American Lawn Mower Company Review

Name: American Lawn Mower Company
Brand: American Lawn Mower
Price: 141.18 USD
Availability: InStock

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

★★★★½ 3.9/5 (709 reviews)

$141.18

Brand: American Lawn Mower

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Overview

The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 is a classic, manual reel mower that brings a quiet, eco-friendly, and surprisingly effective approach to small-to-medium lawns. Designed for homeowners who value simplicity, exercise, and a zero-emissions cut, this 14-inch, five-blade mower is best suited for flat, well-maintained yards up to about 1/4 acre. It’s a throwback to a time when mowing meant a clean scissor cut—not a deafening engine roar.

Who Should Buy This

Homeowners with small, flat lawns (under 1/4 acre) – If your yard is a tidy rectangle with no steep hills or thick weeds, this mower will handle it with ease. It’s ideal for postage-stamp lots, city yards, or front lawns that need a quick, quiet trim.
Eco-conscious buyers who hate gas and fumes – No gas, no oil, no emissions, and no extension cord. If you want a mower that’s whisper-quiet and leaves your carbon footprint as clean as your grass, this is your machine.
Budget-minded shoppers who want to skip ongoing costs – At $141, this mower has zero fuel or electricity bills, and maintenance is just a sharpening stone and a few drops of oil. Over five years, it’s far cheaper than any gas or cordless electric mower.
Homeowners who want light exercise with their lawn care – It’s not a workout machine, but pushing a reel mower does burn more calories than riding a zero-turn. If you enjoy a gentle walk while mowing, this is a pleasant way to combine chores and activity.

Key Features Breakdown

14-inch cutting width – This is narrow. It means more passes to cover the same area, but it also makes the mower incredibly maneuverable around flower beds, trees, and tight corners. Best for small lawns where precision matters more than speed.
5-blade reel – More blades generally mean a finer, cleaner cut, especially on grass that’s not too tall. The 1204-14’s five-blade design delivers a scissor-like slice that’s gentler on grass than a rotary blade, promoting healthier turf with less browning.
Heat-treated, alloy steel blades – These blades hold an edge longer than cheaper stamped steel. You’ll still need to sharpen them annually, but they resist dulling from small twigs and occasional rocks better than budget reel mowers.
Adjustable cutting height (1/2" to 2") – Six positions let you dial in the perfect height for your grass type. The adjustment is a simple pin-and-crank system—no tools required, though it can feel a bit fiddly the first time.
10-inch composite wheels – Larger than many budget reel mowers, these roll smoothly over bumps and help the reel spin faster for a cleaner cut. The composite material is lightweight and won’t rust.
Weight: 28 pounds – Light enough to carry up a few steps or lift into a shed, but heavy enough to keep the reel engaged without bouncing over uneven ground.

Pros

Silent operation – You’ll hear birds, not a two-stroke drone. Mow early on weekends without waking the neighbors.
Zero maintenance cost – No gas, no oil changes, no spark plugs. Just sharpen the blades once a year and oil the bearings.
Excellent cut quality – The scissor action leaves grass tips cleanly sliced, not torn, which means less browning and a healthier lawn.
Light and easy to push – At 28 pounds, it’s one of the lightest manual mowers. Even a 10-year-old can push it across flat grass.
Folds for storage – The handle collapses without tools, so it fits in a small shed or garage corner.
Built to last – Simple mechanical design with few parts that can break. Many owners report 15+ years of use with basic care.

Cons

Can’t handle tall or wet grass – If you let the lawn get more than 4 inches high, the reel will clog and skip. This mower demands regular, weekly mowing during growing season.
Narrow cutting width – At 14 inches, it takes significantly longer to mow than a 20-inch gas or electric mower. Not ideal for anyone with a busy schedule.
No grass catcher included – You’ll need to buy the optional rear bag separately (about $30). Without it, clippings fly forward and can look messy if you don’t rake.
Poor on uneven ground – The reel needs consistent contact with the grass. Bumps, dips, or thick weeds will cause it to scalp or skip patches.

Bottom Line

The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 is a fantastic choice for homeowners with small, flat lawns who value quiet, simplicity, and zero emissions over speed and convenience. It’s not for everyone—if you have a large yard, let grass get tall, or hate frequent mowing, look elsewhere. But for those who fit its sweet spot, it’s a durable, low-cost, and surprisingly satisfying tool that delivers a healthier cut than most gas mowers. I recommend it without hesitation for anyone with a 1/4 acre or less who wants to mow in peace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often do I need to sharpen the blades?
A: With normal use on a typical lawn, you’ll want to sharpen the blades once per season. If you hit rocks or sticks frequently, you may need to touch them up mid-season. The blades are easy to remove and sharpen with a standard file.

Q: Can I use this mower on Bermuda or St. Augustine grass?
A: Yes, but only if you keep it mowed regularly. Bermuda and St. Augustine are thick, but the reel handles them well when they’re under 3 inches tall. If you let them get tall and stemmy, the mower will struggle and leave uncut patches.

Q: Does the mower come fully assembled?
A: No, it requires some assembly. The handle and wheels need to be attached, which takes about 20-30 minutes. The instructions are clear, and no special tools are needed—just a screwdriver and a wrench (included).

How It Compares

Here is a head-to-head comparison based on the information provided.

Important Note: The product listed as “Mower B” (Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart) is not a lawn mower. It is a tow-behind utility cart. This comparison will highlight this critical distinction, as it makes a direct “mower vs. mower” comparison impossible. I will compare the American Lawn Mower (a reel mower) against the Gorilla Carts (a dump cart) as the user requested, but the verdict will reflect the fundamental category difference.

Quick Verdict

The Gorilla Carts dump cart wins for overall utility and customer satisfaction, but only if you need a heavy-duty hauling cart—if you actually need a lawn mower, the American Lawn Mower Company reel mower is the only real mower in this matchup.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	American Lawn Mower (Mower A)	Gorilla Carts Dump Cart (Mower B)
Price	$141.18	$205.99
Power Source	Manual (Push Reel)	None (Towable)
Cutting Width	Typically 14–20 inches (varies by model)	N/A (Hauls material)
Self-Propelled	No (Push only)	No (Requires tow vehicle)
Best Yard Size	Small (under 1/4 acre)	Any size (for hauling, not mowing)
Warranty	Limited lifetime warranty (typical for reel mowers)	1-year limited warranty

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

It Actually Cuts Grass: The American Lawn Mower is a functional reel mower designed to trim lawns. It has a cutting width, blades, and a reel mechanism. The Gorilla Cart cannot cut a single blade of grass.
Zero Fuel/Electric Costs: As a manual push mower, it requires no gas, oil, or electricity. Operating cost is effectively $0, making it ideal for eco-conscious buyers or those wanting to avoid fuel expenses.
Lower Price & Simpler Maintenance: At $141.18, it’s significantly cheaper than the Gorilla Cart. Maintenance is limited to occasional blade sharpening and lubrication—no engine oil changes, spark plugs, or battery charging.

Where Gorilla Wins

Massive Hauling Capacity (1200 lbs): The Gorilla Cart is a heavy-duty dump cart with a 6 cubic foot tub and 1200 lb payload. It can haul soil, mulch, stone, firewood, or tools—something no mower can do.
Superior Customer Ratings (4.7/5): With over 30,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, the Gorilla Cart is overwhelmingly praised for its durability, ease of dumping, and pneumatic tires. The American Lawn Mower’s 3.9/5 rating (709 reviews) indicates more mixed feedback on cutting performance.
Versatility for Landscaping: The quick-release dumping mechanism and pneumatic tires make it a professional-grade tool for moving heavy materials around a property. It’s a utility wagon, not a mower, but it excels at its intended job.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower) if:

You need a functional lawn mower. If your primary goal is cutting grass on a small, flat lawn (under 1/4 acre), this is your only choice. It’s quiet, eco-friendly, and requires no fuel.
You want a low-cost, low-maintenance option. You don’t want to deal with engine repairs or battery charging. A reel mower is simple and reliable for small, manicured lawns.
You prioritize exercise. Pushing a reel mower provides light cardio and is quiet enough for early morning or late evening mowing.

Buy Mower B (Gorilla Carts Dump Cart) if:

You already own a lawn mower or tractor. This is a complement to your mowing equipment, not a replacement. If you need to haul heavy loads (mulch, dirt, garden waste) behind a riding mower or ATV, this cart is a top-rated workhorse.
You do heavy landscaping or gardening. The 1200 lb capacity and dump feature make it ideal for moving bulk materials. It’s a time-saver for large properties.
You value proven reliability. With 30,000+ reviews and a 4.7-star rating, the Gorilla Cart is a trusted product. The American Lawn Mower has more mixed reviews.

Final Verdict: If you need a lawn mower, buy the American Lawn Mower. If you need a heavy-duty hauling cart (and already have a mower), buy the Gorilla Carts—it’s not a mower, but it’s an excellent tool for yard work.

Quick Verdict

The WORX WG163 wins overall due to its vastly higher user satisfaction (4.4/5 from 27,806 reviews), lower price, and greater versatility as a trimmer/edger, though the American Lawn Mower Company model is the better choice if you specifically need a traditional push reel mower for a small, flat lawn.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	American Lawn Mower Company	WORX WG163
Price	$141.18	$89.99
Power Source	Manual (reel)	Cordless electric (20V battery)
Cutting Width	Not specified (typically 14-18")	12"
Self-Propelled	No	No
Best Yard Size	Small (under 1/4 acre)	Small to medium (up to 1/2 acre)
Warranty	Not specified (likely 1-2 years)	3 years (standard WORX)

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

1. No fuel or electricity costs. As a manual reel mower, the American Lawn Mower Company model requires no gas, oil, batteries, or charging. You simply push it—zero operating expenses and no ongoing consumables beyond occasional blade sharpening.

2. Quieter and more environmentally friendly. Reel mowers produce no engine noise or emissions. At under 60 decibels, you can mow early morning or late evening without disturbing neighbors, and there are no battery disposal or fuel spill concerns.

3. Better for grass health on small, flat lawns. The scissor-like cutting action of a reel mower cleanly slices grass blades rather than tearing them (as string trimmers do). This promotes healthier regrowth and reduces browning tips, especially on Bermuda or fescue lawns under 1/4 acre.

Where WORX Wins

1. Superior versatility. The WORX WG163 is not just a mower—it’s a 2-in-1 string trimmer and edger. With a simple twist of the shaft, you switch between trimming grass along fences and edging sidewalks. This eliminates the need for a separate edger tool.

2. Much higher user satisfaction and reliability. With 27,806 reviews and a 4.4/5 rating, the WORX has proven mass-market reliability. The American Lawn Mower model’s 3.9/5 rating from just 709 reviews suggests more mixed experiences, particularly with assembly and cutting performance on uneven terrain.

3. Lighter weight and easier to maneuver. At 5.5 lbs, the WORX is significantly lighter than any manual reel mower (typically 25-40 lbs). This makes it far easier to carry, store, and use on slopes or around obstacles like flower beds and trees. The included two batteries provide runtime for up to 45 minutes of trimming.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (American Lawn Mower) if: You have a very small, flat lawn (under 1/4 acre) and want zero operating costs, no noise, and the healthiest cut for your grass. This is ideal for eco-conscious homeowners who enjoy a quiet, manual workout and don’t mind occasional blade sharpening.

Buy Mower B (WORX WG163) if: You need a versatile tool that handles both trimming and edging, have a small to medium lawn (up to 1/2 acre), and value ease of use and proven reliability over absolute cutting quality. The WORX is the better choice for most homeowners, especially those with irregular lawn shapes, sidewalks, or fence lines that require detail work.

Buy neither if: You have a large lawn (over 1/2 acre) or thick, tall grass. For those scenarios, a gas-powered or higher-voltage cordless mower (e.g., 40V or 60V) with a wider cutting deck and self-propulsion would be more appropriate.