American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red Review

Name: American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red
Brand: American Lawn Mower
Price: 87.99 USD
Availability: InStock

By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026

★★★★ 4.3/5 (22498 reviews)

$87.99

Brand: American Lawn Mower

American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red

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Overview

The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 is a classic reel mower that proves you don’t need a roaring engine or a lithium battery to get a clean, healthy cut. Designed for homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns—think under 1/4 acre—this 14-inch, 4-blade push mower is ideal for those who want a quiet, zero-emission, low-maintenance alternative to gas or electric machines. It’s not for everyone, but for the right person, it’s a reliable, affordable tool that delivers a manicured, scissor-like finish.

Who Should Buy This

1. Homeowners with small, flat lawns (under 1/4 acre)
If your yard is more postage stamp than pasture, this mower is a perfect fit. It’s lightweight (just 23 pounds) and easy to push on level ground, making quick work of a 2,000- to 3,000-square-foot lawn without dragging a cord or smelling exhaust.

2. Eco-conscious homeowners who hate gas cans
No gas, no oil, no emissions, no noise. You can mow at 7 AM without waking the neighbors or worrying about carbon footprint. If you’re already composting and avoiding chemicals, this mower aligns with your lifestyle.

3. Budget-minded buyers who want a no-fuss tool
At $87.99, this mower costs less than a single trip to the gas station for a season’s worth of fuel. There’s no spark plug to replace, no battery to charge, and no carburetor to clean. You just push it.

4. Gardeners who want a superior cut for fescue or Bermuda
Reel mowers cut like scissors, not like a blender. For fine-bladed grasses (fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda), this mower leaves a clean, even finish that’s healthier for the turf and looks like a putting green.

Key Features Breakdown

14-inch cutting width
This is narrow—about half the width of a typical gas mower. It means more passes to cover your lawn, but it also makes the mower incredibly maneuverable in tight spaces, around flower beds, and along fence lines. Best for small, irregularly shaped lawns.

4-blade reel
Most reel mowers in this price range use 5 blades. The 4-blade design is a trade-off: it’s lighter and easier to push, but it leaves a slightly less refined cut than a 5- or 7-blade mower. For a 14-inch mower, it’s a reasonable compromise for casual use.

Heat-treated, rust-resistant steel blades
These hold an edge longer than cheap stamped steel. You’ll still need to sharpen them every season or two, but they won’t rust into oblivion if you leave them out in the rain once.

Adjustable cutting height (1/2 inch to 1.75 inches)
You get 5 positions via a simple bolt adjustment. The range is limited—no 3-inch setting for tall fescue or rough ground. This mower is for neat, short lawns, not overgrown pastures.

Lightweight steel frame (23 lbs)
Easy to lift into a shed or carry up a step. But the frame is not as durable as heavier models—it can bend if you hit a large rock or stump.

No assembly required
Out of the box, it’s ready to go. Just unfold the handle and start mowing. That’s a rare convenience in the lawn tool world.

Pros

1. Whisper-quiet operation
You can mow while someone’s napping on the porch. The only sound is the blades clicking against the bed knife—a satisfying, rhythmic snip.

2. Zero emissions and no fuel costs
Your only expense is elbow grease. No gas, no oil, no electricity bills. Over a decade, you’ll save hundreds compared to a gas mower.

3. Excellent cut quality for short grass
If you mow weekly and keep your lawn under 2 inches, the scissor cut is cleaner than any rotary mower. It reduces stress on the grass and promotes denser growth.

4. Low maintenance
No spark plugs, air filters, or batteries to replace. Just wipe the blades dry after use and sharpen once a year. You can do it yourself with a sharpening kit.

5. Lightweight and easy to store
At 23 pounds, you can hang it on a wall hook or stash it in a corner. It takes up less space than a push broom.

6. No cords or batteries to manage
No extension cord tangles, no charging anxiety, no battery degradation after a few years. It’s as simple as a hand tool.

Cons

1. Not for tall or thick grass
If you let your lawn get over 3 inches, this mower will struggle. It clogs easily and requires multiple passes. You must mow frequently—every 5-7 days in peak growing season.

2. Narrow cutting width
14 inches means more walking. On a 3,000-square-foot lawn, expect 45-60 minutes of mowing. A 21-inch gas mower would do it in 20 minutes.

3. No grass catcher (bag sold separately)
The mower doesn’t include a grass catcher. You can buy one (American Lawn Mower model 1204-14 bag), but it adds cost and can be finicky to attach. Without it, you’ll need to rake clippings.

4. Limited height range
The max cutting height is 1.75 inches. If you prefer a taller lawn (2.5-3 inches) for drought tolerance or weed suppression, this mower can’t accommodate it. It’s strictly for short, manicured turf.

Bottom Line

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is a niche tool that excels in its lane. If you have a small, flat lawn under 1/4 acre, mow weekly, and value quiet, eco-friendly operation over speed, this is one of the best deals in lawn care at $87.99. It’s not a substitute for a gas mower on a big, rough yard—it’s a specialized tool for the meticulous gardener who enjoys the process. For the right buyer, it’s a 10-year machine that costs less than a tank of gas. For everyone else, look at a 21-inch electric or gas model. Buy it if you want a clean cut, a quiet afternoon, and zero maintenance headaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this mower cut thick St. Augustine or zoysia grass?
It’s not ideal. St. Augustine and zoysia have thick, tough stems that tend to bend rather than shear cleanly with a reel mower. You’ll need to mow very frequently (every 4-5 days) and keep the grass short. For these grasses, a rotary

How It Compares

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the two products you listed.

Important Note: The two products you provided are not directly comparable. Mower A is a manual push reel lawn mower. Mower B is a heavy-duty garden dump cart. One cuts grass; the other hauls material. This comparison will address them as-is, but the buyer should understand they serve entirely different functions.

Quick Verdict

Mower A (American Lawn Mower 1204-14) wins for cutting grass, while Mower B (Gorilla Carts Poly Dump Cart) wins for hauling yard waste—but since they serve different purposes, the “winner” depends entirely on the buyer’s immediate task.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Mower A: American Lawn Mower 1204-14	Mower B: Gorilla Carts Poly Dump Cart
Price	$87.99	$129.99
Power Source	Manual (human push)	Manual (tow/pull)
Cutting Width	14 inches	N/A (hauling, not cutting)
Self-Propelled	No	No (requires tow vehicle or manual pull)
Best Yard Size	Small lawns under 1/4 acre	Any size (for hauling, not mowing)
Warranty	Limited lifetime (blades & frame)	1-year limited

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

Eco-Friendly & Silent Operation: The 1204-14 produces zero emissions and is nearly silent. You can mow early in the morning or late in the evening without disturbing neighbors. It also requires no gas, oil, or electricity, saving on ongoing costs.
Low Maintenance & Cost: At $87.99, this is one of the cheapest mowers available. It has no engine, belts, or spark plugs to maintain. The 14-inch, 4-blade reel simply needs occasional blade adjustment and lubrication. Over a decade, it will cost far less than any gas or electric mower.
Excellent for Small, Flat Lawns: The 14-inch cutting width is narrow, but that makes it ideal for tiny yards, narrow strips, and areas with delicate grass. The reel action scissor-cuts the grass, which is healthier for the turf than a rotary blade that tears the grass.

Where Gorilla Wins

Superior Hauling Capacity: The Gorilla Cart has a 600 lb haul capacity and a 4 cu ft tub. This is a workhorse for moving soil, mulch, stone, firewood, or garden tools. It can do in one trip what would take dozens of trips with a wheelbarrow or a small mower bag.
Versatility & Durability: This is not a mower—it’s a utility wagon. The quick-release dump feature allows you to tilt and empty heavy loads without lifting. The pneumatic tires roll smoothly over grass, gravel, and uneven terrain, making it perfect for landscaping and gardening tasks.
Higher User Satisfaction: With a 4.7/5 rating from over 30,000 reviews, the Gorilla Cart is one of the highest-rated yard products on the market. Buyers consistently praise its build quality, ease of assembly, and ability to handle heavy loads without tipping.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower 1204-14) if: You have a small, flat lawn (under 1/4 acre), want zero emissions and silent operation, and prefer a maintenance-free tool that costs less than $100. It’s perfect for the eco-conscious homeowner who enjoys a light workout while mowing.
Buy Mower B (Gorilla Carts Poly Dump Cart) if: You need to move heavy materials like soil, mulch, stone, or firewood around your yard. This cart is essential for landscaping projects, gardening, and general yard cleanup. It is not a mower, but it will save you hours of manual hauling.
Buy both if: You want a complete yard-care system. Use Mower A for cutting your small lawn, and use Mower B for hauling the grass clippings, leaves, or garden waste to your compost pile or curb. They complement each other perfectly for a low-cost, manual yard care setup.

Quick Verdict

There is no outright winner—these are fundamentally different tools for different jobs—but the WORX WG163 wins for versatility and convenience because it handles trimming, edging, and light brush cutting with battery power, while the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 wins for quiet, emission-free, low-maintenance mowing on small, flat lawns.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	American Lawn Mower 1204-14	WORX WG163
Price	$87.99	$89.99
Power Source	Manual (push reel)	20V Cordless Electric
Cutting Width	14 inches	12 inches (string trimmer)
Self-Propelled	No (push only)	No (handheld)
Best Yard Size	Up to 1/4 acre (flat, clear lawns)	Trimming/edging only (any yard size)
Warranty	Limited lifetime (manual)	3-year limited

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

Zero emissions & whisper-quiet operation – No gas, no oil, no battery charging, and no engine noise. You can mow early morning or late evening without disturbing neighbors. The reel blades simply spin as you push, making it ideal for eco-conscious users or noise-restricted areas.
Minimal maintenance & long-term cost – There are no spark plugs, air filters, fuel stabilizers, or batteries to replace. The blades are self-sharpening (steel against steel), and a simple seasonal oiling of the wheel bearings is all it needs. Over 10 years, total cost remains $87.99 plus minor upkeep.
Superior cut quality on fine turf – The scissor-like cutting action of four reel blades produces a clean, precise slice that doesn’t tear grass like rotary mowers or string trimmers. This reduces browning and disease risk, making it a favorite for Bermuda, Zoysia, or Kentucky bluegrass lawns where a manicured appearance matters.

Where WORX Wins

Versatility for trimming and edging – The WORX is not a lawn mower; it’s a string trimmer that converts to an edger with a simple button press. It handles grass along fences, flower beds, walkways, and driveways that a reel mower simply cannot reach. It also tackles light weeds and overgrowth.
Effortless operation on uneven or tall grass – The 20V motor spins the trimmer line at high speed, slashing through thick, wet, or overgrown grass with zero physical effort. You don’t need to push or strain—just guide the head. The 5.5-pound weight makes it easy to maneuver for extended periods.
Two batteries for extended runtime – The included pair of 20V batteries (likely 2.0Ah each) allow continuous use—one charges while you use the other. A typical trimming session on a 1/4-acre lot takes one battery, so the second gives you backup for edging or future use with other WORX 20V tools.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower 1204-14) if:
You have a small, flat lawn (under 1/4 acre) with fine grass, no obstacles, and you prioritize quietness, zero emissions, and minimal ongoing costs. You enjoy a gentle, meditative workout while mowing and want a tool that will last decades with simple care. This is also the best choice for those who cannot store or charge batteries.

Buy Mower B (WORX WG163) if:
You already have a mower (reel or rotary) and need a lightweight, battery-powered trimmer and edger to finish the job. You have uneven terrain, thick grass, or weeds near borders, and you value speed and ease over absolute cut quality. This is ideal for renters or homeowners who want a single tool for trimming and edging without gas or cords.

Buy neither if:
Your lawn exceeds 1/4 acre, has slopes, or requires both mowing and trimming. For larger yards, pair a gas or cordless rotary mower with a dedicated trimmer. The reel mower will be too slow on big lawns, and the WORX cannot replace a mower.