American Lawn Mower Company 2415-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Reel Push Lawn Mower Review
By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026
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The American Lawn Mower Company 2415-16 is a classic 16-inch, 5-blade reel push mower that brings old-school simplicity to modern lawn care. Itâs designed for homeowners with small, flat yards who want a quiet, emissions-free alternative to gas mowersâno engine, no battery, just your own two feet pushing it forward. At around $110 with over 22,000 reviews, itâs one of the most popular manual mowers on the market, and for good reason: it works brilliantly for the right lawn.
Who Should Buy This
1. Owners of small, flat lawns (under 1/4 acre)
This mower shines on modest-sized yards where a gas or electric model feels like overkill. If you can mow your entire lawn in 30 minutes or less with a push mower, this reel mower will handle it efficiently. Itâs not built for sprawling acreageâthink postage-stamp suburban lots or city yards.
2. Eco-conscious homeowners who hate gas cans
No fumes, no oil changes, no spark plugs, no fuel mixing. If you want to eliminate your lawn care carbon footprint and avoid the smell of gasoline on a Saturday morning, this mower delivers. Itâs completely human-powered, so itâs as green as mowing gets.
3. Noise-sensitive neighbors (or you)
This mower is whisper-quiet compared to anything with a motor. You can mow at 7 AM without waking the household or annoying the neighbors. Itâs also great for families with young kids who nap during the dayâno roaring engine to disrupt peace.
4. Budget buyers who want a durable, low-maintenance tool
At $110, this mower costs less than a single tune-up on a gas mower. Thereâs nothing to break except the blades (which are replaceable), and the steel frame is built to last decades with basic care. If you want to spend once and forget it, this is your mower.
Key Features Breakdown
16-Inch Cutting Width
This is a narrow cut compared to most power mowers (which are typically 20-22 inches). That means more passes to cover your lawn, but it also makes the mower lighter and easier to maneuver in tight spacesâaround flower beds, between trees, or along fence lines. For lawns under 1/4 acre, the trade-off is worth it.
5-Blade Reel
More blades generally mean a finer, cleaner cut. The 5-blade design scissor-cuts grass instead of tearing it (like rotary mowers do). This results in healthier grass with less browning at the tips. Itâs the same cutting principle used on golf course greens, though this mower wonât give you that level of precision without a perfectly manicured lawn.
Heat-Treated, Tempered Alloy Steel Blades
These blades hold an edge longer than basic steel. Theyâre also replaceable (about $20 for a set), so you can sharpen or swap them after a few seasons. The tempered steel resists bending if you hit a rock or stickâa common issue with cheaper reel mowers.
Fully Enclosed Steel Frame
The side panels protect the reel mechanism and keep grass clippings from flying everywhere. It also makes the mower saferâno exposed spinning parts. The steel construction adds weight (about 28 pounds), which helps the reel maintain contact with the grass for a consistent cut.
Adjustable Cutting Height (1/2 to 2-1/2 Inches)
The height adjustment is simple: you move a lever on each wheel to one of four positions. Itâs not as precise as a gas mower with infinite adjustment, but it covers the range most homeowners needâfrom a close golf-course-style cut to a taller, more drought-tolerant setting.
10-Inch Rear Wheels
Larger rear wheels reduce rolling resistance, making the mower easier to push on uneven ground. Combined with the 16-inch width, this mower feels well-balanced and glides smoothly on flat terrain.
Pros
- Dead quiet. You can mow while listening to music or a podcast without headphones. Your neighbors will thank you.
- Zero emissions. No gas, no oil, no battery disposal. Just pure calorie-burning exercise.
- Exceptionally low maintenance. No engine to winterize, no air filter to clean, no carburetor to rebuild. Just wipe the blades and maybe sharpen them once a year.
- Lightweight and easy to store. At 28 pounds, you can carry it one-handed. It stands upright on its end for garage storage without taking up floor space.
- Clean, scissor-cut results. Grass cut with a reel mower looks noticeably neater than a rotary mowerâs torn ends. Itâs the best cut for the health of your lawn.
- Great exercise. Pushing this mower for 30 minutes burns about 150-200 calories. Itâs a legit workout without feeling like one.
Cons
- Not for tall or thick grass. If you let your lawn get over 4 inches, this mower will clog and struggle. You must mow frequently (every 4-7 days in growing season) to keep it effective.
- Struggles on uneven terrain. Bumps, dips, and slopes cause the reel to skip over grass, leaving uncut patches. This mower demands a flat, smooth lawn to work properly.
- Narrow cutting width. 16 inches means more passes. If your lawn is even slightly over 1/4 acre, youâll spend noticeably more time mowing than with a standard power mower.
- No grass collection bag (included). The mower doesnât come with a catcherâclippings fall where theyâre cut. You can buy a separate bag attachment, but itâs an extra cost. If you want a clean, bagged finish, factor in that expense.
Bottom Line
The American Lawn Mower Company 2415-16 is the best manual reel mower for homeowners with small, flat, well-maintained lawns. Itâs quiet, cheap to own, and delivers a healthier cut than any gas or electric mower in its price range. If youâre willing to mow weekly and keep your grass short, this mower will reward you with years of fuss-free service. But if your yard is bumpy, overgrown, or larger than a quarter-acre, look elsewhere. For the right buyer, itâs an absolute steal at $110.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this mower come with a grass catcher?
A: No, the 2415-16 does not include a grass catcher. You can purchase the American Lawn Mower Company 1115-16 Grass Catcher separately (about $30-40). The mower works fine without oneâclippings simply fall and decompose as natural fertilizer.
Q: Can I sharpen the blades myself, or do I need a professional?
A: You can sharpen the blades
How It Compares
Here is a head-to-head comparison based on the details you provided.
Important Note: You have listed two products that are not direct competitors. Mower A is a manual reel lawn mower. Mower B (Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart) is a heavy-duty utility wagon, not a lawn mower. Assuming this is a data error, I will compare Mower A against a similarly priced, popular reel mower (e.g., the Great States 415-16 or Fiskars Momentumâbut to keep it accurate to your request, I will compare Mower A to the Gorilla Cart as listed, noting the category mismatch. For a fair mower-vs-mower comparison, the Gorilla Cart would lose because it cannot cut grass. However, I will treat the Gorilla Cart as the hypothetical âother optionâ for a yard tool purchase.
Quick Verdict
If you need to cut grass, buy Mower A; if you need to haul heavy loads, buy the Gorilla Cartâthey are not interchangeable, so the âwinnerâ depends entirely on your primary task.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | American Lawn Mower 2415-16 | Gorilla Carts Poly Dump Cart |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.99 | $129.99 |
| Power Source | Manual (push/reel) | Manual (tow/pull) |
| Primary Function | Cuts grass | Hauls/dumps materials |
| Cutting Width | 16 inches | N/A |
| Self-Propelled | No | No (requires vehicle or manual pulling) |
| Best Yard Size | Small (under Œ acre) | Any size (for transport) |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime (typically) | 1-year limited |
Where American Lawn Mower Wins
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Actual Grass Cutting â This is a lawn mower. It uses 5 hardened steel blades to scissor-cut grass cleanly, promoting healthier turf than a gas or electric rotary mower. The Gorilla Cart cannot mow.
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Zero Emissions & Low Noise â No gas, oil, or electricity. Perfect for early morning mowing or eco-conscious homeowners. The only sound is the clicking of the reel. The Gorilla Cart is silent when empty but noisy when loaded with rocks.
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Exercise & Low Maintenance â Pushing a reel mower burns calories and requires no spark plugs, oil changes, or battery charging. The blades can be sharpened with a simple kit. The Gorilla Cart requires tire inflation and rust prevention on its frame.
Where Gorilla Cart Wins
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Hauling Capacity â 600 lb payload and 4 cubic feet of space. You can move soil, mulch, firewood, or tools. The mower cannot carry anything beyond its own weight.
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Dump Feature â Quick-release dumping mechanism lets you tilt the tub to unload heavy materials without lifting. The mower has no dumping capability.
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Pneumatic Tires â 13-inch pneumatic tires roll smoothly over rough terrain, grass, and gravel. The mowerâs small wheels (typically 8-10 inches) struggle on uneven ground and can scalp grass.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower 2415-16) if:
- You have a small, flat lawn (under Œ acre) and want a quiet, eco-friendly, low-maintenance cut.
- You enjoy light exercise while mowing and donât mind a manual push.
- You are on a tight budget and need a reliable, simple machine that lasts decades with basic care.
Buy Gorilla Cart (if you must choose between these two) if:
- You donât need a mower (e.g., you already have one) but need to move heavy materials around your yard, garden, or jobsite.
- You often haul mulch, soil, stone, or firewood and want easy dumping.
- You have a large property with rough terrain where a manual reel mower would be impractical.
Donât buy either if:
- You need a self-propelled or powered mower for a large or hilly lawn. In that case, look at gas/battery push mowers in the $200â$400 range.
Final note: If you intended to compare two mowers, the Gorilla Cart is not a mower. For a true reel-vs-reel comparison, the American Lawn Mower 2415-16 is an excellent choice for small, flat lawns. The Gorilla Cart is a fantastic utility tool but cannot replace a mower.
Quick Verdict
Neither wins âoverallâ because they are fundamentally different tools: the American Lawn Mower is a manual reel mower for grass, while the WORX is a battery-powered string trimmer for edges and weedsâyour choice depends entirely on whether you need a primary mower or a trimmer.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | American Lawn Mower 2415-16 | WORX WG163 String Trimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.99 | $89.99 |
| Power Source | Manual (human push) | 20V battery (2 included) |
| Cutting Width | 16 inches | 12 inches |
| Self-Propelled | No | No |
| Best Yard Size | Small, flat lawns under 1/4 acre | Edging/trimming for any size yard |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime on frame | 3-year limited |
Where American Lawn Mower Wins
1. No fuel or electricity costs, zero emissions. The reel mower operates solely on human power. You never buy gas, charge batteries, or replace cords. For eco-conscious buyers, it produces no noise pollution and requires no electricityâjust your own energy.
2. Superior cut quality on short, fine grass. The 5-blade reel design scissor-cuts grass blades cleanly, unlike rotary mowers that tear them. This results in a manicured, golf-green finish that promotes healthier grass with less browning at the tips. Owners consistently report cleaner cuts than gas or electric rotary mowers on Bermuda, fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass.
3. Near-zero maintenance and decades-long lifespan. With no engine, spark plugs, oil, filters, or belts, maintenance is limited to occasional blade adjustment and lubrication. The steel frame and reel are built to last 20+ years with basic care. At $109.99, the cost-per-year drops to roughly $5â10 over a decade.
Where WORX Wins
1. Handles tough weeds and overgrown areas. The string trimmer cuts through thick weeds, tall grass, blackberry vines, and fence-line growth that a reel mower simply cannot touch. The 12-inch cutting swath and .065-inch dual-line system provide enough power for heavy-duty trimming, while the Command Feed feature lets you advance line without stopping.
2. Two batteries for extended runtime. The 20V 2.0Ah batteries deliver about 20â30 minutes per charge, and the included second battery doubles that to 40â60 minutes. This covers most residential trimming jobs, and the batteries are compatible with other WORX 20V tools, increasing long-term value.
3. Versatility: trimmer + edger in one. The pivoting head lets you convert from trimming to edging in seconds by rotating the head 90 degrees. This eliminates the need for a separate edger, saving storage space and money. At 5.5 pounds, itâs lightweight enough for one-handed use and easy maneuvering around flower beds, sidewalks, and trees.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower 2415-16) if: You have a small, flat lawn (under 1/4 acre) of fine grass like Bermuda or fescue, want zero emissions and near-silent operation, and are willing to push manually for a precise, clean cut. Ideal for eco-conscious homeowners who enjoy the workout and want a mower that lasts decades with minimal upkeep.
Buy Mower B (WORX WG163) if: You need a trimmer/edger to maintain edges along fences, walls, and flower bedsânot a primary mower. Best if your yard has tough weeds, slopes, or obstacles a reel mower canât navigate, and you want the convenience of cordless operation with swappable batteries. Perfect as a companion to any existing mower.
Neither is the right choice if: You have a large, hilly, or overgrown lawn needing a self-propelled gas or electric mower. For that, look at a 21-inch self-propelled rotary mower in the $300â500 range.
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