American Lawn Mower Company 1604-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Mower with Grass Catcher Review

Overview

The American Lawn Mower Company 1604-16 is a 16-inch, 5-blade reel mower that brings back the simplicity of manual lawn care. Designed for homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns who want a quiet, emissions-free, and low-maintenance alternative to gas or electric mowers, this unit also includes a rear grass catcher for tidy cleanup. It’s best suited for those who don’t mind a bit of physical effort and prioritize environmental friendliness and cost savings over speed.

Who Should Buy This

1. Homeowners with 1/4 acre or smaller lawns – If your yard is compact (under 5,000 square feet), this mower will handle it efficiently without the hassle of cords, gas, or batteries. You’ll finish in 20–30 minutes with a good workout.

2. Eco-conscious buyers who hate gas and noise – If you want zero emissions, no oil changes, and a mower that won’t wake the neighbors at 7 AM, this reel mower is your ticket. It’s whisper-quiet compared to any gas or even electric model.

3. Budget-focused shoppers – At $117, this is one of the cheapest mowers you can buy that actually works well. No fuel costs, no electricity bills, and virtually no maintenance beyond blade sharpening every few years.

4. Homeowners who value a pristine, scissor-like cut – Reel mowers slice grass cleanly rather than tearing it like rotary blades. This model’s five-blade design gives a manicured, golf-green look that rotary mowers can’t match—perfect for fescue or Bermuda lawns.

Key Features Breakdown

• 16-inch cutting width – This is narrow enough to maneuver around flower beds and tight corners but wide enough to cover a small lawn in reasonable time. Don’t expect to finish a half-acre quickly, but for urban lots, it’s ideal.

• 5-blade reel – More blades mean a finer cut. Five blades create a smoother, more precise finish than cheaper 4-blade models. You’ll notice fewer torn grass tips, which means less browning and disease.

• Grass catcher included – Many reel mowers at this price skip the catcher. Here, you get a rear-mounted bag that collects clippings decently. It’s not huge (holds about 0.5 bushels), but it reduces raking time significantly.

• Ball-bearing wheels – Smooth rolling over flat terrain. The bearings reduce friction, so pushing is easier than with bushing-based competitors. On level ground, it glides nicely.

• All-steel construction – The frame and reel are steel, not plastic. This adds durability but also weight (about 25 lbs). It’s sturdy enough to last years with basic care, though heavier than some plastic reel mowers.

• No engine, no battery, no cord – The obvious core feature: you power it by walking. Zero operating costs, zero emissions, zero noise. Just you, the grass, and the sound of blades spinning.

Pros

1. Silent operation – You can mow at dawn without disturbing anyone. The only sound is the whir of blades and the thud of clippings hitting the catcher. It’s meditative.

2. Crisp, healthy cut – The scissor action leaves grass with clean edges, which reduces water loss and disease. Your lawn will look better than with a rotary mower, especially with regular mowing.

3. Virtually no maintenance – No oil, no filters, no spark plugs. Sharpen the reel every 2–3 years (or use a sharpening kit), and you’re set. Store it anywhere—no gas fumes.

4. Excellent value – For $117, you get a mower that works immediately out of the box (just attach the handle and catcher). Compare to a gas mower at $300+ plus fuel and repairs.

5. Grass catcher actually works – It’s not perfect, but for a budget reel mower, the bag catches about 70–80% of clippings. On dry, short grass, it fills evenly and empties easily.

6. Light enough to lift – At 25 pounds, you can carry it up stairs or load it into a car trunk. No struggling with a 80-pound gas mower.

Cons

1. Struggles with tall or wet grass – Reel mowers need frequent mowing. If your grass gets over 4 inches or is damp, the blades will clog, skip, or leave uncut patches. You’ll have to go over the same spot multiple times.

2. No height adjustment – The cutting height is fixed at about 1.5 inches. If you want a longer cut (e.g., 2.5 inches for hot summers), you’re out of luck. Some users shim the wheels, but it’s not designed for it.

3. Not for bumpy or uneven ground – The rigid frame and fixed wheels mean it scalps high spots and misses low spots. On lumpy lawns, you’ll get a ragged look. This mower needs a smooth, level surface.

4. Grass catcher is small and finicky – It fills quickly (maybe 10 minutes on a dense lawn) and doesn’t attach as securely as pricier models. It can pop off if you hit a bump. Expect to empty it frequently.

Bottom Line

The American Lawn Mower Company 1604-16 is a fantastic choice for the right buyer—specifically, someone with a small, flat, well-maintained lawn who wants a quiet, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly mowing experience. It delivers a beautiful scissor cut that rotary mowers can’t match, and it costs almost nothing to operate. However, if your grass gets tall, your yard is bumpy, or you want adjustable cutting heights, look elsewhere. For a 1/4-acre suburban lot where you mow weekly, this reel mower is a smart, satisfying investment. I recommend it confidently to anyone willing to trade a little physical effort for a cleaner lawn and a cleaner conscience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I adjust the cutting height on this mower?
A: No, the 1604-16 has a fixed cutting height of approximately 1.5 inches. You cannot raise or lower the reel. If you need adjustable height, consider a model like the Great States 415-16, which offers multiple settings.

Q: Will it cut through thick St. Augustine or Zoysia grass?
A: It’s not ideal for thick, coarse grasses like St. Augustine or mature Zoysia. Reel mowers work best on fine-bladed grasses like Bermuda, fescue, or ryegrass. For tough grass, you’ll need to mow very frequently (every 3–4 days) and keep blades razor-sharp.

Q: How do I sharpen the blades?