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American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14GC 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher, Mint Review

★★★★½ 3.9/5 (708 reviews)
$119.99
Brand: American Lawn Mower
American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14GC 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher, Mint
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Overview

The American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14GC is a classic 14-inch, 5-blade reel mower that brings old-school simplicity back to lawn care. Designed for small, flat lawns and homeowners who prioritize quiet operation, zero emissions, and a light workout over speed, this mint-colored machine is the antithesis of gas-guzzling, noise-polluting alternatives. It’s best for those with modest yards—under 1/4 acre—who want a clean, scissor-like cut without the hassle of fuel or extension cords.

Who Should Buy This

  • The Eco-Conscious Homeowner: If you’re tired of breathing gas fumes and want to eliminate your lawn mower’s carbon footprint entirely, this reel mower is your ticket. No oil changes, no spark plugs, no emissions—just you, the grass, and a little elbow grease.
  • The Small-Lot Owner (Under 1/4 Acre): For tiny urban yards, narrow strips, or postage-stamp lawns, this 14-inch width is perfect. It’s nimble, easy to maneuver around flower beds, and won’t feel like overkill for a space that takes 20 minutes to cut with a gas mower.
  • The Morning Mower (Noise-Sensitive Users): Live near neighbors who work nights? Have a sleeping baby? This mower is whisper-quiet compared to any gas or even electric model. You can mow at 7 AM without earning a single dirty look.
  • The Budget-Conscious Minimalist: At $119.99, this is one of the cheapest new mowers you can buy. No batteries to replace, no gas to buy, and virtually no maintenance costs beyond an occasional blade sharpening. If you value simplicity and low lifetime cost, this fits the bill.

Key Features Breakdown

  • 14-Inch Cutting Width: This is a narrow cut, which means more passes per mowing session. That’s fine for tiny lawns, but frustrating for anything over 1,500 square feet. The trade-off is extreme maneuverability in tight spaces.
  • 5-Blade Reel System: Unlike budget 4-blade models, the 5-blade design gives a finer, cleaner cut—like using a sharp pair of scissors on each blade of grass. You’ll get that classic “putting green” look, but only if you mow frequently enough (more on that below).
  • Grass Catcher Included: The rear-mounted grass catcher is a nice bonus at this price point. It’s canvas-like and holds a modest amount of clippings, but it does help keep your lawn tidy if you prefer not to leave clippings behind. It’s not huge, so expect to empty it often on thicker grass.
  • Mint Green Color & Steel Construction: The color is a fun retro touch, but the steel frame is the real story. It’s durable and rust-resistant with proper care, though it’s not as lightweight as some aluminum or plastic-heavy competitors.
  • No Engine, No Battery, No Cord: The ultimate feature is what’s missing. You operate this entirely by pushing. That means zero fuel costs, zero charging time, and zero noise. It’s also virtually impossible to break in a way that requires a mechanic.

Pros

  1. Ultra-Quiet Operation: You can actually hear birds chirping while you mow. This is a huge quality-of-life upgrade if you’ve been suffering through a loud gas mower.
  2. Zero Emissions & Low Maintenance: No gas, oil, filters, or spark plugs. Just push and go. A quick annual blade sharpening is all it needs.
  3. Clean, Scissor-Like Cut: Reel mowers cut grass cleanly rather than tearing it like rotary blades. This promotes healthier grass and a manicured look, especially on fescue or Bermuda.
  4. Excellent for Small, Flat Lawns: On level ground with grass under 3 inches, this mower glides beautifully. It’s also great for edging along flower beds and fences where larger mowers can’t reach.
  5. Lightweight and Easy to Store: At around 25 pounds, it’s easy to lift onto a wall hook or carry to a shed. It also folds or stands upright without taking up much floor space.
  6. Affordable Entry Price: For well under $150, you get a complete mowing solution with no hidden costs. No battery, no charger, no fuel can—just the mower.

Cons

  1. Terrible on Tall or Wet Grass: If you let your lawn get above 3–4 inches, this mower will struggle, clog, and skip. You’ll have to mow more frequently (every 4–5 days in peak growing season) to keep up. Wet grass is a nightmare—it mats up and jams the reel instantly.
  2. No Power Assistance: On any slope or uneven terrain, you’ll feel every inch of resistance. This is a pure push mower, so if you have hills or a bad back, this isn’t for you.
  3. Narrow Cutting Width: 14 inches means a lot of back-and-forth. On a 2,000-square-foot lawn, you’re looking at 45 minutes to an hour of walking. A 21-inch gas mower would do it in 20 minutes.
  4. Grass Catcher is Small and Basic: The included catcher fills up fast, especially in thick grass, and the canvas material can get damp and heavy. Also, it doesn’t attach as securely as on pricier reel mowers—expect some clipping spillage on turns.

Bottom Line

The American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC is a fantastic tool for the right person: someone with a small, flat lawn who values quiet, clean, low-maintenance mowing over raw speed. It delivers that classic reel-mower cut that rotary mowers can’t match, and it’s refreshingly simple to own. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution—if your yard is over 1/4 acre, has hills, or you’re prone to letting grass get shaggy, you’ll quickly outgrow it. For the price, it’s a solid buy for the niche it serves. Just know what you’re getting into: a workout, not a shortcut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often do I need to sharpen the blades? A: For best results, sharpen the reel blades once per season (or after about 15–20 hours of mowing). You can buy a sharpening kit or take it to a small engine shop. Dull blades will tear grass instead of cutting it, leaving brown tips.

Q: Can this mower handle Bermuda or St. Augustine grass? A: It works well on Bermuda if you mow frequently (every 4–5 days) at a low height. St. Augustine can be tougher because of its thick, coarse runners—you’ll need to keep it very short and

How It Compares

Quick Verdict

The Great States 815-18 wins overall due to its wider cutting width, vastly superior user ratings, and proven reliability at a lower price point.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC Great States 815-18
Price $119.99 $116.00
Power Source Manual (reel) Manual (reel)
Cutting Width 14 inches 18 inches
Self-Propelled No No
Best Yard Size Small (up to Ÿ acre) Small to medium (up to ½ acre)
Warranty Not specified (typically 1 year) Not specified (typically 1 year)

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

  1. Included Grass Catcher: The 1304-14GC comes with a rear grass catcher, saving you the $20–30 you’d need to spend on a separate bag for the Great States. This is a clear convenience win for new reel mower users who want clippings collected.

  2. Mint Color & Aesthetic: While subjective, the mint green finish stands out visually and may appeal to buyers wanting a retro or decorative look for their shed or garage. The Great States’ grey is more utilitarian.

  3. Slightly Lower Reported Weight: At approximately 22 lbs (vs. 26 lbs for the Great States), the American model is marginally easier to push and lift over obstacles, though the difference is minor.

Where Great States Wins

  1. Wider Cutting Deck (18" vs. 14"): The 4-inch width advantage means the Great States covers 29% more grass per pass. For a 5,000 sq ft lawn, that translates to roughly 30 fewer passes—saving significant time and effort.

  2. Overwhelmingly Better User Feedback: With 9,256 reviews averaging 4.3 stars compared to 708 reviews at 3.9 stars, the Great States has a proven track record of reliability. Users consistently praise its sharp blades, smooth rolling, and ease of adjustment—while the American model has more complaints about blade alignment and frame flex.

  3. Better Value for the Money: At $116 (vs. $119.99), the Great States offers a larger cutting width, higher build quality, and stronger customer satisfaction for less upfront cost. The price difference is negligible, but the performance gap is significant.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC) if: you have a very small lawn (under 2,500 sq ft) with narrow pathways or tight corners, and you absolutely want a built-in grass catcher without buying accessories separately. Its lighter weight and narrower width make it easier to maneuver in confined spaces.

Buy Mower B (Great States 815-18) if: you have a typical suburban lawn (2,500–8,000 sq ft) and want to finish mowing faster. The 18-inch cutting width, proven reliability from thousands of positive reviews, and lower price make it the smarter choice for most homeowners. It’s also better if you plan to skip the grass catcher and mulch clippings.

Neither if: you have a lawn over ½ acre, thick Bermuda or St. Augustine grass, or hilly terrain. Both are manual reel mowers best suited for flat, fescue-type lawns under 8,000 sq ft. For larger or tougher yards, consider a gas or electric mower instead.

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14GC and the Sun Joe MJ503M.

Quick Verdict

Sun Joe wins overall due to its massive user base (6,014 reviews vs. 708), superior adjustability with 9 cutting positions, and proven reliability for the average homeowner—though the American Lawn Mower wins on build quality and grass-catching performance for small, manicured lawns.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC Sun Joe MJ503M
Price $119.99 $114.99
Power Source Manual (Push Reel) Manual (Push Reel)
Cutting Width 14 inches 14 inches
Self-Propelled No No
Best Yard Size Up to 1/4 acre (small, flat) Up to 1/4 acre (flat to mild slope)
Warranty 1 Year (limited) 2 Years (limited)

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

  1. Blade Count & Grass Catcher Performance: The American Lawn Mower features 5 hardened steel blades (vs. 4 on the Sun Joe). This higher blade count creates a finer, scissor-like cut and is better at shredding clippings for mulching. Its included grass catcher bag is also more robust and attaches securely, making it superior for homeowners who prefer to collect clippings rather than leave them on the lawn.

  2. Build Quality & Longevity: Users consistently report that the American Lawn Mower feels sturdier, with a heavier-duty steel frame and thicker axle. It is manufactured by the American Lawn Mower Company, a heritage brand (founded in 1895) known for simple, repairable designs. The wheels and bearings are less prone to wobbling over time compared to the Sun Joe, which can develop play after a few seasons.

  3. Quieter Operation: Because of its tighter tolerances and heavier construction, the American Lawn Mower runs more quietly. The 5-blade reel produces less vibration and a smoother “snip” sound, making it a better choice for early-morning mowing in noise-sensitive neighborhoods.

Where Sun Joe Wins

  1. Adjustability & Ease of Use: The Sun Joe offers 9 cutting height positions (from 0.5 to 2.0 inches) compared to the American Lawn Mower’s typical 5 or 6 positions. This gives you finer control over grass length, especially important if you switch between cool-season and warm-season grasses. The adjustment mechanism is also tool-less and easier to operate without flipping the mower over.

  2. Value & User-Proven Reliability: At $114.99, the Sun Joe is $5 cheaper and has been purchased and reviewed by over 6,000 buyers (more than 8x the American Lawn Mower’s review count). This large sample size confirms it works reliably out of the box for the vast majority of users, with very few complaints about assembly or initial setup.

  3. Warranty & Customer Support: Sun Joe backs this mower with a 2-year warranty (double the American Lawn Mower’s 1-year coverage). Snow Joe/Sun Joe also has a dedicated customer service department and readily available replacement parts (blades, wheels, bolts) online, making long-term maintenance easier.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower 1304-14GC) if: You have a very small, flat lawn (under 1/8 acre) and you care deeply about build quality, quiet operation, and the ability to collect clippings in a sturdy bag. It’s the better choice for the traditionalist who wants a mower that feels solid and will last longer with basic maintenance.

Buy Mower B (Sun Joe MJ503M) if: You are a first-time reel mower buyer, want the most adjustability for different grass types, or need a mower that’s easy to assemble and use right away. Its 2-year warranty and massive user-proven track record make it the safer, lower-risk purchase.

Buy either if: You have a flat lawn under 1/4 acre and are willing to mow every 5–7 days. For most homeowners, the Sun Joe’s adjustability and warranty edge out the American Lawn Mower’s build quality, unless you specifically need the 5-blade cutting performance.

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Last updated: June 2026