American Lawn Mower Company Review

Overview

The American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Mower is a refreshing throwback to simpler times—a manual, no-gas, no-electricity lawn cutter that relies entirely on your own two feet. Designed for small, flat lawns (think under 1/4 acre), this mower is ideal for eco-conscious homeowners who value quiet mornings, zero emissions, and a light workout over raw speed. At $19.99, it’s one of the most affordable mowers on the market, but its charm lies in its simplicity, not its power.

Who Should Buy This

• Owners of tiny, flat lawns (under 1/4 acre): If your grass patch is small enough to mow with a string trimmer, this reel mower will handle it without the noise or fumes of a gas engine.
• Eco-warriors and noise-haters: You want to cut grass at 7 AM without waking the neighbors or burning fossil fuels. This mower is silent and emissions-free.
• Budget-first buyers: At under 20 bucks, this is cheaper than a tank of gas for a riding mower. Perfect for renters or first-time homeowners who just need something that works.
• Fitness-minded homeowners: You don’t mind a light push for 15 minutes, and you’d rather get a bit of exercise than sit on a machine. Bonus: no carburetor to clean.

Key Features Breakdown

• 14-inch cutting width: This is small—about half the width of a typical gas push mower. It means more passes to finish your lawn, but it also makes the mower lightweight (around 17 lbs) and easy to maneuver around flower beds and tight corners. Best for postage-stamp yards.
• 4-blade reel: Four hardened steel blades spin against a stationary bed knife, creating a scissor-like cut. This gives a clean, precise trim that doesn’t shred grass tips like a rotary blade can. The result? A healthier lawn with less browning.
• Adjustable cutting height (5 positions, 1/2" to 1-3/4"): That’s a decent range for warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia, but it won’t handle tall, overgrown lawns. The lowest setting is good for a close, golf-green look; the highest is for normal maintenance cuts.
• All-steel construction with 10-inch polymer wheels: The frame is stamped steel—durable enough for years of use, but not rust-proof. The polymer wheels roll smoothly on flat ground but can slip on wet grass or soft soil.
• No engine, no battery, no cord: This is the whole point. You push, it cuts. Zero maintenance beyond occasional blade sharpening and cleaning. No fuel stabilizer, no extension cords, no charging.

Pros

1. Dead quiet: You can mow at dawn without disturbing anyone. The only sound is the click-click-click of the blades and your footsteps. It’s almost meditative.
2. Truly eco-friendly: No emissions, no oil changes, no gas spills. Your carbon footprint for mowing is exactly zero.
3. Lightweight and easy to store: At 17 lbs, you can carry it with one hand. It stands upright on its end, so it tucks into a corner of the garage or shed without taking up floor space.
4. Safety first: No spinning blades to throw rocks or debris. Kids and pets can be nearby without the risk of a flying stick. The blades stop instantly when you stop pushing.
5. Low maintenance: No spark plugs, no air filters, no fuel system to gum up. A squirt of oil on the reel bearings once a season, and you’re set. Blade sharpening is a once-every-few-years job.
6. Unbeatable price: $19.99 is less than the cost of a decent dinner out. It’s a no-brainer for anyone who needs a basic mower for a tiny lawn.

Cons

1. Struggles with tall or thick grass: If you let the lawn go for more than a week, this mower will choke. It needs frequent cutting—think every 4-5 days in peak growing season. Over 3 inches tall, and you’ll be pushing hard or pulling the mower backward.
2. Not for uneven or hilly terrain: The 10-inch wheels are small and lack traction on slopes. On bumpy ground, the reel can scalp high spots and miss low ones. You need a flat, smooth lawn for consistent results.
3. No grass collection bag (on base model): The basic $19.99 version leaves clippings on the lawn. That’s fine for mulching, but if you want a tidy, bagged finish, you’ll need to buy the deluxe model (around $70) or rake afterward.
4. Requires some assembly and adjustment: The blades come unaligned from the factory. You’ll need to adjust the reel-to-bed-knife clearance with a screwdriver and a piece of paper. It’s not hard, but it’s an extra step that gas mower buyers don’t deal with.

Bottom Line

The American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch Reel Mower is a niche tool, not a universal solution. If you have a flat, small lawn (think 2,000 square feet or less), mow it weekly, and value quiet, clean, low-cost operation over convenience, this is an excellent buy at $19.99. It’s not for lazy mowers, overgrown lots, or bumpy yards. But for its intended use—a tiny patch of grass that you’re happy to tend by hand—it’s a gem. I recommend it for renters, eco-conscious homeowners, and anyone who wants a mower that’s simpler than a toaster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this mower cut tall grass or weeds?
A: Not well. It’s designed for regular maintenance cuts on grass under 3 inches. If your lawn is overgrown, you’ll need to trim it down with a string trimmer or gas mower first, then use the reel mower for upkeep.

Q: How sharp are the blades out of the box?
A: They’re sharp enough for fresh grass, but the factory alignment is often off. You’ll likely need to adjust the clearance between the reel and bed knife using a piece of paper (a common trick). After that, it cuts cleanly. Plan on 10 minutes of setup.

Q: Can I use this mower on Bermuda or St. Augustine grass?
A: Yes, for Bermuda and other fine-bladed warm-season grasses it works great, especially at lower cutting heights. St. Augustine’s thick, coarse stems can be tough—keep the blades sharp and don’t let it get too tall. It’s better suited to thinner grasses.