1.5 (bullets) | 7.9 gallons, removable | 15.4 pounds |
| EAGWON 14-inch (AEGGCJ) | 14 inches | 0.6 to 1.8 inches (bullets) | 6 gallons, removable | 14.55 pounds (bullets) |
| Sun Joe 20-inch (MJ502M) | 20 inches | Up to 2.44 inches, 9 positions | 8.5 gallons | not stated |
| Sun Joe 16-inch (MJ500M) | 16 inches | 0.88 to 1.81 inches, 4 positions | 6.6 gallons | not stated |
| Craftsman 18-inch (1816-18CR) | 18 inches | 1 to 3 inches (bullets) | Included; capacity not stated | not stated |
| Walensee 20-inch (WBLM-001-20) | 20 inches | 1.0 to 2.5 inches, 9 positions | 11.8 gallons, removable | not stated |
| Pyroarle 14-inch (model 11) | 14 inches | 0.47 to 1.65 inches (bullets) | Rear box; capacity not stated | not stated |
| FDW 15-inch (HLM-H515) | 15 inches | 0.5 to 1.8 inches (bullets) | Included; capacity not stated | not stated |
The eight mowers in detail
1. Walensee 16-Inch Cordless Manual Reel Lawn Mower
This 16-inch mower has five curved alloy steel blades and a removable 7.9-gallon grass catcher, according to its title. The listing says the curved blades resist deformation and are precision ground for sharpness. Its 8.5-inch drive wheels are described as smooth and easy to maneuver, and the listing says the wheels include a self-lubricating mechanism. The specs give a height range from 0.5 to 1.5 inches in four positions, while the bullets say 0.6 to 1.5 inches, so confirm the lowest setting on the listing. The mower weighs 15.4 pounds in its specs and needs no gas, electricity or batteries. The listing says it arrives semi-pre-assembled.
2. EAGWON 14-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower With Grass Catcher
This 14-inch mower has five heat-treated blades and a removable 6-gallon grass catcher bag. The listing gives a height range from 0.6 to 1.8 inches and describes a U-shaped handle with cushioned grips, which it says helps you steer around obstacles. The mower weighs 14.55 pounds according to the bullets, and it rolls on 6.5-inch composite wheels. The listing says it sets up tool-free in under ten minutes and operates under 60 decibels. For best suction, the listing advises emptying the bag when it is about 70 percent full, and it recommends storing the bag indoors to protect it from UV light.
3. Sun Joe 20-Inch Manual Push Reel Lawn Mower With Grass Catcher
This 20-inch mower has five durable steel blades and a nine-position height lever that tops out at 2.44 inches. The dual-wheel design is described as improving maneuverability, and the listing gives the catcher as 8.5 gallons. The listing says the mower is eco-friendly and needs no gas, and it describes the catcher as collecting clippings as you mow. The specs list model MJ502M and no weight. Because the cutting path is wide, this model fits open lawns better than tight beds.
4. Sun Joe 16-Inch Manual Push Reel Lawn Mower With 6.6-Gallon Catcher
This 16-inch mower has two 8.8-inch wheels and four height positions, which the listing sets from 0.88 to 1.81 inches. It includes a detachable 6.6-gallon grass catcher and an alloy steel deck. The listing describes it as suited to flat, well-kept lawns, and it says performance may be limited on uneven ground. If your yard slopes or has bumps, look at a model with a wider height range or larger wheels.
5. Craftsman 18-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower With Grass Catcher
This Craftsman mower has five steel blades, an 18-inch cutting width and a lever that adjusts the cut from 1 to 3 inches according to the bullets. Its padded cushioned grip and rear wheels are described for comfort and maneuverability. The grass catcher is included, and the listing says the mower can run with or without it and that the catcher is easy to install or remove. The listing is candid that reel mowers leave little force behind the clippings, so not every clipping ends up in the bag. The listing also advises keeping grass below three to four inches and mowing smaller amounts more often.
6. Walensee 20-Inch Cordless Manual Reel Mower With Grass Catcher
This is the widest-cut mower in the roundup with a catcher. It has five alloy steel blades, a 20-inch cutting width and a removable 11.8-gallon grass catcher. The 10-inch drive wheels are described as giving smoother pushing and better handling on uneven or thick grass. The nine height positions run from 1.0 to 2.5 inches. The listing says the mower needs no gas, electricity or batteries and is quiet and low maintenance. Its specs list model WBLM-001-20. If you want the biggest bag and a wide cut, this is the closest match in the group.
7. Pyroarle 14-Inch Hand Push Reel Mower With Collection Box
This 14-inch mower uses a rear collection box that the listing says is secured by a fixing chain and is detachable for maintenance. It has an adjustable knob that moves the cut between 0.47 and 1.65 inches according to the bullets. The listing describes steel and aluminum construction with a plastic spray finish, and its front wheels measure 8.07 inches in diameter. The bullets say the box captures clippings as you mow, though the listing does not state its capacity. This model suits a small lawn where you want a box rather than a bag.
8. FDW 15-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower With Grass Catcher
This 15-inch mower has five steel blades and a cutting height adjustment from 0.5 to 1.8 inches according to the bullets. The title says it includes a grass catcher, but the listing does not state the catcher’s capacity. The listing describes the mower as lightweight and easy to operate, with no oil, gas or electricity needed. Its model number is HLM-H515 FDW. The 15-inch width sits between the 14-inch and 16-inch models in this roundup.
Review: Walensee 16-inch in depth
The Walensee 16-inch is the middle choice in this roundup, and it shows the trade-offs most clearly. The 16-inch cutting width sits between the 14-inch and 18-inch models, and the 7.9-gallon catcher is one of the larger bags for a mower of this width. The listing’s specs give 15.4 pounds, which is heavier than the EAGWON’s 14.55 pounds.
The cutting design is the main feature to understand. The listing says the five blades are curved rather than straight, which it says improves strength and resistance to bending. It also says the blades are high-hardness alloy steel and precision ground. The listing gives the height adjustment as a pull lever that changes the setting without tools, which saves time when you move between grass heights.
The weak point is the height figure. The specs give 0.5 to 1.5 inches, and the bullets give 0.6 to 1.5 inches. Check the lowest setting on the listing before you buy if you want to cut very short. The listing also says trimming tall grass in stages gives the best result.
Who each mower suits
A 14-inch model suits a small yard, a narrow strip along a fence or a lawn with many beds. The EAGWON and Pyroarle are the narrower choices, and the EAGWON’s listed 14.55 pounds is light enough for a steady push.
A 15- or 16-inch model suits a medium lawn that is still small enough to finish in a short session. The FDW 15-inch and the Walensee 16-inch give a good middle ground between cut width and weight.
An 18- or 20-inch model suits an open, flat lawn where you want fewer passes. The Craftsman 18-inch and the Walensee 20-inch cover more ground, and the Walensee’s 11.8-gallon catcher is the biggest bag in the group.
Care and cleaning from the listings
The listings give simple routines for keeping a reel mower and its bag working. The EAGWON listing advises hosing down the blades after cutting wet grass and applying silicone spray to the reel monthly. It also advises storing the bag indoors so UV light does not damage it. The Walensee listings advise rust protection during storage to extend blade life.
Empty the catcher before it gets heavy and before the bag tears. The EAGWON listing says to empty the bag when about 70 percent full for the best suction. The Pyroarle listing says the rear box is detachable for maintenance, so you can rinse it separately.
For the Sun Joe and Craftsman models, the listings give fewer care instructions. Keep the blades clean and the bag dry, and store the mower where it stays dry between uses.
Mistakes to avoid
The first mistake is mowing grass that has grown too tall. The Craftsman listing says not to let the lawn grow much over three to four inches. Mow often and cut only a third of the blade at a time.
The second mistake is expecting a catcher to hold every clipping. The Craftsman listing is clear that not all clippings will be captured, so plan to rake or mulch what falls outside the bag.
The third mistake is buying the widest mower for a small lawn. A 20-inch model is harder to steer around beds and gates, and a 14-inch model may take more passes on a large lawn. Match the width to your lawn’s shape and to the gate and storage space you have.
The fourth mistake is leaving the bag full. The EAGWON listing’s 70 percent rule is a useful guide for any catcher, since it notes suction is best before the bag is full.
FAQ
Does a reel mower with a grass catcher pick up all the clippings?
No. The Craftsman listing says reel mowers cut with little force behind the clippings, so some grass will fall to the lawn. Most listings describe the catcher as collecting clippings as you mow, but none says it catches every piece.
Which grass catcher holds the most?
The Walensee 20-inch lists an 11.8-gallon removable catcher, the largest in the roundup. The Walensee 16-inch lists 7.9 gallons, the Sun Joe 20-inch lists 8.5 gallons and the Sun Joe 16-inch lists 6.6 gallons. The EAGWON lists 6 gallons.
How high can a reel mower in this group cut?
The highest listed settings are the Sun Joe 20-inch at up to 2.44 inches and the Walensee 20-inch at 2.5 inches. The Craftsman 18-inch lists 1 to 3 inches in its bullets. Most reel mowers in this group top out at or below about three inches, which suits a lawn you cut often.
Do these mowers need gas, oil or batteries?
No. Every reel mower in this roundup is manual. The Walensee, EAGWON and FDW listings all describe no gas, oil, electricity or battery needed.
Can I use a Craftsman mower without the catcher?
Yes. The Craftsman listing says the mower can run with or without the grass catcher, and that the catcher is easy to install or remove.
Are the catchers the same size?
No. Capacities range from 6 gallons on the EAGWON to 11.8 gallons on the Walensee 20-inch. Several listings, including the Craftsman, Pyroarle and FDW, do not state a capacity, so compare the bags on the listings before you choose.
Bottom line
For a small, flat yard, choose a 14- or 15-inch reel mower with a bag you can empty often, such as the EAGWON or the FDW. For a medium lawn, the Walensee 16-inch balances weight, width and a 7.9-gallon bag. For an open lawn with fewer passes, pick the Walensee 20-inch for the biggest bag, or the Sun Joe 20-inch for a wide cut. Before you order, confirm the height range and the catcher capacity on the listing, since several listings give different numbers in their bullets and specs.
If you are weighing a powered option against a reel, see SENIX 20-Inch Gas Push Mower Review for a gas comparison, and CRAFTSMAN Electric Push Lawn Mower Review for a corded or battery alternative.
