American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower Review

Overview

The American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 is a classic push reel mower that proves you don’t need a roaring engine to get a clean, healthy cut. Designed for homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns who want a zero-emission, whisper-quiet alternative to gas or electric mowers, this 14-inch, 5-blade model delivers a precise scissor cut that’s better for your grass. It’s best suited for flat, well-maintained yards under 1/4 acre, where its manual operation becomes a feature, not a chore.

Who Should Buy This

1. The Eco-Conscious Homeowner – If you want to eliminate gas cans, oil changes, and exhaust fumes from your lawn routine, this mower is your ticket. It’s 100% human-powered, so your carbon footprint shrinks with every push.

2. The Small-Lot Owner – Perfect for lawns under 1/4 acre (think townhouses, small suburban lots, or city yards). You’ll finish the front and back in under 30 minutes without breaking a sweat.

3. The Early-Morning Mower – Live in a neighborhood where noise matters? This mower is nearly silent—just the gentle click of blades cutting grass. You can mow at 6 AM without waking the neighbors.

4. The Low-Maintenance Seeker – Hate winterizing engines, cleaning spark plugs, or replacing air filters? This mower has zero moving parts to maintain. A quick blade adjustment once a season is all it takes.

Key Features Breakdown

14-Inch Cutting Width – This is narrower than most gas mowers (which are typically 20-22 inches). It means more passes to cover your lawn, but it also means the mower is lightweight (just 22 pounds) and easy to maneuver around flower beds and tight corners. Best for small, intricate yards.

5-Blade Reel System – More blades (standard reel mowers have 4 or 5) mean a finer cut with less tearing. The scissor action slices grass cleanly versus ripping it like a rotary blade. This results in a healthier lawn with less browning at the tips.

Heat-Treated, Tempered Steel Blades – These blades hold an edge longer than basic steel. Expect a sharp cut for several seasons before needing a sharpening. The cutting action is smooth and consistent, not jerky.

Adjustable Cutting Height (5/8" to 1-3/4") – Six positions via a simple bolt adjustment. The range covers most warm- and cool-season grass types, though the lowest setting is very short (good for Bermuda, not great for tall fescue). No tools required to change height—just a quick turn of the knobs.

Ball-Bearing Wheels – Unlike cheaper reel mowers that use plastic bushings, this one has ball bearings in the wheels. That translates to noticeably less pushing effort, especially on flat ground. You’ll feel the difference on the second pass.

Composite Wheel Hubs – Lightweight and rust-proof. They won’t crack in cold weather or corrode if left out in the rain, but they’re not as durable as metal hubs on higher-end models.

Pros

• Silent operation – You can mow while listening to a podcast or having a conversation. No earplugs needed.
• Zero fuel or electricity costs – Pay once, mow for years. Your only expense is elbow grease.
• Better for grass health – The scissor cut seals the blade tip, reducing water loss and disease risk. Your lawn will look greener after a few weeks.
• Extremely lightweight – At 22 pounds, you can lift it over garden walls, carry it up stairs, or hang it on a garage wall hook with one hand.
• Simple to store – Folds flat (no bulky deck) and takes up almost no space. Perfect for small sheds or apartment balconies.
• Low maintenance – No oil, no gas, no spark plugs, no battery charging. Just keep the blades sharp and the wheels clean.

Cons

• Not for tall or thick grass – If you let your lawn get over 4 inches, this mower will choke and skip. You must mow frequently (every 5-7 days) to keep it effective.
• Struggles on uneven ground – The fixed reel design means bumps and dips cause scalping or missed patches. Best for flat, well-groomed lawns.
• Narrow cutting width – 14 inches means more passes. For a 1/4-acre lot, expect 40-50 minutes of pushing versus 20-25 with a 21-inch gas mower.
• No grass catcher included – You’ll need to buy the optional bag ($25-35) or rake clippings. Some users find this model’s discharge leaves a visible trail.

Bottom Line

The American Lawn Mower 1304-14 is the gold standard for budget-friendly reel mowers. It’s not for everyone—if your lawn is bumpy, overgrown, or larger than a quarter acre, look elsewhere. But for the homeowner who values quiet mornings, zero emissions, and a workout thrown into their yard work, this mower delivers exactly what it promises: a clean, healthy cut with minimal fuss. At $99.99, it’s a steal. Buy it if you have a small, flat lawn and want to simplify your life. Skip it if you want a bagger or need to tackle tall grass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to sharpen the blades, and how often?
A: Yes, blades will dull after 1-2 seasons of regular use. You can sharpen them yourself with a flat file or take them to a shop. A dull reel mower pulls grass instead of cutting it—if you see tearing or yellow tips, it’s time to sharpen.

Q: Can this mower handle leaves or sticks?
A: No. It’s designed for grass only. Leaves will clog the reel, and sticks can bend the blades. Rake debris before mowing, or use a leaf blower first.

Q: How do I adjust the cutting height?
A: On each wheel, there’s a metal clip that fits into a slotted bracket. Simply pull the clip out, move the wheel up or down to the desired notch (6 positions total), and reinsert the clip. Both sides must be set to the same height for an even cut.