American Lawn Mower Company 1804-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher Review

Name: American Lawn Mower Company 1804-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher
Brand: American Lawn Mower
Price: 135.43 USD
Availability: InStock

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

★★★★½ 3.9/5 (709 reviews)

$135.43

Brand: American Lawn Mower

American Lawn Mower Company 1804-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Walk Behind Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher

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Overview

The American Lawn Mower Company 1804-18 is a classic 18-inch reel (push) mower designed for homeowners who want a quiet, emission-free, and low-maintenance way to keep a small, flat lawn neat. With its five-blade cutting reel and included grass catcher, it’s best suited for those with lawns under 1/4 acre who are comfortable with a manual push—no engine, no battery, no cords.

Who Should Buy This

Owners of small, flat lawns (under 1/4 acre) – This mower shines on level, well-maintained turf. If your yard is postage-stamp sized and free of major slopes, you’ll get a clean cut without the hassle of fuel or extension cords.
Eco-conscious homeowners who hate gas cans – No mixing oil, no emissions, no noise complaints from neighbors. If you want a zero-carbon footprint for your weekly mow, this reel mower delivers.
Budget-focused buyers who value simplicity – At around $135, it’s far cheaper than any gas or cordless electric mower. There’s no engine to maintain, no batteries to replace, and no yearly tune-ups.
Homeowners who want a quiet, early-morning mowing option – With this reel mower, you can cut grass at 7 AM without waking anyone. It’s nearly silent compared to gas or even electric models.

Key Features Breakdown

18-inch cutting width – This is a narrow deck, ideal for small lawns and tight spaces. You’ll make more passes than on a 21-inch mower, but it’s lighter and easier to maneuver around flower beds and fences.
5-blade reel – More blades mean a finer cut. The 1804-18 uses five hardened steel blades that scissor against a stationary bed knife, giving a clean, scissor-like slice rather than a tear. This promotes healthier grass and a manicured look.
Grass catcher included – Many reel mowers don’t come with a catcher, but this one does. It’s a canvas bag that clips onto the rear, collecting clippings as you push. It’s not huge (about 1.3 bushels), but it’s convenient for keeping your lawn tidy.
Steel construction with powder-coated finish – The frame is built to last, and the paint resists rust. This mower feels solid, not flimsy like some budget reel models.
Adjustable cutting height (1/2 to 2 inches) – You manually adjust the height via a lever on each wheel. This range works well for fine Bermuda, Zoysia, or fescue lawns kept short. Not for tall, overgrown grass.
10-inch composite wheels – Larger wheels roll easier over uneven ground, but these are still plastic hubs. They’re fine for flat lawns but won’t handle rough terrain as well as pneumatic tires.

Pros

Quiet as a whisper – You can mow while someone naps on the patio. The only sound is the blades clipping grass and the wheels turning.
Zero fuel or electricity costs – No gas, no oil, no charging. Your only expense is the purchase price and occasional blade sharpening (every few seasons).
Lightweight and easy to push – At about 25 pounds, it’s easy to lift over garden edges or carry to a shed. No heavy battery packs or engines.
Clean, healthy cut – Reel mowers slice grass like scissors, reducing tip damage and promoting denser growth. Your lawn will look like a golf course fairway if you mow regularly.
Grass catcher works well for clippings – The included bag catches most clippings, keeping your lawn tidy and reducing the need for raking. It’s easy to remove and dump.
Low maintenance – No spark plugs, air filters, or belts to replace. Just keep the blades sharp and the wheels lubricated.

Cons

Not for tall or thick grass – If you let your lawn get over 3-4 inches, this mower will struggle, clog, or skip. You must mow frequently (every 5-7 days) for best results.
Cutting height range is limited – The max height is only 2 inches, which is too short for some cool-season grasses or for homeowners who prefer a taller cut (3+ inches).
Hard to push on hills or uneven ground – The solid wheels and manual drive mean you’re doing all the work. On slopes or bumpy lawns, it’s a workout and can scalp high spots.
Grass catcher is small and can be fiddly – The bag fills quickly (especially in thick grass) and can detach if you hit a bump. It’s also canvas, which can get damp and heavy.

Bottom Line

The American Lawn Mower Company 1804-18 is a solid, affordable reel mower for anyone with a small, flat, well-maintained lawn who values quiet, clean, and cheap operation. It’s not a do-it-all machine—it demands frequent mowing and won’t handle neglect or rough terrain. But if you’re willing to mow weekly and keep your grass short, this mower delivers a beautiful cut for a fraction of the cost of a gas or electric model. I recommend it for budget-conscious homeowners with lawns under 1/4 acre who want a simple, eco-friendly tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often do I need to sharpen the blades? A: For most homeowners, every 1-2 seasons of regular use (about 20-30 mows) is typical. You can sharpen the reel and bed knife with a sharpening kit or take it to a small engine shop. Dull blades will tear grass instead of cutting it.

Q: Can this mower handle Bermuda or St. Augustine grass? A: Yes, it works well on Bermuda and other fine-bladed warm-season grasses kept at 1-2 inches. St. Augustine is tougher because of its thick runners—you’ll need to mow very frequently and keep the blades sharp. It’s not ideal for St. Augustine that’s allowed to get tall.

Q: Does the grass catcher work well, or does it clog? A: The catcher works well for dry, short grass. If the grass is wet or very long, it will clog the chute and the bag will fill quickly. For best results, mow when the grass is dry and don’t let it exceed 3 inches. You can also mow without the catcher and let clippings mulch in place.

How It Compares

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the American Lawn Mower Company 1804-18 reel mower and the Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart.

Quick Verdict

The American Lawn Mower Company 1804-18 wins for the specific task of cutting grass, while the Gorilla Carts dump cart wins as a superior yard utility tool—but since these are fundamentally different products (a mower vs. a cart), the “winner” depends entirely on whether you need to cut grass or haul heavy materials.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	American Lawn Mower 1804-18	Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Dump Cart
Price	$135.43	$205.99
Power Source	Manual (push-powered)	Manual (tow-behind)
Cutting Width	18 inches	N/A (hauling, not cutting)
Self-Propelled	No	No (towed by vehicle)
Best Yard Size	Small (up to 1/4 acre, flat)	Any size (for hauling debris, mulch, etc.)
Warranty	Limited lifetime (handling/cutting parts)	1-year limited

Key Note: These are not direct competitors. The American Lawn Mower is a reel mower for cutting grass. The Gorilla Carts product is a tow-behind dump cart for hauling soil, mulch, firewood, or tools. Comparing them head-to-head is like comparing a bicycle to a truck.

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

Actual Grass Cutting: The 1804-18 is a functional reel mower. Its five-blade, 18-inch cutting reel provides a clean, scissor-like cut that is healthier for grass than rotary mowers. It also collects clippings via the included grass catcher, which is ideal for small, flat lawns.
Eco-Friendly & Quiet Operation: This mower produces zero emissions and runs silently. You can mow early morning or late evening without disturbing neighbors. It also requires no gas, oil, or electricity, making it the lowest-cost option for ongoing lawn care.
Low Maintenance & Storage: With no engine, spark plugs, or belts, maintenance is minimal—just occasional blade sharpening and lubrication. It folds flat for easy storage in a small shed or garage corner.

Where Gorilla Carts Wins

Extreme Hauling Capacity: The Gorilla Carts dump cart has a massive 1,200-pound haul capacity and a 6-cubic-foot tub. This is exponentially more useful for heavy yard work like moving bags of concrete, soil, rocks, or large branches. The American Lawn Mower cannot haul anything.
Customer Satisfaction & Reliability: With a 4.7/5 star rating from over 30,000 reviews (versus 3.9/5 from 709 reviews), the Gorilla Carts product has proven durability and widespread user approval. The heavy-duty polyethylene tub resists rust and cracking.
Quick-Release Dumping & Pneumatic Tires: The cart features a convenient quick-release dumping mechanism (pull a pin to tilt the tub) and large pneumatic tires that roll smoothly over rough terrain. This makes unloading heavy loads (like wet mulch or dirt) effortless, while the American Lawn Mower offers no such utility.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower 1804-18) if:

You need a lawn mower for a small, flat, well-maintained lawn (under 1/4 acre) and want a quiet, eco-friendly, low-cost cutting solution. It is ideal for Bermuda or Zoysia grass that doesn’t grow too tall.

Buy Mower B (Gorilla Carts Dump Cart) if:

You need a heavy-duty utility cart for hauling soil, mulch, stone, firewood, or garden tools around your property. It is perfect for large landscaping projects, gardening, or moving heavy items with an ATV, lawn tractor, or UTV.

Neither (Choose a different product) if:

You need a self-propelled mower, a mower for thick or tall grass, or a tow-behind lawn sweeper. The American Lawn Mower is manual and struggles with weeds. The Gorilla Carts product does not cut grass at all. For most buyers with larger or uneven lawns, a gas or electric rotary mower (like a Honda or Toro) would be a better choice than the reel mower.

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the two products you listed. Please note that Mower B (Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart) is not a lawn mower—it is a utility cart/wagon. This comparison will address that critical distinction while still analyzing the two items as they are presented.

Quick Verdict

If you need a lawn mower, buy Mower A; if you need a heavy-duty cart for hauling yard waste, buy Mower B—they are completely different tools, but Mower B wins on quality and user satisfaction (4.7 stars vs. 3.9 stars) for its intended purpose.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Mower A: American Lawn Mower 1804-18	Mower B: Gorilla Carts Poly Dump Cart
Price	$135.43	$129.99
Power Source	Manual (push reel)	Manual (pull/tow)
Cutting Width	18 inches	N/A (4 cu ft tub)
Self-Propelled?	No	No (requires towing)
Best Yard Size	Small flat lawns under 1/4 acre	N/A (hauling, not mowing)
Warranty	Limited lifetime (blades), 1 year frame	1 year limited

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

It actually cuts grass. This is a functional reel mower with five hardened steel blades that scissor-cut grass for a clean, healthy finish. It includes a removable grass catcher, so it performs the primary task of mowing—unlike the Gorilla Cart, which cannot cut anything.
Quiet, emission-free operation. The reel mechanism requires no gas, oil, or electricity. You can mow early morning or late evening without disturbing neighbors, and there is zero carbon footprint during use. This is ideal for eco-conscious homeowners.
Low maintenance and exercise benefit. With no engine, spark plug, or air filter, the 1804-18 needs only occasional blade sharpening and lubrication. Pushing it also provides light cardio exercise, which some users prefer over riding or self-propelled mowers.

Where Gorilla Wins

Massive hauling capacity (600 lbs / 4 cu ft). The Gorilla Cart can transport soil, mulch, firewood, tools, or yard debris with ease. Its pneumatic tires roll smoothly over uneven terrain, and the quick-release dump mechanism lets you unload heavy loads without lifting. This is a true workhorse for landscaping projects.
Superior user satisfaction. With a 4.7-star rating from over 30,000 reviews (vs. 3.9 stars from 709 reviews), the Gorilla Cart has overwhelmingly positive feedback. Owners consistently praise its durability, ease of assembly, and value—while the mower’s lower rating suggests more frequent complaints about performance on uneven or tall grass.
Versatility beyond mowing. The cart works with any lawn tractor, ATV, or even a push mower for towing. It can haul leaves, branches, garden supplies, or even children (with supervision). The mower is strictly a one-tool solution that cannot perform any other yard task.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower 1804-18) if:
You have a small, flat lawn under 1/4 acre, want a quiet, eco-friendly mow, and don’t mind manual pushing. This is a solid choice for a traditional reel-mowing experience—just keep blades sharp and grass dry for best results.

Buy Mower B (Gorilla Carts Dump Cart) if:
You already own a mower and need a rugged, high-capacity cart for hauling heavy loads like soil, stone, or firewood. Its 600-lb capacity, dump feature, and exceptional user ratings make it the clear winner for yard work beyond cutting grass.

Buy neither if:
You need a self-propelled mower for a large or hilly lawn, or you want a single machine that both mows and hauls. In that case, look for a riding mower with a tow-behind cart attachment—neither of these products will serve that combined purpose.