American Lawn Mower Company Review

Name: American Lawn Mower Company
Brand: American Lawn Mower
Price: 31.99 USD
Availability: InStock

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

★★★★½ 3.5/5 (1145 reviews)

$31.99

Brand: American Lawn Mower

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Overview

The American Lawn Mower Company reel mower is a back-to-basics, push-powered cutting tool designed for small, flat lawns where precision, quiet operation, and zero emissions matter more than speed or brute force. At just $31.99, it’s one of the most affordable mowers on the market, but it’s not for everyone—it’s built for homeowners with modest grass-cutting needs who value a clean, scissor-like cut over the convenience of a gas or electric motor.

Who Should Buy This

Owners of small (under 1/4 acre), flat lawns – If your yard is compact and relatively level, this mower will handle it without the weight, noise, or maintenance of a powered machine. It’s ideal for postage-stamp lots or narrow strips that a gas mower can’t easily navigate.
Homeowners who hate dealing with gas, oil, and extension cords – This mower requires nothing but leg power. No fuel mixing, no spark plugs, no dragging a cord across wet grass. If you want to simplify your Saturday chores, this is your tool.
Eco-conscious gardeners – Zero emissions, near-silent operation, and no electricity consumption. You’re cutting grass with human energy and a simple set of spinning blades. Perfect for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint one lawn at a time.
Budget-focused buyers – At $31.99, this is the cheapest new mower you’ll find. If you’re a renter, a student, or just need a temporary solution for a small patch of grass, this mower won’t break the bank.

Key Features Breakdown

14-inch cutting width – This is narrow. It means you’ll make more passes than with a 20-inch gas mower, but it also means the mower is light (around 15 pounds) and easy to maneuver around flower beds, garden edges, and tight corners. Best for very small lawns where agility matters more than speed.
5-blade reel cutting system – The reel spins against a stationary bed knife, producing a clean, scissor-like cut that’s healthier for grass than the tearing action of rotary blades. This reduces browning at the tips and gives a manicured look—if you keep the blades sharp.
Heat-treated, hardened steel blades – These hold an edge longer than basic stamped steel. You’ll still need to sharpen them annually (or more if you hit rocks), but they’re a step above the cheapest reel mowers on the market.
Adjustable cutting height (1/2 to 1-3/4 inches) – You get five positions via a simple bolt adjustment. This range is fine for Bermuda, Zoysia, or Fescue kept short, but it won’t handle tall grass or overgrown lawns. If you let your grass get above 3 inches, you’ll have to do a rough pass with a trimmer first.
All-steel construction – The frame, wheels, and handle are steel, not plastic. This adds durability and weight (about 15 pounds), but it also means no rust-proofing—store it dry or it’ll corrode.
No engine, no battery, no cord – Pure manual power. You push, it cuts. There’s nothing to break beyond the blade and axle. Maintenance is a drop of oil on the wheels and an occasional blade sharpening.

Pros

Nearly silent operation – You can mow at 6 AM without waking the neighbors. The only sound is the soft click-click-click of the reel spinning. It’s almost meditative.
Zero maintenance headaches – No oil changes, no air filters, no spark plugs. If the blades get dull, you sharpen them with a file. That’s it.
Exceptionally safe – No spinning blade flying at 3,000 RPM. The reel stops when you stop pushing. Kids and pets can be nearby without the same risk as a gas mower.
Excellent for grass health – The scissor cut seals the grass blade, reducing water loss and disease entry points. Your lawn will look greener and thicker after a few weeks of reel mowing.
Lightweight and easy to store – At 15 pounds, you can hang it on a wall hook or lean it in a corner. No bulky deck to wrestle with.
Unbeatable price – For the cost of two pizzas, you get a functional mower that can last years with basic care. It’s a no-brainer for tight budgets.

Cons

Struggles with tall or wet grass – If your grass is over 3 inches or damp, the reel will clog, skip, or just flatten the grass without cutting it. You must mow frequently and when the lawn is bone dry.
Narrow cutting width – A 14-inch swath means more walking. On a 1/4 acre lawn, you’re looking at 45+ minutes of pushing versus 20 minutes with a 21-inch gas mower.
No grass collection – There’s no bag or chute. You’ll leave clippings on the lawn (which is fine for fertilizing), but if you want a tidy, clippings-free look, you’ll need to rake or use a separate catcher.
Not for uneven terrain – The reel rides on two side wheels, so it will scalp high spots and miss low spots on bumpy ground. It demands a relatively flat, smooth lawn to cut evenly.

Bottom Line

The American Lawn Mower Company reel mower is a niche tool that excels in its lane: small, flat, well-maintained lawns where quiet, clean cutting and simplicity are the priorities. At $31.99, it’s a steal for the right buyer—but it’s not a substitute for a powered mower on larger or rougher properties. If you have a tiny yard, hate gas and cords, and don’t mind mowing more often, this is your mower. If your lawn is over 1/4 acre, bumpy, or prone to growing tall between cuts, spend more on a powered option. Recommended for the minimalist lawn owner; skip it for anything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this mower actually cut grass well, or does it just push it over?
A: It cuts well—as long as the grass is short (under 3 inches) and dry. The 5-blade reel produces a clean scissor cut, but if the grass is too tall or damp, the blades will fail to catch and the mower will just flatten the grass. Mow every 4-5 days in the growing season for best results.

Q: How do I sharpen the blades, and how often?
A: You can use a flat file or a sharpening kit designed for reel mowers. Apply the file to each blade at the same angle as the original edge

How It Compares

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the two products you listed. Please note: Mower A is a complete lawn mower. Mower B is a set of inner tubes for tires. Comparing them directly is like comparing a car to a set of tires. The analysis below treats them as if they are competing options for a buyer, but the fundamental purpose of each is entirely different.

Quick Verdict

Mower A (American Lawn Mower) wins if you need an actual mower to cut grass; Mower B (AR-PRO) wins if you need replacement inner tubes, but they are not a mower and cannot cut grass.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Mower A: American Lawn Mower	Mower B: AR-PRO (2 Pack Inner Tubes)
Price	$31.99	$24.79
Power Source	Manual (push reel)	N/A (passive rubber product)
Cutting Width	Typically 14–16 inches (varies)	0 inches (does not cut)
Self-Propelled	No	No
Best Yard Size	Small (under ¼ acre)	N/A (not a mower)
Warranty	Limited (usually 1–2 years)	N/A (no moving parts)

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

It actually cuts grass. This is the most obvious advantage. The American Lawn Mower is a functional reel mower designed to trim grass to a consistent height. The AR-PRO product cannot perform any cutting task—it is only a rubber tube for tires.
Zero fuel or electricity cost. As a manual reel mower, it requires no gas, oil, or battery charging. Operating cost is just your own physical effort, making it ideal for eco-conscious buyers who want to avoid emissions and ongoing expenses.
Lightweight and easy to store. A typical reel mower weighs around 20–30 pounds and folds flat for hanging on a wall. The AR-PRO tubes, while light individually, are bulky when inflated and serve no purpose for mowing.

Where AR-PRO Wins

Massive popularity and proven reliability. With 20,211 reviews and a 4.3/5 rating, the AR-PRO tubes have been purchased and tested by tens of thousands of users. The American Lawn Mower has only 1,145 reviews and a lower 3.5 rating, suggesting more quality or satisfaction issues.
Versatility across multiple machines. The AR-PRO tubes fit a wide range of tire sizes (20x8-8, 20x10-8, etc.) and are compatible with mowers, tractors, golf carts, and garden trailers. The American Lawn Mower is only useful for one specific job: cutting grass.
Low maintenance and long lifespan. Inner tubes have no blades to sharpen, no bearings to grease, and no wheels to align. They are a simple, durable product that, if properly installed, can last years without any upkeep. The American Lawn Mower requires periodic blade sharpening and cleaning.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower) if:

You need a functional, budget-friendly mower for a small, flat lawn under ¼ acre.
You want a quiet, zero-emission, low-maintenance way to cut grass without gas or electricity.
You are willing to accept a lower user rating (3.5 stars) in exchange for a complete mowing solution at a low price.

Buy Mower B (AR-PRO Inner Tubes) if:

You already own a riding mower, tractor, or garden cart that needs replacement inner tubes for its tires.
You need a reliable, highly-rated product with tens of thousands of positive reviews for a specific repair task.
You are not looking for a mower itself—only a spare part to keep your existing equipment running.

Buy neither if:

You need a self-propelled mower, a wide cutting deck, or any mower for a yard larger than ¼ acre. The American Lawn Mower is too small and manual, and the AR-PRO tubes cannot mow at all. In that case, look for a gas or electric mower from a major brand like Honda, Toro, or EGO.

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

Important Note: The product listed as “MOWER B” is a replacement deck belt, not a lawn mower. The “MOWER A” is a reel (manual push) mower. For this comparison to be meaningful, I will treat MOWER A as a complete mower and MOWER B as a component (a belt) that is used on a Cub Cadet XT1 or similar riding mower. The comparison will focus on the type of mowing experience each represents (manual reel vs. riding mower), using the belt as a proxy for the Cub Cadet platform.

Quick Verdict

Mower A (American Lawn Mower) wins for budget, eco-friendly, and small-lot buyers; Mower B (Cub Cadet belt/riding platform) wins for performance, ease of use, and large properties, but costs exponentially more.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Mower A: American Lawn Mower Co. Reel Mower	Mower B: Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 (via belt)
Price	$31.99 (complete mower)	~$1,500–$2,200 (riding mower) + $28.79 (belt)
Power Source	Manual (human push)	Gasoline engine (typically 18–24 HP)
Cutting Width	14–16 inches (typical reel model)	46 inches (deck size from belt model)
Self-Propelled?	No	Yes (drive pedal/lever)
Best Yard Size	Under ¼ acre (flat, fine grass)	½ acre to 2+ acres
Warranty	Limited (often 1–2 years)	3 years (bumper-to-bumper on tractor)

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

Price & Zero Operating Cost
At $31.99, this is a complete mower. No gas, no oil, no spark plugs, no belts to replace. You can mow a small yard for decades with zero recurring fuel or maintenance costs.
Environmentally Friendly & Quiet
No emissions, no noise pollution. You can mow at dawn without disturbing neighbors. It also leaves grass clippings as fine mulch, returning nitrogen to the soil.
Extreme Simplicity & Safety
No engine, no battery, no belts. It weighs under 20 lbs, stores vertically, and is safe for kids or pets to be near (no spinning blades at high RPM). Sharpening the reel is the only maintenance.

Where Cub Cadet (via the belt) Wins

Speed & Comfort for Large Areas
A 46-inch deck cuts 3x faster per pass than a 14-inch reel mower. With a seat, steering wheel, and cruise control, you can mow a 1-acre lawn in 45 minutes versus 4+ hours pushing a reel mower.
Handles Tough Conditions
This platform (Cub Cadet XT1/XT2) has a 20+ HP engine, a heavy-duty transmission, and a cutting deck that can handle thick, wet, or tall grass. The Kevlar/aramid belt (Mower B) is specifically designed to handle the torque of this deck without slipping.
Scalability & Parts Availability
The belt (Mower B) has 12,730 reviews because this is a wildly popular platform. Parts are cheap, widely available, and easy to replace. You can add baggers, mulching kits, or snow blowers. The reel mower has zero accessories.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower) if:

Your yard is under ¼ acre, perfectly flat, and has thin, fine grass (Bermuda, Zoysia, or fescue).
You want the absolute lowest cost of ownership and don’t mind a 30–45 minute workout per mow.
You prioritize zero emissions, silence, and safety over speed.

Buy Mower B (Cub Cadet riding platform + belt) if:

Your lawn is ½ acre or larger, or has slopes, thick St. Augustine, or occasional weeds.
You value your time and want to finish mowing in under 30 minutes while sitting down.
You plan to use the tractor for other tasks (towing, snow removal, leaf collection) and need a durable, repairable machine.

Skip both and buy a corded electric mower if:

You have a ¼–½ acre lawn, want no gas and no manual pushing, and have an outdoor outlet. A $120 corded mower splits the difference between these two extremes.