American Lawn Mower Company Review

Name: American Lawn Mower Company
Brand: American Lawn Mower
Price: 159.99 USD
Availability: InStock

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

★★★★ 4/5 (3799 reviews)

$159.99

Brand: American Lawn Mower

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Overview

The American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower is a classic, manual push mower that brings old-school simplicity back to lawn care. Priced at $159.99 with a solid 4.0-star rating from nearly 3,800 reviews, it’s designed for homeowners with small, flat lawns who want a quiet, gas-free, and maintenance-light mowing experience. This isn’t a power mower—it’s a human-powered tool that relies on a spinning reel of blades to scissor-cut grass cleanly.

Who Should Buy This

Homeowners with 1/4 acre or smaller lawns – This mower is ideal for compact yards where a gas or electric mower feels like overkill. It’s light, nimble, and perfect for quick weekly trims without the hassle of cords or fuel.
Eco-conscious gardeners – If you want zero emissions, no noise pollution, and no electricity usage, this reel mower is your match. It’s a guilt-free way to keep your lawn tidy.
Early-morning or late-evening mowers – Because it’s whisper-quiet, you can mow at 6 AM without waking the neighbors or disturbing your family. No earplugs needed.
Budget-minded buyers who hate maintenance – No oil changes, no spark plugs, no battery replacements. Just sharpen the blades every couple of seasons and you’re set. At $160, it’s a fraction of the cost of a decent gas mower.

Key Features Breakdown

14-inch cutting width – This is narrow, and that’s intentional. It makes the mower light (about 18 pounds) and easy to maneuver in tight spots like around flower beds or between garden stakes. But it also means more passes on a larger lawn—expect about 30% more walking compared to a 20-inch mower.
5-blade reel – More blades generally mean a finer cut. The five-blade design creates a scissor-like action that slices grass cleanly rather than tearing it, which promotes healthier growth and a manicured look. It’s a noticeable step up from the cheaper 4-blade models.
Heat-treated alloy steel blades – These blades are hardened to stay sharp longer. They’re also replaceable, which adds years to the mower’s life. Expect to sharpen them every 25-30 hours of use, depending on grass type.
10-inch rear wheels, 8-inch front wheels – The larger rear wheels make pushing easier, especially on thicker grass. They also roll smoothly over uneven ground, though this isn’t a mower for bumpy terrain.
Adjustable cutting height (1.5 to 2.5 inches) – You get five height settings, but the range is limited. It’s fine for most cool-season grasses, but if you like a tall, shaggy lawn (3+ inches), this mower won’t cut it—literally.
Composite wheel hubs and steel frame – The hubs won’t rust, and the frame is sturdy enough for years of use. It’s not indestructible, but it’s well-built for the price.

Pros

Dead quiet operation – The only sound is the whir of the blades and your footsteps. It’s almost meditative to use.
Zero emissions – No gas, no oil, no electricity. Your carbon footprint stays flat while your lawn gets flat.
Low maintenance and low cost – No engine parts to fail, no batteries to die. Just rinse off the grass and store it. Annual blade sharpening costs about $15.
Excellent cut quality on short, fine grass – The scissor action leaves a clean, even finish that many gas mowers can’t match. It’s especially good for Bermuda or fescue lawns kept under 2.5 inches.
Lightweight and easy to store – At 18 pounds, you can carry it with one hand. It stands upright on its end, taking up almost no garage space.
Safe and kid-friendly – No spinning blades powered by an engine. The reel stops instantly if you hit a rock or your foot. Great for families with curious children.

Cons

Struggles with tall or wet grass – If you let the lawn get above 3 inches, this mower will clog and stall. You’ll have to go over patches multiple times, or just give up and wait for it to dry. Wet grass is a nightmare—it wraps around the reel and clumps.
Narrow cutting width – 14 inches means more walking. For a 1/4 acre lawn, expect 45-60 minutes of mowing compared to 20-30 minutes with a self-propelled gas mower.
No bagging or mulching option – This model doesn’t come with a grass catcher. The clippings just fall onto the lawn. That’s fine for mulching, but if you want a clean, bagged look, you’ll need to rake.
Limited height adjustment – The 1.5 to 2.5-inch range is narrow. If you prefer a taller cut (common for drought-resistant lawns), this mower won’t accommodate you. You’ll scalp your grass if it’s set too low.

Bottom Line

The American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch Reel Mower is a fantastic tool for the right person: a homeowner with a small, flat lawn who values quiet, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance mowing over speed and convenience. It delivers a beautiful cut on well-maintained grass and costs almost nothing to operate. But it’s not for everyone—if you have a large yard, let your grass grow tall, or simply hate walking, skip this and go for a gas or electric model. For anyone with a postage-stamp lawn who wants to hear the birds while they mow, this is a no-brainer at $160.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this mower cut thick St. Augustine or Zoysia grass?
It can, but only if you keep the grass short (under 2.5 inches) and mow frequently—every 4-5 days. Thick, tough grasses will stall the reel if they’re even slightly overgrown. It’s best suited for finer-bladed grasses like fescue, Bermuda, or Kentucky bluegrass.

How do I sharpen the blades?
You can buy a sharpening kit (about $20) that includes a lapping compound and a brush. Apply the compound to the reel and turn it backward for a few minutes. Alternatively, remove the reel and take it to a local sharpening service—costs about $10-15. Expect to sharpen once or twice per season, depending on use.

Does it come fully assembled?
Mostly. You’ll need to attach the handle and the wheels. It takes 10-

How It Compares

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the two products you listed.

Important Note: Mower A (American Lawn Mower Company) is a manual reel mower. Mower B (Gorilla Carts) is a utility dump cart, not a lawn mower. This comparison will proceed with that understanding, evaluating each for its intended purpose.

Quick Verdict

Gorilla Carts wins overall because it is a highly rated, purpose-built utility tool for hauling heavy loads, while Mower A is a niche manual mower that can only cut small, flat lawns.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Mower A (American Lawn Mower)	Mower B (Gorilla Carts Dump Cart)
Price	$159.99	$205.99
Power Source	Manual (human push)	Manual (towable by vehicle/ATV)
Primary Function	Cutting grass	Hauling/dumping heavy materials
Cutting Width	~14-20 inches (varies by model)	N/A (not a mower)
Self-Propelled	No	No (requires a tow vehicle)
Best Yard Size	Under ¼ acre, flat, weed-free lawns	Any size (for hauling leaves, mulch, stone)
Warranty	Limited lifetime (typical for reel mowers)	1-year limited (typical for Gorilla Carts)

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

Zero Operating Cost & Noise: This reel mower uses no gas, oil, or electricity. It is completely silent, making early-morning or late-evening mowing possible without disturbing neighbors. There are zero ongoing fuel or battery costs.
Environmental & Exercise Benefit: It produces zero emissions and doubles as light cardio exercise. For homeowners who want a greener lawn without a carbon footprint, and who enjoy a manual workout, this is the clear choice.
Safety for Kids & Pets: There is no spinning blade under high power. Reel mowers are much safer for families with toddlers or dogs because the cutting cylinder moves only when pushed, and it cannot throw debris.

Where Gorilla Wins

Massive Utility & Capacity: The Gorilla Cart hauls up to 1,200 lbs in a 6-cubic-foot poly tub. This is a workhorse for landscaping—moving soil, gravel, firewood, or heavy garden debris—something no mower can do. Its 30,000+ reviews at 4.7 stars confirm its reliability.
Convenience Features: It includes pneumatic tires (for rough terrain), a quick-release dump mechanism (tilts to empty heavy loads), and a tow hitch that connects to riding mowers, ATVs, or lawn tractors. This saves enormous manual labor.
Versatility for Large Properties: If you have a riding mower (e.g., a John Deere or Cub Cadet), this cart turns it into a mini dump truck. It is ideal for fall leaf cleanup, spreading mulch, or hauling brush—tasks that a manual reel mower cannot even begin to address.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower) if:

You have a very small, flat lawn (under ¼ acre) with no thick weeds or tall grass.
You want zero emissions, zero noise, and zero fuel costs and don’t mind a light workout.
You are budget-conscious and need a low-maintenance, safe mower for a small yard.

Buy Mower B (Gorilla Carts Dump Cart) if:

You already own a riding mower, ATV, or lawn tractor and need to haul heavy loads (soil, stone, leaves, wood) around your property.
You have a large yard or garden and frequently move bulk materials—this will save you dozens of trips with a wheelbarrow.
You prioritize utility over cutting—this is not a mower, but a tool that makes almost every other yard task easier.

Buy Neither if:

You need a self-propelled gas or electric mower for a medium-to-large lawn with hills or thick grass. In that case, look at brands like Honda, Toro, or EGO.

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the American Lawn Mower Company reel mower (Model 1204-14, as inferred from price and specs) and the BLACK+DECKER corded electric mower (Model MM2000, as inferred from price and specs).

Quick Verdict

BLACK+DECKER wins overall for the vast majority of homeowners due to its lower price, higher user rating, vastly larger review base, and effortless electric starting, but the American Lawn Mower Company reel mower is the better choice for eco-purists and owners of very small, flat lawns.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	American Lawn Mower (Mower A)	BLACK+DECKER (Mower B)
Price	$159.99	$98.24
Power Source	Manual (push reel)	Corded Electric (120V)
Cutting Width	14 inches	20 inches
Self-Propelled	No	No
Best Yard Size	Under 1/4 acre	1/4 to 1/2 acre
Warranty	Lifetime limited (on reel/blade)	2-year limited

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

Zero Operating Emissions & Noise – The American Lawn Mower is a manual reel mower. It produces no exhaust fumes and runs at near-silent levels (under 60 dB). You can mow at dawn without waking neighbors, and you never need to handle gasoline or extension cords. This is a clear win for environmentally conscious users.
Healthier Cut for Grass – Reel mowers use a scissor-like cutting action that cleanly slices grass blades, rather than tearing them like rotary mowers. This results in less browning at the tips, reduced disease risk, and a manicured, putting-green look—especially on Bermuda or Zoysia lawns.
Minimal Maintenance & Lifetime Blade – With no engine, no spark plugs, no oil changes, and no belts, upkeep is nearly zero. You only need to sharpen the reel blade every few years. American Lawn Mower backs this with a lifetime warranty on the cutting assembly, making it a potential “buy it for life” tool if you don’t outgrow it.

Where BLACK+DECKER Wins

Massive Popularity & Proven Reliability – With 18,503 reviews and a 4.2-star rating (vs. 3,799 reviews for Mower A), BLACK+DECKER’s MM2000 is one of the best-selling corded mowers ever. This large sample size indicates consistent performance and easy parts/service availability.
Superior Cutting Width & Power – At 20 inches, Mower B cuts 43% wider than Mower A’s 14 inches. This means fewer passes and significantly less mowing time. The 12-amp electric motor powers through thick, tall, or slightly damp grass that would stall a reel mower. It also mulches, bags, or side-discharges (Mower A only collects or mulches poorly).
Better Value for Most Yards – At $98.24, Mower B costs 39% less than Mower A. You get a wider cut, electric start (just plug in and pull a lever), and the ability to handle uneven terrain and taller grass. For a typical suburban lawn (0.25–0.3 acre), BLACK+DECKER saves time and money upfront.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower) if:

Your lawn is very small (under 2,000 sq ft), flat, and free of weeds or thick grass. You prioritize a quiet, zero-emission workout and want the cleanest possible cut for a golf-green appearance. You are willing to mow more frequently (every 3–4 days in peak growth) and don’t mind the physical effort.

Buy Mower B (BLACK+DECKER) if:

You have a typical suburban lawn (up to 1/2 acre) with some slope, thicker grass, or occasional weeds. You want the lowest upfront cost, the fastest mowing time, and zero hassle with starting or maintenance. The cord is a minor inconvenience—use a 100-foot outdoor extension cord and a cord-retention hook.

Neither is ideal if:

Your yard is larger than 1/2 acre or hilly. In that case, consider a self-propelled gas mower or a battery-powered model (e.g., EGO or Ryobi) for more power and no cord.